Judge Vacates Part of $90 M Verdict in Asbestos Case

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Admin

Bloomington – A jury award in relation with a last year verdict against 4 firms has been reduced from $90 M to $8.4 M by a judge in McLean County. The companies were blamed for allegedly exposing a man negligently to toxic fibers of asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in nature. Once it was widely mined because of its various useful properties. Asbestos has great insulating properties. It is durable and cheap as well. For all these reasons, it became the most favorite industrial and construction material. But after the 1980s, some hazards associated with the material started to become known. Its use became restricted and regulated then. Though the material is not extensively used now-a-days, asbestos can be still found in many of our old buildings. Asbestos removal is a very expensive and skill-required process. Before the 1980s, many industries also used the material and exposed their employees to the dangerous carcinogen. Charles Gillenwater worked as a pipe fitter at various sites such as IL State University, The Eureka Company, and Bridgestone Firestone, according to a suit filed by the attorneys of the asbestos victim. He developed malignant mesothelioma in 1970s. Gillenwater was 59 years old when he died. Scott Drazewski, the federal judge, ruled on 31st August that verdicts against Honeywell International, Owens-Illinois and Pneumo Abex are vacated. However, the ruling against the company John Crane, which was for $8.4 M, was permitted to stand. Gillenwater’s widow and attorneys said they are really disappointed with the ruling of Drazewski that proof was inadequate to demonstrate a possible conspiracy among the defendant companies for keeping information regarding the dangerous features of asbestos material from employees and the public. “The twelve jurors in the case had unanimously found that a conspiracy was there. Additionally, 10 other juries consist of residents of McLean County have equally determined that the companies had engaged in a conspiracy, resulting in other community members to develop asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. Gillenwater died from mesothelioma,” the plaintiff’s attorney said. The plaintiff was awarded $9.6 M as compensatory damages against Honeywell, Owens-Illinois and Pneumo Abex. The jury also awarded $20 M in punitive damages against Honeywell and $40 M against Owens-Illinois. Drazewski also dismissed a motion filed by John Crain requesting a new trial. The plaintiff’s lawyers say they are going to appeal the ruling.

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Immunotoxin Boosts Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Success

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Admin

NIH Study Finds Immunotoxin Boosts Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Success, Reports Surviving Mesothelioma Top mesothelioma researchers say an immunotoxin may have the power to significantly improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleura mesothelioma. Raleigh, NC – July 08 – According to a new NIH research study, more than three quarters of mesothelioma patients responded to chemotherapy when they were also given the anti-mesothelin immunotoxin SS1P. Click here to read Surviving Mesothelioma’s newly-posted article on how this important study may impact patients. Mesothelioma researcher Raffit Hassan, MD, and his colleagues at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research gave SS1P along with standard chemotherapy to advanced mesothelioma patients who were not candidates for surgery. “Of 20 evaluable patients, 12 (60%) had a partial response, 1 had stable disease, and 2 had progressive disease,” reports Dr. Hassan, the study’s lead author. The study concludes that SS1P is safe, well-tolerated, and “exhibits significant antitumor activity” in patients with inoperable mesothelioma. Equally encouraging is the fact that the research, published in the journal Cancer, found that, among patients on the maximum tolerated dose of SS1P, a full 77% had a partial response to chemotherapy. “Although chemotherapy is usually the first-line treatment for mesothelioma, its effectiveness is limited. If SS1P can be shown to improve chemotherapy, it could mean a much better prognosis for thousands of mesothelioma patients,” says Surviving Mesothelioma Managing Editor Alex Strauss. To better understand the research and its potential importance for patients with unresectable mesothelioma, see New Mesothelioma Treatment Boosts Chemotherapy Response, now available on the Surviving Mesothelioma website. Hassan, R et al “Phase I study of the antimesothelin immunotoxin SS1P in combination with pemetrexed and cisplatin for front-line therapy of pleural mesothelioma and correlation of tumor response with serum mesothelin, megakaryocyte potentiating factor, and cancer antigen 125”, July 2, 2014, Cancer, Epub ahead of print, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2498932 For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions. Contact Information Michael Ellis Cancer Monthly http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com +1 (919) 570-8595

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Verastem Supports Rare Diseases Worldwide

