Latest news with #DiPasquale
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Miami Herald
22-year-old beaten daily by head chef at Hawaii restaurant wins $3M, lawyer says
A jury in Hawaii returned a $3.15 million verdict against the owner of a Japanese fine dining restaurant, ruling in favor of a former sous chef who endured violent, daily beatings from a head chef until the abuse put him out of work, his attorney said. In reaching the verdict June 24, the jury found Margotto owner Kazutomo Robert Hori was aware of the ongoing abuse but allowed it to continue, according to a news release from attorney James D. DiPasquale, of DiPasquale & Summers, LLP, who represented a lawsuit brought by the sous chef, Andrew Debellis. Debellis was a 22-year-old aspiring sushi chef when he started working at Margotto in Honolulu, where its executive chef Yohei Yagishita would verbally degrade and beat Debellis on a daily basis, sometimes 'in full view of both customers and fellow staff members,' the lawsuit says. During the series of physical assaults from October 2023 through December 2023, Yagishita would regularly slap, kick and punch Debellis, including in his arms and in the face, according to the complaint filed in February 2024. The lawsuit detailed multiple examples of Yagishita reacting violently to Debellis, including over a mistake related to salad, when Yagishita felt a tray hadn't been properly wrapped in plastic and over Debellis' limited understanding of Japanese. The jury ruled Hori was negligent by failing to put a stop to the abuse, which several Margotto employees had reported to him, according to DiPasquale. Hori, who was accused of seeing some of the assaults, owns the Margotto restaurant brand. He also has another Margotto restaurant in Tokyo. DiPasquale said in a statement to McClatchy News' that the jury's verdict was 'a public recognition that what happened inside that kitchen wasn't discipline, or pressure, or cultural misunderstanding.' 'It was bullying, plain and simple,' he added. Attorney William Ota, who represented Hori, said in a statement to McClatchy News on July 3 that Hori and Margotto Hawaii are 'disappointed with the verdict' and 'deny Mr. Debellis' allegations.' He also said Debellis 'did not raise any issues to management or to the restaurant's outsourced human resources company.' Ota added that if Hori knew of the alleged abuse, he would have 'addressed it immediately.' Contact information for Yagishita was not immediately available. He no longer works at Margotto in Honolulu, Ota said. The last assault against Debellis occurred on Christmas in 2023, according to DiPasquale. That day, DiPasquale said Yagishita repeatedly punched Debellis in the face, causing a whiplash injury. Debellis, whose rotator cuff also became torn, could no longer work as a result, his attorney said. 'To this day, I can't even lift much over 15 pounds,' Debellis told the Honolulu Civil Beat. Debellis, now 23, experiences physical pain, severe PTSD, depression and anxiety since working at Margotto, according to DiPasquale, who said he has needed medical care, physical therapy and mental health care as a result of the abuse. In regards to the evidence presented against Hori in connection with his alleged negligence, DiPasquale told McClatchy News that the jury 'understood the silence, the complicity, and the harm.' 'Public acknowledgment of what happened here matters so much,' DiPasquale said. 'The message is clear: enabling abuse carries consequences.' He added that Debellis is now 'back in the restaurant industry doing what he loves.'
