Christopher Simmons
Christopher Simmons (aka Christopher Laird Simmons) has been a working journalist since his first magazine sale in 1984. He has since written for wide variety of print and online publications covering lifestyle, tech and entertainment. He is an award-winning author, designer, photographer, and musician. He is a member of ASCAP and PRSA. He is the founder and CEO of Neotrope®, based in Temecula, CA, USA.
EPIC trends’ 3rd Annual BRINGING CHRISTMAS HOME event for 2024 donates creatively decorated trees to families facing hardship
CERRITOS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This year families with children undergoing treatment at local children's hospitals can check one thing off their holiday to-do list, getting a Christmas tree, thanks to a local brand representative firm and its clients. EPIC trends and partners launched their 3rd annual holiday campaign, Bringing Christmas Home, by delivering 200 undecorated Christmas trees to its diverse group of clients in design around Southern California.
Paramount residents vote to approve Measure LR: Paramount City Services, Business License Tax Update Measure
PARAMOUNT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The residents of Paramount, Calif., have voted to approve Measure LR: Paramount City Services, Business License Tax Update Measure during the recent November 2024 general election. This measure will not raise taxes on residents but rather updates the current business license tax structure to create a balance of taxes between large and small businesses.
The California fentanyl task force helps seize over 1.7 million fentanyl pills in October of 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the continuation of the state’s effort to address the fentanyl crisis, with the California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force supporting the seizure of 1,541 pounds of illicit fentanyl in October 2024. These seizures included over 1.7 million fentanyl pills at an estimated street value of $11.9 million.
Culver City’s Cultural Affairs Division announces Sonia Romero as the selected artist to create an original installation for the Farragut Connector
CULVER CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, The City of Culver City’s Cultural Affairs Division announced that Sonia Romero as the selected artist to create an original art installation for the Farragut Connector - the passageway extending access along Farragut Avenue from Jasmine Avenue to Jackson Avenue. This existing path, which renovations were completed in October, features new amenities to enhance accessibility, safety, and visibility for the community. Since September 2023, Cultural Affairs Division and Public Works Department have collaborated to realize this redevelopment.
MCT Announces 2.5% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Despite October 2024 Market Volatility
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, reported a 2.5% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Mortgage market professionals and industry enthusiasts are invited to download MCT's comprehensive report to gain deeper insights into the current market dynamics.
Napa Valley Winery, Domaine Carneros, announces its 2024 Holiday Gifts of Food and Wine
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, joyfully announces its 2024 holiday wine gift collections including new offerings as is the custom every year. Curated by the team at the French-inspired château situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the winery enjoys dreaming up inspired sparkling gifts for friends and clients from one to one hundred.
IEP Careers and IEP Physician Search to Partner with International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) has teamed up with Magnifi Group, Inc. to assist its surgeon members in securing their next career opportunity. This partnership gives ISASS surgeon members access to both the IEP Careers Job Board and the IEP Physician Search Solutions.
OPINION: Democracy Dies Again as Demented Despot is Re-elected to America’s Throne
OPINION: Many of us freedom fighters from around the world awoke this morning to a sense of frustration and disappointment in the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election, with the habitual liar and abuser re-elected to the post of the President of the United States (POTUS). As the 47th elected President, Mr. Trump is a baffling choice to run the country. How can a documented law breaker enact laws? How can a documented tax cheat, set tax laws for the rest of us? The litany of lies, racism, threats and dementia is beyond the pale of understanding to lead our country.
Lifelong Actor-Director Nesbitt Blaisdell Obituary: Dec. 6, 1928 – Sept. 24, 2024
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today the Blaisdell family announced the death of lifelong actor Nesbitt Blaisdell. Nesbitt was born in New York City, December 6, 1928. He was raised in Washington, D.C. and attended the Westminster School of Simsbury, CT. He graduated from Amherst College with a BA in 1951 and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He graduated from Columbia University in 1958 with an MFA in Directing.
The Association of African American Vintners and Glancy Wine Education Foundation Partner to Expand Hospitality Scholarships
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and The Glancy Wine Education Foundation are pleased to announce a collaboration designed to broaden scholarship opportunities. Starting in January 2025, the new partnership will offer AAAV members increased access to the funds necessary for advancing their professional wine education.
