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.
New Bill: Calif. Drivers able to Choose their License Photo under SB 1407 by CA Senator Newman
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) this week introduced SB 1407 to allow drivers to choose the photo which goes on their California state driver’s license. SB 1407 would allow drivers to take more than one photo when they are at the Department of Motor Vehicles with an additional fee assessed for each additional photo taken.
Calif. Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment to Hold Second Hearing on Feb.15
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Rules, Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response will hold its second working hearing February 15, 2018. The Subcommittee is laying the groundwork for developing new, bicameral policies and procedures for preventing and responding to sexual harassment complaints.
California Assemblymembers Rendon, Carrillo to Lead Delegation to El Salvador
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) will lead a delegation of Assemblymembers to El Salvador to maintain stable and productive ties with the Central American nation. The delegation will go from February 14-17, 2018.
Measure by Calif. Senator Newman Creates More Earning Opportunities for Military Families, Veterans – SB 1080
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced a measure today to improve the transition prospects of active duty military, veterans, and their spouses. Senate Bill (SB) 1080 would allow active duty military, veterans, and their spouses to drive for transportation network companies immediately upon their relocation to California, with a valid out-of-state driver’s license.
Calif. Assemblymembers McCarty and Gonzalez Fletcher Announce ‘Safe Youth Football Act’ to Protect Children from Brain Injury
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D – San Diego) this month announced the “Safe Youth Football Act”, which will protect children from brain injury by establishing a minimum age to play in organized tackle football programs. This bill would follow the advice of medical professions and allow high-contact elements from football programs only at the high school level.
Calif. Senator Newman Introduces Legislation to Hold California Distracted Drivers Accountable
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced legislation this past week that aims to dramatically reduce the incidence of distracted driving on California roads and highways. Senate Bill (SB) 1030, introduced in the Senate today, will strengthen current distracted driving penalties by making distracted driving a moving violation, and adding a point to the driver’s motor vehicle record for electronic device violations.
Mitchell Nomura named an Internal Audit Manager at Mortgage Quality Management and Research LLC
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Quality Management and Research, LLC (MQMR), a leader in mortgage risk management and compliance services, announced it has hired Mitchell Nomura as internal audit manager. In this role, Nomura will apply his more than 30 years of experience overseeing compliance and risk management departments at bank and non-bank lenders to leading MQMR's team of expert internal auditors as they identify compliance and operational risks for mortgage lender clients.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Feb. 1-2, 2018 including to the California Energy Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Karen Douglas, 44, of Davis, has been reappointed to the California Energy Commission, where she has served since 2008. Douglas was director of the California Climate Initiative for the Environmental Defense Fund from 2005 to 2008. She held several positions at the Planning and Conservation League from 2001 to 2005, including acting executive director and general counsel.
Calif. Gov. Brown Final ‘State of the State’ Address Jan. 25 2018
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Gov. Brown delivers his final State of the State speech to lawmakers and media. Brown appears before the Legislature for the 16th — and final — time to offer his thoughts on current affairs in California, and the path forward for our Golden State.
City of El Monte Council appoints Alex Hamilton as the City Manager
EL MONTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The El Monte City Council unanimously appointed Alex Hamilton as the City Manager Tuesday, January 23. Mr. Hamilton has been serving as El Monte’s Assistant City Manager since 2015. As a public servant, Mr. Hamilton has over 25-years’ experience working in federal and local government.
Calif. Assemblymembers McCarty and Ting Demand ‘Tax Justice’ for Middle Class Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With the recently approved Republican tax giveaway largely benefiting billionaires, Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento) and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D – San Francisco) this week introduced ACA 22, which will redirect half of the federal corporate tax cut to support middle class families in California.
Kathy Gonzales Named Senior VP, Director of Branch Banking for Bank of Southern California N.A. (BCAL)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has appointed Kathy Gonzales as Senior Vice President, Director of Branch Banking. She will be responsible for supporting the Bank's commitment to the customer experience by deepening customer relationships, and identifying opportunities to increase the bank's market share.