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Medical City Dallas Hospital Adopts Perimeter's Innovative OCT Imaging Technology for Surgery
Deployment follows participation in pivotal trial of Perimeter's next-gen technology with AI for breast-conserving surgeries TORONTO and DALLAS, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. (TSXV: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical technology company, announced today that Medical City Dallas Hospital, an award-winning 899-bed acute care hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has adopted the company's current S-Series OCT (optical coherence tomography) technology for high-resolution visualization of tissue microstructures during surgery. The move comes on the heels of the hospital's participation in the pivotal, randomized controlled trial of Perimeter's next-generation B-Series device, which combines proprietary artificial intelligence ("AI") technology with OCT, and is being evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use during breast-conserving surgeries in the United States. "We are incredibly proud to partner with Medical City Dallas Hospital and its team of surgeons, who are truly innovators in their field," said Perimeter CEO Adrian Mendes. "Working with Dr. DiPasquale and Dr. Anderson and the Medical City Dallas team, who used our B-Series in the randomized controlled pivotal trial, has been invaluable to advancing our next-generation product and we are pleased that they are adopting our commercially approved S-Series to potentially enhance margin visualization in the OR." Medical City Dallas Hospital is the latest U.S. hospital to adopt the S-Series OCT, as Perimeter continues to deploy the technology nationwide. Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for a general tissue indication, S-Series OCT is a high-resolution technology that, unlike X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound, can 'see' disease at the cellular level. It is optimized down to 2mm for identifying regions of interest in tissue microstructures, and features such as blood vessels, ducts, and glands, making it ideal for visualizing surgical margins. About Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. Based in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, Texas, Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (TSX-V: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) is a medical technology company driven to transform cancer surgery with ultra-high-resolution, real-time, advanced imaging tools to address areas of high unmet medical need. Available across the U.S., our FDA-cleared Perimeter S-Series OCT system provides real-time, cross-sectional visualization of excised tissues at the cellular level. The breakthrough-device-designated investigational Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI represents our next-generation artificial intelligence technology that was recently evaluated in a pivotal clinical trial, with support from a grant of up to US$7.4 million awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's ticker symbol "PINK" is a reference to the pink ribbons used during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. S-Series OCT Intended Use and Unapproved Uses The S-Series OCT is indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of excised human tissue microstructure by providing two-dimensional, cross-sectional, real-time depth visualization with image review manipulation software for identifying and annotating regions of interest. Perimeter S-Series OCT has 510(k) clearance under a general indication and has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA specifically for use in breast tissue, breast cancer, other types of cancer, margin evaluation, and reducing re-excision rates. The safety and effectiveness of these uses has not been established. For more information, please visit Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future financial position, business strategy and strategic goals, competitive conditions, research and development activities, projected costs and capital expenditures, research and clinical testing outcomes, taxes and plans and objectives of, or involving, Perimeter. Without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated terms and jurisdictions of the Offering; securities offered thereunder; the timing of the Offering, including the anticipated Closing Date; use of proceeds from the Offering; fees anticipated to be paid to the Agent and terms thereof; regulatory and exchange approvals, including the listing of the common shares offered pursuant to the Offering on the TSXV, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, any particular result will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Perimeter's control. Such forward-looking statements reflect Perimeter's current view with respect to future events, but are inherently subject to significant medical, scientific, business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. In making forward-looking statements, Perimeter may make various material assumptions, including but not limited to (i) the accuracy of Perimeter's financial projections; (ii) obtaining positive results from trials; (iii) obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and (iv) general business, market, and economic conditions. Further risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those applicable to Perimeter and described in Perimeter's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on Perimeter's SEDAR+ profile at and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Perimeter does not intend, nor does Perimeter undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws. Contacts Stephen Kilmer Investor Relations Direct: 647-872-4849 Email: [email protected] Susan Thomas Media Relations Direct: 619-540-9195 Email: [email protected] Adrian Mendes Chief Executive Officer Toll-free: 888-988-7465 (PINK) Email: [email protected] SOURCE Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican council candidates face off in 3rd Ward primary race
