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 Soul Food Cookout and Festival: 2-Day Event with Purpose and Celebrity Chef Milly
PLEASANTON, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is an exclusive, two-day weekend event being held on September 17 and 18, 2022 at the Alameda Fairgrounds. In its 12th year, this year's lineup will feature some of the state's top food vendors, hottest R&B artists and gospel greats. What's more, Chef Milly, a celebrity chef from "Hell's Kitchen," is the food venue host at the heart of it all.
KROST CPAs Announce Greg Kniss as Chairman of the Board, Jason Melillo as CEO and Keith Hamasaki as Principal of Assurance...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Los Angeles-based CPA Firm, KROST CPAs and Consultants announced that Greg Kniss has been appointed to Chairman of the Board, Jason Melillo promoted as the new CEO, and Keith Hamasaki to Principal of Assurance & Advisory services.
Bay Area Brewers Guild and Half Time Beverage Partner to Deliver Series of Mixed Packs, Starting with SF Beer Week Beers
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Bay Area Brewers Guild and Half Time Beverage have partnered to launch a series of unique guild-curated mixed packs to celebrate California craft beer and the robust Bay Area craft beer scene. This partnership with a national direct-to-consumer retailer means the Guild will be able to showcase its membership of independent and world-class craft breweries to beer lovers within and outside of the Bay Area.
Spring EQ Offers Home Equity Products to Brokers in the Lender Price Marketplace
PASADENA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Lender Price, a provider of mortgage loan pricing and origination technology, announced today that Spring EQ has joined the Lender Price Marketplace as the first home equity loan lender on the platform. Spring EQ, headquartered in Philadelphia, is one of the nation's largest lenders of home equity products.
Coalition For A Safe Environment to Distribute Free Personal Protection Equipment to Non-Profit Orgs and Public in So. Calif.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Coalition For A Safe Environment (CFASE), a 20-year old non-profit environmental justice organization headquartered in Wilmington, California, and its Community Emergency Preparedness Network will be distributing free Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to community non-profit organizations, public health service providers, churches and the public.
AmTrav launches guest travel planning solution, Gather
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, announces Gather, the travel planning solution for today's guest traveler. Gather enables travel arrangers to quickly invite guest travelers to book their own travel within set itinerary parameters and travel policies, giving arrangers the controls they need and guests the travel choice they want.
Mortgage Coach and NAMMBA expand partnership to grow diversity, equity and inclusion in housing finance
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, has expanded its relationship with the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA).
EPIC Adds Joseph Freeman to Lead West Region Loss Control Team in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Joseph Freeman has joined the firm as Managing Principal. He will be based in Los Angeles.
Creative Blueprint Introduces the First Digital App of Connected, Arts-centered Learning for Kindergarteners
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Creative Blueprint, launching 2/22/22, is the only EdTech company that connects art-based learning to the national education standards and measures students' progress. We address the problem of low student engagement by making arts-centered learning accessible to parents and teachers.
ReverseVision adds Marketing Expert Scott Shepherd to Help Elevate Brand
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision®, the leading national provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, announced that seasoned marketing executive Scott Shepherd has joined the company to head its marketing efforts. As head of marketing, he oversees ReverseVision's marketing department and is responsible for the design and implementation of its new marketing strategy.
A.I. and Segmentation Tech Firm, Fanplayr Continues its Global Expansion with New Office Location in Spain
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fanplayr, a global leader for e-commerce intelligence solutions, continues to expand its presence in the European market with the opening of a new office in Spain, with the goal of promoting brands that operate in retail, tourism, telecommunications, automotive, banking, energy, insurance and entertainment.
Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform, unveils redesigned website
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, has announced the launch of a newly designed website. The website redesign offers visitors an enhanced user experience featuring immersive brand exploration opportunities and an enriched library of lender resources.
LANtelligence Acquired by Matrix Networks to Create a CX-Automation Powerhouse
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matrix Networks announced its recent acquisition of LANtelligence to create a new business venture enabling a powerful combination of modern business technology. Having informally shared resources for more than 10 years, it just made sense for these two companies to come together in a more structured way.