Hak’s Shows Foodies Organic Innovation at 2018 Winter Fancy Foods in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hak's, a leading manufacturer of clean ingredient sauces, condiments, and prepared foods looks forward to showcasing its full product line at the Winter Fancy Foods show, Booth #6406, from January 21 - 23 in San Francisco. Hak's products feature a unique combination: They're all designed by celebrity chef and founder Sharone Hakman, while offering great taste AND clean ingredients.
Cloudvirga Closes Record Year with Customers of Its Digital Mortgage Platform Producing Over $100B in Loan Volume
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga CEO Michael Schreck is on a mission to help mortgage lenders reinvent the mortgage factory. A developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale platforms, Cloudvirga gives consumers and loan officers a digital mortgage experience and helps lenders grow market share by automating the mortgage back office, saving them up to $1,500 a loan.
City of Beaumont’s 5G wireless strategy advanced with telecom solutions from XG Communities
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- XG Communities LLC and the City of Beaumont, Calif. announced that approximately 2,000 street light poles are available to wireless carriers and technology companies for small cell deployment. The street light poles are available on XG Communities' Site SeleX Platform.
Calif. Congressman Tony Cardenas’ Statement on FISA Reauthorization
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today in Washington, D.C., Calif. Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement about today’s passing of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization:
El Monte California City Manager Transitions to the City of Norwalk
EL MONTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After eight years with El Monte, City Manager Jesus Gomez is stepping down. Mr. Gomez’s tenure includes serving as Assistant City Manager and Economic and Redevelopment Director. Mr. Gomez will be joining the City of Norwalk as the new City Manager.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Releases Statement on Governor Brown’s 2018-19 Proposed State Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance released the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed 2018-19 state budget.
Calif. Governor Brown Proposes 2018-19 California State Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Keeping the state on a path to long-term fiscal stability, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today proposed a $131.7 billion General Fund budget plan for 2018-19 that fills the state's Rainy Day Fund to its constitutional target, fully implements the state's K-12 school funding formula two years ahead of schedule and provides $4.6 billion for the first year of a 10-year transportation improvement plan.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 8-10, 2018 including to Department of Water Resources
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Karla Nemeth, 47, of Sacramento, has been appointed director of the California Department of Water Resources. Nemeth has served as Governor Brown’s deputy secretary and senior advisor for water policy at the California Natural Resources Agency since 2014, where she was Bay Delta Conservation Plan project manager from 2009 to 2014.
Calif. Assembly Speaker Rendon to Lead Assembly Delegation to Mexico in January
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) will lead a delegation of Assemblymembers on a four-day mission to Mexico, California’s neighbor and trading partner, to reinforce the closeness of the relationship. The mission will go from January 10-13, 2018. The legislative delegation will also include Assemblymembers Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Jose Medina (D-Riverside), and Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino).
Continuing Its Growth, VLP Law Group Welcomes Addition of Real Estate Partner Debra Schiff
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra Schiff has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Schiff is the second Los Angeles based attorney to join the firm's growing Real Estate Practice Group in recent weeks. Los Angeles attorney Craig P. Wood joined the firm as a Partner in December.
Gov. Brown and Pacific Coast Governors Condemn Federal Decision To Expand Offshore Drilling
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued the following statement in response to the federal proposal to expand oil and gas offshore drilling, including in Pacific waters, for the first time in decades:
Calif. Asm. Kevin McCarty Introduces Measure to Make CA Legislators Pay for Sexual Harassment Payouts – AB 1750
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fulfilling his commitment to address sexual harassment at the State Capitol, Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento), on Wednesday introduced AB 1750, which would require the California State Senate and the California State Assembly to seek reimbursement for any sexual harassment settlements paid by the Legislature when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing by a legislator.
California Legislative Leaders Announce Bipartisan Approach on Sexual Harassment Prevention for 2018
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) today announced the formation of a joint committee tasked with creating a bicameral set of additional reforms to improve how the Legislature addresses the issue of sexual harassment and how it can better protect those who report harassment or abuse.