Fintech Innovator, MCT, Empowers Mortgage Hedging Performance with Customized Spec Durations
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/-- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today an improvement to functionality through customizable duration analysis for specified loan products. Mortgage lenders using the comprehensive capital markets platform MCTlive! now have the ability to increase, review, and refine the granularity of their spec durations, leading to more precise hedging and reduced basis risk.
Golden State Pops Orchestra (GSPO) presents its 2024 Holiday Pops Spectacular in the South Bay
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The holiday spirit will be brought to life once again with the "Holiday Pops Spectacular" taking place on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 8 p.m., at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. This will be the Golden State Pops Orchestra's long-awaited return to the venue, last performing in Redondo Beach back in 2015.
Domaine Carneros Winery debuts Salon des Rêves, an Art Deco inspired luxury lounge for holiday season
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Domaine Carneros, grower producer of ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wine and limited production pinot noirs, announces the unveiling of one of wine country's swankiest new venues, the Salon des Rêves. Imagined as a speakeasy style lounge where locals and visitors can experience luxury offerings of oysters, caviar, ceviche and tinned fish, in addition to the winery's wide selection of accompaniments including local charcuterie, smoked salmon, vegan cheese and macarons.
Informative Research Brings its Mortgage Verification Platform to the Dark Matter Exchange Network
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Informative Research, a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced it has made its Verification Platform solution available in the Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter) Exchange℠ service network to streamline verification of income (VOI) and verification of employment (VOE) for more lenders.
BHERC Finishes the Year with 30th Annual S.E. Manly African-American Short Film Festival, Regal at LA LIVE
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) President Sandra J. Evers-Manly is pleased to announce the 30th Annual S. E. Manly African American Short Film Festival (SEMAASFF), will take place November 15, 2024; and is kicking off with its historic opening event, "Great Night in Black Hollywood," the weekend of November 15, to open the occasion's weekend.
New Study Reveals $11.7B Economic Impact and Growth of Sports in the Los Angeles Region
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The Los Angeles Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) released the fourth annual economic impact of sports report today, cementing the region's stature as a hub of sports activity and commerce.
Sacramento SPCA Welcomes new CEO, Jennifer Brent, to Lead California Animal Welfare Charity
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today the appointment of Jennifer Brent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 14, 2024. Brent joins the Sacramento SPCA with more than 16 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and animal welfare sectors, serving the past 8 years as Executive Director of The California Wildlife Center (CWC).
Safety Dog Diego LLC Debuts New Children’s Book, ‘Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted’
VENTURA, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Angel and Tracey Jimenez are excited to announce the launch of their new children's book series and brand, Safety Dog Diego. Their debut book, "Safety Dog Diego Gets Adopted" (ISBN: 979-8341058088), introduces the heartwarming tale of a lively French Bulldog puppy, Diego, who is adopted and becomes an important safety figure, teaching kids practical tips on staying safe in their everyday lives.
California Safe Schools Celebrates its 26th Anniversary and Honors Environmental Legend Ed Begley Jr.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) a coalition dedicated to children's environmental health and environmental justice, renowned for spearheading the most protective pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District, hosted their 26th Annual 'Your Life Is Now' Forum on October 9th at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles.
Promising Neurotechnology Startups to Present at the 24th Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Neurotech Reports announced that executives from several emerging neurotechnology startups will present for the first time at the 2024 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco, November 6-7. Among the new presenters are Paxos Medical, a firm that has developed a novel neuromodulation therapy for non-obstructive urinary retention.
Legalize Ferrets Pauses its Lawsuit, Files Petition for Regulatory Change with California Office of Administrative Law
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Legalize Ferrets, the grassroots organization advocating for the legalization of domestic ferrets in California, has announced a strategic pause in its ongoing lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court. The decision follows the filing of a petition for regulatory change with the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL), marking a new approach in the effort to challenge the state's longstanding ban on ferrets.
CapitalW Collective Announces Katten as Corp. Sponsor, Supporting Women in Mortgage Capital Markets
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- CapitalW Collective, the glass shattering 501(c)(3) benefiting women and their allies in mortgage capital markets, today announced Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP as a new corporate sponsor. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in CapitalW Collective's mission "to create more inclusive mortgage capital markets, one woman and ally at a time."
