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. Democratic Majority Whip Announces Support for Rep. Xavier Becerra Attorney General Appointment
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Los Angeles), the Assembly’s Democratic Majority Whip, announced his full-fledged support for Rep. Xavier Becerra’s (D-Los Angeles) appointment as California’s next Attorney General.
California Governor Brown Announces Proposed 2017-18 State Balanced Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proposed a balanced state budget that eliminates a projected $2 billion deficit and bolsters the state's Rainy Day Fund while continuing to invest in education, health care expansion and other core programs.
Calif. Gov. Brown announces Appointments for Jan. 9, 2017 including to Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Michelle Baass, 42, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary of the Office of Program and Fiscal Affairs at the California Health and Human Services Agency.
Cervantes Introduces California Bill to Make Riverside County Carpool Lanes More Flexible
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Calif. Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) introduced her first bill at the State Capitol. The bill, Assembly Bill 91, would help ease late-night traffic jams in Riverside County by allowing single-occupancy vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, commonly known as “carpool lanes,” during non-peak traffic hours.
Greg Steininger joins 5 BARS as National VP of 5 Bars Communities
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars(TM) a leader in wireless technology solutions, announced the appointment of Greg Steininger as National Vice President, Communities. 5 Bars is a premier provider of wireless master plans and asset marketing for cities, counties and large-scale venues.
Hoge Fenton attorney Crystal N. Riggins has been elevated to shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2017
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Crystal Riggins, based in Hoge Fenton's Silicon Valley office, is a member of the Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Ethics & Professional Liability practice groups. Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm.
End Alzheimer’s: ACSIA Partners Will Help ‘Kill the Wicked Witch of Alzheimer’s’
SEATTLE, Wash., Jan. 9, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For the second year in a row, ACSIA Partners, a national long-term care insurance agency based in Kirkland, Wash., will join the fight against Alzheimer's disease. As part of its three-day annual conference, the company will host a fundraiser on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, which seeks a cure for the debilitating disease.
Banking Expert Rob Chrisman to Address Special Session at ReverseVision 2017 UserCon
SAN DIEGO, Calif., /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of software and technology for the reverse mortgage industry, today announced that mortgage industry expert Rob Chrisman will address attendees of RV UserCon 2017 as a special session speaker on February 9 in San Diego.
Calif. Legislative Leaders on Hiring Former U.S. Attorney General to deal with challenges from incoming Trump Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) released the following statement to announce they have hired outside legal counsel to deal with potential challenges from the incoming Trump Administration ....
Calif. Rep. Cardenas Won’t Back Down in New 2017 Congress
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Representative Tony Cardenas (CA-29), released the following statement to mark the beginning of the 115th Congress: "At the outset of this Congress, we are faced with more uncertainty than ever."
Bank of Southern California, N.A. Completes $7M Capital Offering and Announces New Board of Directors
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced that it has completed a capital raise of $7 million through a stock purchase agreement of the Bank's common stock with Castle Creek Capital, based in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Medical Residency Bottleneck: The Everest Foundation is one of the only non-profits working to alleviate issue
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Everest Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has made it its core passion to help the Graduate Medical Education community. The foundation is renowned in circles of Medical Schools, Universities and Residency Programs. The foundation, in part, assists with funding of research, personnel, edu-initiatives, and residency training slots.
Calif. Assemblymember Ash Kalra Named Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California State Assemblymember Ash Kalra has been named Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging & Long-Term Care by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. It is relatively rare for a newly elected Assemblymember to be appointed as Chair and Kalra is one of only four newly elected legislators in the Assembly to be appointed Chair of a Standing Committee and one of only two who have never previously served in the Assembly to be appointed as a Committee Chair.
Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty Named Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D – Paramount) today named Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. The Chairmanship oversees the largest component of California’s multi-billion dollar annual budget, which in 2016 spent $88.3 billion on K-12 education programs and $30 billion supporting California’s Community College, CSU and UC systems. McCarty previously served as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance in the 2015-16 legislative session.
Calif. Assemblymember O’Donnell Reappointed to Lead 2017 Assembly Education Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) was renamed as Chair of the Assembly Education Committee by Speaker Anthony Rendon. The committee is instrumental in shaping state policy impacting schools, students and teachers in California. Assemblymember O’Donnell issued the following statement on the appointment....
Calif. Assemblymember McCarty Applauds $20M in Grants to Help Classified School Workers Become Credentialed Teachers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty’s (D –Sacramento) efforts to diversify and increase the number of credentialed K-12 teachers in California received a multi-million dollar boost when the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing recently awarded $20 million (twenty million dollars) in grants to help 1,000 classified school employees become credentialed teachers.
