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.
Vintage Americana Signage Comes to Life at New Paul Stanley Museum, Coming to Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A forgotten genius of mid-century advertising is finally getting his due. The newly launched Paul Stanley Museum, opening in Los Angeles in 2026, will honor the legacy of Paul Stanley Company - the creative powerhouse behind some of America's most beloved animated beer and soda advertising signs.
The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) partners with FICO – will deliver exclusive credit intelligence to lenders
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has added FICO, global analytics software leader, as an educational partner. This partnership gives members additional insights into credit data, market trends and risk modeling. Unlike TMC's traditional partners, FICO will not sell products or services, focusing instead on empowering TMC's lender network with actionable intelligence on credit behavior and market dynamics.
DocMagic launches AI-powered fintech platform to unify mortgage production called DOCMAGIC ONE
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc. today announced the launch of DocMagic® One, a new platform for lenders that eliminates the inefficiencies of juggling multiple systems by bringing every critical loan manufacturing step into a single, intuitive platform. Document preparation, compliance checks, collaboration between borrowers, title agents and settlement agents, and closing coordination all happen in one place. Role-based permissions and organizational hierarchies keep tasks moving without bottlenecks.
Secured Signing Joins the Clio App Directory to Simplify Digital Legal Document Signing
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a global trusted leader in digital signature and remote online notarization solutions, is excited to unveil its latest integration with Clio, the industry's leading cloud-based legal technology platform. This integration streamlines document signing workflows for legal professionals - boosting efficiency, enhancing productivity, and freeing up more time to focus on what truly matters: their clients.
Calif. Governor Newsom delivers 2025 State of the State letter to the California Legislature, on 175th anniversary of statehood
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On California’s 175th anniversary of statehood, California Governor Gavin Newsom transmitted the 2025 State of the State letter to the Legislature. The Governor’s address, and his State of the State letter to the Legislature, highlight the Golden State as a cultural driver, leader in innovation, and defender of democratic values, powered and strengthened by its diverse population.
Calif. Governor Newsom proclaims California’s 175th Anniversary
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring September 9, 2025, as “California’s 175th Anniversary” in the State of California. "As the United States nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, California proudly celebrates its own historic milestone of 175 years as a state."
The Light Committee is First L.A.-based Headshot Photography Studio to Earn 500 Five-Star Reviews
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Light Committee, a headshot photography studio known for providing amongst the best headshots in greater Los Angeles, has become the first such studio to achieve 500 five-star reviews on the map platform of world's largest online search engine. It also means the studio has more five-star reviews than any other headshot photography studio in greater Los Angeles.
Culver City Jazz Nights 2025 come to the Kirk Douglas Theatre in September
CULVER CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The City of Culver City welcomes you to enjoy Sunday evenings in September at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Talented jazz musicians will perform the 14th, 21st, and 28th, of Sept., beginning at 7 PM. Join us as we hear beautiful sounds from award-winning musicians from across the nation. It is the perfect way to wind down your weekends in Downtown Culver City.
LA Metro Reinforces ‘Safety Begins with You’ Rail Safety Advice During 2025 Rail Safety Month
LOS ANGELES /California Newswire/ -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) observes Rail Safety Month each September by reminding everyone that “Safety Begins with You” and encouraging the public to practice safe behavior around Metro trains and tracks. To kick off Rail Safety Month 2025, Metro’s Rail Safety Education Program team will partner with Metrolink and Amtrak to hold a pop-up event at L.A. Union Station.
Informative Research’s Chief Experience Officer Matt Orlando Named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Chief Experience Officer Matt Orlando has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard.
DocMagic CEO Pat Theodora honored as a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc. today announced that CEO and Co-Founder Pat Theodora has been named a recipient of the 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award. This recognition honors C-level professionals and business leaders who are making a significant impact on the housing economy through bold vision, enduring leadership and forward-thinking innovation.
Aztec Link Vodka Launches to Support SDSU Student-Athletes, Help Fund NIL Opportunities
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Craft & Cause today announced the launch of Aztec Link Vodka, a premium spirit developed in collaboration with Aztec Link to provide support for San Diego State University Student-Athletes. With every bottle sold, $3 will be contributed to Aztec Link, helping fund Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities that benefit SDSU student-athletes.
Energuy and Finturf Launch Incentive Program for Contractors, for Every Financed Project Using Energuy Services
GLENDALE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Finturf, a leading provider of point-of-sale financing solutions, and Energuy, the #1 contractor solution for permits and rebates, have partnered to introduce a powerful new incentive program aimed at supporting contractor success and promoting energy-efficient home improvements.
