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.
City of Paramount CA Launches Business Licensing Partnership with SCAQMD
PARAMOUNT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The City of Paramount has launched a pilot program to enhance air quality compliance in the city by submitting selected business license applications and renewals to South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) staff for their review.
Cloudvirga Names Veteran Tech Entrepreneur Michael Schreck as new CEO
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cloudvirga(SM), developer of next-generation loan officer and direct-to-consumer point-of-sale (POS) systems, has named Michael Schreck its chief executive officer. He succeeds cloudvirga co-founder Bill Dallas, who will continue as chairman of cloudvirga's board of directors.
EPIC Insurance Brokers Receives Multiple Honors from 2017 Communicator Awards
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that the firm's Marketing, Communications and Creative Services Team has received one "Gold Award of Excellence" and eight "Silver Awards of Distinction" from the 23rd Annual Communicator Awards, the leading international awards program recognizing excellence and big ideas in marketing, communications and design.
EPIC Insurance Brokers Joins the ANSI/ASSE Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee for EH&S
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that as part of the firm's commitment to the Energy Industry and ongoing efforts to improve worker safety, EPIC has joined the American National Standards Institute/ American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 "Hydrogen Sulfide Training" Committee.
Kiel Mortgage Selects ReverseVision RVX Loan Origination Software for HECM Division
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc., the leading provider of software and technology for the reverse mortgage industry, today announced that Kiel Mortgage has chosen RV Exchange (RVX) loan origination software (LOS) to power its home-equity conversion mortgage (HECM) division.
EPIC Insurance Strengthens its Six Year Relationship with the California New Car Dealers Association
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) jointly announced today that CNCDA has expanded their relationship with EPIC, appointing the insurance broker / consultant as their exclusive licensed broker to provide health and welfare insurance consulting to CNCDA members across the state.
Utelogy Corp Continues Growth with Addition of Jimmy Ho as Product Development Vice President
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Utelogy, which makes software for control, enterprise management and analytics of audiovisual systems for business and education, announces Giang "Jimmy" Ho joins the company as Vice President, Product Development. Utelogy has seen steady growth in clients, representative firms, and solution partners throughout North America.
DocMagic Total eClose Solutions Receive 2017 ALTA ‘Elite Provider’ Designation
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the mortgage industry's leading provider of document production, automated compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, announced that it has been accepted into the Elite Provider Program for American Land Home Title Association (ALTA).
CA Legislation to Repeal Anti-Immigrant Provisions in Prop. 187 Approved by Calif. State Assembly
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Assembly voted 54-21 to approve legislation to bring equity to California’s criminal justice laws, by ensuring the use and manufacturing of false immigration documents carries the same penalties as the use and production of a fake driver’s license. Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra's (D-Pacoima) AB 222 requires California voters to repeal sections 113 and 114 of the California Penal Code.
Calif. Asm. Frazier Passes Environmental and Lifestyle Bill Package to California Senate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay) passed his remaining bills from the Assembly Floor leading up to today’s House of Origin deadline. Ten of his bills were brought up for a vote this week, passed and now head to the Senate.
VLP Law Group Welcomes David B. Franklin to Firm’s Real Estate Practice Group
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David B. Franklin has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Franklin's practice concentrates on real estate transactions and land use, primarily in California and Hawaii.
Bill to Address California’s 2017 Teacher Shortage Receives Passing Grade – AB 1217
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Assembly voted 77-0 to approve Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra’s (D-Pacoima) legislation to establish a teacher residency program that will address the state’s dire need for high-quality special education, bilingual, math, and science teachers. The California Teacher Corps Act of 2017, AB 1217, would provide a resident teacher with financial assistance in the form of a stipend in exchange for participating in the program.
Calif. Assembly Approves McCarty Legislation to Ban For-Profit Charter Schools in California – AB406
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Assembly has approved AB 406 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), which would prohibit for-profit corporations from managing and operating charter schools in the state. The measure was approved on a 48 to 23 vote.