Legacy Launch Pad Announces Fitness Book Addressing Ketogenic Bodybuilding by Robert Sikes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is releasing "Ketogenic Bodybuilding: A Natural Athlete's Guide to Competitive Savagery" (ISBN: 978-1956955071), the first book by Robert Sikes. The book is the result of Sikes' experiences as a professional bodybuilder and fitness coach.
Legacy Launch Pad Brings Award-Winning Business Book by Victor Orlovski and Vladimir Korovkin to U.S.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is releasing an updated edition of "From Rhino to Unicorn: How Fortune 500 Companies Can Evolve for the Digital Era" (ISBN: 978-1951407995), an award-winning business book co-authored by Victor Orlovski and Vladimir Korovkin.
Timely New Drama, ‘The Narrow Bridge,’ about the War Between Russia and The West Over Ukraine, now on Amazon Prime
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- GI-Films announces: What is really going on in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine is the subject of a new movie "The Narrow Bridge" just released on Amazon Prime. Written and produced by Mirza Davitaia, and produced by GI-Films, "The Narrow Bridge" is about a young artist who must take up arms to defend Ukraine.
TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP recently participated in a $38M Series C investment round for AI Software, LLC dba Capacity
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") recently participated in a $38M Series C investment round for AI Software, LLC dba Capacity. Capacity is an AI-powered support automation platform.
KROST CPAs in Los Angeles Posts Record Year of M&A Advisory in 2021, Expects Trend to Continue in 2022
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- KROST CPAs and Consultants reported a record year of M&A advisory work in 2021 and expects to remain equally busy in 2022. "We were involved in 21 buy-side and sell-side transactions in 2021," said Paren Knadjian, Head of M&A and Capital Markets at KROST.
9th Annual Cursive is Cool Contest Adds More Prizes for Pandemic-Friendly Participation for 2022
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Cursive is Cool® contest will be held as usual this year after encouragement from teachers, parents, and students, announced the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation today, despite some schools in the USA and Canada operating remotely, or using a hybrid model with in-person learning. In person education is on again, off again, hit or miss these days. Yet, Cursive is Cool Contest is reliable.
Cal State LA announces 2022 launch of regional consortium as part of statewide #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cal State LA has been selected to participate in the new statewide #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program that aims to engage undergraduate students in solving problems in their communities throughout California. Cal State LA will lead a regional consortium of local colleges and universities that will pair students with community-based organizations to address urgent community needs in the eastern region of Los Angeles County.
ReverseVision Announces Hiring of Mortgage Industry Veteran Steve Butler as Director of Business Development
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision®, the leading national provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, announced that it added long-time mortgage professional Steve Butler to the company's sales team, who brings more than 35 years of experience to the company. ReverseVision has been adding resources in key functional areas as part of its strategic expansion plan.
Nomis Solutions Names Fintech Veteran George Neal as Chief Product Officer, Promotes Prashant Balepur to SVP, Corporate Strategy
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Nomis Solutions (Nomis), a global, industry-leading pricing and profitability management solutions provider, recently announced the appointment of George Neal as chief product officer. In this role, Neal will oversee strategy and development for new and existing products across all Nomis industry verticals.
With LITA, Ghaben Partners Bring the Caribbean to the Bay Area with its New Miami-Inspired Restaurant
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Ghaben Partners is excited to announce the grand opening of LITA, a celebration of cultures and flavors influenced by the melting pot of Miami, slated to open January 20, 2022. While contemporary Caribbean cuisine is often overlooked in modern fine dining, LITA will prove that these flavors are undeniably decadent.
KJ Stephens Joins EPIC to Further Expand Employee Benefits Practice in California
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC), a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that KJ Stephens has joined the firm as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Practice.