The Mortgage Collaborative hosting Mortgage Tech Day at Fall 2025 ‘Cheers’ conference in Boston
SAN DIEGO, Calif. and BOSTON /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's leading independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, announced today that its Mortgage Tech Day will take place September 14 at the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston as part of its Fall conference, "CHEERS! Where Everyone Knows Your Name."
GPT AI Corporation, Inc. Launches EdGPT AI Platform for Educational Institutions
BUENA PARK, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Educational institutions from preschools to universities adopt AI-powered communication platform that eliminates traditional website barriers, GPT AI Corporation, Inc. today announced the launch of EdGPT.ai, an advanced conversational AI platform specifically designed for educational institutions, while declaring that "websites are a thing of the past" based on comprehensive research showing widespread website accessibility failures.
Calif. Voter-approved Prop 1 funding awarded to CA communities to create new supportive housing, reducing homelessness
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- California recently announced $75.5 million in voter-approved Proposition 1 funding will create 200 permanent supportive new homes across Oakland, Santa Clara, and Ventura for Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges. Prop 1, which was championed by Governor Newsom and approved by voters in 2023, is transforming California’s mental health systems with a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for housing, services, and treatment for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
L.A. Mayor Bass and LAPD Announce Successful Take Down of Burglary Crew Responsible for Nearly 100 Break-Ins in City
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief McDonnell today announced that LAPD, with partnership from regional law enforcement agencies, led a coordinated operation to successfully take down a burglary crew responsible for nearly 100 break-ins across the city and in the county of Los Angeles over the last two years.
Calif. Gov. Newsom advances Sites Reservoir project, expanding California’s water storage
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom is continuing to prepare the state for the water shortages impacting western states and the upcoming threat of a hotter, drier future. Today, Newsom announced that the state’s Sites Reservoir infrastructure project is advancing forward and has received a nearly $219 million funding increase from the California Water Commission to ensure the project moves forward as quickly as possible.
Life Plan Humboldt in Calif. Unveils Humboldt Commons, a National Model for Community-based Aging
MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Life Plan Humboldt (LPH), the nonprofit organization creating Humboldt County's first resident-driven senior living community, proudly announces the name of its first community: Humboldt Commons. The name was selected from more than 300 submissions gathered through a community-wide naming campaign that invited the entire Humboldt community to participate.
California Parents, Guardians, and Teachers: Opt-In for School Pesticide Notifications during 2025 School Year
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Safe Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to children's environmental health and safety, reminds parents, guardians, teachers and school staff at all California K-12 public schools and child care centers to file the Right to Know Pesticide Use Notification form at the start of the school year. This form is mandated under California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act.
Hillcrest Senior Living Offers an Ideal Community for Solo Agers in Los Angeles, and a Summer Camp to Match
LA VERNE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With a growing number of older adults choosing to age solo, Hillcrest, a nonprofit, age-qualified community in La Verne, is stepping up to meet the needs of this rising demographic. Set on a lush 50-acre campus in La Verne, California, Hillcrest is a haven for those who crave meaningful connection, wellness-centered living and a true sense of belonging - especially for those entering this next chapter on their own.
Two Prominent Professors Will Keynote the 25th Annual Neurotech Leaders Forum in California
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neurotech Reports, the publisher of the Neurotech Business Report newsletter, announced that two prominent figures in the field of neurotechnology will keynote the 2025 Neurotech Leaders Forum, which takes place November 5-6 in San Francisco. Edward Chang, chair of the department of neurological surgery at UC San Francisco, will discuss future applications of implanted brain sensing and stimulation devices.
Secured Signing Expands Capabilities in Q3 with In-Person Electronic Notarization Upgrade
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a global leader in digital signature and online notarization technology, has announced a significant upgrade to its In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) solution. The revamped IPEN experience is now fully integrated into the same intuitive dashboard used for Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Digital Signatures-enabling notaries to manage in-person signings with greater speed, convenience, and consistency.
Informative Research Enhances its Mortgage Prequalification Insight with The Work Number Indicator from Equifax
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced the addition of The Work Number® Report Indicator from Equifax to its integrated suite of mortgage credit and verification tools.
‘The Real Superheroes of Beverly Hills’ Get Glitzy Debut at Comic-Con with 1First Books
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The glittering facade of Beverly Hills just got a serious makeover in the pages of "The Real Superheroes of Beverly Hills" illustrated novel. Writer and longtime comic-book scribe Steve Stern ("Zen Intergalactic Ninja") said, "It's the story of four students at Beverly Hills High who receive some wild powers during a cosmic event at Griffith Observatory, are immediately outed by a tabloid reporter, and then given their own reality TV show."
