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.
MCT Report Shows 16% Decrease in Mortgage Lock Volume Amid Market Dynamics
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 16.7% decrease in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and market enthusiasts are encouraged to download the complete report to gain comprehensive insights into the evolving market dynamics.
Tech YouTuber ‘BitWit’ Tours His Neighborhood and Home Devastated from the L.A. Fires in Touching Video
California Newswire - OPINION: LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In perhaps one of the more touching human responses to the tragic firestorms scorching and leveling Los Angeles area neighborhoods this past week, is a video posted today by tech YouTuber BitWit (Kyle), He was at CES when the fires broke out, and sadly his home and neighborhood were not spared from the fires. (VIDEO)
CapitalW Collective Aligns with Polly to Support Women in Mortgage Capital Markets
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire -- CapitalW Collective, a trailblazing non-profit dedicated to advancing women and their allies in mortgage capital markets, proudly announces Polly as its first product and pricing engine (PPE) Diamond-level corporate sponsor. This alliance underscores CapitalW Collective's mission "to create more inclusive and dynamic mortgage capital markets, one woman and ally at a time."
‘Tidemark Talks’ Podcast Launch Showcases the Stories of Orange County’s Legendary Business Leaders
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire / -- Tidemark Talks, a new podcast dedicated to telling the stories behind Orange County's most iconic business leaders, officially launched this week. The podcast features authentic, compelling interviews with some of the region's most notable entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries. The podcast is hosted by Jim Snyder, CEO of Tidemark Real Estate Services, alongside Taylor Snyder and Basil Newburn.
Calif. Gov. Newsom issues executive order to crack down on ultra-processed foods in support of healthier Californians
SACRANEBTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to recommend potential actions to limit the harms associated with “ultra-processed foods” and food ingredients that pose a health risk to individuals, building on the nation-leading nutrition and health standards established in California. “Ultra-processed foods” are known to pose a health risk to individuals, and today’s efforts are designed to support affordable, healthy living and reduce the growing impact of chronic illnesses on Californians.
Calif. Gov. Newsom announces landmark boost to paid family leave benefits for 2025
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has increased paid family leave and disability benefits to historic levels in the state, with eligible workers earning less than $63,000 per year now able to receive up to 90% of their regular wages while on leave. Workers earning above that threshold will receive 70% of their wages. Both represent an important increase, and this major benefit enhancement begins with new claims filed on or after January 1, 2025.
LA Metro Becomes First Transit Agency in U.S. to Equip its Entire Fleet of Active Buses with Enclosed, Protective Barriers
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) Central Maintenance Facility and Operating Divisions completed retrofitting the entire active bus fleet with new, expanded barriers made of shatterproof, tempered glass that fully enclose drivers. LA Metro Retrofitted its 2017th Bus, Providing Extra Layer of Security for Operators. The barrier design, prototyping and much of the fabrication were completed in-house at Metro’s Central Maintenance Facility (CMF) in downtown Los Angeles, and the barriers were mostly installed by Metro staff at the operating divisions.
Sacramento-Based Photographer Glynns Thomas to Lead Workshop at Imaging USA 2025
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Glynns Thomas, founder of Sacramento's renowned headshot photography business Glynns Thomas Headshots, has been selected to present at Imaging USA 2025. This prestigious conference, dedicated to photography and imaging professionals, will take place in Dallas, Texas, from February 2-4, 2025.
California Wine Maker Saves Some Needy Doggos One Sip At A Time
REVIEW: Rescue Dog Wines, a sustainable wine grower based in the Lodi region of California, is on a mission to grow and produce great wine, but their other passion and focus is on helping rescue dogs. This breed of endeavors led to the name of the wines and happy pups adorn every label.
Biden-Harris Administration approves California BH-CONNECT Initiative, to assist eligible people receiving behavioral health treatment
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Governor Gavin Newsom, today announced that the state has received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its proposed Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) demonstration waiver. The waiver comes after Governor Newsom traveled to Washington, DC to advocate for its approval.
Calif. Gov. Newsom announces Nathan Barankin will serve as his Chief of Staff
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Monday (Dec. 16), California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Nathan Barankin will serve as his Chief of Staff. Barankin previously served as Senior Advisor to the Governor. He has decades of experience as a government leader.
Philanthropist Sandra J. Evers-Manly Establishes The Dr. John Brooks Slaughter NSBE Fund at USC
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Sandra Evers-Manly, a visionary champion of untold stories, cultural empowerment and educational opportunity, has established the Dr. John Brooks Slaughter NSBE Fund at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering, continuing her lifelong mission of breaking barriers and illuminating extraordinary legacies, the BHERC announced today.
MCT Reports 15% Decrease in Mortgage Lock Volume Amid Higher Rates in Nov.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, has announced a 15.12% decrease in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. The data, reflecting current market dynamics, is available in MCT's latest report, which offers in-depth analysis and insights for industry professionals and stakeholders.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, LAPD, LAFD and Community-Based Safety Solutions Deliver Urgent Strategy to Keep Los Angeles Safe
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a significant drop in reported homicides and shooting victims and also highlighted expansions of health and safety response capability led by the Los Angeles Fire Department to make Los Angeles safer. The Mayor made the announcement at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee and was joined by City Councilmember Tim McOsker, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, and leaders from the Watts Gang Task Force and Soledad Enrichment Action.
Cal State LA has received two major grants to support the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Cal State LA LEEAF program receives million dollars in grants to enhance economic equity, it was announced this past week. Cal State LA has received two major grants to support the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF), a university program that partners with small businesses, microbusinesses, and nonprofits in underrepresented communities.
Secured Signing books 30% month-over-month growth in demand for its Remote Online Notarizations Platform
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Secured Signing, a leading provider of digital signing and Remote Online Notarization (RON) solutions, is excited to unveil a series of powerful enhancements to its platform. These updates solidify its leadership in the digital notarization industry by optimizing workflow efficiency, increasing transparency, and enhancing user control.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation wraps Auction 2024 Seeking Pledges
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) raised $49,247 at its recent online silent auction, with lively bidding from hundreds of participants around the United States. Proceeds from the auction help provide scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.
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.