California Speaker Rendon Announces 2017 State Leadership Team, Committee Chairs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) announced committee chair and Democratic leadership appointments. The appointments are effective immediately.
The Mortgage Collaborative Releases Aggressive 2016 Growth Data with $150B in Origination Volume
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, the industry's premier mortgage cooperative, today released year-end data on its 2016 growth. "Adding 50 new lender members and 20 new Preferred Partners in 2016 met the aggressive goals established by our Board, and grew our aggregate origination volume to over $150 billion," said David G. Kittle, CMB, the Collaborative's President.
EPIC Insurance Brokers Again Recognized as a Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has been recognized by their team members nationally as one of the "Best Places to Work in Insurance" in a survey conducted annually by Business Insurance Magazine and co-sponsor Best Companies Group. This is the 7th time that EPIC has received this significant and meaningful award.
Calif. Speaker Rendon Reappoints Paul Fearer to Covered California Board, Reaffirms Commitment to Health Exchange
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) announced the reappointment of Paul E. Fearer to the board of the California Health Benefit Exchange. More than 2.8 million Californians have purchased health insurance through Covered California since the exchange opened its doors in 2014.
Utelogy Corporation Hires Rod Gummerman as Senior Developer for SDAV Solutions
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Utelogy Corporation, creator of software for control and management of audiovisual systems for business and education, brings Rod Gummerman on board as Senior Developer in the company's most recent hire.
A Voice For Choice, Inc. Statement On New Lawsuit Filed to Challenge California’s Extensive Vaccine Mandates
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A group of California plaintiffs, led by A Voice for Choice, Inc., have filed suit challenging California’s extensive vaccine mandates, one of the broadest in the nation. With the passage of Senate Bill 277 in 2015, California now requires kindergartners to get twenty-five doses of vaccines – including for a sexually transmitted disease – before they can attend school. Unlike previous suits, this lawsuit eschews much medical or scientific discussion, and focuses instead on constitutional rights.
Calif. Speaker Rendon Appoints Assembly Committee on the Office of the Attorney General
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- As part of the confirmation process for California Attorney General-designate Xavier Becerra, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) today announced he has appointed a Special committee on the Office of the Attorney General.
Venice California Arts Center, Beyond Baroque to Mark 50th Anniversary in 2018
VENICE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Beyond Baroque, one of the nation's leading independent Literary Arts Centers, is planning a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2018. Guided by the nonprofit's Executive Director, Richard Modiano, and council of prominent artist-curators, a program of activities commencing January 1, 2018, will take place at Beyond Baroque's Venice location and in venues throughout Los Angeles.
Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza Introduces ‘California Rebuild’ Infrastructure Proposal with SB4
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On December 5, 2016, Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza introduced Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), which would allocate $1.2 billion dollars to reduce emissions, health risks, and also to redevelop the infrastructure of California’s goods movement network. This measure would improve goods movement corridors which are vital to the state’s economy.
Legislation to Help Calif. Children Suffering from Trauma and Toxic Stress introduced by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Shortly after being sworn in to his second term in the California State Assembly, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) this week introduced Assembly Bill 11 (AB 11), which will create a child care early intervention partnership to help California infants and young children suffering from toxic stress.
Calif. State Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra Introduces Legislation to Establish Hate Crime Registry
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, on the first day of the 2017-18 California Legislative Session, Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-San Fernando Valley) introduced legislation to establish the California Hate Crimes Registry, which would make public the names of those criminals convicted of a hate crime and the crimes of which they were convicted, while protecting the confidentiality of the victims.
Speaker Rendon Strikes Defiant Tone for State as Calif. Assembly Reconvenes on Eve of Trump Presidency
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Shortly after being re-elected as leader of the Calif. Assembly, Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) stuck a defiant tone calling for the "protection of Californians against the incoming presidential administration" in his remarks to the newly sworn-in Assemblymembers.
Calif. Governor Brown Appointments for Nov. 21-29, 2016 including California Student Aid Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ --This week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Michael Martel, 62, of Rancho Murieta, has been appointed warden at the California Health Care Facility, Stockton, where he has been acting warden since August 2016 and served as chief deputy warden in 2016 and as a correctional lieutenant from 1990 to 1996.
Calif. Gov. Brown Names U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra California’s Next Attorney General
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today named U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) to replace Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, who was elected to the U.S. Senate last month. The nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the California State Assembly and Senate, will be officially submitted after Attorney General Harris resigns.
ReverseVision President and CEO John Button named a 2016 Vanguard Award Winner
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of software and technology for the reverse mortgage industry, today announced that its President and CEO John Button has been selected as a 2016 Vanguard Award(TM) winner by HousingWire magazine. Button was recognized for his excellence as a business leader as well as his overall contributions to the reverse mortgage industry and U.S. housing economy.