Early voting has begun for the primary election, with Republicans Joe DiPasquale and Rowland O'Malley facing off for the city's 3rd Ward council seat after incumbent Mark Devine chose not to run again. Both 3rd Ward candidates are graduates of Lockport High School who say they are proud to live in their district. Safety, streets, sewer lines, code enforcement and parks were priority issues that voters mentioned to both candidates. 'They want more, they want better,' DiPasquale said of residents. 'We need more attention paid to the west end. It's quite disheartening, honestly, but I'm up for the challenge. I'm invigorated by my neighbors. This has been the best part, getting to know them.' O'Malley said economic development was a theme that ran through many of his conversations. 'A lot of them mentioned to me that they'd like to see more growth in the 3rd Ward,' he said. 'One of the key things for the city is to be fiscally responsible. Everybody wants to keep their taxes in tow.' Grants can be a tool to gaining the resources needed to upgrade the west and north ends, O'Malley said, and to bring in businesses and get vacant properties occupied. 'I would push for grant money,' he said. 'There's infrastructure money around to get help and subsidize these things.' O'Malley said people also spoke to him about the need for code enforcement and police patrols. 'There's a lot of homes just sitting,' he said. 'When you're a neighbor to one of these places, it's challenging.' O'Malley said these issues, and a desire for better maintenance at Outwater Park, add up to fostering a family environment. 'I've had some people wish for a splash park for kids. Most of the communities surrounding us have something like this.' When asked what he would do to move projects forward, if elected, DiPasquale said it starts with taking the community's issues seriously and acting on them. 'We pay our taxes but we're left out in the cold when it comes to city issues,' he said. 'I want to bring accountability back to city hall. You voice concerns and follow through. You make changes so that things run more smoothly so that things get resolved.' DiPasquale mentioned his involvement with addressing emissions from Candlelight Cabinetry a few years ago as an example of how he would work on behalf of the 3rd Ward. 'When I moved back to Lockport it was horrifying,' he said of the fumes. 'You could not go outside and shovel the snow without getting a headache and getting dizzy.' DiPasquale said he worked with Assemblyman Paul Bologna to address the issue. 'You get into politics to make change,' DiPasquale said. 'These positions need to get engaged on a level that is more serious than it has been taken in the past. No more same old same old. I am not of that mentality. I want to make things work more efficiently.' O'Malley said as an alderman, he would pull from his professional experience as a manager working with a board of directors. 'I do all my homework and make sure my bases are covered,' O'Malley said. 'My job is to figure out how to get it done. That's what we need to do in the city. If you put together a proposal, that is pretty hard to say no to. My goal would be to try to move things forward. If it's the right thing for the City of Lockport and we can afford it, we need to find a way to get it done.' Early voting is currently taking place at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 4487 Lake Ave. in Lockport. On Primary Election Day this Tuesday, voters must go to their regular polling site to cast a ballot.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City's west side looking for support
As the city celebrates progress in revitalization projects, some residents are asking when the west side will get any attention. As 200th anniversary events for the Erie Canal approach, 3rd Ward residents are quick to point out that West Avenue is attached to the downtown corridor. 'This is a major artery into the city,' said Joe DiPasquale who is running for the 3rd Ward alderman's seat. '(Route 31) brings people in from Niagara Falls. We are going to have visitors from all over the world. We need to have positive, permanent spin-off from that event.' 'There's no reason it has to look dirty and unwelcoming,' added Kathy O'Keefe, owner of Windsor Village Artisan & Antique Market at 43 Stevenson St. 'My grandma lived over here when I was growing up. So it kind of hurts me that it goes totally ignored.' DiPasquale, who purchased his grandmother's home on Bright Street, echoes the sentiment. 'When I was growing up, we had car dealerships, a grocery store, and an Italian import store,' DiPasquale said. 'It needs to be picked up. We're not doing any of those wonderful businesses on West Avenue any favor by turning our back on how it looks.' Roland O'Malley III, a Park Avenue resident running for the 3rd Ward seat, has similar memories. 'Years ago, Pelicanos had a meat market on West Avenue,' he said. 'It's a unique little area. There were five or six car dealerships. On South Niagara Street, there's a lot of work that could be done there. There's a lot of shops and they have employed people.' Mark Devine, 3rd Ward alderman, could not be reached for comment. Devine has missed a number of Common Council work sessions this year and has decided not to run for another term. All three residents point to the many businesses that continue to operate along West and Park avenues and deserve the city's support. O'Keefe said revitalization efforts need to continue from the Pot-O-Gold Bar and Restaurant and go down West Avenue. Having written grants, O'Keefe questions why city grants can't benefit the west end. 'The excuses are that none of the grant funds can go to the west end. The west end just doesn't qualify,' she said. 'Yet it has the largest base of businesses and employees. It's absolutely a false statement, 100 percent. You've always got to balance things. You've got to think — what is going to create a tax base?' 'All they focus on is three blocks of Lockport,' O'Keefe said. 'They never focus on incorporating a bigger area for commerce and business and tying it in together. I think the key to look into is industrial heritage and create an industrial heritage zone and get grant funds,' O'Keefe said. 'There are industrial buildings there from the turn of the century. You could tell those stories. We have a bike lane on 31 and we have the trail right here. We could literally just do a loop.' While there are a number of unoccupied homes and buildings on the West Avenue corridor, O'Malley points out that a number of successful businesses continue to operate, such as Precision Cycle Shop and Candlelight Cabinetry. He said vacant properties could be turned around. 