Calif. State Audit Finds Dangerous Flaws in California Concealed Carry Weapon License Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Auditor on Thursday released its findings of a nine month audit of the Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego County Sheriff Departments’ Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license programs, uncovering substantive flaws in how these counties issue CCW licenses. The audit also found that Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones violated numerous state laws and his own procedures in issuing CCW licenses.
VLP Law Group Welcomes Real Estate Partner Craig P. Wood as Part of Continued Growth Strategy
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Craig P. Wood has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Wood's practice encompasses the representation of institutional investors, private equity sponsors, high net-worth individuals, pension funds, pension fund advisors and private companies in a broad range of real estate projects throughout the U.S.
Jim Portner Joins FinTech Innovator, CLOUDVIRGA, as Chief Product Officer
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga(TM), developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platforms, has hired Jim Portner as chief product officer. Portner will report to Cloudvirga CEO Michael Schreck and will oversee product strategy, development and marketing for the company's digital mortgage automation platforms.
Calif. Gov. Brown announces Appointments for Dec. 8, 2017 including Office of the Inspector General
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments for Dec. 8, 2017: First, Bryan Beyer, 44, of Rancho Murieta, has been appointed chief deputy inspector general at the Office of the Inspector General, where he was senior deputy inspector general from 2010 to 2012 and a deputy inspector general from 2007 to 2010.
San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee Passes Away After Heart Attack
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The staff here at California Newswire were sad to learn early this morning of the passing of S.F. Mayor Edwin "Ed" Mah Lee was the 43rd mayor of San Francisco and the first Asian American to lead the city. He reportedly died of a heart attack while shopping for groceries at a Safeway store. He was 65.
Cloudvirga Inc. and Docutech Partner to Help Loan Officers Work More Effectively
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga, developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platforms, today announced a partnership with Docutech that will enable Cloudvirga's lender customers to work more efficiently, reduce the cost of document compliance and make the home loan experience more convenient for borrowers.
DocMagic Opens High-Tech Print Fulfillment Supercenter In Torrance CA to Support Growth
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that it has opened a 12,000 square foot print fulfillment center minutes from its Torrance, California headquarters. DocMagic added the high tech "supercenter" to support lenders' growing need for secure, compliant paper documents as the mortgage industry transitions to a 100 percent digital mortgage process.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Calls for California Legislators to be Financially Liable for Sexual Harassment Claims
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on his commitment to end sexual harassment in the California Legislature. As the State Assembly looks into ways to further protect workers from sexual harassment and abuse, Assemblymember McCarty has offered a number of reforms to increase accountability of elected officials and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Cloudvirga Inc. Names Stephen DeSantis as its new CFO
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga(TM), developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platforms, has appointed Steve DeSantis as its new chief financial officer. A seasoned technology finance executive, DeSantis will be responsible for driving Cloudvirga's financial strategies to accelerate its growth. He will report to Cloudvirga's recently appointed CEO Michael Schreck.
Long Beach arts organizations partner for family classic THE CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Art-In-Relation (A.I.R.), Children's Theater of Long Beach (CTLB), and The Scottish Rite Cathedral announce a wonderful partnering of resources and talent for a 2017 holiday musical production of "The Christmas Carol." Plays Dec. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA.
Calif. Assembly Speaker Rendon Statement on Raul Bocanegra
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) released the following statement regarding allegations made against Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra: "These allegations are extremely disturbing, especially since they come after Mr. Bocanegra had previously been investigated and disciplined as a staff member and agreed to stop any harassing or abusive behavior.
Five Top-30 U.S. Lenders Choose Cloudvirga Digital Mortgage Platform in Q3-2017
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga(TM), developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platforms, has signed five of the nation's top 30 non-bank lenders in the last 100 days. The new customers collectively originate over $100 billion in loans annually.
Matic Insurance Services Raises $7M in Series A Round
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today it has raised $7 million in a Series A funding round. Investors participating in the round include Mr. Cooper, one of the nation's top 20 mortgage originators and the fourth-largest home loan servicer in the country.