EPIC Brokers’ Rob Massa and Craig Schmidt Named 2016 ‘Top Benefit Advising Innovators’
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) named Director of Retirement Rob Massa and Senior Wellness Consultant Craig Schmidt as "Top Benefit Advising Innovators."
Latino Victory Project Condemns President Elect Trump’s ‘Voter Fraud’ False Allegations
OPINION: Yesterday, Donald Trump reacted to the election recount in Wisconsin and to the news that Hillary Clinton has over 2 million more popular votes than him, by lashing out on Twitter and arguing election fraud. President-elect Donald J. Trump claimed through social media that he “won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.”
EPIC Insurance Brokers’ Chuck Simpson to Speak at OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will speak at the OSHA Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference on Wednesday, November 30 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas.
Bank of Southern California, N.A. adds Luz Gonzalez as Branch Sales Manager in Rancho Mirage
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL) announced today that Luz Gonzalez has joined the Company as Branch Sales Manager of its Rancho Mirage branch. Most recently, Ms. Gonzalez served the Coachella Valley community as a Deputy Sheriff for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, following a successful eleven-year career at El Paseo Bank.
Covered California adds LIBERTY Dental Plan as option for 2017 Business and Family Plans
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LIBERTY Dental Plan is proud to announce its selection as a participating dental plan for the 2017 benefit year. LIBERTY will offer individual or family dental plans through Covered California this open enrollment period as well as coverage options for small businesses.
California Assembly Democrats Unanimously Retain Anthony Rendon as Speaker
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- At their organizational caucus today, Calif. Assembly Democrats chose Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) to continue as their party’s leader...
Proponents of California Plastic Bag Ban Declare Landmark Victory for Proposition 67
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Californians have voted to enact a state law to ban plastic shopping bags, the first state in the nation to do so. Proposition 67, the referendum on the state law (Senate Bill 270) passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2014, is leading by 52-48 percent.
Statement from the California Federation of Teachers: Calif. Voters Have Spoken, Time to Roll up Our Sleeves
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With the passage of Proposition 55, California’s voters resoundingly (62-38) agreed that public education remains a top priority. The...
Amongst the Historic Terror, Major California Election Day Victories for The Los Angeles River
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) is celebrating a Major victory for the Los Angeles River with...
Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Holds Rally, Awareness for Victims of Homicide
WHITTIER, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto has announced a rally, "Awareness for Victims of Homicide," to remind policymakers, law enforcement (and...
Andy Warhol Original Painting ‘The Gold Thinker’ to Be Auctioned for Charity
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- "The Gold Thinker," an Andy Warhol original painting, a Gold Marilyn comparable masterpiece, to be auctioned online with eBay for Charity November 7 - 17, 2016, Michael P. Wilson, the painting's owner, announced today. eBay For Charity will host the auction.
California Safe Schools Celebrates its 18th Anniversary, Honors Humanitarians and Environmental Health Trailblazers
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, October 17, in historic downtown Los Angeles, at the California Endowment, California Safe Schools, the internationally...
Representative Democracy for a Growing California: Should Counties Have Elected Executives and Larger Boards?
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past Thursday, Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), and Senator Robert Hertzberg (D-Van...
California Homecare Workers Seek Fix to Current State Payroll Processing System
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers from throughout the state will testify at...
Melissa Krasnow joins VLP Law Group LLP as Partner in Privacy and Technology Transactions Practice Groups
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Melissa Krasnow has joined the firm as a Partner in the Privacy & Data Security, Technology Transactions and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Groups. As the first Minnesota attorney to join VLP, she will be based in Minneapolis and will continue her practice in these areas.
MostFit to Hold 5th Annual ‘Pushups for Puppies’ Fitness Fundraiser on November 13
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MostFit Founder and Owner, Andrew Gavigan, along with Personal Trainer and MostFit Cofounder, Erin Fukuda will be holding their fun and heartfelt Pushup for Puppies Workout Event for the fifth consecutive year on Sunday, November 13, 2016. 100-percent of the proceeds go to S.T.A.R.T. Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team.
Calif. Gov. Brown Appointments for Oct. 6-7, 2016 include California Cybersecurity Integration Center
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- During the first week of Oct. 2016, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Keith...
Calif. Senator Mark Leno to Lead Celebration on 50th Anniversary of Medi-Cal In San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) will lead the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Medi-Cal by...
Calif. Speaker Rendon Names Assemblymember Ken Cooley as Next Rules Committee Chair
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) today announced that Assemblymember Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) will become the chair of...