Trust Lending Leverages ReverseVision Fintech Platform to Grow Reverse Mortgage Wholesale Business
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision®, the leading national provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, announced that Trust Lending, a national mortgage banker, has gone live with ReverseVision's Exchange (RVX) platform for its wholesale lending channel. The platform helped Trust Lending springboard its wholesale channel into easily and expeditiously originating loans for reverse mortgage products.
CA Gov. Newsom Releases California Blueprint to Take on the State’s Greatest Threats in 2022 and Build on Historic Progress
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday unveiled his 2022-23 state budget proposal – the California Blueprint, a bold plan building on the state’s ongoing work to confront California’s greatest existential threats, bolster our strong economic growth and make historic investments in California’s future.
CA Gov. Newsom Issues Emergency Proclamation to Support Recovery from California’s Winter Storms
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation adding Trinity County to the state of emergency proclaimed last week to assist several California counties across the state impacted by recent winter storms.
CA Gov. Newsom Signs Executive Order to Prevent Price Gouging on At-Home COVID Tests in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians amid the national surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order establishing consumer protections against price gouging on at-home test kits.
CA Gov. Newsom Announces New $2.7B COVID-19 Emergency Response Package for California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Over the weekend, on Saturday, Jan. 8, Calif. Governor Newsom’s Administration unveiled a proposed $2.7 billion COVID-19 Emergency Response Package – including a $1.4 billion emergency appropriation request – to bolster testing capacity, accelerate vaccination and booster efforts, support frontline workers, strengthen the health care system and battle misinformation.
American Youth Soccer (AYSO) and Sports Connect Partnership for 2022 to Grow Participation in Youth Soccer
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is pleased to announce that it has renewed its official partnership with Sports Connect, powered by Stack Sports, as the Exclusive Registration and Member Management Platform for an additional four years. This partnership is aimed to create a more simplified registration and back-office experience, allowing AYSO volunteers and staff to focus on growing the game of soccer in their local community.
Risk Management Innovator, Certa Integrates with EcoVadis to Help Company Reach its ESG Goals
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the leading third-party risk management platform, Certa, announced its official partnership with the world's most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, EcoVadis. The integration will allow Certa customers to see the EcoVadis ratings of their third-party suppliers at a glance within one integrated platform.
Olea Kiosks Announces Promotion of Daniel Olea to Director of Sales, Accelerating its Strategic Focus
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks®, Inc., a visionary provider of innovative self-service kiosk solutions, today announced the expanded role of Daniel Olea to Director of Sales. Olea Kiosks, is a self-service kiosk solution provider for the attractions and entertainment, healthcare and hospitality industries.
EPIC has acquired Oversea Insurance Agency trading as Oversea Yacht Insurance – Continues Expansion of its Specialty Offerings
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center d.b.a. EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (EPIC) announced today that it has acquired Oversea Insurance Agency trading as Oversea Yacht Insurance (Oversea). Oversea is based in San Diego, CA and Ft Lauderdale, FL.
Mortgage Coach promotes Jacob Gibbs to VP of Technology and Shannon Baldwin to VP of Marketing
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, announced the promotion of two of its department directors to vice president-level positions. Jacob Gibbs was promoted from Director of Technology to VP, Technology, and Shannon Baldwin was promoted from Director of Marketing to VP, Marketing.
EPIC Insurance Brokers and DIATOMS Create Exclusive Partnership
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that they have created an exclusive partnership with Todd Morley and DIATOMS, Inc. (DIATOMS).
EV Range Inc. to Install 26 New DCFC EV Charging Stations in CA and NV in 2022
SAN PEDRO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EV Range Inc., an EV Charging Network based in San Pedro, CA, is in the process of deploying a total of 26 high-powered (180-350kW) electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 9 sites throughout California and Nevada in 2022.
DocMagic Launches eDecision Fintech Solution Fully Automating and Perfecting Digital Closing Eligibility
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully compliant loan document preparation, automated regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced the rollout of eDecision™, a robust solution that significantly expands the level of analysis applied to e-eligibility determination for eClosings.