Secured Signing Launches Integration with Okta for Enhanced Single Sign-On Experience (SSO)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Secured Signing is excited to announce its official integration with Okta, a leading identity management solution, to deliver seamless and secure Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities. This integration enhances user experience and security for employees, contractors, and business partners, ensuring they have quick, reliable access to the tools they need to perform at their best.
South Bay Music Association Presents ‘Lord of the Rings: A Symphonic Concert’ with the South Bay Wind Ensemble
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- South Bay Music Association announced today that on November 2, 2024, in Redondo Beach, CA, the South Bay Wind Ensemble will perform "Lord of the Rings: A Symphonic Concert." The concert will take place at the Riviera United Methodist Church beginning at 7 p.m. (375 Palos Verdes Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).
IEP Physician Search Chosen to Assist Capitol Pain Institute with Placement of Pain Management Physicians
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- IEP Physician Search concluded a physician placement agreement with Capitol Pain Institute (CPI), a leading pain management center based in Austin, Texas, with facilities in Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, and Indiana. IEP Physician Search, with the largest database of Pain and Orthpaedic surgeons in the US, will leverage its unique position in the medical education and staffing industries to assist CPI in finding its perfect match.
MCT Expands MSR Valuation Options with AD&Co Prepayment Model: Precision and Confidence for MSR Managers
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced the integration of the LoanDynamics Model (LDM) from Andrew Davidson & Co. (AD&Co) into their mortgage servicing rights (MSR) valuation software. LDM is a well-respected prepayment model for residential mortgages that will complement MCT's proprietary prepayment model in MSRlive!
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass selects Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th Chief of the LAPD
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — L.A. Mayor Karen Bass today announced she has selected Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, saying that her choice was guided by her commitment to reducing crime and making L.A. safer in every neighborhood.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office to host inaugural LA Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — On Thursday (Oct. 3), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that her office will host the inaugural LA Sports & Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit on Thursday, October, 2024 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. to provide local businesses with support and resources to tap into opportunities that upcoming major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will present.
MCT Reports 3% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume, Refinance Activity Buoys Market in Q3/24
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 3.17% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. The report highlights key market dynamics, offering industry professionals valuable insights. Industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report for comprehensive insights into the market dynamics.
Calif. Gov. Newsom proclaims Native American Day, signs legislation supporting California’s Native communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — As leaders of Native American tribes from across California gather at the State Capitol to celebrate Native American Day 2024, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed today Native American Day and announced the signing of several bills that advance tribal priorities.
Calif. Gov. Governor Newsom announces appointments for Sept. 26, 2024 including to California Volunteers Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Thursday (9.26.24) Calif. Governor Newsom announced appointments. First: Shelly Guyer, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Volunteers Commission. Guyer was Chief Sustainability Officer at Invitae Corporation from 2021 to 2022 and Chief Financial Officer there from 2017 to 2021. She was Chief Financial Officer at Veracyte Inc.
New Comedy Documentary Special, ‘Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted,’ now available on PRIME VIDEO
OAKLAND, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- San Francisco Bay Area comedian Nina G, known for her unique brand of humor as a woman who stutters, proudly announces the release of her comedy documentary special, "Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted." Available now on Amazon Prime, this special arrives just in time for International Stuttering Awareness Day on October 22. [VIDEO]
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs bills to protect digital likeness of performers in the new era of AI
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills to help actors and performers protect their digital likenesses in audio and visual productions, including those who are deceased. This legislation will help ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital media technologies in entertainment by giving workers more protections.
Jazz Nights: The City of Culver City Swings Every Sunday evening in October at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
CULVER CITY, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The City of Culver City welcomes you to enjoy Sunday evenings in October 2024 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre where talented jazz musicians will perform each Sunday, beginning at 7 p.m.. TJoin us as we hear beautiful sound from award-winning musicians from across the nation. It is the perfect way to wind down your weekends in Downtown Culver City.
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs ‘smash-and-grab’ bill to strengthen felony sentences for large-scale theft offenses
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Finalizing the complete package of historic bills to crack down on retail and property crime, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 1960 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to create steeper felony penalties for large-scale felony theft offenses. The bill would mandate that courts impose an enhanced sentence when suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued at over $50,000 during the commission of any felony, including retail theft.
MCT Reports 3% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Backed by Increased Refinance Activity
SAN DIEGO, Calif., /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 3.33% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Despite a larger increase in rate/term volume, total mortgage volume remains relatively flat.
