On December 17, 2010 a
Complaint,Petition
was filed
involving a dispute between
Ross, Jean,
Ross, Robert,
and
Acco Engineered Systems, Inc.,
Advanced Mechanical,
Advance Mechanical Contractors, Inc.,
Air Systems Mechanical Contractor,
A & K Heating Company, Inc.,
Albay Construction Company,
Allen-Simmons Heating & Sheet Metal Company Inc.,
Allied Fire Protection,
Allied Sprinkler Company, Inc.,
Allsberry Mechanical Corporation,
Anderson, Rowe & Buckley, Inc.,
Associated Insulation Of California,
A. Teichert & Son, Inc.,
Balliet Bros. Construction Corporation,
Banner Drywall & Painting Co. Inc.,
Barnes Construction Co.,
Bayer Cropscience Inc.,
Bayer Cropscience, Inc., Successor To Amchem,
Bell Products Inc.,
Beta Mechanical Contractors, L.P.,
Bragg Investment Company, Inc.,
Cahill Construction Co., Inc.,
Cahill Construction Services, Inc.,
Cahill Contractors, Inc.,
California Drywall Co.,
Castro Construction, Inc.,
C.C. Moore & Co. Engineers,
Cincinnati Valve Company,
Cjr Plastering,
Clausen-Patten, Inc.,
Clausen-Patten, Inc., A Dissolved Corporation,
Climate Air, Inc.,
Climate Control Co., Inc.,
Collins Electrical Company, Inc.,
Commair Mechanical Services,
Consolidated Insulation, Inc.,
Cosco Fire Protection, Inc.,
Cosco Sprinkler,
Critchfield Mechanical, Inc.,
C & R Plastering, Inc.,
Csk Auto, Inc.,
Cupertino Electric, Inc.,
Delucchi Sheet Metal Works,
Dilland Sederberg Plumbing,
Does 1-8500,
Domco Products Texas Inc.,
Domco Products Texas, L.P.,
Donovan Construction,
Dorn Refrigeration,
Dorn Refrigeration And Air Conditioning,
Dpr Construction,
Duro Dyne Corporation,
D.W. Nicholson Corporation,
D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc.,
Emil J. Weber Electric Co.,
Erwin Mechanical Inc.,
Ex- Fme, Inc. (Fka Fischbach And Moore Electric,,
Fairmont Hotel Company,
Fluor Corporation,
Foley Electric Co.,
Foley Electric, Inc.,
Fuller Floors,
General Mills, Inc.,
Giampolini & Co.,
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.,
Hanson Permanente Cement, Inc. Formerly Known As,
Harold Beasley Plumbing And Heating, Inc.,
Harry Lee Plumbing & Heating,
H & C Investment Associates, Inc.,
Henry C. Beck Company,
Imperial Plastering & Drywall,
Insulation Specialties, Inc.,
James A. Nelson Co., Inc.,
Johnson Controls, Inc.,
Jones Plastering Company,
Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc.,
J.T. Thorpe & Son, Inc.,
J.W. Mcclenahan Company,
J.W. Mcclenahan Company, Inc.,
Kentile Floors, Inc.,
Laub Sheet Metal Works,
Lone Star Industries, Inc.,
Mack Construction Co.,
Magee, Robert,
Malm Metal Products, Inc.,
Marine Engineering And Supply Company,
Marshco Auto Parts, Inc.,
Mattock Construction Company,
Mcclure Electric, Inc.,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,
Michael Brothers,
Midstate Mechanical, Inc.,
Mitchell Bros. Truck Lines, Inc.,
Monsanto Company, Sued As "Pharmacia Corporation",
Oakfabco, Inc.,
Ortho-Craft,
Pacific Fireproofing,
Pacific Mechanical Corporation,
Parker Insulation Contracting & Supply Co. Inc.,
Perini Corporation,
Pharmacia Corporation, Which Will Do Business In,
Pribuss Engineering,
Pribuss Engineering, Inc.,
Raymond Interior Systems-North,
Red Top Electric Co. Emeryville, Inc.,
Robert Magee,
Rollie R. French, Inc.,
Rollins Construction,
Rountree Plumbing & Heating Inc.,
Scott Co. Of California,
S F L, Inc.,
S.J. Amoroso Construction Co., Inc.,
Slakey Brothers, Inc.,
Sugden Engineering Co.,
Swinerton Builders,
Temper Insulation,
Temporary Plant Cleaners, Inc.,
Texaco, Inc.,
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company,
The W.W. Henry Company,
Tuttle And Bailey Corp,
Van Mulder Sheetmetal,
Van-Mulder Sheet Metal, Inc.,
Walnut Creek Sheet Metal, Furnace & Air,
W.C. Thomason,
W.C. Thompson,
Webcor Builders, Inc.,
Westburne Supply, Inc.,
Willard Electric,
Wright Schuchart Harbor,
Wright Schuchart Harbor Company,
Ross, Jean,
Ross, Robert,
for civil
in the District Court of San Francisco County.