'You could have a restaurant. There's some smaller buildings out there,' O'Malley said. 'There could be bed and breakfasts. Little by little, working with these people who are already there, we can create an environment where people will want to come.' O'Malley said code enforcement is another tool for correcting problems like accumulating junked cars and unmaintained exteriors. Speaking of property near New York Street with wrecked cars, he asked, 'How is a junkyard allowed to be there now? It's unsightly.' DiPasquale also noted a location on West Avenue. 'You've gotta take care of that pile of tubing,' he said. 'I know there's industry on the west side, but we have to work hand-in-hand to clean it up. You can't expect this part of town to rejuvenate with it looking like that. We've got to work with all of them to make it look better.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City Council approves $40K Liquor Commission settlement
Litigation involving the Honolulu Liquor Commission and one of its former investigators who claimed discrimination, harassment and a hostile work environment based on his sexual orientation while working for the agency has advanced toward a settlement. Without discussion or public comment, the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt the city's request to authorize the agreement for Jhumar Ray Waite, with the city agency solely charged with the power and authority to grant licenses for the manufacture, import or sale of liquor within the city and county. James DiPasquale, Waite's attorney, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser his client will receive $40, 000 from the city as part of the agreement. 'It just resolves this simple case, ' he added. The mayor's office also confirmed the Waite settlement. 'The city determined that the settlement amount was reasonable when compared to the anticipated costs of continued litigation, ' Ian Scheuring, the mayor's deputy communications director, told the Star-Advertiser. 'In exchange for the monetary settlement, the plaintiff agreed to release and dismiss with prejudice all claims against the City and the Hono lulu Liquor Commission.' Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii in 2023, Waite's complaint had named HLC investigators Jacob Fears, Catherine Fontaine and Glen Nishigata as defendants in the case. The litigation alleged the trio, in their official and individual capacities, violated portions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as state laws related to discrimination against Waite. Waite—who had worked as a Honolulu liquor investigator starting in 2022 but later resigned—is gay and Filipino, the complaint stated. 'I think it is an appropriate agreement under the circumstances, ' DiPasquale said, adding that his client wanted to settle the case out of court. 'I think he was actually tired of the media. I think he was tired of the attention. He was very stressed. He wanted this to go away.' Meanwhile, the city's prior legal battle against Waite had amassed more legal fees for its hired law firm. In October the city requested the Council adopt Resolution 249, which sought an additional $115, 000 be appropriated to pay Kobayashi Sugita &Goda LLC to defend the city against the Waite civil lawsuit. On Oct. 9 the Council unanimously granted the city's funding request. The trial for Waite's civil litigation was set to begin in April, city officials said. Waite's jettisoned lawsuit follows a related 2021 federal complaint by a Chinatown nightclub and a guide to the islands catering to the LGBTQ + community that also led to a final settlement with the city in December, also involving DiPasquale as the plaintiff's attorney. That settlement agreement saw plaintiffs Scarlet Honolulu Inc. and Gay Island Guide LLC—who alleged anti -gay discrimination by investigators working for the HLC—receive $670, 000, and require mandated federal court oversight, among other reforms. Originally, the complaint had named two liquor commission investigators—Fears and Fontaine—who, along with other investigators working for the city, allegedly engaged in an 'ongoing campaign of unlawful, unconstitutional, and highly discriminatory anti-gay harassment of Scarlet, Gay Island Guide, and generally, the Honolulu LGBTQ + community ' that lasted more than six years, according to the complaint and attorney DiPasquale. After the city sought a motion to dismiss the Scarlet case in 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson on Aug. 3, 2023, issued a 38-page order allowing the case to proceed to a bench trial. But the judge's prior ruling dismissed all claims against the two investigators, Fears and Fontaine, in their official capacities. Terms of the agreement involved changes to how Liquor Commission investigators operate as well as quarterly monitoring and reporting required to the court to oversee the status of implementation of those changes. This week, DiPasquale said his clients in the Scarlet case were also monitoring HLC and its supposed reforms. 'They got an opportunity to work with the new commissioner on a number of different things, ' he added, 'and they're happy with what they view as a legitimate desire to move things in the right direction.' Previously, Liquor Commission Administrator Sal Petilos told the Star -Advertiser his agency's reform efforts included a reorganization of the HLC's field services branch, increased and enhanced training for staff, and more funding for new applications and technologies to create the 'randomization of routine inspection and geolocation history data ' to deter bias among HLC investigators tasked with inspecting liquor-licensed businesses on Oahu. And as of May 1, HLC initiated a body-worn camera pilot program as a trial to document investigators' interactions with the licensed community, according to an agency news release. 'The intent is to increase transparency and accountability while building public trust and confidence in the Honolulu Liquor Commission, ' the April 17 release states. 'For the duration of the pilot program, no information collected will be used to issue warnings, violations, or any type of regulatory response.'