Magnifi Group and Kalon Staffing Team Up to Launch IEP Physician Search Targeting Fellows
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Magnifi Group, Inc. and Kalon Staffing, LLC, today announced the launch of IEP Physician Search - iep-search.com - a Fellows search service to place Orthopaedic, Pain Management and Electrophysiology (EP) Fellows in US Medical Centers.
Calif. Legislature Approves Landmark IVF Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Fertility Healthcare, Sending Measure to Gov. Newsom
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The California State Legislature approved Senate Bill 729, authored by State Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) and sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, with bipartisan support today sending the measure to Governor Newsom's desk with votes of 55-0 in the Assembly and 30-8 in the Senate.
Grey Muzzle Grant for 2024 Gives Senior Dogs at Sacramento SPCA a Second Chance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- There's good news for old dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at the Sacramento SPCA are among the winners. The Sacramento SPCA is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them.
L.A. METRO’S GoPass Program Reaches 40 million student boardings in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrates surpassing 40 million student boardings and more than 400,000 registered students using the free fare student GoPass for unlimited travel to school, work and leisure activities.
Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program 2025 Announced Supporting Theatre, Dance, and Music
Today, the City of Culver City has announced grants to support theatre, dance, and music performances. This program brings performing arts events to the community and helps make them accessible to everyone. Culver City wants everyone to have a chance to experience and enjoy the arts. Our grants support a variety of cultural experiences for Culver City's residents, businesses, artists, and visitors. Grant guidelines and applications for 2025 performances are available.
Secured Signing Notary Community enables notaries to connect with clients online, receive jobs, and chat directly
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a frontrunner in the realm of digital signature and remote online notarization solutions, is thrilled to unveil a series of substantial upgrades to its Notary Community platform. These enhancements are meticulously crafted to empower notaries to broaden their client base, attract many business opportunities, and optimize their workflow efficiency.
Patented Fintech Allows Mortgage Buyers to Transact with Any Seller on MCT Marketplace
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced that the company has been awarded a patent for the security spread commitment used in the industry's largest mortgage asset exchange: MCT Marketplace. The security spread commitment transforms loan auctions, turning shadow bids into executable prices.
Over 20 communities become first to earn new Clean California designation in 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- This week (on Aug. 3) Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the Clean California Community Designation Program, a statewide effort encouraging local engagement to make communities cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. The Newsom Administration joined the City of Fresno to launch the program and designate Fresno as one of 22 California communities first to take the pledge.
MCT Reports a 6% Mortgage Lock Volume Decrease in Latest July 2024 Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a decrease of 5.67% in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report for comprehensive insights into the market dynamics.
Restrictive Policies Contribute to California’s Low Construction Employment Ranking in 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The construction unemployment rate in California stands at 3.9% through June 2024. While this marks a decrease in a year, a deeper review of the numbers shows that only 7 states have seen their unemployment rates improve slower than California, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). "While the industry is pleased with a relatively low unemployment rate, we wonder how much lower it could be if we simply adopted policies consistent with the rest of the nation," said John Morris, President and CEO, ABC Northern California Chapter (ABC NorCal).
Championing Environmental Change: California Safe Schools Fosters National Collaboration and Innovation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates their 26th annual pioneering "Your Life Is Now" Forum which brings together students, members of the public, local, state and federal government. 26 years ago, California Safe Schools (CSS) was founded by Robina Suwol with a mission to protect children on school sites from ever being exposed to pesticides.
Informative Research’s Kelly Richards Receives 2024 MPA Elite Women Award
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, announced today that Kelly Richards, Head of Sales Support, has been named a winner of the MPA Elite Women 2024 by Mortgage Professional America (MPA). This award recognizes exceptional female leaders who have significantly contributed to the mortgage industry.
Informative Research Enhances Verification Platform through Expanded Integration with The Work Number from Equifax
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform delivering data-driven solutions to the lending community, today announced the expansion of its verification platform through the integration of additional Equifax solutions that leverage The Work Number®, the industry-leading commercial source of consolidated income and employment information.
California feeds over 3.2 million low-income children through summer SUN Bucks
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that through SUN Bucks, a new federal food program, more than 3,240,000 low-income children and their families have received food assistance during summer break. More than $162 million in food purchases have already been made by families across the state, and over five million total cards are expected to be distributed across California in the coming months, keeping kids fed and supporting local economies.