Preview
BRAYTON@PURCELL LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
222 RUSH LANDING ROAD
PO BOX 6169
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94948-6169
(415) 898-1555
Ce DR DA Hh RB wD
PR YP RN RR NR DH em ee me eee
Se YD KR te BF BW KO #§— OS De YI HR A FY HY &K& CS
ALAN R. BRAYTON, ESQ., S.B. #73685
DAVID R. DONADIO, ESQ., 8.B. #154436
OREN P. NOAH, ESQ,, 8.5. #136310 ELECTRONICALLY
BRAYTONSPURCELL LLP FILED
ttorneys at Law je ifornk
222 Rush Landing Road Sunt, ci een Pranone
P.O. Box 6169
Novato, California 94948-6169 FEB 17 2011
(415) 898-1555 Clerk of the Court
Tentative Ruling Contest Email: contestashestosTR@braytonlaw.com BY: VANESSA WU
Deputy Clerk
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA.
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ROBERT ROSS and JEAN ROSS,
Plaintiffs,
ASBESTOS
No. CGC-10-275731
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND
REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND
COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO
DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC
COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO
PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT
vs.
C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS;
Defendants as Reflected on Exhibit 1
attached to the Summary Complaint
herein; and DOES 1-8500.
NN ee
Date: March 3, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Room: 220, Hon, Harold E. Kahn
Trial Date: Not Set
Action Filed: December 17, 2010
I.
INTRODUCTION
Plaintiffs oppose defendant GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’s (hereinafter
“GRAYBAR”) Demurrer with regard to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action),
Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and
Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action on the grounds that
none of those Causes of Action are alleged against GRAYBAR.
Further, plaintiffs have dismissed their claims for punitive damages, as to GRAYBAR,
rendering that portion of the Demurrer moot.
A Atnjured\19249\pld\epp-req-leave-GRAMBR-demurer 1
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT [N RESPONSE ‘TQ DEFENDANT GRAYBAR
ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC."S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT.8g
With regard to the remaining portion of the Demurrer, the First (Negligence), Second
(Strict Liability) and Fourth (Loss of Consortium) Causes of Action, plaintiffs request that the
While plaintiffs believe that their Complaint has properly stated the ultimate facts, as
required by the applicable law, plaintiffs are willing to amend their Complaint to specify that
the claims against GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. arise from its manufacture,
9] distribution, sale and supply of asbestos-containing electrical components to which plaintiff
10]
11
12
i
ROBERT ROSS was exposed.
Il.
LEGAL ARGUMENT .
A. GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER IS MOOT AS TO
THE THIRD (FALSE REP), SIXTEENTH (CONCERT OF ACTION),
SEVENTEENTH & EIGHTEENTH (FRAUD, DECEIT/NEGLIGENT
MISREPRESENTATION / CONCEALMENT) AND NINETEENTH (FRAUD,
DECEIT/INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTA TION) CAUSES OF ACTION
AS NONE OF THOSE CAUSES OF ACTION ARE PLED AGAINST THAT
DEFENDANT
GRAYBAR demurs to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action),
Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and
Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action. Yet, none of those
Causes of Action are pled as to GRAYBAR.
GRAYBAR is listed in the Complaint as an “Exhibit B” defendant. (Complaint, Ex. B.)
| The only Causes of Action pled against Exhibit B defendants are the First (Negligence), Second
| (Strict Liability) and Fourth (Loss of Consortium) Causes of Action. (Complaint, p. 2.)
Accordingly, the Court should overrule GRAYBAR’s Demurrer as to the Third (False
Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent
Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation)
Causes of Action.
I) 44
| kxaseasonengnogs ine ORAYOR dense wg 2
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR
ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC."S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT- SO 6B ws AH HM B® WwW Ne
B
B. PLAINTIFFS HAVE DISMISSED THEIR PUNITIVE DAMAGES CLAIMS
AS TO GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC :
Further, the Court should take that portion of GRAYBAR’s Demuirer with regard to
punitive damages off calendar, as plaintiffs have dismissed their claims for punitive damages as
to GRAYBAR.
c. PLAINTIFFS REQUEST LEAVE TO AMEND THE COMPLAINT TO
ADDRESS GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S ASSERTION THAT
THE COMPLAINT FAILS TO APPRISE IT OF THE ASBESTOS-
CONTAINING PRODUCT AT ISSUE HEREIN
Plaintiffs do not believe that there are any serious deficiencies in the Complaint and that
they have properly pled the “ultimate facts" that make up each of their causes of action against
GRAYBAR, pursuant to Careau & Co. v. Security Pac. Business Credit, Inc. (1990) 222
Cal_App.3d 1371, 1390.