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Admin

Verastem Supports Worldwide Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2014 CAMBRIDGE, MA -Feb. 28 — Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM), focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, today announced its support of the rare disease awareness events being held globally. Verastem’s lead compound targeting cancer stem cells, VS-6063, is currently in the registration-directed COMMAND study and has been granted orphan drug designation in the U.S. and E.U. for use in mesothelioma. Researchers, advocates, patients and companies will come together with a reception and presentation to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England. Boston-based pharmaceutical companies will unite with a coalition of local Massachusetts-based patient advocacy groups and state legislators at the Massachusetts State House in recognition of Rare Disease Day. This event is being coordinated by the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD), which includes patients and patient groups, biopharmaceutical companies, government agencies, caregivers, and medical researchers. There are many events occurring globally to work towards a united front in addressing the significant need in rare diseases. Verastem is committed to working with patient advocacy groups that support rare cancers worldwide. On March 5, Professor Dean Fennell, Chair of Thoracic Oncology, University of Leicester, incoming President of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and Principal Investigator of the COMMAND trial, will deliver the keynote presentation at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, hosted by the Meso Foundation, in Washington, D.C. The COMMAND (Control Of Mesothelioma with MAiNtenance Defactinib) study is a registration-directed, multinational, placebo-controlled trial of Verastem’s lead cancer stem cell inhibitor, VS-6063, in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Verastem has been granted orphan drug status for VS-6063 for the treatment of mesothelioma. In addition to Professor Fennell’s address, Verastem representatives will present at the conference in support of the company’s mission to foster research, patient advocacy and legislative initiatives for improved treatment in mesothelioma. The Meso Foundation is organizing a legislative walk-up session to the houses of Congress for March 5th, 2014 in Washington, D.C. “The heightened awareness presented by these rare disease events reminds us that, although these illnesses affect smaller patient populations, effective treatments remain an acute global health need,” said Robert Forrester, Verastem President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are developing drugs to treat diseases where there is a significant unmet medical need and bringing forth new treatment options for patients. We are committed to fostering the development of potentially life-changing medicines in the pursuit of a more optimistic and positive outcome for patients.” <h2>About VS-6063</h2> VS-6063 (defactinib) is an orally available compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor resistance to chemotherapy, recurrence and ultimate disease progression. Research by Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., scientific cofounder and chair of Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Verastem has demonstrated that the FAK pathway is critical for the growth and survival of cancer stem cells. VS-6063 is currently being studied in the registration-directed COMMAND trial in mesothelioma (www.COMMANDmeso.com), a Phase 1/1b study in combination with paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer, a Phase 1 study in Japan in patients with advanced solid tumors and a Phase 2 trial in patients with Kras-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. VS-6063 has been granted orphan drug designation in the U.S. and E.U. for use in mesothelioma. <h2>About Verastem, Inc.</h2> Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM) is discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Verastem is developing small molecule inhibitors of signaling pathways that are critical to cancer stem cell survival and proliferation: FAK, PI3K/mTOR and Wnt. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com. Forward-looking statements: This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company’s strategy, future plans and prospects, including statements regarding the development of the Company’s compounds, including VS-6063, or defactinib, the Company’s FAK inhibition program and potential indications for clinical development. The words “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include the risks that the preclinical testing of the Company’s compounds and preliminary data from clinical trials may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials, that data may not be available when we expect it to be, that the Company will be unable to successfully complete the clinical development of its compounds, including VS-6063, that the development of the Company’s compounds will take longer or cost more than planned, and that the Company’s compounds will not receive regulatory approval or become commercially successful products. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in any subsequent SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this release reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, and the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Verastem, Inc. Brian Sullivan, 617-252-9314 bsullivan@verastem.com

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Bush to Reopen Closed Dorm after Asbestos Removal

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Admin

Bush Hall will be undergoing renovation this year. The renovation works are underway at its closed dorm, situated on East Green. Christine Sheets, the asst. vice president of Capital & Facilities Planning, says the upcoming changes are going to benefit both the staff and students. The hall was constructed in year 1954 when asbestos was a very popular building material. It was compelled to close in year 2010 for asbestos removal and because of required finishes and upgrades of building system. The complete renovation, including asbestos removal and furniture buyings, is expected to cost the Residential Housing $8.8M that will be covered through collected money reserves from housing rentals on the campus, says Peter Trentacoste, the Housing director. The asbestos abatement, which the crew had to complete before going ahead with renovations, cost approximately $120000, according to Harry Wyatt, the associate vice president of Capital & Facilities Planning. “Asbestos abatement is actually a routine thing and we do that whenever we do renovations. The project’s size doesn’t matter,” he said. Asbestos is a common substance in old buildings because it was extensively used as a construction material before the 1980s. Removal of asbestos is a very expensive and time consuming process. As the other renovation works within the housing plan starts, OH University has to begin to take on debt in addition to the cash reserves, said Trentacoste. “We are quite aggressive with our plans, but I believe students will be really happy with the outcome,” Trentacoste said. The renovation project will add some new features to the presently closed dorm, for instance, new furnishings, sinks, thermostats, staff offices, elevator and multipurpose room on the 2nd floor, said Sheets. The room, which is a multipurpose one, could serve such as a classroom or a common room for students, according to Trentacoste. “We are allowing it to become a space which could be transformed out with simplicity,” he said. Dorm renovation works in the future will feature equally adaptable spaces, Trentacoste added. “That is the aim, to ensure that this is really a lively place which could be changed accordingly with the requirements of users,” said Trentacoste. The dorm is expected to reopen in 2014 January after renovations. This is actually an issue for the Residential Housing as most of the renovated dorms normally open at the start of school year, said Sheets.

