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.
South Bay Music Association Presents ‘Lord of the Rings: A Symphonic Concert’ with the South Bay Wind Ensemble
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- South Bay Music Association announced today that on November 2, 2024, in Redondo Beach, CA, the South Bay Wind Ensemble will perform "Lord of the Rings: A Symphonic Concert." The concert will take place at the Riviera United Methodist Church beginning at 7 p.m. (375 Palos Verdes Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).
IEP Physician Search Chosen to Assist Capitol Pain Institute with Placement of Pain Management Physicians
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- IEP Physician Search concluded a physician placement agreement with Capitol Pain Institute (CPI), a leading pain management center based in Austin, Texas, with facilities in Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, and Indiana. IEP Physician Search, with the largest database of Pain and Orthpaedic surgeons in the US, will leverage its unique position in the medical education and staffing industries to assist CPI in finding its perfect match.
MCT Expands MSR Valuation Options with AD&Co Prepayment Model: Precision and Confidence for MSR Managers
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced the integration of the LoanDynamics Model (LDM) from Andrew Davidson & Co. (AD&Co) into their mortgage servicing rights (MSR) valuation software. LDM is a well-respected prepayment model for residential mortgages that will complement MCT's proprietary prepayment model in MSRlive!
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass selects Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th Chief of the LAPD
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — L.A. Mayor Karen Bass today announced she has selected Jim McDonnell to serve as the 59th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, saying that her choice was guided by her commitment to reducing crime and making L.A. safer in every neighborhood.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office to host inaugural LA Sports and Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — On Thursday (Oct. 3), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that her office will host the inaugural LA Sports & Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit on Thursday, October, 2024 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. to provide local businesses with support and resources to tap into opportunities that upcoming major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will present.
MCT Reports 3% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume, Refinance Activity Buoys Market in Q3/24
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 3.17% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. The report highlights key market dynamics, offering industry professionals valuable insights. Industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report for comprehensive insights into the market dynamics.
Calif. Gov. Newsom proclaims Native American Day, signs legislation supporting California’s Native communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ — As leaders of Native American tribes from across California gather at the State Capitol to celebrate Native American Day 2024, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed today Native American Day and announced the signing of several bills that advance tribal priorities.
Calif. Gov. Governor Newsom announces appointments for Sept. 26, 2024 including to California Volunteers Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Thursday (9.26.24) Calif. Governor Newsom announced appointments. First: Shelly Guyer, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Volunteers Commission. Guyer was Chief Sustainability Officer at Invitae Corporation from 2021 to 2022 and Chief Financial Officer there from 2017 to 2021. She was Chief Financial Officer at Veracyte Inc.
New Comedy Documentary Special, ‘Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted,’ now available on PRIME VIDEO
OAKLAND, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- San Francisco Bay Area comedian Nina G, known for her unique brand of humor as a woman who stutters, proudly announces the release of her comedy documentary special, "Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted." Available now on Amazon Prime, this special arrives just in time for International Stuttering Awareness Day on October 22. [VIDEO]
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs bills to protect digital likeness of performers in the new era of AI
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills to help actors and performers protect their digital likenesses in audio and visual productions, including those who are deceased. This legislation will help ensure the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital media technologies in entertainment by giving workers more protections.
Jazz Nights: The City of Culver City Swings Every Sunday evening in October at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
CULVER CITY, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The City of Culver City welcomes you to enjoy Sunday evenings in October 2024 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre where talented jazz musicians will perform each Sunday, beginning at 7 p.m.. TJoin us as we hear beautiful sound from award-winning musicians from across the nation. It is the perfect way to wind down your weekends in Downtown Culver City.
Calif. Gov. Newsom signs ‘smash-and-grab’ bill to strengthen felony sentences for large-scale theft offenses
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Finalizing the complete package of historic bills to crack down on retail and property crime, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 1960 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to create steeper felony penalties for large-scale felony theft offenses. The bill would mandate that courts impose an enhanced sentence when suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued at over $50,000 during the commission of any felony, including retail theft.
MCT Reports 3% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Backed by Increased Refinance Activity
SAN DIEGO, Calif., /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 3.33% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Despite a larger increase in rate/term volume, total mortgage volume remains relatively flat.