L.A. releases a bold Blueprint to accelerate 2025 wildfire recovery
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday applauded Los Angeles County leadership for releasing a detailed infrastructure plan to rebuild communities impacted by the devastating January fires. On august 4, Los Angeles County unveiled LA County Forward Blueprint for Rebuilding, a comprehensive roadmap focused on unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation and product innovation
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Amid one of the mortgage industry's most prolonged stretches of cost pressure and market uncertainty, the latest Pulse of the Network survey from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) reports that lenders are responding with creativity and nimble thinking, anchored by a clear commitment to long-term resilience.
‘COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine’ Serves Up Second Annual ‘Come Over October’ Campaign
ST. HELENA, Calif. /California Newswire \/ -- COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine today announced that planning is underway for its highly anticipated second annual "Come Over October" campaign, building on the extraordinary success of 2024's inaugural initiative. The community-driven wine platform continues to demonstrate the power of authentic connection through wine appreciation, preparing to expand its reach and impact even further this fall.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Welcomes New 2025 Board Members
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) today announced the appointment of two new board members, Brandon Ford and Annie Shi, as the organization marks a leadership transition with the stepping down of Vice President Alder Yarrow after five years of dedicated service.
City of Paramount CA Launches Immigration Humanitarian Services Program to Support Local Families
PARAMOUNT, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- In a move to provide support for immigrant families experiencing sudden hardships, the Paramount City Council has established a new Immigration Humanitarian Services Program, reallocating $60,000 in City funds to launch the $100,000 initiative. The City Council unanimously approved the funding during its June 24 meeting, reflecting a proactive and compassionate approach to supporting some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
The Cudahy CA City Council Adopts Series of Pro-Immigrant Resolutions
During its regular meeting on July 15, 2025, the Cudahy City Council unanimously adopted several key resolutions affirming the City’s commitment to supporting immigrant communities and protecting due process rights. “Red Cards,” providing basic “Know Your Rights” information, are available at City Hall in both English and Spanish.
Informative Research’s Shannon Santos Named a 2025 MPA Elite Woman Award Honoree
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research Data Solutions, a division of Informative Research and a leading provider of data-powered borrower intelligence and analytics tools for the financial services industry, announced today that its executive vice president, Shannon Santos, has been named a 2025 Mortgage Professional America (MPA) Elite Woman Award recipient.
Fintech Innovator, Informative Research, Expands Verification Platform with Halcyon Integration
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire / -- Informative Research (IR), a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced the availability of Halcyon's IRS tax transcript service within the IR Verification Platform. This enhancement expands Informative Research's suite of verification of income and employment (VOI/E) options.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) is Celebrating 5th Anniversary, Expands National Impact
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) today celebrates the 5th anniversary of its founding with the release of its mid-year impact data, highlighting important growth in scholarship awards, industry sponsorship, and national reach. Since 2020, GWEF has awarded 249 scholarships to aspiring wine professionals from underserved communities across the United States.
25 U.S. Mortgage Execs Bridge Local Advocacy and National Innovation Through Dual Roles with TMC and State MBAs
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire / -- Twenty-five executive leaders from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) have been identified as holding current leadership positions in their respective state Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBAs), showcasing a growing alignment between grassroots industry advocacy and national operational collaboration.
Paul Stanley Sign Museum to Open in L.A. in 2026, Celebrating Whimsical Advertising History
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The world of vintage advertising is getting a new home. Opening in 2026, the Paul Stanley Sign Museum, a nonprofit organization, in Los Angeles will pay tribute to the visionary work of Paul Stanley & Company, the San Francisco-based design firm behind some of the most imaginative and visually striking point-of-sale advertising displays ever created.
Frank Residences Partners with the Alzheimer’s Association for San Francisco Event
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Frank Residences, a non-profit senior living community known for its integrated memory care, is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to host a "Care for the Caregiver" Workshop on Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. at One Avalon Avenue, San Francisco.
Scentient Launches Clean Fragrance Subscription for the Conscious Consumer Wanting Elevated Sensory Experience
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Meet Scentient, the clean fragrance subscription box that reimagines scent discovery through the lens of safety, sustainability, and elevated sensory experience. Launching July 1, Scentient offers curated, non-toxic perfumes from independent brands that align with the values of today's conscious consumer.