Calif. Congressman Cardenas Introduces Resolution Demanding Action on Gun Violence – H.Res.370
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Day tomorrow, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) has introduced a resolution that would compel Congress to take action in the face of gun tragedies. H.Res.370, cosponsored by more than 100 Members of Congress, would require that any moment of silence held on the floor of the House of Representatives due to a tragedy involving gun violence be promptly followed by a hearing to discuss the cause of the tragedy and how similar events might be prevented in the future.
Calif. Assembly Speaker Rendon Announces Coastal Commission Appointments for June 1, 2017
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today announced he has appointed Chula Vista City Councilmember Steve Padilla to the California Coastal Commission and reappointed Commissioner Carole Groom.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Statement On Trump’s ‘Insane’ Paris Climate Agreement Announcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In response to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued the following statement today: "Donald Trump has absolutely chosen the wrong course. He's wrong on the facts. America's economy is boosted by following the Paris Agreement.
ReverseVision assists Skyline Financial Corp. to Lay Groundwork for New Reverse Mortgage Division with Tech and Training
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of software and technology for the reverse mortgage industry, has forged a partnership with Skyline Financial Corp. (Skyline Home Loans and NewLeaf Lending) to support the lender's growing reverse mortgage division with RV Exchange (RVX) loan origination technology and RV University (RVU) training programs.
5 BARS Communities to Develop Wireless Marketing Plan and Small Cell Program for the City of Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars Communities, dba XG Communities, a premier provider of wireless master plans, asset marketing agreements and engineering services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announced today an agreement to develop a Wireless Marketing Plan for the City of Fresno, California.
Calif. Senator Mendoza Announces Multiple 2017 Bills Pass Senate Appropriations Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) announced that multiple bills passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee. Among the lengthy list of bills before the committee were several pieces of Legislation from Senator Mendoza, notably Senate Bills 4, 45, 268, and 693.
Hoge Fenton Introduces Gradifi Student Loan Repayment Benefit for its Associates
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hoge Fenton, a leading Northern California law firm, announced today that they have signed on with Boston-based Gradifi, the industry's first provider of the Employer SLP Plan(TM) (Student Loan Paydown Plan) to introduce a new benefit for its associate attorneys: financial assistance with student loans.
CA Congressman Cardenas to Receive Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner Congressional Advocate Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SAN FERNANDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas will receive the Congressional Advocate Award at the 2nd Annual Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner. Congressman Cárdenas is being recognized for his role in founding the Multicultural Media Caucus and for championing media diversity issues in Congress.
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Gun Free School Zones Legislation Approved by California State Assembly – AB 424
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Assembly today approved AB 424 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento), which will update California’s Gun Free School Zones law to make schools truly gun free. The measure was approved on a vote of 43-23.
Calif. Gov. Brown Appointments for May 22, 2017 include to Dept. of Resources, Recycling and Recovery
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Rebecca May, 41, of Sacramento, has been...
Calif. Congressman Cardenas to Host California Youth for Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ – This Wednesday (May 24, 2017), U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) will pair up with Ally Alvarez, a twenty-three year-old young woman from Sun Valley, for the 6th Annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. Ally is a student at Los Angeles Valley College and spent seventeen years in the foster care system.
Calif. Assemblymember Frazier Honors Great Deeds of Special Olympics, declaring May 22, 2017 as Special Olympics Day
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D - Discovery Bay) passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 64 declaring May 22, 2017 as Special Olympics Day, and subsequently honored the Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC) and the Special Olympics of Southern California (SOSC) by presenting Assembly proclamations for their continued commitment to provide outstanding programs for Californians with and without disabilities.
Nick Pedisich Joins EPIC Insurance Brokers to Serve Transportation Industry Risk Management
CONCORD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Pedisich has joined the firm as a Transportation Industry-focused insurance broker/producer.
