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.
Calif. Measure to Ensure Fairness in the Election Process Approved by the Legislature – SB 45
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 45 (SB 45). The measure, which will ensure fairness in elections throughout California, passed the Senate Floor on the special consent calendar with bipartisan support and no opposition
SELF DRIVE Act: House Passes Calif. Rep. Cárdenas Bill in Autonomous Vehicle Legislative Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3388, the SELF DRIVE Act including language introduced by Rep. Cárdenas to establish an advisory council at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on autonomous vehicles.
MAGLITE Comes Out on Top of COLLEGE Magazine List of Top Ten Safety and Security Products College Students Must Have
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Every year millions of parents send their children off to college for the first time and what to pack for that child is top of mind, says MAG Instrument Inc. The days of making sure they have clean sheets, lots of socks and an umbrella are long gone. Kids these days have very different needs than in years past and College Magazine has put together a list of the Top Ten Safety and Security Items College Kids Must Have and a MAGLITE flashlight is top of the list.
VLP Law Group LLP Welcomes David Jargiello as Returning Partner and General Counsel
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David Jargiello has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and the firm's General Counsel. Mr. Jargiello is a business transactional lawyer with more than 25 years' experience in San Francisco and Silicon Valley primarily representing venture capital funds, professional service firms and legal technology companies in complex corporate finance, corporate securities, fiduciary duty and risk management matters.
Calif. Assembly Speaker Rendon Statement on DACA Repeal
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) released the following statement after President Donald Trump exercised executive authority to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Latino Victory Project Statement on Trump Decision to End DACA Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cristóbal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Project, issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it would terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects certain undocumented youth from deportation.
Calif. Congressman Cardenas statement on Trump decision to eliminate Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, D.C. /California Newswire/ -- Today, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.
In California, Late Rock n’ Roll Legend Ritchie Valens Gets Highway Designation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, California approved Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) ACR 23, officially naming a portion of Interstate 5 between State Route 170 and State Route 118 in the northeast San Fernando Valley after rock and roll icon Ritchie Valens.
Multiple L.A. County Cities Enter Into Agreement with 5 Bars Communities to Accelerate Wireless Coverage
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars Communities, a dba of XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless master plans, asset marketing and engineering services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announced an agreement to market and manage wireless coverage solutions for City of West Covina, City of Santa Fe Springs and City of Industry.
MostFit Team welcomes Helya Glen, Amanda Ruller and Kasey Brown
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MostFit is excited and proud to announce the onboarding of three new Brand Ambassadors who have aligned with the brand and products to enhance the MostFit team. MostFit LLC provides unique, effective and efficient products to the fitness community to make optimum performance more accessible.
Calif. Speaker Rendon Calls on CA Assembly Committee to ‘Get to Yes’ on Health Care for All
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) on Thursday announced that Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) and Dr. Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), the chairs of the Assembly Select Committee on Health Care Delivery Systems and Universal Coverage, will hold ongoing hearings beginning in the legislative interim so the committee can develop plans for achieving universal health care in California.
Berkeley Calif. Unanimously Votes to Enter into Agreement with 5 Bars XG to Develop Marketing and Small Cell Program
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars Communities, a dba of XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless master plans, asset marketing and engineering services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announced an agreement to market and manage wireless coverage solutions for the City of Berkeley, California. Throughout its history, Berkeley has been known for introducing creative change, that has later been adopted by other cities.
Los Angeles community groups call on state legislators to protect water and air from federal attempts to weaken environmental safeguards
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A coalition of Los Angeles community groups this week called on the area’s state legislators to support a package of bills designed to protect the region’s water and air from federal attempts to weaken environmental safeguards. The package is authored by area legislators Senate President pro Tem Kevin De León (D-Los Angeles), Senator Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park), Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), and Assemblymember Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills).
To address dental care needs of children in Los Angeles, Cal State LA receives $16.6M grant
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California State University, Los Angeles has been awarded a $16.6 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services to promote dental health among underserved populations in Los Angeles.
