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.
Comedians with Disabilities Act makes its debut at SF Sketchfest 2024, at Alameda Comedy Club
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) debuted in 2010 and has been going strong since. February 1, 2024 at the Alameda Comedy Club CWDA will make its SF Sketchfest debut. CWDA is a collection of comedians with disabilities, both seen and unseen. It was the brainchild of comedian Michael O'Connell. Michael passed away in 2016, but his comedy troupe lives on. Michael's legacy allows comedians with disabilities to develop their voices to receptive audiences across the country.
Digitl Mediums announces partnership with MYM Organics, an eco-lifestyle brand encompassing healthy living through organic fashion
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Digitl Mediums, a bi-coastal boutique full services consulting, marketing and branding company, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with MYM Organics, an Eco-Lifestyle brand encompassing healthy living through organic fashion.
SecuGen Corp. Releases New IQ SC1 Contact Smart Card Reader
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen, a world leading optical fingerprint device and technology vendor, is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the new SecuGen IQ SC1 contact smart card reader.
California Safe Schools Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Honors Environmental Health Heroes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, December 4, 2023 at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles, California Safe Schools, a celebrated children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an event called "Your Life is Now" honoring seven trailblazing health and safety heroes and organizations.
The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) closes out 2023 with record-breaking ’12 Days of TMC’ in time for holiday congratulations
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, has wrapped up its fourth annual 12 Days of TMC, a virtual conference running from November 30 to December 15, 2023. The online event, spread over three weeks, featured several keynote speakers.
Monthly Mortgage Volume Decreases 10.7% In Latest MCT Indices Report for 2023/November
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, today announced a 10.7% decrease in mortgage lock volume in November compared to the previous month. This revelation comes as part of MCT's monthly Lock Volume Indices report, offering valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of the residential mortgage industry.
NotaryCam Approved to Provide Remote Online Notarization Services in 2024 for California Transactions
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, announced today it will support remote online notarial acts in California beginning in 2024 following the passage of CA Senate Bill 696, which was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2023. Stage 1 of the bill takes effect on January 1, 2024.
For Your Consideration: ‘The Next Big Hit’ – a martial arts musical comedy included in the big list of SAG and...
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mark your calendars for Dec. 15, 2023, as Laemmle in Town Center 5 Encino is proud to present a film that is set to be nothing less than awe-inspiring. "The Next Big Hit" is a masterpiece that promises to inspire you to think outside the box and embrace originality, says producer Zak Lee Guarnaccia, and founder of production company LightRow Productions, LLC. It is a diverse cross-genre marvel that combines martial arts, music, and comedy into a unique and spectacular experience.
San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Announces Two Bay Area Women Receive Mentorship Grants
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is thrilled to announce the grant winners of their inaugural 2023 Female Entrepreneurship Grant and Mentorship program: Stephanie de la Cruz of De La Creamery in Oakland and Wendy Lieu of Socola Chocolatier in San Francisco.
Empire Strykers of the Major Arena Soccer League Sign Marco Fabian, International Soccer Star
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Empire Strykers of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), have announced the signing of former Mexican International Marco Fabian to a two-year contract. The monetary terms of the deal were not disclosed as per policy of the MASL. The contract is a landmark deal in the MASL, North America's premier indoor soccer league, now playing in their 10th anniversary season.
Gemoo Introduces Wordance: Transform Plain Text into Engaging Music-Synced Videos in Minutes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Gemoo, the developer of FocuSee, announced the launch of Wordance, a revolutionary AI-powered tool designed to empower users to create captivating music-synced videos and GIFs from plain text effortlessly. Whether for an indie hacker, startup team member, digital marketer, or content creator, Wordance is the go-to solution for generating attention-catching promo videos that resonate with the target audience. What's better, it's completely free for everyone to use.
The Mortgage Collaborative Adds Four Mortgage Industry Luminaries to 2024 Board of Directors
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, today announced four additions to its 2024 Management Board of Directors.
Legacy Launch Pad Announces ‘The EPIC Goal Workbook’ by Goal Setting Speaker Anna David
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing has released "The EPIC Goal Workbook: The Guide to Achieving Extraordinary, Powerful, Impactful and Courageous Goals" (ISBN: 978-1956955682; paperback), written by Anna David, a leading speaker on goal setting.