Magnifi Group and Kalon Staffing Team Up to Launch IEP Physician Search Targeting Fellows
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Magnifi Group, Inc. and Kalon Staffing, LLC, today announced the launch of IEP Physician Search - iep-search.com - a Fellows search service to place Orthopaedic, Pain Management and Electrophysiology (EP) Fellows in US Medical Centers.
Calif. Legislature Approves Landmark IVF Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Fertility Healthcare, Sending Measure to Gov. Newsom
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The California State Legislature approved Senate Bill 729, authored by State Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) and sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, with bipartisan support today sending the measure to Governor Newsom's desk with votes of 55-0 in the Assembly and 30-8 in the Senate.
Grey Muzzle Grant for 2024 Gives Senior Dogs at Sacramento SPCA a Second Chance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- There's good news for old dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at the Sacramento SPCA are among the winners. The Sacramento SPCA is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them.
L.A. METRO’S GoPass Program Reaches 40 million student boardings in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrates surpassing 40 million student boardings and more than 400,000 registered students using the free fare student GoPass for unlimited travel to school, work and leisure activities.
Culver City Performing Arts Grant Program 2025 Announced Supporting Theatre, Dance, and Music
Today, the City of Culver City has announced grants to support theatre, dance, and music performances. This program brings performing arts events to the community and helps make them accessible to everyone. Culver City wants everyone to have a chance to experience and enjoy the arts. Our grants support a variety of cultural experiences for Culver City's residents, businesses, artists, and visitors. Grant guidelines and applications for 2025 performances are available.
Secured Signing Notary Community enables notaries to connect with clients online, receive jobs, and chat directly
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a frontrunner in the realm of digital signature and remote online notarization solutions, is thrilled to unveil a series of substantial upgrades to its Notary Community platform. These enhancements are meticulously crafted to empower notaries to broaden their client base, attract many business opportunities, and optimize their workflow efficiency.
Patented Fintech Allows Mortgage Buyers to Transact with Any Seller on MCT Marketplace
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced that the company has been awarded a patent for the security spread commitment used in the industry's largest mortgage asset exchange: MCT Marketplace. The security spread commitment transforms loan auctions, turning shadow bids into executable prices.
Over 20 communities become first to earn new Clean California designation in 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- This week (on Aug. 3) Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the Clean California Community Designation Program, a statewide effort encouraging local engagement to make communities cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. The Newsom Administration joined the City of Fresno to launch the program and designate Fresno as one of 22 California communities first to take the pledge.
MCT Reports a 6% Mortgage Lock Volume Decrease in Latest July 2024 Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a decrease of 5.67% in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report for comprehensive insights into the market dynamics.
Restrictive Policies Contribute to California’s Low Construction Employment Ranking in 2024
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The construction unemployment rate in California stands at 3.9% through June 2024. While this marks a decrease in a year, a deeper review of the numbers shows that only 7 states have seen their unemployment rates improve slower than California, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). "While the industry is pleased with a relatively low unemployment rate, we wonder how much lower it could be if we simply adopted policies consistent with the rest of the nation," said John Morris, President and CEO, ABC Northern California Chapter (ABC NorCal).
Championing Environmental Change: California Safe Schools Fosters National Collaboration and Innovation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates their 26th annual pioneering "Your Life Is Now" Forum which brings together students, members of the public, local, state and federal government. 26 years ago, California Safe Schools (CSS) was founded by Robina Suwol with a mission to protect children on school sites from ever being exposed to pesticides.
Informative Research’s Kelly Richards Receives 2024 MPA Elite Women Award
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, announced today that Kelly Richards, Head of Sales Support, has been named a winner of the MPA Elite Women 2024 by Mortgage Professional America (MPA). This award recognizes exceptional female leaders who have significantly contributed to the mortgage industry.
Informative Research Enhances Verification Platform through Expanded Integration with The Work Number from Equifax
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform delivering data-driven solutions to the lending community, today announced the expansion of its verification platform through the integration of additional Equifax solutions that leverage The Work Number®, the industry-leading commercial source of consolidated income and employment information.