Nonetheless, in order to expedite the prosecution of this matter and to save the parties
and the Court the delay and expense of unnecessary litigation on the point, plaintiffs stand ready
to amend the Complaint to address the issue in this regard raised by GRAYBAR.
Specifically, plaintiffs would file an amendment to the Complaint making clear that,
with regard to GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC., the claims arise from its
manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of asbestos-containing electrical components to
which plaintiff ROBERT ROSS was exposed. :
ltis error to deny leave if a reasonable possibility exists fo cure a dlaimed defect: Itis an
abuse of discretion for the court to deny leave to amend where there-is any reasonable
possibility that plaintiff can state a good cause of action. (Goodman v. Kennedy (1976) 18
Cal.3d 335, 349; (Okun v. Sup.Ct. (Maple Properties) (1981) 29 Cal.3d 442, 460.)
if
if
iif
eens song LATER dea 3
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION ANTS REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR
ErBerRIe COMPANY, INC.’S DEMUORRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINCm NY DA HW BF WN
NON RB NR NR RD Rm aa
BNRRREBKRFESSRSEARGEBTR TS
_ CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court should overrule those portions of GRAYBAR
ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’s Demurrer with regard to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth
(Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent
Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation)
Causes of Action and punitive damages and, as to the remaining portions, take the Demurrer off
calendar, without prejudice, and to grant plaintiffs at least 10 days’ leave to amend the
Complaint herein to rectify and clarify the issue raised in said Demurrer.
Dated: FEB 17 2 BRAYTON¢PURCELL LLP
Ee P. Noa
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
{To Comply with Department 220's rules regarding tentative rulings, you MUST
call the Law & Motion Message Line (415) 493-3594 to give us notice if you wish te contest
a tentative ruling. A copy of any email notification to Dept. 220 must be sent to
contestasbestosTR@braytonlaw.com.]
KNtnjured\ 22494 idopyn ee -ieave-GHAVER- demure wy 4
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR
ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINTOo 20 ew YN A HW & &wW NH
BRAYTON@POURCELL LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
222, RUSH LANDING ROAD
PO BOX 6169
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94948-6169
(AIS) 898-1555
PROOF OF SERVICE BY LEXIS-NEXIS E-SERVICE
‘ lam employed in the County of Marin, State of California. 1 am over the age of 18
peas and am not a party to the within action. My business address is 222 Rush Landing Road,
.C. Box 6169, Novato, California, 94948-6169.
On Febmary 17, 2011, [ electronically served (E-Service}, pursuant to General Order
No. 158, the following documents:
PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE a 0 AMEND
COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC
COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT;
[PROPOSED] ORDER :
on the interested parties in this action by utilizing Lexis-Nexis E-service program pursuant to
General Order No. 158, to transmit a true copy thereof to the following party(ies):
SEE ATTACHED SERVICE LIST :
The above document(s) were transmitted by Lexis-Nexis E-Service.
Executed on February 17,2011, at Novato, California,
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing is true and correct.
Diane 1. Davidowski
Robert Ross, et al. v. C.C. Moore & Co. Engineers, et al.
San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-10-275731
PROOF OF SERVICE BY E-SERVICEDate Created:
(DID)
2/16/2011-1:46:23 PM
Brayton-Purcell Service List
Created by: LitSuppert - ServiceList - Reporting
Matter Number;
Archer Norris
P.O, Box 8035
2033 N. Main Street, Suite 800
Walnut Creek, CA 94591
925-930-6600 925. 930-6620 (fax)
Defendants:
Albey Construction Company (ALBAY}
Graybar Electric Company, Inc.
(GRAYBR)
Bennett, Samuelsen, Reynolds & Allard
01 Marina Village Parkway
Sexe 306
Alameda, CA 94501-1084
510-444-7688 510-444-5849 (fax)
Defendants:
Slakey Brothers, Inc. (SLAKEY)
Breall & Breall
1255 Post Street, # 800
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-345-0545
Defendants:
Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc,
(GBSMCI)
Buty & Curliano
555. 1" Street, Suite 1280
Oakland, CA 94607
510-267-3000 510-267-0117 (fax)
Defendants:
Critchfield Mechanical, Inc, (CRIMEC)
Harold Beasley Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
(BEASLY)
Foley & Mansfield PLLP
aakeside Drive, Suite 1900
Gakland, CA 94612
510-590-9500 510-590-9595 (Fax)
Defendants:
Acco Engineered Systems, Inc.
ACHE)
D.W, Nicholson Corporation (DWNICH)
Fluor Corporation (F LUOR)
Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc.