Introducing PRToolFinder Community: A Unique Dedicated Online Hub for PR Tools, APRs and Consultants
MARTINEZ, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PRToolFinder announced the official launch of its new membership-based platform, PRToolFinder Community. The innovative platform builds upon the PRToolFinder database with the addition of a PR Consultant Directory and Forum functionality to help connect PR consultants and business leaders seeking assistance.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation wraps Auction 2023 Seeking Pledges for Giving Tuesday
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) raised $21,949 at the 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction with the San Francisco Wine School on November 11. A lively event with a signature Somm Olympics component featuring past scholarship winner Tonya Pitts.
Sonoma-based Merriam Vineyards declares 2023 a ‘first class’ vintage in newly CCOF Certified Winery
SONOMA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Merriam Vineyards, located in California's Russian River AVA, wrapped up the 2023 harvest with much to celebrate. Winemaker William Weese states that this year is poised to produce a "great and first-class vintage" for Merriam's award-winning cool-climate varieties, especially its Pinot Noir. Throughout Sonoma County and many AVAs within California, the 2023 vintage is already anticipated to be one of the best in decades.
Adoption Fairytale Videobook for ‘Love Without Wings’ to Release on National Adoption Day 2023
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- "Love Without Wings: An Adoption Fairytale" (ISBN: 979-8986768045), was released one year ago and now it's also available as a read-along videobook narrated by Rayyah McCaul with an original music score by Sleeps Under Beams. The author, Adam Swain Ferguson, founder, Purple Fox Entertainment, says that the book and its video adaptation were imagined to magically introduce the subject of adoption to his son, and to celebrate diverse families made complete through adoption.
NGPA Celebrates 10th Industry Expo: NGPA Winter Warm-Up Registration Now Open for LGBTQ Aviation Pros
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The NGPA is thrilled to announce another captivating series of events set to take place in the sunny city of Palm Springs. The NGPA Palm Springs Events will encompass a wide range of activities, including a career fair, industry expo, networking socials, a weekend fly-in, member socials, hiring sessions, and LGBTQ+ advocacy breakout sessions.
Olea Kiosks Introduces Redesigned Edition of its Indoor and Outdoor Geneva Kiosk
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks®, a visionary provider of self-service kiosk solutions, announced a redesign of its popular Geneva kiosk as it debuts this new model at International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAPPA) in Orlando November 14 to 17, 2023.
L.A.-based marketing firm, Digitl Mediums announces partnership with David Claytor and SureThing Productions
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Digitl Mediums, a bi-coastal boutique full services consulting, marketing and branding company, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with SureThing Productions, a renowned name in the entertainment industry.
The California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) Annual Report: Continued Challenges for the Golden State’s 1.38 Million Veterans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA), a consortium of six non-profit veteran service providers, released its 2023 California Veterans Community Report, providing data and analysis on the current challenges faced by California veterans, highlighting the strides made in the past year, and presenting their advocacy strategy for 2024 and beyond-with a focus on behavioral health and housing initiatives.
Homebuilding Veteran Mitchell Bradford Joins Diversified Pacific in California
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Real estate veteran Mitchell Bradford has joined the talented team at Diversified Pacific. His 35 years of experience and leadership in the industry as a homebuilder and multi-family investor/owner will play a key role in the company as it seeks to grow and expand its reach and focus.
Mortgage Volume Continues Downward Trend in Q4/2023 in Latest MCT November Indices Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, reported today a drop of 17.76% in mortgage lock volume over the prior month. Loan originations for October continued to dip as mortgage rates hovered around 8% and lack of housing supply continues to slow origination volume. While overall mortgage lock volume dropped more than 17% in October, cash out refinances did see a boost.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute announces opening of 2024 season for the Great Communicator Debate Series
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to announce the start of the 2024 season for the Great Communicator Debate Series (GCDS). The debate competition features a series of regional competitions across America culminating in the National Championship hosted at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. Finalists compete to receive their share of $50,000 in college scholarships.