Open Letter from California City Leaders Calls for Prevailing Wages in State Housing Reforms
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In an open letter that ran as a full page ad in today's Sacramento Bee, elected leaders from six of California's eight largest cities called on California Governor Jerry Brown and the State Legislature to include prevailing wage standards in state housing reforms. The ad was paid for by Smart Cities Prevail (SCP).
First California ‘Capitol Cup’ match between Democratic and Republican Legislators raising money for Saint John’s Program for Real Change
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), Senate Republican Leader Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), and Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley), released the following statement today announcing the inaugural Capitol Cup soccer match scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 2017.
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas Low Income Solar Legislation Included in E&C Infrastructure Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ – Today, legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MI), and Barbara Lee (D-CA), was included in the Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats’ Leading Infrastructure For Tomorrow’s (LIFT) America Act. The Low Income Solar Act aims to help low-income families access solar energy opportunities.
Debut Stand-Up Comedy CD ‘Black Wives Matter’ by Gayla Johnson announced by Uproar Entertainment
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Uproar Entertainment is excited to announce the release of "Black Wives Matter" by Gayla Johnson. A diverse, intelligent comedienne, Gayla Johnson entertains audiences with her stories and her characters, treating her listener to her unique view of the world we live in.
Artist Bernard Hoyes Sculpts ‘Roots of Pegasus’ on display at Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery
PALM DESERT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Visual artist Bernard Hoyes has accomplished yet another career defining feat. The master craftsman was recently commissioned by a private collector to recreate the divinely celebrated winged stallion Pegasus, one of the best-known creatures in Greek mythology. The five-foot "Roots of Pegasus" bronze sculpture is currently on display until the end of June.
Wholesale Trading Insurance Services welcomes William Reyes in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Wholesale Trading Insurance Services, LLC (WTIS) announced today that industry veteran William Reyes has joined the firm as Director/Casualty Broker in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; he will work in conjunction with the firm's principal office in San Francisco.
MAGLITE Flashlights Win 2017 National Hardware American Manufacturing Award for Best New Product
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mag Instrument Inc., the world leader in flashlight technology, has been awarded the National Hardware American Manufacturing Award for Best New Product. The honor was given to the MAGLITE(R) brand for its new compact to mid-sized Traffic Wands that fit most popular MAGLITE model flashlights (including the new MAGLITE ML25 & ML50 series of mid-sized flashlights).
Cabaret Time: ‘Final, Final Farewell Tour of Dick & Delores DelRubio’ Launches 17-State Tour
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Palmer Productions and The Most Innocently Inappropriate Couple That Never Was Presents the new world-renowned musical, "The Final, Final Farewell Tour of Dick & Delores DelRubio," starring Alan Palmer and Andrew Orbison.
California Candidate Accountability Measure Passes Committee – AB 894
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- New Legislation by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay) that will raise penalties for candidates for office who make willful misrepresentations on their candidate statements passed the Assembly Elections committee on an unanimous 7-to-0 vote.
Greenbar Distillery Re-brands Popular Distilled Drinks, Solidifies Placement in Craft Distillery Space
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Greenbar Distillery, one of California's original craft distilleries and home of the world's largest portfolio of handcrafted, organic spirits, today announced that it has unified its seven core spirits lines under a new heart brand that evokes the company's origins as a love story between the two founders, Litty Mathew and Melkon Khosrovian. In sharp contrast to how most distilleries design their packages to stand out within categories, such as vodka or whiskey, Greenbar Distillery's new look echoes the maker-focused branding of craft brewers.
MAGLITE Announces ML150LR LED Flashlight Rechargeable System with Farthest-Reaching Light Its Ever Introduced
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mag Instrument, Inc., the world leader in flashlight technology, will introduce its most powerful flashlight yet -- the rechargeable ML150 LR(TM). Despite its mid-size (C-cell format) dimensions, the ML150LR(TM) generates a stunning 1,000 lumens and achieves a beam distance of over a quarter-mile. And thanks to multiple power settings and critical efficiency innovations, it can run for up to 75 hours on a single charge of its state-of-the-art Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery.