CBSMCD
Haight, Brown & Bonesteel
tevenson Street, 20" Floor
bas Francisco, CA 94105-2981
41546-7500 415-546-7505 {fax}
Defendants:
Kentile Floors, Inc. (KEN)
19349.004 ~ Robert Ross
Bassi, Edlin, Huie & Blum LLP
351 California Street, Suize 200
San Francisco, CA 9:
415-397-9006 tsaon 339 (fax)
Defendants:
Balliet Bros. Construction Corporation
(BALBRO)
Berry & Ber
P.O, Box 16071
2930 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610
510-835-8330 510-835-5117 (fax)
Defendants:
Berry & Berry (B&B)
Brydon Hugo & Parker
135 Main Street, 2 Floor
San Francisco, C.
415-808-0300 Ns 08. "0333 (fax)
Defendants:
A. Teichert & Son, Inc. (ATEICH,
Bayer Cropscience Inc. AYERO)
Domco Products Texas, L.P. Po ICO)
Swinerton Builders (SWINBU)
Cooley, Manion, Jones, Hake, & Kurowski
LLP
201 Spear Street
Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 9410:
415-512-4381 415- sis: 35791 (fax)
Defendants:
Collins Electrical Company, Inc.
(COLELO
Emil J. Weber Electric Co. (eM HW
Temporary Plant Cleaners, Inc. (TEMPLA)
Gordon & Rees LLP
Shari Weintraub, Esq.
101 West Broadway wey | 16" Fleor
San Diego, CA 92
619-696-6700
Defendants:
Marshco Auto Parts, Inc. (MARAPI)
Hassard Bonnington LLP.
Two Embarcadero Center
Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA
415-288-9800" thse 288. 9802 (fax)
Defendants:
Henry C. Beck Company (HCBECK)
Run By : Davidowski, Diane
Becherer, Kannett & Schweitzer
Water Tower
1255 Powell Street
Emeryville, CA 94608-2604
510-658-3600 510-658-1151 (fax)
Defendants:
CSK Auto, Inc. {CSkAUD)
Johnson Controls, Inc. (OHCON)
Bishop, Barry, Drath
Watergate Tower HE
2000 Powell Srest Gute 1425
Emeryville, C.
510-596-" (ses "S10: 5964 0899 (fax)
Defendants:
Foley Electric Co. (FOLELE)
Burnham Brown
1901 Harrison Street
11° Floor
Oakland, CA
510-444. &00° “30: 835-6666 (fax)
Defendants:
Bell Products Inc. (BELLPR)
California Drywall Co. (CALDRY)
Drinker Biddle:& Reath LLP
56 Fremont Street, 20" floor
San Francisco, CA 15-2235
415-591-7500" hiss 381 5810 ‘fex)
Defendants:
Pharmacia Corporation, which will do
business in California as Pharmacia
Pharmaceutical Corporation (PHARCA)
Gordon & Rees LLP
Embarcadero Center West
275 Battery Street ute 2000
San Francisco, C. WW
415-986-5900" as: 586 8054 (fax)
Defendants:
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, The
(GOODYR)
Imai, Tadlock, Keeney & Cordery, LLP
100 Bush Street Suite 1300
San Francisco,
415-675-7000 tise S008 (fax)
Defendants:
Clausen-Patten, Inc. (ASNPT)
Commair Mechanical Services
(COMMAR)Date Created: 2/16/2011-1:46:23 PM
(DID)
Brayton-Purcell Service List
Created by: LitSupport - ServiceList ~ Reporting
Matter Number;
Jess Joseph Aguilar, Esq.
Law Offices
31 East Julian Street
San Jose, CA_ 95112
408-279-8412 408-279-8448 (fax)
Defendants:
Jones Plastering Company (JONESP)
Law Offices of Glaspy & Glaspy
One Walnut Creek Center
100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 750
Walnut Creek, CA. 9459
925-947-1300 925- oar 1594 (fax)
Defendants:
Fairmont Hotel Company (FAIRH)
Manning & Kass, Elrod, Ramirez, Tester
LLP
801 S. Figueroa Street, 15" Floor
Los Angeles. CA 90017
213-624-6900 213-624-6999 (fax)
Defendants:
Henry C. Beck Company (HCBECK)
Pray, Price, Williams & Picking
555 East Ocean Blvd., Suite 810
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-436-1231 562-435-6384 (fax)
Defendants: c |
rage Investment Company, Inc.
RAGG) any
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
633 West Fifth By 7
Soe Angeles, CA.90071
213-43 -9400 213-439-9599 (fax)
Pt eC
jetropot ian ife lasurance Company
(MET)
Floor
Walsworth, Franklin, Beyins & McCall
601 Montgome! Street, 9" Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-781-7072 415-391-6258 (fax)
Defendants:
D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc. (ZELINS.