Legacy Launch Pad announces book: ‘Sustainability in the Air’ to Offer Climate Change Hope
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing proudly presents "Sustainability in the Air: The Innovators Helping the Aviation Industry Take Climate Action" (ISBN: 978-1-956955-80-4 [ebook]; 978-1-956955-81-1 [paperback]), co-authored by Shashank Nigam and Dirk Singer, respectively the Founder & CEO and the Head of Sustainability of aviation consulting firm SimpliFlying.
Emerging Neurotech Startups to Present at the 2023 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neurotech Reports, the publisher of the Neurotech Business Report newsletter, announced that several promising neurotechnology startups and early-stage firms will present at the 2023 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco, November 6-7. The 23rd annual event-the most established in the industry-will also feature presentations and panel discussions on important issues confronting the neurotechnology industry.
Nandita Bakhshi to Join Teresa Bryce Bazemore in Conversation at Financial Women of San Francisco 2023 Annual
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Financial Women of San Francisco (FWSF) today announced that Nandita Bakhshi, Special Advisor and Board Member at BMO Financial Group and Former CEO of Bank of the West, will be the guest moderator as FWSF honors Teresa Bryce Bazemore, President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, at the 2023 Financial Woman of the Year luncheon in San Francisco, CA on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Culture Wine Co. Launches in San Francisco to Enhance Representation of South African Wine In The U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Culture Wine Co. launches today as the sole importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer and wine club in the United States dedicated exclusively to the wines of South Africa. The goal? To drastically increase the representation and import-value of South African wine in the United States.
San Francisco Wine School: 2023 SOMM Olympics Spotlights Rising Wine Talent and Supports Educational Scholarships
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Saturday, November 11th from 3:30-8pm, San Francisco Wine School invites the public to join their 12th Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction featuring their signature Somm Olympics event benefiting the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to wine & hospitality professionals from diverse communities demonstrating financial need.
Landmark Study Reveals $2B Increase in Economic Impact of Sports in So. California, Revealing Significant Growth Post-Pandemic
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) released "Sports in the Los Angeles Basin: The 2023 Economic Impact Analysis" at the Metro LA Sports Innovation Conference on Tuesday, detailing a region charging back with more growth on the horizon.
The Mortgage Collaborative Announces its Selected 2024 Board of Directors and Advisory Council
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, today announced its 2024 Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP Invests in Halcyon to Better Serve Mortgage Industry
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") has made its latest investment in Halcyon. Halcyon's suite of services provides financial institutions with a 360-degree financial relationship with its customers by affordably expanding their offerings to include investment advisory, IRS transcripts and tax preparation services.
Tom Watson and his Watson Links program announce national expansion with First Tee – Greater Sacramento
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Eight time Major Champion, Tom Watson and his Watson Links™ program, which was inspired to pave the road for the next generation of lifetime golfers, is expanding beyond its Kansas City base for the first time. Partnering with First Tee - Greater Sacramento, the program will offer free tee times to junior golfers who are connected with mentors on courses in the Sacramento area.
High Mortgage Rates & Low Supply Drag Down Mortgage Volume in MCT Oct. 2023 Indices Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, reported today a significant dip of 13.29% in mortgage lock volume over the prior month.
MCT (Mortgage Capital Trading) Named Best Place To Work 2023 By SDBJ
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced that it has been named one of the Best Places to Work 2023 by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) in the medium-sized company category (50 - 249 U.S. employees).
Grace Gardens Dedication at Town & Country in Santa Ana Celebrates 2 Years of Premier Memory Care
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Town & Country Life Plan Community celebrated the two-year anniversary of Grace Gardens Memory Care with a Dedication Ceremony on September 16. Dr. John Stumbo, the president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, presided over the dedication, which was attended by city officials, business partners, residents, and their families.
High School Senior Manasvi Pinnaka Works to Improve Cystic Fibrosis Research through AI and Her Nonprofit
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Manasvi Pinnaka is a senior at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA. She's also the founder and CEO of Nysha.ai, a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness for cystic fibrosis. Pinnaka's goals are to create awareness about this disease in all races and ethnicities while empowering and educating students to explore the world of AI research to advance the finding of a cure for the disease.