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Library Asbestos Abatement Expense Rises

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Admin

Farmington, CT – Cleaning up the asbestos material in the old Farmington library (main branch) will cost the Davis County approximately $24000 over the lowest received bid. The apparent lowest bidder for this project left out certain vital information in the bid they submitted, leaving the county with no option other than accepting the second-lowest bid. A notice of award was issued to Smithfield-based Abatex Environmental Services by the county commission on Tuesday. The company had submitted a $63897 bid to the county for the required work. The county had received a total of 5 bids and this was the second-lowest bid. The lowest bidder was not responsive having excluded from the bid vital info regarding the project, says Barry Burton, the planning director of Davis County. Burton is now serving as the project manager of the county. “Still this particular one is under the county’s budget, and so we are in good shape,” said Burton. He was explaining the commission about accepting the 2nd-lowest bid. Davis County Auditor/Clerk Steve Rawlings says $100000 has been budgeted by the county for the project. The asbestos material in the library has to be cleaned up prior to the demolition of the building and the construction of a parking lot. The library was constructed in 1964, when asbestos was an extensively-used construction material. It is situated Memorial County Courthouse’ east at 28 East State Street in Farmington, CT. According to the county officials, the bids received by the county for the project ranged from $104000 to $39878 – the lowest bid. Burton says the asbestos abatement should be done next month. He says the building will be torn down in March. The county officials want to eliminate the old library building from the county campus. On its place, they want to construct a new parking lot by May last or June, according to the officials. It is not unusual for buildings constructed before the 1980s to have asbestos in them. The reason is that the hazards of the substance were not fully known then. Its low cost and excellent features such as durability, strength, insulating properties etc. made asbestos a very popular substance among the construction and other industries. Now everyone knows that asbestos can cause cancer and it is a highly regulated substance now. Asbestos removal is an expensive process and it requires the service of a licensed contractor.

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Wilton Recycling Fined $7,500.00 for Asbestos Violations

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Admin

Wilton, Maine – Wilton Recycling has been ordered to pay a penalty of $7500 for its role in a hazard involving asbestos at a former mill site, the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), says. Adam Mack, the owner of the company, said the Depot Street site’s active demolition could start any time, whether he is imprisoned for unconnected charges or not. Mack is 38 years old. Mack is an earlier Republican state Rep for Standish. He admitted guilty in United States District Court at Portland in last October to mishandling federal money. Yet he hasn’t been sentenced. However, he could receive up to 5 years in federal prison for that crime. “The other case is ongoing still. I am not sure whether I am available to coordinate directly or not. But I do have other people who are responsible and will go ahead with the project,” said Mack. In Wilton, Mack’s long enforcement process is ending with a consent agreement entered by him with the DEP. “This case’s conclusion is a win-win, which proves that the enforcement process of the DEP works,” said department spokeswoman MS. Samantha Depoy-Warren, after declaring the agreement 2 days ago. “The responsible entity was held answerable in a rigid but reasonable way. More significantly, the ultimate asbestos removal from the site now permits for the renovation of this particular community cornerstone,” she said. The mill’s demolition was stopped in 2011 July, when workers shifted federal government officials to hazardous working atmospheres resulted by inappropriate removal of asbestos-containing insulation from pipes. As per the consent agreement, nobody inspected the site to know if asbestos is present there prior to the demolition, which is a clear violation of DEP rules. While removing the pending mess, an expert in asbestos removal said it was the worst asbestos-containing site he has ever seen in the state of Maine in for past three decades. The asbestos material was cleaned up safely in last September, after a year of negotiating talks between the DEP and Mack. According to Depoy-Warren, this resolution is definitely an accomplishment for the DEP, the cleanup contractor, the Wilton town and also to Mack, as he stepped up for making the site safe, which is a constructive action that is reflected in the minimized monetary fines. According to Mack, the initial part of the structure will be demolished this winter and the main part will be torn down in the spring.