Sugden Engineering Co. (SUGEN
W.W. Henry Company, The (W' YY)
Webcor Builders, Inc. ° (WEBCOR)
19349.004 - Robert Ross
Last & Faoro,
$20 South El Camino Real
Ste. 430
San Mateo, CA 94402
650-696-8350 650-696-8365 (fax)
Defendants:
Allen-Simmons Heating & Sheet Metal
Company Inc. (ALSIMS)
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
221 North Figueroa Street
Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-250-1800 213-580-7942 (fax)
Defendants:
Bragg Investment Company, Inc.
(BRAGG)
McGivney, Kluger & Glaspy
100 Prin, ie Avenue
Suite 75
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-947-1300 925-947-1594 (fax)
Defendants:
Kentile Floors, Inc. (KEN)
Prindle, Amaro, Goetz, Hillyard, Barnes
& Reinholtz LLP.
One California Street, Suite 1910
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-788-8354 415-788-3625 (fax)
Defendants:
JW. des lenahan Company, Inc.
GWMCCL
as sae lectric Co, Emeryville, Inc.
Stoddard, Pfeiffer, Bergquist & Wood
LLP
1470 Maria Lane, Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-938-6100 925-938-4354 (fax)
Defendants: .
Wainut Creck Sheet Metal, Furnace & Air
Conditioning, Inc. (WCSM}
Run By : Davidowski, Diane
Lau hlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi
555 12" Street, #
Oakland, CA 94607
$10-628-0496 510-628-0499 (fax)
Defendants:
Insulation Specialties, Inc. (NSULA)
Low, Ball & Lynch
505 ‘Montgomey Street, 7" Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111-2584
415-981-6630 415-399-1506 (fax)
Defendants:
olini & Co. (GIAMPO)
faa Mechanical Corporation
(PACMCR)
Poole & Shaffery, LLP
445 South Figueroa Street
Suite 2520
Los Angeles, CA
313-439-5390 bi 240. 0183 (fax)
Defendants:
H& C Investment Associates, Inc.
(H&CINV)
Selman Breitman LLP
33 New Montgomery
6" floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-979-0400" (415-979-2099 (fax)
Defendants:
Oakfabco, Inc: (OAKFAB)
Rountree Plumbing & Heating Inc.
(RNTPLU)
Sweeney, Mason, Wilson & Bosomworth
A Professional Law Corporation
983 University Ave., Suite 104C
Los Gatos, C. 95032-7637
408-356-3000 408-354-8839 (fax)
Defendants:
Red Top Electric Co. Emeryville, Inc,
(REDELE)
Preview
BRAYTON@PURCELL LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 222 RUSH LANDING ROAD PO BOX 6169 NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94948-6169 (415) 898-1555 Ce DR DA Hh RB wD PR YP RN RR NR DH em ee me eee Se YD KR te BF BW KO #§— OS De YI HR A FY HY &K& CS ALAN R. BRAYTON, ESQ., S.B. #73685 DAVID R. DONADIO, ESQ., 8.B. #154436 OREN P. NOAH, ESQ,, 8.5. #136310 ELECTRONICALLY BRAYTONSPURCELL LLP FILED ttorneys at Law je ifornk 222 Rush Landing Road Sunt, ci een Pranone P.O. Box 6169 Novato, California 94948-6169 FEB 17 2011 (415) 898-1555 Clerk of the Court Tentative Ruling Contest Email: contestashestosTR@braytonlaw.com BY: VANESSA WU Deputy Clerk Attorneys for Plaintiffs SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA. COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO ROBERT ROSS and JEAN ROSS, Plaintiffs, ASBESTOS No. CGC-10-275731 PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT vs. C.C. MOORE & CO. ENGINEERS; Defendants as Reflected on Exhibit 1 attached to the Summary Complaint herein; and DOES 1-8500. NN ee Date: March 3, 2011 Time: 9:30 a.m. Room: 220, Hon, Harold E. Kahn Trial Date: Not Set Action Filed: December 17, 2010 I. INTRODUCTION Plaintiffs oppose defendant GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’s (hereinafter “GRAYBAR”) Demurrer with regard to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action on the grounds that none of those Causes of Action are alleged against GRAYBAR. Further, plaintiffs have dismissed their claims for punitive damages, as to GRAYBAR, rendering that portion of the Demurrer moot. A Atnjured\19249\pld\epp-req-leave-GRAMBR-demurer 1 PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT [N RESPONSE ‘TQ DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC."S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT.8g With regard to the remaining portion of the Demurrer, the First (Negligence), Second (Strict Liability) and Fourth (Loss of Consortium) Causes of Action, plaintiffs request that the While plaintiffs believe that their Complaint has properly stated the