California feeds over 3.2 million low-income children through summer SUN Bucks
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that through SUN Bucks, a new federal food program, more than 3,240,000 low-income children and their families have received food assistance during summer break. More than $162 million in food purchases have already been made by families across the state, and over five million total cards are expected to be distributed across California in the coming months, keeping kids fed and supporting local economies.
Calif. Gov. Newsom announces appointments for 7.17.24 including to California Youth Empowerment Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Wed., July 17, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the following appointments: First, Melany Acosta-Parra, of Kerman, has been appointed to the California Youth Empowerment Commission. Acosta-Parra has been a Recreation Leader for the City of Kerman Parks and Recreation Department since 2021. She served on the Kerman Youth Commission from 2021 to 2024.
Landmark $12.6 billion agreement to build a clean, renewable Hydrogen Hub in California announced
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ARCHES announced the official signing of a landmark $12.6 billion agreement to build a clean, renewable Hydrogen Hub in California, including the up to $1.2 billion in federal funding that was announced last year when California was selected as a national hub. ARCHES is the first of seven Hydrogen Hubs throughout the country to officially sign their agreement with the DOE.
California funding 51 projects across the state to boost apprenticeships for opportunity youth ages 16-24
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- On Wednesday (July 17) Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Department of Industrial Relations awarded $31 million in California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grants to 51 projects across the state to increase pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, public sector, transportation and more.
Petco Love Again Invests in Sacramento SPCA for 2024 to Save and Improve Lives of Pets in the Sacramento Region
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Sacramento SPCA was awarded a $15,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.
William Cole Vineyards Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Cuvée Claire
ST. HELENA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This fall, William Cole Vineyards a multigenerational, family-owned winery producing handcrafted wines in St. Helena, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of one of their signature wines, the Cuvée Claire Cabernet Sauvignon. Created by owner and winemaker William Ballentine Jr. in honor of his daughter, Claire, there is either a family connection or a special commemoration behind every label at William Cole Vineyards.
Dr. Anju Mathur Supports 2024 Chronic Disease Day with Functional Medicine for a Blue Zone Lifestyle
STUDIO CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- When Dr. Anju Mathur experienced health complications years ago, the shortcomings of her medical practice really hit home. While traditional medicine suppresses the symptoms of illness, she realized that actual healing needed to occur at a root level. She began to investigate alternative treatments for her own transformation which led to the establishment of her functional medicine office, the Angel Longevity Medical Center.
Informative Research Adds Process Transformation Expert, Brandon Hall as New EVP of Operations
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, has named Brandon Hall as its new executive vice president (EVP) of operations. Hall brings over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence within the financial services sector and is known for implementing innovative process improvements, fostering cross-functional collaboration and leading through change.
MAGLITE and The Pedestrian Safety Institute Promote Traffic and Pedestrian Safety During 2024 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 particularly dangerous and are routinely referred to as the deadliest driving days of the year and pedestrian deaths make up approximately 20% of those fatalities.
Come Over October 2024 Campaign Officially Announced for Wine Lovers and Foodies
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Celebrating the role of wine as a communal and celebratory beverage both now and historically, the team behind COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc., announces the kickoff of their Come Over October campaign. Conceived by respected wine authority Karen MacNeil, together with wine industry communications professionals Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, the campaign encourages friends, family, and colleagues to "come over" during the month of October to share wine and celebrate friendship.
MCT Integrates with Fannie Mae’s Mission Score API and New Product Grids to Empower Originators to Take Advantage of Market Incentives
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced the launch of new integrations with Fannie Mae's Mission Score application programming interface (API) and Mission Score 2 and 3 product grids that provide better transparency and pricing for mortgages aligned with Fannie Mae's mission objectives.
National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) Crowns 2024 Champions at Annual Convention
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The National Pygmy Goat Association (NPGA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Champion Challenge held in Lewisburg, WV June 14, 2024. Sponsored by the North Carolina Pygmy Goat Club, the Wild Wonderful World of Pygmies National Convention brought together the best animals from all over the U.S. for a chance to claim the top honor of national champion. Based in Bakersfield CA, the National Pygmy Goat Association is the official breed registry for Pygmy Goats in the United States.
Olea Kiosks Unveils Revolutionary Driver Check-In Kiosk Solution to Transform Logistics Operations
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation in kiosk technology, the Tampa Driver Check-In Kiosk. This new and innovative solution was designed to transform the way logistics companies manage driver arrivals and departures.