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DEP Fines Contractor for Violating Asbestos Regulations

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Admin

Dartmouth, NH – A tank removal firm on a tearing down project at Massachusetts Dartmouth University (UMD) in year 2010 has been fined $10887 by the United States Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for violating federal asbestos regulations. Wakefield-based Commonwealth Tank was carrying out a demolition project for a boiler factory at 285 Old Westport Rd. on 24th June, when the DEP conducted a surprise inspection at that facility.  Commonwealth Tank was tearing down a piping tunnel, a press release by the DEP says. An inspector with the agency discovered broken parts of weighty concrete had fallen onto pipe insulation containing asbestos. The inspectors also found that the workers had tried to wet the damaged region using garden hose. The inspector took sent them to a DEP lab. The DEP then confirmed that asbestos material was present in the busted insulation as well as caulking. “Anybody who works around or on oil tanks, especially on the thermal insulation, should be aware of the possible presence of materials containing asbestos. Workers with Commonwealth Tank must make sure that they are doing proper procedures and following all the safety guidelines, or otherwise, their own safety and health and people in the surroundings are at the risk of exposure to hazardous asbestos fibers. After the inspection, the DEP asked the company to stop the work. The agency asked Commonwealth Tank to retain a licensed asbestos contractor’s services in order to get approval for a plan to finish the work. The cleanup job was completed on 13th July, 2010. The cleanup project was finished without violating any applicable regulations. Contractors or property owners with queries regarding materials containing asbestos, proper removal, dealing, packing, storage and disposal methods, or regarding any regulations relating to asbestos management, can contact the proper Regional Office of the DEP for help. According to Robert Lamontagne, a UMD spokesperson, the inspection conducted by the DEP was triggered by one of the university representatives who reported the issue to the agency. “The safety and health of our staff, faculty and students are important to us. Nothing else is more significant,” Lamontagne said. “We anticipate any company or contractor to abide by the letter as well as all local’s spirit, and state & federal regulations,” he added. Following the investigation, the demolition company was asked to hire a specialist contractor for completing the work and it was finished in July, Lamontagne said. The company officials have not commented on the issue so far.

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Asbestos Litigation Trends Exposed

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Admin

11 Judges to Attend Perrin Conferences’ Asbestos Litigation Conference: A National Overview & Outlook -Distinguished members of the bench to share insights on complex litigation Berwyn, PA – July 16 – Perrin Conferences today announced 11 judges, from the East, Central, and West regions of the United States, will attend its annual Asbestos Litigation Conference, A National Overview & Outlook, scheduled for September 8-10, 2014, in San Francisco. The significant number and mix of judges confirmed to attend the event, many of whom are featured speakers, reflect Perrin Conferences’ all-inclusive approach to dialogue and information sharing. Last year, this event drew more than 500 professionals featuring industry leaders from all perspectives of asbestos litigation. Panel topics involving members of the bench as featured speakers will include, National Trends Driving Asbestos Litigation; Hot Jurisdictional Updates: Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana; and California Asbestos Litigation. Judges attending the conference include: Hon. Helen I. Bendix, Supervising Judge of the Settlement Courts for the Central District of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA Hon. Eric M. Davis, Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County, DE Hon. Emilie H. Elias, Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA Hon. Teri Jackson, Asbestos Department Judge, San Francisco Superior Court, San Francisco, CA Hon. Barbara Jaffe, Supreme Court of the State of New York, Civil Term, New York, NY Hon. Victoria Kolakowski, Alameda County Superior Court, Oakland, CA Hon. Jo-Lynne Q. Lee, Asbestos Department Judge, Alameda County Superior Court, Oakland, CA Hon. Arnold L. New, Court of Common Pleas, Coordinating Judge, Complex Litigation Center – Philadelphia, PA Hon. Brad Seligman, Alameda County Superior Court, Oakland, CA Hon. Stephen A. Stobbs, Circuit Court, Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, IL Hon. Paul R. Wallace, Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County, DE Asbestos Litigation Trends Nationally, the untold costs and damages of asbestos litigation have been estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars over the past several decades, with far-reaching implications affecting all sectors of the economy. Each year, the court system, plaintiff and defense attorneys, respective clients, insurance companies, risk managers, and a battery of impacted businesses and other parties, grapple with the need to adjudicate or settle hundreds of thousands of asbestos related cases. By bringing all parties affected together in a constructive dialogue, Perrin Conferences offers mutually beneficial insight and information sharing on current and emerging trends in an atmosphere of learning and networking. In addition, the conferences provide Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit and CE Adjuster Credit for qualified attendees. For more information, registration and hotel accommodations, please visit http://www.PerrinConferences.com . About Perrin Conferences As the leading national provider of joint plaintiff/defendant litigation conferences, Perrin Conferences offers comprehensive and specialized continuing legal education (CE/CLE) in an atmosphere of learning, networking and sharing. The company’s conferences attract influential leaders and foremost talent in the legal industry to discuss current topics in litigation through mock trials, presentations and webinars, setting the standard in professional litigation education and networking. Contact: Martin Nee 617-670-8425 mnee(at)perrinconferences(dot)com Contact Information Lynnsey Perrin Perrin Conferences http://www.PerrinConferences.com +1 6108046165