CA Asm. Laura Friedman Announces Hearing on Changing Capitol Culture, Stopping Sexual Harassment and Abuse
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) Chair of the Assembly Rules Subcommittee on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention and Response has announced the first of the subcommittee’s hearings, which will be held on Tuesday, November 28th in the State Capitol.
‘A Boy Called Po’ Actors Activate their Voices for Autism during National Bullying Prevention Month
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Geek Club Books for Autism today announced that actors Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder, lead characters in the award-winning indie film, "A Boy Called Po" joined the #Activate4Autism movement, a public awareness campaign as a part of National Bullying Prevention Month. People on the autism spectrum are often misunderstood, marginalized, undervalued and 3 times more likely to be victims of bullying.
National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Names MAGLITE as the ‘Official Flashlight for Search & Rescue’
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) has named MAGLITE(R) the official flashlight brand of search and rescue. Engineered and built in the U.S., and supported by expert service at the factory, MAGLITE(R), was selected due to its reputation for outstanding performance and durability among other features essential to a flashlight for search and rescue purposes.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Statement Following Firing of Sacramento Officers Involved in Shooting Death of Joseph Mann
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento) today released the following statement in response to two Sacramento Police Department officers that were fired following an investigation of their involvement in the shooting death of an African American Sacramento resident, Joseph Mann.
Calif. Congressman Tony Cardenas Hosting Manufacturing Day Events in San Fernando Valley
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This Friday, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) will host his next Manufacturing Day Events at Los Angeles Mission College Campus Center in Sylmar, CA on Friday, October 27 and Spectrolab on Monday, October 30, 2017.
Emerging Cyber Threats: David McNeil of EPIC to Present at American Assoc. of Water Distribution & Management Event
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal David McNeil will present at the American Association of Water Distribution and Management (AAWD&M) Ronald W. Seymour Memorial Thought Leadership Lab which will be hosted and live streamed from the Las Vegas Valley Water District on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.
Vets To Work Event on Oct. 24 Comes to West Covina, CA
WEST COVINA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- West Covina American's Job Center of California in conjunction with East San Gabriel Valley ROP have announced the VETS TO WORK event, Tue, October 24, 2017, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
10th Annual Great California ‘Shake Out’ Again Prompts Residents to Prep for Drop, Cover and Hold On
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 a.m. on October 19, 2017 during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills, which began in California in 2008. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes – wherever you live, work, or travel. ShakeOut is also a major activity of America's PrepareAthon!
For Halloween, DangerMan The Urban Superhero Releases Super Suit Costume for Kids of All Ages
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Halloween night just got safer! America's Real Life Urban Super Hero, DangerMan, will roam the streets trick-or-treating with the likes of Superman, Batman and Spider-Man as the new DangerMan Super Suit is now available for kids! Actor and mentor Roger I. Tinsley, the founder of the DangerMan Urban Superhero brand and CEO/President of the DangerMan Education Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has released the new costume just in time for the holidays.
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) Honors Vans at 28th Annual Collector’s Choice Gala
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) raised more than $315,000 at its 28th Annual Collector's Choice Gala and Live Auction held on Saturday, October 7th at Montage Laguna Beach. The total amount raised beat last year's record.
The Mortgage Collaborative Unveils TMC Benchmark, a New Lender Member Benchmarking Solution
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, has released its monthly benchmarking solution to its Lender Members. The first reports were made available this month and will be provided to participants on a month-to-month, real-time basis.
‘High & Outside a baseball noir’ – Geoffrey Lewis’ last film gets North American Premiere at Austin Film Festival
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Standard 17, LLC announces "High & Outside : a baseball noir," also nominated for Best Screenplay & Best Film at the prestigious 2017 Raindance Film Festival in London. The film premieres Oct. 27 & Nov. 1, 2017 at the Austin Film Festival. "High & Outside" is about an independent league baseball player, Phil Harding (Phil Donlon), who takes desperate measures to keep his imperiled big-league dream alive, which threatens to destroy his already fragile family.
