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.
La Puente joins 20 California cities to help standardize small cell deployment with XG Communities
LA PUENTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless, asset marketing and engineering services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announces their agreement to market and manage wireless coverage solutions for the City of La Puente, California.
Gordon Brush Mfg Co. Wins 2018 ABMA William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award for ‘PlateScrape’
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. worked with the inventors of the PlateScrape to create an environmentally friendly, revolutionary, new, effective, and simple way to pre-sanitize dirty plates in restaurants, hotels, convention centers, and banquet halls.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ dock in Long Beach May 11-20
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Children's Theatre of Long Beach (CTLB), Art in Relation (AIR) and the Scottish Rite Event Center present a historic, hilarious family friendly farce featuring silly pirates, bumbling policemen, and nervous naive young lovers - Gilbert & Sullivan's rollicking musical masterpiece, "The Pirates of Penzance," comes alive at the beautiful Ernest Borgnine Theatre at the Scottish Rite Event Center of Long Beach May 11 - May 20, 2018.
Bank of Southern California, N.A. Completes $26M Capital Offering (BCAL)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) today announced the completion of a capital raise of approximately $26 million through the issuance of common stock in a private placement to institutional and accredited individual investors at a price of $14.75 per share.
Deutsche Bank Implements DocMagic eVault Technology for eMortgages
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that Deutsche Bank has successfully implemented and is actively utilizing its proprietary eVault technology.
First small cells come to life in Sacramento – goal to be nation’s first 5G city close to realization
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- XG Communities LLC and the City of Sacramento announced that multiple carriers have received permit approvals to build small cells in downtown Sacramento. Mobilitie began construction immediately and already has sites on air. Sacramento's model invites carriers and connectivity providers to enhance wireless coverage and capacity for the citizens of Sacramento by leveraging city-owned assets.
CA Assembly Speaker Rendon Statement on Inauguration of Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today released the following statement on the inauguration of Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) as President pro Tempore of the California State Senate:
‘Insert Token’ Debut Stand-Up Comedy CD by Comedian Julian Michael released by Uproar Entertainment
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Uproar Entertainment announces the release of "Insert Token", the debut stand-up comedy CD by Julian Michael. Recorded live at The Comedy Underground in Seattle, Wash., 'Insert Token' presents the unique comic perspective of a man who considers himself a "double minority."
Two Mortgage Quality Management and Research Employees Selected as MBA, California MBA Future Leaders
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Quality Management and Research, LLC (MQMR), a leader in mortgage risk management and compliance services, today announced that two employees from the MQMR family of companies have been selected to participate in executive leadership development programs sponsored by the national Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the California Mortgage Bankers Association.
New Mobile App from Cloudvirga Connects Loan Officers and Realtors on Its Digital Mortgage Platform
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga, a leading provider of digital mortgage point-of-sale (POS) software whose enterprise technology is powered by the intelligent Mortgage Platform, today announced the launch of a new mobile app that will enable real estate agents to collaborate with mortgage loan officers in real time. This native mobile app allows instantaneous and secure exchange of loan documents and communication between real estate agents and loan teams for a faster, more efficient mortgage experience.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for March 13-16, 2018 including to California Department of Technology
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, on March 16, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.announced the following appointments: First, Susan Fanelli, 55, of Orangevale, has been appointed chief deputy director of policy and programs at the California Department of Public Health, where she has been assistant director since 2015 .
CA Gov. Brown and Legislative Leaders Partner to Bolster Climate Resilience, Improve Disaster Planning, Management and Response
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Following a year of devastating floods, fires, mudslides and other extreme weather, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.this week joined Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates, Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle and Senate President pro Tempore-designee Toni Atkins in partnering on solutions this year that will make California more resilient against the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
EPIC Insurance’s Suzanne McGarey, Matias Ormaza and Louis Hefter Honored as 2018 Risk & Insurance ‘Power Brokers’
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Managing Principal Suzanne McGarey and Senior Vice President Matias Ormaza have been recognized as 2018 Power Brokers by Risk & Insurance Magazine. Principal Louis Hefter was named a finalist.
Lion’s Heart Receives $10K Corporate Sponsorship to Support 2018 Teen Volunteers
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Lion's Heart is thrilled to announce it has received a $10,000 corporate partner sponsorship from the esteemed Orange County law firm, Shulman Hodges & Bastian LLP. These funds will support the cultivation of age-appropriate service projects for over 10,000 empowered teen Members across the country as well as support general law and business counsel for the organization.
Calif. Congressman Tony Cárdenas and Co-Sponsors Praise Passage of SOAR Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Calif. Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), bill sponsor Steve Cohen and co-sponsors Ann Wagner and Adam Kinzinger praised passage of the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program (H.R. 767), a measure aimed at detecting ongoing human trafficking activity. Congressman Cárdenas is a co-lead of the bill.
Matic Insurance and RoundPoint Automate Homeowner Insurance for Mortgage Servicing and Home Buyers
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, today announced a wide-ranging integration with RoundPoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation (RoundPoint), a mortgage loan originator and one of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage servicing companies. The integration will make Matic's one-click "get quote" button available to both customers and employees of RoundPoint.
Trial Attorney and Senior Litigator Eugene Ashley Joins Hoge Fenton in California
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that Eugene "Geno" Ashley has joined the firm's Business Litigation group. A senior litigator and trial attorney, Geno, a former Hopkins & Carley shareholder, brings a wealth of litigation and trial experience to Hoge Fenton.
Matic Insurance and Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope Challenge Lenders to Help Families Achieve Affordable Housing
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, is calling on mortgage lenders, realtors and insurance providers nationwide to support Housed & Hopeful, a public/private partnership with non-profit Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope (MPPH) that aims to house America's homeless families.
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.