ultimate facts, as required by the applicable law, plaintiffs are willing to amend their Complaint to specify that the claims against GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. arise from its manufacture, 9] distribution, sale and supply of asbestos-containing electrical components to which plaintiff 10] 11 12 i ROBERT ROSS was exposed. Il. LEGAL ARGUMENT . A. GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER IS MOOT AS TO THE THIRD (FALSE REP), SIXTEENTH (CONCERT OF ACTION), SEVENTEENTH & EIGHTEENTH (FRAUD, DECEIT/NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION / CONCEALMENT) AND NINETEENTH (FRAUD, DECEIT/INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTA TION) CAUSES OF ACTION AS NONE OF THOSE CAUSES OF ACTION ARE PLED AGAINST THAT DEFENDANT GRAYBAR demurs to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action. Yet, none of those Causes of Action are pled as to GRAYBAR. GRAYBAR is listed in the Complaint as an “Exhibit B” defendant. (Complaint, Ex. B.) | The only Causes of Action pled against Exhibit B defendants are the First (Negligence), Second | (Strict Liability) and Fourth (Loss of Consortium) Causes of Action. (Complaint, p. 2.) Accordingly, the Court should overrule GRAYBAR’s Demurrer as to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action. I) 44 | kxaseasonengnogs ine ORAYOR dense wg 2 PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC."S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT- SO 6B ws AH HM B® WwW Ne B B. PLAINTIFFS HAVE DISMISSED THEIR PUNITIVE DAMAGES CLAIMS AS TO GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC : Further, the Court should take that portion of GRAYBAR’s Demuirer with regard to punitive damages off calendar, as plaintiffs have dismissed their claims for punitive damages as to GRAYBAR. c. PLAINTIFFS REQUEST LEAVE TO AMEND THE COMPLAINT TO ADDRESS GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S ASSERTION THAT THE COMPLAINT FAILS TO APPRISE IT OF THE ASBESTOS- CONTAINING PRODUCT AT ISSUE HEREIN Plaintiffs do not believe that there are any serious deficiencies in the Complaint and that they have properly pled the “ultimate facts" that make up each of their causes of action against GRAYBAR, pursuant to Careau & Co. v. Security Pac. Business Credit, Inc. (1990) 222 Cal_App.3d 1371, 1390. Nonetheless, in order to expedite the prosecution of this matter and to save the parties and the Court the delay and expense of unnecessary litigation on the point, plaintiffs stand ready to amend the Complaint to address the issue in this regard raised by GRAYBAR. Specifically, plaintiffs would file an amendment to the Complaint making clear that, with regard to GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC., the claims arise from its manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of asbestos-containing electrical components to which plaintiff ROBERT ROSS was exposed. : ltis error to deny leave if a reasonable possibility exists fo cure a dlaimed defect: Itis an abuse of discretion for the court to deny leave to amend where there-is any reasonable possibility that plaintiff can state a good cause of action. (Goodman v. Kennedy (1976) 18 Cal.3d 335, 349; (Okun v. Sup.Ct. (Maple Properties) (1981) 29 Cal.3d 442, 460.) if if iif eens song LATER dea 3 PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION ANTS REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ErBerRIe COMPANY, INC.’S DEMUORRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINCm NY DA HW BF WN NON RB NR NR RD Rm aa BNRRREBKRFESSRSEARGEBTR TS _ CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, the Court should overrule those portions of GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’s Demurrer with regard to the Third (False Rep), Sixteenth (Concert of Action), Seventeenth & Eighteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment) and Nineteenth (Fraud, Deceit/Intentional Misrepresentation) Causes of Action and punitive damages and, as to the remaining portions, take the Demurrer off calendar, without prejudice, and to grant plaintiffs at least 10 days’ leave to amend the Complaint herein to rectify and clarify the issue raised in said Demurrer. Dated: FEB 17 2 BRAYTON¢PURCELL