NEXT Future Transportation Inc. expands its Advisory Board with Bill Russo, noted China Market Expert
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NEXT Future Transportation Inc., a company that is commercializing a patented autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, is adding a new member to its Advisory Board: Bill Russo will strengthen cross-border venture development initiatives to and from China.
March on Google: Recent Social Unrest Inspires ‘Fear Google’ Artist XVALA to ‘Grave Rob’ for Work of Art
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A ground-breaking work of art by the "Fear Google" artist XVALA is set to be debuted on August 19 during the March on Google in Mountain View, California. Dubbed "The Diversity Belt," XVALA plans to wear his latest work of art in public at the March On Google to publicly share his point of view regarding Americans' First Amendment rights.
Latino Victory Project Statement on Fifth Anniversary of DACA, implemented by President Obama in 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cristóbal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Project, issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the implementation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which protects certain undocumented youth from deportation. Nearly 800,000 young people have benefited from the program since it was implemented by President Barack Obama in 2012.
Sergeant Orrlando Mayes with Sacramento Sheriff’s Department is the 2017 recipient of Dunakin Memorial Award for Extraordinary Achievement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sergeant Orrlando Mayes with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is the 2017 recipient of the Mark Dunakin Memorial Award for Extraordinary Achievement, the Union Institute & University announced today. The graduation was held Sunday, August 13 where the award was presented.
The Mortgage Collaborative Welcomes Addition of Strategic Compliance Partners (SCP) to Preferred Partner Network
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, the nation's only independent mortgage cooperative, announced a new partnership with national compliance solutions provider, Strategic Compliance Partners. The new relationship with Strategic Compliance Partners adds another best-in-class mortgage compliance company to their preferred partner network.
Calif. Gov. Brown announces Appointments for Aug. 8-10, 2017 including to the Board of Parole Hearings
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Robert Barton, 55, of Rancho Cordova, has been appointed to the Board of Parole Hearings. Barton has served as Inspector General of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2011, where he was senior assistant inspector general from 2005 to 2011.
At Union Institute & University Commencement, Parents of Fallen Deputy McCarthy to Accept Degree on His Behalf
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Union Institute & University 2017 California Commencement Ceremony is Sunday, August 13 at 11 a.m. at the Crest Theater in Sacramento. Diplomas will be bestowed to over 140 graduates in the baccalaureate and master's programs. Keynote address by Union Institute & University President Roger H. Sublett. Dr. Sublett's address will revolve around three themes: Confidence, Creativity, and Leadership.
Infinity Treatment Centers in Malibu CA Achieve the Highest of Safety and Quality Standards in Substance Abuse Treatment
MALIBU, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Infinity Treatment Centers, a leader in the treatment of addiction and co-occurring disorders announced today that they had earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating clinical excellence and compliance with performance standards. Infinity Treatment Centers underwent a demanding clinical evaluation to obtain Joint Commission Accreditation.
New Music, ‘Subliminal Lullaby’ from singers Autumn Sky Wolfe and Debra Byrd
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Parents everywhere may soon be celebrating the fact that putting children to bed just got easier with the worldwide release of "Subliminal Lullaby" from singers Autumn Sky Wolfe and Debra Byrd. Available on iTunes and CD Baby, a portion of the profits from song sales are going to the Autism Speaks nationwide nonprofit organization.
New Stand-Up Comedy CD by Comedian Erik Knowles – ‘High and Tight’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Uproar Entertainment is excited to announce the release of "HIGH AND TIGHT" by ERIK KNOWLES. Recorded live at The Comedy Underground in Seattle, Wash., "HIGH AND TIGHT" provides a hilarious glimpse into the life of Erik Knowles. From his experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps to his current role as a father and husband, Erik Knowles finds the inspiration for his humor in his everyday life.
New Debut Stand-Up Comedy CD by Comedian Jamal Doman ‘Consequences & Repercussions’ Released
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Uproar Entertainment is excited to announce the release of "Consequences & Repercussions" by Jamal Doman, recorded live at The Comedy Underground in Seattle, Wash. Uproar Entertainment is committed to recording and promoting today's most talented comedians.