‘LA Carnival on the Shaw’ 2024 in L.A. Culminates Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month with Music and Masquerade
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- When LA Carnival launched on Crenshaw Boulevard last year, the seeds were planted to grow an economic development vehicle using the carnival parade as the mechanism for community engagement. One hundred drums led an inaugural procession with an exuberant, multicultural starlight jamboree into Leimert Park Village. Produced by MARIKEL Productions in association with Mandrill World Music, and sponsored by International Eye LA, this year the festivities continue to explode with "LA Carnival on the Shaw," June 30, 2024.
Calif. Gov. Newsom announces historic land return effort on 5th anniversary of California apology to Native Americans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Today, on the 5th anniversary of the state’s apology to California Native American peoples, Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state’s support for the return of over 2,800 acres of ancestral land to the Shasta Indian Nation. This return is one of the largest in state history and part of the state’s ongoing efforts to right the historical wrongs committed against the Native communities of California.
Remote Online Notarization Innovator, Secured Signing, Scales Up with Strategic Leadership & Global Expansion
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a leading provider of secure Digital Signatures and Remote Online Notarization platform, today announced a significant growth, fueled by a visionary leadership change and strategic team expansion.
Culver City hosts their 4th Annual PRIDE celebration 2024 with signature PRIDE RIDE and PRIDE RALLY
CULVER CITY, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Culver City’s 4th Annual PRIDE celebration and party will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The PRIDE RIDE will take place at Syd Kronenthal Park, while the PRIDE RALLY will happen on Main Street, Culver City. According to the city press release, "This event is known throughout the city for bringing our community together to celebrate what makes us unique and the values that unite us."
MCT and Lender Price announce partnership to Improve Mortgage Pricing with Loan-Level MSR Values
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, and Lender Price, the first cloud-native provider of mortgage pricing technology, have partnered to provide mortgage lenders using the Lender Price product and pricing engine (PPE) with loan-level MCT MSR values. MCT's industry-leading mortgage servicing rights (MSR) grids allow Lender Price PPE clients to be more granular, profitable, and efficient when generating their front-end borrower pricing and managing their MSR portfolio.
LA METRO Announces New Improvements to Bus Service Frequency and Reliability Starting June 23
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Effective Sunday, June 23, 2024, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer more frequent and reliable bus service and an improved travel experience on multiple routes based on direct feedback from customers and bus operators, and review of ridership and travel time data. Bus service improvements will update travel times so riders will wait less at stops.
Calif. Governor Newsom announced appointments for June 7, 2024 including to District Agricultural Associations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- This past week, on June 7, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: First, Jeremy Kirk, of Hidden Valley Lake, has been Appointed Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Home of California, Yountville.
MCT Reports A 7% Mortgage Lock Volume Increase In Latest May 2024 Indices Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today an increase of 6.78% in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. To gain comprehensive insights into the market dynamics, industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to download the complete report.
Newly Launched CapitalW Collective is Educating, Elevating, and Empowering Women in Mortgage
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CapitalW Collective (CapitalW), the glass shattering non-profit benefiting women and their allies in mortgage capital markets, today announced its successful debut within the mortgage industry. Officially launched on May 1, 2024, CapitalW made its first appearance at the Mortgage Bankers Association Secondary and Capital Markets Conference in New York May 19-21, 2024.
Author Sharon Gillenwater’s New Memoir ‘Scaling with Soul’ Goes Behind the Scenes on Scaling, Selling Her $25 Million Business
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Building a company out of nothing and selling it for $25 million is a dream for many-but not for Sharon K. Gillenwater. Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is delighted to announce the release of "Scaling with Soul" (ISBN: 978-1964377001 [ebook]; 978-1964377018 [paperback]; 978-1964377025 [hardback]; 978-1964377032 [audiobook]), the author's debut memoir detailing her journey to success.
Remote notarization is streamlined with Secured Signing’s new features
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Secured Signing, a leader in remote online notarization (RON) solutions, announces a suite of innovative features designed to streamline the online document signing and notarization process. These enhancements empower both notaries and singers to experience a smoother, more secure, and efficient experience.