LLP Ee P. Noa Attorneys for Plaintiffs {To Comply with Department 220's rules regarding tentative rulings, you MUST call the Law & Motion Message Line (415) 493-3594 to give us notice if you wish te contest a tentative ruling. A copy of any email notification to Dept. 220 must be sent to contestasbestosTR@braytonlaw.com.] KNtnjured\ 22494 idopyn ee -ieave-GHAVER- demure wy 4 PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINTOo 20 ew YN A HW & &wW NH BRAYTON@POURCELL LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW. 222, RUSH LANDING ROAD PO BOX 6169 NOVATO, CALIFORNIA 94948-6169 (AIS) 898-1555 PROOF OF SERVICE BY LEXIS-NEXIS E-SERVICE ‘ lam employed in the County of Marin, State of California. 1 am over the age of 18 peas and am not a party to the within action. My business address is 222 Rush Landing Road, .C. Box 6169, Novato, California, 94948-6169. On Febmary 17, 2011, [ electronically served (E-Service}, pursuant to General Order No. 158, the following documents: PLAINTIFFS’ OPPOSITION AND REQUEST FOR LEAVE a 0 AMEND COMPLAINT IN RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.’S DEMURRER TO PLAINTIFFS’ COMPLAINT; [PROPOSED] ORDER : on the interested parties in this action by utilizing Lexis-Nexis E-service program pursuant to General Order No. 158, to transmit a true copy thereof to the following party(ies): SEE ATTACHED SERVICE LIST : The above document(s) were transmitted by Lexis-Nexis E-Service. Executed on February 17,2011, at Novato, California, I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Diane 1. Davidowski Robert Ross, et al. v. C.C. Moore & Co. Engineers, et al. San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-10-275731 PROOF OF SERVICE BY E-SERVICEDate Created: (DID) 2/16/2011-1:46:23 PM Brayton-Purcell Service List Created by: LitSuppert - ServiceList - Reporting Matter Number; Archer Norris P.O, Box 8035 2033 N. Main Street, Suite 800 Walnut Creek, CA 94591 925-930-6600 925. 930-6620 (fax) Defendants: Albey Construction Company (ALBAY} Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (GRAYBR) Bennett, Samuelsen, Reynolds & Allard 01 Marina Village Parkway Sexe 306 Alameda, CA 94501-1084 510-444-7688 510-444-5849 (fax) Defendants: Slakey Brothers, Inc. (SLAKEY) Breall & Breall 1255 Post Street, # 800 San Francisco, CA 94109 415-345-0545 Defendants: Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc, (GBSMCI) Buty & Curliano 555. 1" Street, Suite 1280 Oakland, CA 94607 510-267-3000 510-267-0117 (fax) Defendants: Critchfield Mechanical, Inc, (CRIMEC) Harold Beasley Plumbing and Heating, Inc. (BEASLY) Foley & Mansfield PLLP aakeside Drive, Suite 1900 Gakland, CA 94612 510-590-9500 510-590-9595 (Fax) Defendants: Acco Engineered Systems, Inc. ACHE) D.W, Nicholson Corporation (DWNICH) Fluor Corporation (F LUOR) Joseph Bruno Sheet Metal Co., Inc. CBSMCD Haight, Brown & Bonesteel tevenson Street, 20" Floor bas Francisco, CA 94105-2981 41546-7500 415-546-7505 {fax} Defendants: Kentile Floors, Inc. (KEN) 19349.004 ~ Robert Ross Bassi, Edlin, Huie & Blum LLP 351 California Street, Suize 200 San Francisco, CA 9: 415-397-9006 tsaon 339 (fax) Defendants: Balliet Bros. Construction Corporation (BALBRO) Berry & Ber P.O, Box 16071 2930 Lakeshore Avenue Oakland, CA 94610 510-835-8330 510-835-5117 (fax) Defendants: Berry & Berry (B&B) Brydon Hugo & Parker 135 Main Street, 2 Floor San Francisco, C. 415-808-0300 Ns 08. "0333 (fax) Defendants: A. Teichert & Son, Inc. (ATEICH, Bayer Cropscience Inc. AYERO) Domco Products Texas, L.P. Po ICO) Swinerton Builders (SWINBU) Cooley, Manion, Jones, Hake, & Kurowski LLP 201 Spear Street Suite 1800 San Francisco, CA 9410: 415-512-4381 415- sis: 35791 (fax) Defendants: Collins Electrical Company, Inc. (COLELO Emil J. Weber Electric Co. (eM HW Temporary Plant Cleaners, Inc. (TEMPLA) Gordon & Rees LLP Shari Weintraub, Esq. 101 West Broadway wey | 16" Fleor San Diego, CA 92 619-696-6700 Defendants: Marshco Auto Parts, Inc. (MARAPI) Hassard Bonnington LLP. Two Embarcadero Center Suite 1800 San Francisco, CA 415-288-9800" thse 288. 