New Interactive Bilingual Books from StoryWorld Help Kids Start Learning Languages Early
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Parents who want their kids to speak and read in another language just got help. Following a successful release to schools, STORYWORLD(TM) is now offering access to their interactive language learning books to parents who want to start their kids learning Spanish or Mandarin and even get a head start reading in English.
Fully Autonomous Modular Vehicle Milestone: NEXT Future Transportation Exhibits Prototype
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NEXT Future Transportation Inc. ("NEXT"), a startup that is commercializing an autonomous mass-transportation and goods-movement solution, today announced that it has reached an important milestone in its vehicle prototype development. NEXT has made important progress over the past 18 months in developing its patented innovation that is based on swarms of modular self-driving vehicles, which can join and detach with other modules in full motion, allowing passengers to stand and walk from one module to another.
Oak Hill Capital to Invest in EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants to Support its Further Expansion
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, announced today that private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners (Oak Hill) has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) stake, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in EPIC. Oak Hill's investment will enable EPIC to continue its aggressive organic growth strategy.
OC Great Park to get Small Cells Wireless Coverage with 5 Bars Communities
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars Communities, a dba of XG Communities, a premier provider of wireless master plans, asset marketing and engineering services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announced today an agreement to develop a Wireless Marketing Plan for the OC Great Park. Owned by the City of Irvine in California, The Great Park is a 1,300 acre arts and sport recreational hub currently in development to be the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century.
Calif. Governor Brown Signs Bocanegra Bill to Reduce Railroad Fatalities – AB 695
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) legislation to improve safety at railroad crossings for pedestrians and motorists was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. AB 695 would require safety arms to lower and vehicles to stop at a safe distance whenever railroad equipment passes through a crossing.
EPIC Insurance Joins in Authoring Updated ANSI – ASSE 2017 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and a member of the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee, announced today the approval and upcoming publication of a revised Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard (ANSI/ASSE Z390.1-2017).
Calif. Asm. Speaker Rendon Statement on Passage of Air Quality and Cap-and-Trade Bills
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today released the following statement on the Assembly passing the air quality improvement and cap-and-trade extension package.
Calif. Gov. Brown announces Appointments for July 11-14, 2017 including to CalWORKs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments for July 11-14, including: Joel Ledesma, 49, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy director of the State Water Project at the California Department of Water Resources.
Best-Selling Author Dean Koontz speaks at Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) hosted New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dean Koontz on Tuesday, July 11 at LCAD's historic Main Campus in Laguna Beach for an exclusive speaking engagement.
The Everest Foundation announces two distinguished 2017 Everest Foundation Scholars recognized for their extraordinary gifts
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- It has been an enormously successful year for almost two dozen Everest Foundation Scholars who are actively working on research projects for submission and hopeful publication in esteemed medical journals as well as starting their medical residency training in coveted ACGME Accredited residency programs across the U.S.
Former LACC Basketball Coach Michael ‘Mike’ Miller’s New Self-Help Book Is Endorsed by Clergy and Coaches Alike
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Pyramid Press proudly announced today its latest book, "Coach Miller's Guide and Workbook To Life And Success" (ISBN: 978-0996893503) is available now at all bookstores and on Amazon. The book has an inspired and moving introduction by Virginia Tech Coach Buzz Williams and an amazing foreword by noted religious and political leader Rev. Misi Tagaloa, Ph.D., Head Pastor Second Samoan Church of Long Beach.
Calif. Senator Mendoza Announces SCA 12 Constitutional Amendment Passes Key Committee Vote
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) announced the passage of Senate Constitutional Amendment 12 (SCA 12) today. The measure, which will update the rules and guidelines in the California Constitution regarding County governance, passed through the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee with a bipartisan vote of 4-1.
U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2200: Human Trafficking Bill Co-led by Calif. Rep. Cárdenas
SACRAMENTO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, D.C. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, legislation that Representative Tony Cárdenas helped introduce along with Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Karen Bass (D-CA), Ed Royce (R-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).
MostFit to Feature Product Demos with Amanda Ruller and More at 2017 IDEA World Fitness Convention
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On July 20 - 23, 2017, MostFit will join more than 330 fitness brands and 10,000 fitness professionals in Las Vegas for four days of cutting edge education and networking at the biggest fitness industry event of the year.
