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.
California’s Ferret Ban Inherited in 1933 and Never Determined – Petition to Change in 2025
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After nearly eight months of waiting for public records, Legalize Ferrets (LegalizeFerrets.org) has obtained internal California Fish and Game Commission documents confirming that California's ban on domestic ferrets was never based on scientific or administrative findings.
FICO Joins Non-profit CapitalW Collective as Corporate Development Partner
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CapitalW Collective, a trailblazing non-profit dedicated to advancing women and their allies in mortgage capital markets, proudly announces FICO® (NYSE:FICO), as a Corporate Development Partner - CapitalW Collective's highest support tier. The partnership reinforces a shared mission to educate, elevate, and empower current and future leaders within mortgage.
California Safe Schools Marks 27 Years of Transformative Environmental Advocacy, Honors 2025 Heroes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Since its founding in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been at the forefront of protecting children, educators, and communities from toxic exposures. Through tireless advocacy, innovative policies, and community engagement, CSS has led groundbreaking efforts to promote safer school environments, advance environmental justice, and ensure transparency in environmental health.
Newsjunkie’s Survey of World Archives Yields First-Ever Master Directory, Boosting Access to History and Science Data
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Newsjunkie, the journalism site known for "Who's Behind the News" articles, announced today the release of Guide to Public Archives, the news industry's first comprehensive directory of historical, cultural, and scientific archives maintained for public access. The Guide is designed to serve researchers seeking information from the astonishing array of curated collections across the globe, some dating as far back as the 13th century.
‘Healing a Soldier’s Heart’ Documentary Premieres on PBS on Veterans Day Weekend 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Seventeen U.S. veterans die by suicide every day, a number largely unchanged for over a decade. Yet today, on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, there is a hopeful approach for treating combat-related PTSD. Moral injury is in clear focus in the documentary "Healing a Soldier's Heart," Cultural & Educational Media (CEM Productions), the production company for the film, announced today.
Culver City Art Walk & Roll Returns for 2025 celebrating local art, music, food, and culture
CULVER CITY, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Culver City Art Walk & Roll Festival — a free community event celebrating local art, music, food, and culture - returns to Culver City Arts District on Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11 AM – 6 PM. Now in its seventh year, this FREE Festival brings the streets to life with live art-making, artisan vendors, nonstop music, food trucks, beer gardens, and fun for all ages.
Top Colleges and Universities to Attend Vistamar School’s 17th Annual Multicultural Student College Fair in El Segundo
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On October 19, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Vistamar School hosts its 17th annual Multicultural Student College Fair at Vistamar School, 737 Hawaii Street in El Segundo. Open to all students, this College Admissions Fair is an opportunity for high school students to meet representatives and alumni from a wide range of top colleges, universities, and service academies from across the country.
Secured Signing unveils Realify to stop deepfake fraud during remote online notarizations and video signing sessions
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a leader in Digital Signatures and Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology, announced the launch of Realify, a new feature designed to protect businesses and their clients from the rising threat of deepfake fraud during remote online notarizations and video signing sessions.
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs bills curbing billionaire influence on elections and protecting against election interference
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law protecting elections — focusing on keeping dirty money out of California’s democracy and no “sweepstakes” from billionaires seeking to buy elections. Bills include: Senate Bill 42 (Umberg) and Senate Bill 398 (Umberg).
Cal State LA awarded a $1.4M NASA grant to develop AI system for wildfire prediction and management
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Cal State LA has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop an innovative artificial intelligence system designed to forecast wildfire progression and evaluate its impact on air quality.
Domaine Carneros Winery in Napa Unveils its 2025 Holiday Gift Collection
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines, joyfully announces its 2025 holiday wine gift collections. Curated by the team at the French-inspired château founded by Taittinger Champagne, situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the winery enjoys dreaming up inspired sparkling gifts for all those on your holiday list, including yourself!
Charging Ahead, California now exceeds 200,000 EV chargers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that there are now 201,180 fully public and shared electric vehicle (EV) charging ports available for use throughout the state. This is 68% more EV charger ports than the number of gasoline nozzles statewide, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC).
EaseUS Offers Solutions for Safe Backup and Seamless Windows 11 Upgrade Before Win10 Support Ends in Oct.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EaseUS announces a complete backup and migration solution to help users securely protect their data and smoothly upgrade to Windows 11 before Microsoft ends Windows 10 support in October 2025. Unsupported systems face rising security risks and potential downtime.
Calif. Gov. Newsom blasts Trump proposal gutting climate and clean air protections as ‘negligence’
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday (Sept. 22), California Governor Gavin Newsom submitted a formal comment to the U.S. EPA opposing the latest efforts by the Trump administration to deny decades of scientific research and turn back the clock on life-saving policies that protect public health.
SecuGen Announces its new Unity 20 USB-S Smart Fingerprint Reader for Any System
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen, a world leader in fingerprint technology, today announced the Unity™ 20 USB-S, the newest addition to its Unity line of smart fingerprint readers. Ultra-compact, affordable, and FBI-certified for image quality, the Unity 20 USB-S delivers secure biometric authentication across a wide range of industries.
Hillcrest in La Verne California Celebrates National Centenarian Day 2025 with Two Residents Over 100
LA VERNE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hillcrest, a senior living community rooted in service and care, is celebrating National Centenarian Day by honoring its eight centenarian residents whose lives span more than a century. National Centenarian Day is an opportunity not only to recognize individuals but also to reflect on the importance of community spaces that honor and uplift seniors.
Bragg Celebrates National ACV Day 2025 with ‘Trendy Trade-In’ at Santa Monica Pier
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. ("Bragg"), the pioneer of apple cider vinegar (ACV), has launched its new campaign, "A Dose of What Works," to remind Americans that not every wellness craze delivers, but ACV has stood the test of time. To bring this message to life, Bragg will host its first-ever Trendy Trade-In Pop-Up on September 23, National ACV Day (a holiday created by the brand), at Santa Monica Pier.
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.