9802 (fax) Defendants: Henry C. Beck Company (HCBECK) Run By : Davidowski, Diane Becherer, Kannett & Schweitzer Water Tower 1255 Powell Street Emeryville, CA 94608-2604 510-658-3600 510-658-1151 (fax) Defendants: CSK Auto, Inc. {CSkAUD) Johnson Controls, Inc. (OHCON) Bishop, Barry, Drath Watergate Tower HE 2000 Powell Srest Gute 1425 Emeryville, C. 510-596-" (ses "S10: 5964 0899 (fax) Defendants: Foley Electric Co. (FOLELE) Burnham Brown 1901 Harrison Street 11° Floor Oakland, CA 510-444. &00° “30: 835-6666 (fax) Defendants: Bell Products Inc. (BELLPR) California Drywall Co. (CALDRY) Drinker Biddle:& Reath LLP 56 Fremont Street, 20" floor San Francisco, CA 15-2235 415-591-7500" hiss 381 5810 ‘fex) Defendants: Pharmacia Corporation, which will do business in California as Pharmacia Pharmaceutical Corporation (PHARCA) Gordon & Rees LLP Embarcadero Center West 275 Battery Street ute 2000 San Francisco, C. WW 415-986-5900" as: 586 8054 (fax) Defendants: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, The (GOODYR) Imai, Tadlock, Keeney & Cordery, LLP 100 Bush Street Suite 1300 San Francisco, 415-675-7000 tise S008 (fax) Defendants: Clausen-Patten, Inc. (ASNPT) Commair Mechanical Services (COMMAR)Date Created: 2/16/2011-1:46:23 PM (DID) Brayton-Purcell Service List Created by: LitSupport - ServiceList ~ Reporting Matter Number; Jess Joseph Aguilar, Esq. Law Offices 31 East Julian Street San Jose, CA_ 95112 408-279-8412 408-279-8448 (fax) Defendants: Jones Plastering Company (JONESP) Law Offices of Glaspy & Glaspy One Walnut Creek Center 100 Pringle Avenue, Suite 750 Walnut Creek, CA. 9459 925-947-1300 925- oar 1594 (fax) Defendants: Fairmont Hotel Company (FAIRH) Manning & Kass, Elrod, Ramirez, Tester LLP 801 S. Figueroa Street, 15" Floor Los Angeles. CA 90017 213-624-6900 213-624-6999 (fax) Defendants: Henry C. Beck Company (HCBECK) Pray, Price, Williams & Picking 555 East Ocean Blvd., Suite 810 Long Beach, CA 90802 562-436-1231 562-435-6384 (fax) Defendants: c | rage Investment Company, Inc. RAGG) any Steptoe & Johnson LLP 633 West Fifth By 7 Soe Angeles, CA.90071 213-43 -9400 213-439-9599 (fax) Pt eC jetropot ian ife lasurance Company (MET) Floor Walsworth, Franklin, Beyins & McCall 601 Montgome! Street, 9" Floor San Francisco, CA 94111 415-781-7072 415-391-6258 (fax) Defendants: D. Zelinsky & Sons, Inc. (ZELINS. Sugden Engineering Co. (SUGEN W.W. Henry Company, The (W' YY) Webcor Builders, Inc. ° (WEBCOR) 19349.004 - Robert Ross Last & Faoro, $20 South El Camino Real Ste. 430 San Mateo, CA 94402 650-696-8350 650-696-8365 (fax) Defendants: Allen-Simmons Heating & Sheet Metal Company Inc. (ALSIMS) Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 221 North Figueroa Street Suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-250-1800 213-580-7942 (fax) Defendants: Bragg Investment Company, Inc. (BRAGG) McGivney, Kluger & Glaspy 100 Prin, ie Avenue Suite 75 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925-947-1300 925-947-1594 (fax) Defendants: Kentile Floors, Inc. (KEN) Prindle, Amaro, Goetz, Hillyard, Barnes & Reinholtz LLP. One California Street, Suite 1910 San Francisco, CA 94111 415-788-8354 415-788-3625 (fax) Defendants: JW. des lenahan Company, Inc. GWMCCL as sae lectric Co, Emeryville, Inc. Stoddard, Pfeiffer, Bergquist & Wood LLP 1470 Maria Lane, Suite 300 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925-938-6100 925-938-4354 (fax) Defendants: . Wainut Creck Sheet Metal, Furnace & Air Conditioning, Inc. (WCSM} Run By : Davidowski, Diane Lau hlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi 555 12" Street, # Oakland, CA 94607 $10-628-0496 510-628-0499 (fax) Defendants: Insulation Specialties, Inc. (NSULA) Low, Ball & Lynch 505 ‘Montgomey Street, 7" Floor San Francisco, CA 94111-2584 415-981-6630 415-399-1506 (fax) Defendants: olini & Co. (GIAMPO) faa Mechanical Corporation (PACMCR) Poole & Shaffery, LLP 445 South Figueroa Street Suite 2520 Los Angeles, CA 313-439-5390 bi 240. 0183 (fax) Defendants: H& C Investment Associates, Inc. (H&CINV) Selman Breitman LLP 33 New Montgomery 6" floor San Francisco, CA 94105 415-979-0400" (415-979-2099 (fax) Defendants: Oakfabco, Inc: (OAKFAB) Rountree Plumbing & Heating Inc. (RNTPLU) Sweeney, Mason, Wilson & Bosomworth A Professional Law Corporation 983 University Ave., Suite 104C Los Gatos, C. 95032-7637 408-356-3000 408-354-8839 (fax) Defendants: Red Top Electric Co. Emeryville, Inc, (REDELE)