MAGLITE Declares July 2017 as National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MAGLITE (Mag Instrument Inc.) wants motorists and pedestrians to be extra vigilant to save lives during the "vacation months" - July through October - which are the most dangerous months the year for traffic fatalities. So MAGLITE is launching a dedicated web page, and promoting a public education campaign, in observance of the newly minted National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Assemblymember Bocanegra’s Bill to Curb Illegal Dumping – AB 332
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) measure to crack down on illegal dumping on city streets was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown today. AB 332 would allow local municipalities to pass ordinances to close streets and roads where excessive illegal dumping occurs.
Calif. Legislation to Repeal Anti-Immigrant Provisions in Prop. 187 Passes Senate Committee – AB 222
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. Senate Public Safety Committee voted 5-2 to repeal anti-immigrant sections of the California Penal Code, enacted in 1994 as part of Proposition 187 to fight the perceived ills of illegal immigration and unfairly punish undocumented immigrants in California. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) AB 222 would place a measure on the 2020 ballot that would ask voters to bring equity to California’s criminal justice laws by ensuring the use and manufacturing of a false immigration documents carries the same penalties for the use and production of a fake driver’s license.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Improved Nursing Home Care Standards into Law After Being Outdated for Nearly 20 Years
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- For nearly two decades nursing home workers have taken care of patients with inadequate care standards that put the elderly and those with disabilities at risk of injuries, falls, or insufficient supervision. Today, Governor Jerry Brown changed that by allocating monies in the final budget that would allow for the implementation of safer staffing standards for better care and working conditions in nursing homes. The decision comes after years of negotiations between SEIU 2015 nursing home workers and state leaders.
Calif. Asm. Speaker Rendon Secures $100 Million Funding For L.A. River Restoration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) applauded the Legislature for approving $100 million in Proposition 1 funding for restoration of the 51-mile L.A. River, a priority for the Assembly in state budget negotiations.
Celebrate Art at 2017 Laguna Art-A-Fair with over 120 artisans from around the world
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Laguna Art-A-Fair is one of the premier fine arts summer destinations in Southern California and has been for more than 50 years. Our artists invite you to Celebrate Art beginning June 30, 2017 with a full spectrum of unique original creations, affordable reproductions, art demonstrations, workshops, live music and excellent cuisine.
Real Estate Industry Expert Jake Seid Joins Qualia Advisory Board to Advance Title Settlement Software
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Qualia today announced that Jake Seid will join the company's board of advisors. In addition to his time as president of Ten-X and Managing Director at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Seid is an investor and advisor to a myriad of companies touching the real estate sector, including Blend Labs, LendingHome, Opendoor, Reside, Roofstock, Shogun, and Ten-X.
Calif. Asm. Speaker Rendon Honors Sam Sachs as 2017 Veteran of the Year for 63rd Assembly District
LAKEWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) honored World War II veteran and Lakewood resident Sam Sachs as the 2017 Veteran of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District. Sachs, who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday, joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and served in the 325nd Glider Infantry of the 2nd Airborne, which was also known as the Flying Coffins.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Names Norma Christensen Assembly District 7 ‘Veteran of the Year’
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento) this week named United States Army veteran Sergeant First Class Norma Christensen as the Assembly District 7’s 2017 Veteran of the Year. Christensen served in the Army for three decades, taking on a range of assignments including Military Police, career counselor and reservist.
San Diego, Calif. County School Districts Continue Choosing Edupoint Synergy Online Registration
SAN DIEGO, Calif., /California Newswire/ -- Edupoint(R) Educational Systems, creator of the industry-leading Synergy(R) Education Platform for K-12 student information and learning management, has been selected by Dehesa School District, Julian Union School District, and Calexico Unified School District to implement Synergy Online Registration through their partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), augmenting the districts' existing Synergy solutions.
Calif. Gov. Brown, Legislative Leaders Issue Statements On 2017-18 CA Budget Agreement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon announced that they have reached an agreement on the 2017-18 State Budget.