Glynns Thomas Portraits Annnounces its New Studio Location in Downtown Sacramento
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Glynns Thomas Portraits, a leading provider of professional headshot and brand photography services, is excited to announce the opening of its second studio location at 717 K Street in Sacramento, CA. This strategic expansion positions them in the vibrant heart of downtown Sacramento, directly across from the Downtown Commons (DOCO) and the world-renowned Golden 1 Center.
Golden State Pops Orchestra announces the 2023 Holiday Pops Spectacular in L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The holiday spirit will be brought to life once again with the "Holiday Pops Spectacular" taking place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8 p.m., marking the final appearance at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, CA. Join Maestro Steven Allen Fox, Resident Choir Maestra Marya Basaraba, and the Golden State Pops Orchestra and Chorale in a heartwarming journey filled with joy and merriment!
Neo-Bionica Appoints Uli Gommel As CTO in U.S.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neo-Bionica, a leading innovator in the field of medical device development and manufacturing, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Uli Gommel as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Uli will lead Neo-Bionica's technology division spearheading its mission to revolutionize the way that companies bring novel neurotechnologies and smart MedTech devices to market.
Inspirational entrepreneur Tim Gaspar, an insurance industry pioneer releases ‘The Biggest Leap’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Inspirational entrepreneur Tim Gaspar has re-launched his debut book "The Biggest Leap: Building a Profitable Insurance Agency from the Ground Up" (ASIN: B0C3JGZZQR).
Reagan Foundation and GE Announce 2024 Scholarship Application Open Date of Oct. 16, 2023
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, in partnership with GE, are pleased to announce that the 2024 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program will open for applications on October 16, 2023. This program awards up to $400,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors across the country in 2024.
Japanese Whiskys from Asaka Distillery win Silver and Double Gold Medals at NY World Wine and Spirits Competition
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The 2023 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition awarded its coveted Double Gold Medal to Asaka Distillery's Asaka Single Malt Japanese Whisky, Aril Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Reserve, and a Silver Medal to Asaka Single Malt Japanese Whisky, Bourbon Cask Reserve, Suzuki-Marketing, Incorporated announced today.
Major Arena Soccer League Receives Congressional Support to Allow US Visas for Foreign Players
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) received support from the U.S. House of Representatives Soccer Caucus this week to help highly talented players be granted visas to play in the United States. Professional soccer players from around the world are currently being denied entry into the United States despite the clear intention of Congress to make sure professional athletes are able to enter the country.
Soberlink Launches 2023 ‘Addiction Care is Healthcare’ Campaign in Honor of National Recovery Month
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In recognition of National Recovery Month this September, Soberlink, the 'Gold Standard' in alcohol monitoring, is proud to announce the launch of its 'Addiction Care is Healthcare' campaign. The initiative seeks to normalize addiction care and firmly establish its place within the larger umbrella of holistic healthcare.
Petco Love Invests $25K in Sacramento SPCA to Save and Improve Lives of Pets in Sacramento Region
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today that they received a $25,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.
From Calif. Classroom to Career: Two We Are G.A.M.E. Alumni Kickstart Their Professional Lives
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Graduating from college and embarking on a professional career is a rite of passage for young adults. This summer, two talented alumni from We Are G.A.M.E. have made that important leap: Bailey Wong and Hannah Walker. Their stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring student-athletes and highlight the power of education and mentorship.
Prescreening of ‘The Next Big Hit,’ a martial arts musical comedy, is the brainchild of Zak Lee Guarnaccia
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On September 13, 2023, Regal Theatre in North Hollywood will be the site of an event that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. The Premiere/Prescreening of "The Next Big Hit," a martial arts musical comedy, is the brainchild created by Zak Lee Guarnaccia, a world-class martial arts veteran with over 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry from Italy to the USA, and founder LightRow Productions.
CA SB729 to Increase Access to Fertility Care for Millions of Californians Postponed to 2024 by Assembly Appropriations Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- State Senator Caroline Menjivar's (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024.
Mortgage Lock Volume Dips Slightly in Response to Rising Rates in Sept. 2023 MCT Indices Report
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, reported today a slight 4.76% decline in mortgage lock volume over the prior month. The slight dip in mortgage lock volume is likely attributed to an increase in mortgage rates through the last month.
