Tuned to the Verdict

The Feb. 12 Morning Report item “Out of Tune” grossly misrepresented the actual jury verdict in the Dan Lofing suit brought in Sacramento Superior Court. While I understand and appreciate Calendar’s requirements for brevity, such requirements should not come at the expense of an accurate presentation of the essential facts.

Specifically, regarding the outcome of the Lofing suit: The jury found against Lofing’s claims for damages of $385,000 and against his allegations of fraud, mental distress and breach of expressed warranty. Further, the jury found that Lofing must pay the balance due plus interest on the Steinway piano he purchased from Sherman Clay in 1984.

And, while it is true, as the article reported, that the jury found against Sherman Clay and Steinway & Sons for breach of implied merchantability, the trivial award to Lofing of $525, which does not include his requirement to pay court costs, should translate to any reasonable court observer as a win for Sherman Clay and Steinway & Sons.

LEO SPELLMAN, Director

Advertising & Public Relations

Steinway & Sons

Long Island City, N.Y.