Galway Holdings acquires Simatree, adding transformational digital and analytics solutions
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Galway Holdings ("Galway") today announced its acquisition of Virginia-based Simatree, a strategic advisory firm specializing in data, analytics, technology consultation and digital transformation. Fast-growing, Simatree has won multiple awards for its innovative and transformational digital and analytics solutions, founded by Patrick McCreesh, Wes Flores and Jay Williams, former NBA player and current television analyst.
PROGRESS in Lending Recognizes DocMagic’s Michael Morford with 2021 Tech Thought Leader Award
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that Michael Morford, Director of Product Development, was selected as a 2021 Tech Thought Leader by PROGRESS in Lending Association.
Lender Price and Blend Launch Integration to Enhance User Experience for Digital Lending Processes
PASADENA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Lender Price and Blend have partnered to provide an enhanced digital experience for both financial services firms and consumers. The integration couples Blend with Lender Price's FLEX Pricing product via APIs to provide custom pricing questions that will help match a consumer to the appropriate loan program and rate.
Orange County Register Names CDF Labor Law One of OC’s Top Workplaces for Third Year in a Row
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Acclaimed California labor, employment and immigration defense law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly announces it has been named one of the 2021 Top Workplaces by the Orange County Register for the 3rd consecutive year. The award rounds out a year of numerous accolades for CDF.
Legacy Launch Pad Publishing Releases Dan Sykes Memoir About Finding Life-Changing Relief from Somatic Work
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is releasing the first book by entrepreneur Dan Sykes, the founder of the Somatic Training Network, a company dedicated to the learning and sharing about somatic arts and practices from around the world.
DocMagic’s Gavin T. Ales Wins Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Award
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that its chief compliance officer, Gavin T. Ales, has been honored by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine with its 2021 Top 40 Under 40 award.
Mortgage Coach president Joe Puthur lauded as NMP 2021 40 Under 40 honoree
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced that President Joe Puther was selected as a 2021 40 Under 40 winner by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) Magazine.
Certa Partners with Comply Exchange to Digitize Third Party Tax Journey
SARATOGA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Certa, the leading no-code third party risk management platform today announced its integration with Comply Exchange, a global leader in tax compliance. Certa is the only platform that digitizes, orchestrates, and automates the entire third-party journey across procurement, compliance, IT, legal, finance, and other groups.
Geminid Systems Reveals its Pharmalite CRM to Boost Remote Engagement of Pharma Field Teams
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Geminid Systems, Inc. today announced the global rollout of a SaaS super-app that aims to improve pharmaceutical operations by helping field teams easily overcome challenges arising from the ongoing COVID pandemic.
BUG-A-SALT and Skell, Inc. Pursue Canadian Retailer Selling Knock-Off Product
SANTA MONICA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Skell, Inc. (dba Bug-A-Salt) filed a lawsuit on Sept. 13, 2021, against Uncle Weiner's Wholesale, a chain of stores in Canada operated by Indigo Wholesale, Inc., according to Bug-A-Salt's attorney, Liat Cohen, Esq. The claim is for relief against the defendants who have, according to Cohen, interfered with Bug-A-Salt's intellectual property rights
MCT Trading Launches Dynamic Learning Center to Empower Lender Growth and Profitability
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a recognized industry leader in mortgage risk management providing pipeline hedging, best execution loan sales and centralized lock desk services, announced the debut of its new Learning Center, a one-stop educational content database for each stage of growth of a mortgage lender in the secondary market.
Fintech Company, Mortgage Coach, integrates with ICE Mortgage Technology enabling accurate loan comparisons
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Coach, a borrower conversion platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time, today announced an advanced integration with ICE Mortgage Technology™, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure.
Record Sponsor and Fellow-Young Surgeon Turnout Noted for 2021 11th Annual Spine IEP Course
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Magnifi Group, Inc., a developer of e-learning technology for the medical device industry, reported a record turnout of medical device and biotech companies at its 11th Annual Spine IEP Fellows & Young Surgeons' Course (Spine Interactive Educational Program). The course was held November 19-21, 2021 at The US Grant Hotel in San Diego.