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School Board to Sell Schenley High in PIT

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Admin

Pittsburgh, PA – The PIT Public School Board decided on Wednesday to sell the former Schenley H.S. in Oakland. The decision got a 5-4 vote. The board then voted for seeking bids to renovate the old building, which was closed down in year 2008. According to Mark Roosevelt, the former superintendent of the high school, it could cost around $76.2 M for the school board to renovate the building. The building was constructed in year 1916. Theresa Colaizzi, Bill Isler, Jean Fink, Sherry Hazuda and Floyd McCrea were the members who voted in favor of the decision. Mark Brentley, Thomas Sumpter, Sharene Shealey and Regina Holley voted against it. Most importantly, Brentley raised questions on the actual conditions under which the historic building was shut down, pointing out scare tactics were used over the issue of asbestos. He demanded an investigation into the issue. Holley said that she believes students at PIT Milliones 6-12, located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District area, and PIT Obama 6-12, located in East Liberty, could use the building – especially its swimming pool and gym. Colaizzi argued that the structure was harmful and costs money to the district. “We cannot hold onto the building forever as we cannot afford it financially,” she said. Last fall, the board had rejected a US$2 M bid submitted by Philadelphia-based PMC Property that planned to use $35 M for transforming the building into apartments. A minimum $4 million bid had been sought by the district, which will seek that again. The board also considered voting to put the high school back in market, but postponed the decision. During the last summer, the possibly adaptable reuses of the structure were examined by a study. Ro Pfaffmann, a community planner and architect in the study, said the general agreement was that there was a chance for doing something really innovative there. “It is indeed a great structure, which has got good bones. It is structurally sound as well. Yes, there is asbestos in the building. Asbestos problems are definitely important, but not insurmountable,” he said. According to the study, the bottom floors of the building could be used for education. For instance, it could be used as a lifelong learning facility for adults. The auditorium may potentially be a nonprofits’ space. And the pool and the gym could be utilized by residents after developing as health club or torn down for extra parking, the study suggested.

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7 Companies Cited by OSHA for Exposing Asbestos

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Admin

San Antonio – The United States Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited 7 construction firms – 3 contractors from Miami and 4 subcontractors from San Antonio – with a number of violations, including 45 serious ones, for exposing their workers to asbestos fibers during the construction work at a work site in San Antonio. (A violation is considered serious when there are chances for death or severe physical injury because of a risk that is known to the employer.) Proposed fines total around $148000. “Asbestos is a very dangerous substance, which can cause lifelong incurable health conditions,” OSHA’s Dallas regional administrator John Hermanson said. “It is very important that the safety & health standards set by OSHA be followed in order to keep away from accidents, injuries and diseases,” he said. Responding to a Texas State Health Service Department’s referral, the San Antonio regional office of the OSHA initiated a health & safety inspection in March 2012 at the Pecan Valley housing complex, which is located on Southcross Boulevard East. Inspectors discovered that crews were renovating apartment buildings without using proper safety wears and respiratory devices to protect themselves from being exposed to toxic asbestos fibers. Specifically, the breaches include failure to eliminate asbestos hazards to ensure the safety of the workers and that they are working in regulated sites. Other violations are failing to use the mandatory engineering controls for preventing exposure to toxic dust and fibers, to use adequate personal protective and respiratory equipment, to train the workers on handling asbestos, and to make sure that asbestos assessment is carried out by an eligible person. The Miami contractors were cited for 14 violations: Newport Property Ventures was issued citations that carry $36100 in penalties for 8 serious and 1 non-serious violations; Jamesboys was issued citations that carry $18900 in penalties for 3 serious violations; and Newport Property Construction was issued a fine of $12600 for 2 serious violations. The subcontractors from San Antonio were cited for 32 violations: Alex Vega (Alco Painting and Remodeling) was issued citations that carry $28,200 in penalties for eleven serious violations; Frank Gonzalez was issued citations that carry $9,600 in penalties for 4 serious violations; Clemente Covarrubias was cited for 9 serious violations and issued fines of $22,200; and Luis Lozada was issued citations that carry $20400 in penalties for 8 serious violations.

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