Maglite and Pedestrian Safety Institute Promote Traffic and Pedestrian Safety During 2025 National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire / -- The Maglite® brand partners with the Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI) to support traffic and pedestrian safety during one of the deadliest times of the year, the first week in July. The days surrounding July 4th are perilous and are routinely referred to as the deadliest driving days of the year, and pedestrian deaths make up approximately 20% of those fatalities.
Adax MAVCP (Multipath Aerial Vehicle Control Protocol) elevates drone survival and mission success
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire / -- Adax Inc. announces a new control and communications protocol for drones and UAV's that greatly enhances drone survival in hostile environments where they are being shot down because of excessive radio communications. Adax MAVCP (Multipath Aerial Vehicle Control Protocol) is designed for drone survival in hostile environments producing greater likelihood of mission success.
California Safe Schools, A Global Voice for Environmental Health, Honors 2025 Youth Heroes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- For more than 27 years, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been a leading advocate for environmental health, dedicated to upholding the highest standards for clean air, water, and soil, and advancing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy environment. Founded by Robina Suwol, a bold and visionary leader in the field, CSS is rooted in the principles of the Precautionary Principle and the public's Right to Know-ensuring that transparency, accountability, and prevention are central to environmental decision-making.
Smarter PR Tech Stacks Start with PRToolFinder – Introducing New Free Limited Access
MARTINEZ, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PRToolFinder, the only online database dedicated solely to Public Relations tools, has introduced a free, limited-access tier, making it easier for PR professionals, in-house teams, and businesses to discover essential PR tools and technology. PRToolFinder is the only comprehensive online database 100% focused on Public Relations tools.
The Mortgage Collaborative’s New Podcast ‘The Sip’ Delivers Industry Insights and Peer Collaboration
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced the launch of its new weekly podcast, "The Sip," designed to give mortgage professionals direct access to peers solving the same challenges they face every day. From tech adoption and compliance pressure to margin management, the 30-minute series delivers real-world strategies shared by lenders, for lenders-streamed live every Tuesday on LinkedIn.
Calif. Senator Alex Padilla Warns Against Trump’s Unprecedented Overreach in L.A., Condemns Abuse of Immigrants
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined a spotlight forum entitled “Cruel and Unamerican: The Abuse of Immigrants to Attack...
Actress Ally Walker Debuts New Metaphysical Thriller Novel, ‘The Light Runner’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Red Rabbit Press LLC. presents "The Light Runner" (ISBN: 978-1966981060). Ally Walker has captivated audiences with unforgettable roles-from June Stahl in "Sons of Anarchy" to Dr. Sam Waters in "Profiler." Her versatility has made her a standout presence in film and television, with memorable performances in "Universal Soldier" and "While You Were Sleeping."
California adds more clean energy capacity to the grid faster than ever before
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- California has achieved a major clean energy milestone: more than 25,000 megawatts (MW) of new resources have been added to the state’s electric grid over the past five years — an amount equivalent to roughly half of the state’s record peak demand in 2022 and in addition to existing capacity, the California governor's office announced this week.
Calif. Gov. Newsom announces appointments for 6.3.25 including to the California Environmental Protection Agency
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- This week, on Tuesday (June 3), California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the following appointments: First, Alana Mathews, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Enforcement and General Counsel at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Mathews has been Assistant District Attorney at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office since 2022 and Adjunct Professor at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law since 2020.
‘COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine’ Concludes Successful ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Spring Campaign for 2025
ST. HELENA, Calif. /California Newswire / -- COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine, a mission-driven company focused on wine advocacy, today announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural Share & Pair Sundays spring campaign while announcing plans for its highly anticipated second annual "Come Over October" campaign this fall. Through both initiatives, the organization, founded by three wine industry leaders, has demonstrated the power of community-driven advocacy to reach consumers with positive messages about wine.
Yiftee Inc. Enables Contactless ‘Tap & Go’ Payments – Teams with Silicon Valley Bank
MENLO PARK, Calif. /California Newswire / -- Yiftee, a leading provider of Community Cards that "Keep Local Dollars Local," announced the launch of contactless Tap & Go capabilities for their virtual Community Cards that support over 700 communities and over 20,000 local businesses. Developed with Mastercard and Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, this latest innovation is expected to help drive spending to local shops and restaurants across the country, fueling the "shop local" movement.
Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neeley Recognized as an Outstanding Community Leader
LA VERNE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matthew Neeley, President and CEO of Hillcrest, an age-qualified community in La Verne, was recently honored as an Outstanding Community Leader at the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch 6th Annual Freedom Fund Event. Through his compassionate leadership and steadfast commitment to serving others, Neeley has led efforts that uplift individuals, bridge divides and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