Our Family Coalition Celebrates 21 Years Advocating for LGBTQ Families at 2017 ‘Night Out’ Gala
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, May 12, 2017, Our Family Coalition (OFC), California's premier LGBTQ family organization, brings together 400 attendees for a Night Out to celebrate the organization's 21 years of advocacy, education, and community-building. The gala event includes elected officials, corporate sponsors, community partners and major donors, many of whom are LGBT people with children.
Sokal Media Group Named a Kia Motors America Digital Provider to Support Dealers Nationwide
RALEIGH, N.C. /California Newswire/ -- Sokal Media Group is proud to announce that they have been named a Preferred Digital Provider for Kia Motors America, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, Calif. Sokal Media Group's Kia Digital Suite consists of products and services including digital marketing services and training.
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas Helps Introduce Equality Act of 2017, prohibits discrimination against LGBT Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C., and SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas, a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, joined U.S. Representative David N. Cicilline (D-RI) to introduce the Equality Act of 2017 along with more than 190 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.
To Accelerate Stomach Cancer Research, Gastric Cancer Foundation Awards Second Funded Scholar
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Jose Saenz, MD, PhD, of Washington University School of Medicine was named the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation-Gastric Cancer Foundation latest Research Scholar in Gastric Cancer. The AGA Research Award Program identifies and supports talented investigators who are pursuing careers in digestive disease research.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Landmark California Transportation Repair Funding Package
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Moving to fill potholes, smooth thousands of miles of pavement, repair bridges and strengthen public transportation, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed a package of legislation to improve transportation and create jobs in communities across California.
City of Paramount Endorses Greater Powers for South Coast Air Quality Management District
PARAMOUNT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 18, the Paramount City Council, by a unanimous vote, became the first city in California to support Assembly Bill 1132 authored by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). The proposed legislation enhances the ability of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to quickly shut down businesses that are emitting dangerous levels of air pollution in violation of federal or state air quality requirements.
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas and U.S. Rep Farenthold Reintroduce Legislation to Protect American Manufacturers
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold (R-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan Trade Protection Not Troll Protection Act to defend American manufacturing. This legislation would modernize the manner in which the International Trade Commission (ITC) reviews claims, ensuring that American businesses receive fair treatment.
California Assemblymembers to Make City of Trees Even Greener, Helping Establish a Community Orchard
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Springtime in Sacramento often means lunch outside. On Tuesday May 2nd, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley), Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), and a bipartisan group of Assembly members and staff will spend their lunchtime helping establish a community orchard in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood in Sacramento.
Pat Brown Institute Honors California Speaker Anthony Rendon and Dr. Altman of Kaiser Family Foundation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs (PBI) at Cal State LA will honor Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon as its 2017 Public Servant of the Year, and will recognize Dr. Drew Altman, president and CEO of the Kaiser Family Foundation with its 2017 Public Service award.
Calif. Senator Mendoza Introduces Senate Constitutional Amendment 12 to Redefine County Governance in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A measure to make Calif. county governments more representative, accessible, and accountable to the populations that they serve was introduced today by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia).
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas Slams Trump Order on Offshore Drilling
WASHINGTON, D.C. and SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order aimed at renewing offshore drilling.
Working with 5 BARS, City of Sacramento Deploys its First Small Cell Site
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Working with 5 BARS(R), a leading innovator in Small Cell, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Wi-Fi wireless services for intelligent infrastructure, the City of Sacramento has approved its first small cell test sites with two major wireless carriers.
Jim Paul Joins Bank of Southern California, NA as VP at Del Mar Office
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that Jim Paul has joined the Bank as Vice President, Business Banking at the Del Mar Corporate office. He will primarily focus on building new client relationships for the bank.
