A newsletter featuring a roundup of recent news stories, including a $46 million verdict for the victim of a car crash, details about a second airbag manufacturer who is facing scrutiny from NHTSA, and monetary settlements over police shootings in Long Beach.

1. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 8/17/16
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Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
1. Car accident case yields $46M verdict
Adapted from L.A. Daily Journal, 8/10/16
On August 9, a San Bernardino County jury awarded $46 million to a pedestrian who was severely
injured when he was hit by a car. Faustino Solorio, now 53, suffered major injuries including the loss of
his left leg. Solorio was struck by a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Gunnar Ayala, who worked as a
delivery driver for Nissan of San Bernardino. At the time, Ayala had just finished his shift and was still
wearing his uniform. Solorio filed suit against Ayala; Ayala’s father, who owned the vehicle; and Nissan,
arguing the company was vicariously liable for the crash. The complaint alleged Nissan relied on Ayala’s
use of a personal vehicle while performing deliveries. At trial, Nissan had argued Ayala was an
independent contractor. The award includes $38 million in non-economic damages, $6 million in past
economic costs, and $2 million in future economic damages. Solorio was represented by Mark
Robinson, Jr. of Robinson Calcagnie Inc.
2. Another Airbag Maker Is Under Scrutiny After a Fatal Rupture; Fatal crash spurs probe into air bags
Adapted from N.Y. Times, 8/5/16, and L.A. Times, 8/5/16
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into airbags
manufactured by Tennessee-based ARC Automotive Inc. The move follows the death of a woman in
Newfoundland, Canada, who was killed when her airbag exploded, spraying shrapnel into the passenger
compartment. As many as 8 million airbags manufactured by ARC Automotive are under investigation in
the U.S., although the agency has not determined how many may be defective. The potential issue with
ARC Automotive airbag inflators is different from the ongoing issue with Takata airbags.
3. Bill would give post-conviction relief in deportation cases
Adapted from L.A. Daily Journal, 8/8/16
A bill currently pending in the California Senate would provide a legal remedy to immigrants, both
legal and undocumented, who accepted plea deals that could result in their deportation. Bill AB 813
would potentially apply both to people who want to challenge the validity of their previous convictions,
and people who claim they were never advised that accepting a plea deal could lead to deportation.
AB813 would align California with rules in both the federal system and 44 other states.
4. Jury convicts PG&E on six counts from San Bruno case; California Utility Convicted in 2010 Explosion
That Killed 8
Adapted from L.A. Daily Journal, 8/10/16, and N. Y. Times, 8/10/16
On August 9, jurors found Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) guilty on six of 12 criminal charges related
to a 2010 pipeline explosion in San Bruno. That explosion killed eight people and injured 58 others, in
addition to destroying 38 homes and damaging 70 homes. The six convictions included five charges of
knowingly not inspecting its pipelines, and one obstruction of justice charge. Initially, PG&E faced
damages of more than $1 billion, but it now faces a maximum of $3 million in damages, according to
media reports.

2. NEWS You Can Use
From the Walker Advertising Research Desk 8/17/16
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Courtesy news clipping service provided to clients of Walker Advertising. All material is copyrighted by respective
publications. For copies of complete articles, contact your sales rep or Walker Advertising at 1-800-4WALKER.
5. Long Beach settles suits over police shootings.
Adapted from L.A. Times, 8/11/16
On August 9, the Long Beach City Council approved a combined $3.5 million in payments to resolve
wrongful death lawsuits brought by the families of two men fatally shot by police. Jason Conoscenti was
shot in 2014, while 19-year-old Hector Morejon was shot in 2015. Video in Conoscenti’s case allegedly
appears to contradict the officer’s statement that he was reaching toward his waistband. Eric
Valenzuela, one of the attorneys representing Conoscenti’s family, said it was disturbing that the police
department released a press statement reiterating the officer’s claims when video showed Conoscenti
was not reaching for his waistband. While no video exists of Morejon’s shooting, the autopsy found he
was shot in the back. Samuel R. Paz, who represented Morejon’s family, contended the teenager was
running or facing away from the officer when he was shot.
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