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.
Covenant Winery Announces 2023 Summer Concerts for Second year at the urban winery tasting patio in Berkeley, California
BERKELEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Covenant Winery Summer Music Series, now in its 2nd year, will kick off at their Sixth Street Winery in Berkeley on Sunday, April 23rd, and continue through the end of July, just before harvest season starts. Showcased at the winery's new outdoor tasting lounge, fans of wine and music can enjoy the vibe of the Berkeley Drinks District, while sipping a nice array of wines from throughout California's diverse wine regions.
The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier Now Accepting New Member Applications for 2023-2024 Induction
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is now accepting new membership applications through May 31, 2023, with the aim of furthering its mission to support and nurture the next generation of women leaders in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.
Barnett Vineyards in Napa Valley Celebrates 40th Anniversary in 2023
SPRING MOUNTAIN, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for the Barnett family who in 1983, seeking a respite from the pressures of city life in San Francisco, found a special, high elevation property on Spring Mountain Road in the Napa Valley that was to become the renowned vineyard and winery it is today.
Ethical Traveler Announces its ‘10 Best Ethical Destinations’ Travel Awards for 2023
BERKELEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Every year, California-based Ethical Traveler reviews the world's developing nations for their commitment to human rights, social welfare, environmental protection, and animal welfare. The ten destinations showing the most impressive progress are honored with "Best Ethical Destinations" Awards. These worthy countries, including several island nations, stand to benefit greatly from our travel dollars in a post-pandemic world.
SocialCoach.io Welcomes Fintech Pro Andria Lightfoot and Launches AI Driven Social Media Marketing Solution
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SocialCoach (socialcoach.io), a leading mortgage and real estate social media technology platform today announced the appointment of Andria Lightfoot as company President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) amidst their first-even AI Driven Social Media product launch.
Launch of new sustainable footwear brand BURUDANI announced – natural comfort with every step
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MIRACLE MILES GROUP INC., a footwear technology enterprise that owns the popular brand Dream Pairs, Amazon's #1 female fashion footwear brand, and Bruno Marc, is pleased to announce the launch of a new sustainable brand, BURUDANI. Rooted by a mission to provide "natural comfort with every step," MIRACLE MILES GROUP INC.'s newest brand is dedicated to providing innovative footwear solutions for the modern woman.
Nomis Solutions Featured in Tech Demo Super Session at Consumer Bankers Association Live Conference – CBA LIVE 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Nomis Solutions (Nomis), the leading provider of end-to-end pricing lifecycle management technology, announces its sponsorship of the Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) annual conference, 'LIVE.' In addition to the sponsorship, Nomis will be one of 10 companies featured in CBA Live's Tech Demo Super Session. The session explores innovations from top financial service providers including Salesforce, Blend and Glia.
Camarillo Wedding Expo takes the planning outdoors for 2023: geared toward couples looking to take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings
CAMARILLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Sunday, March 26, couples and wedding planners have the opportunity to nail down the details of their upcoming special day at a unique event spanning two Ventura County cities. The Camarillo Wedding Expo grants people access to five different wedding venues so they can explore their options in a single, fun-filled day.
BSI Financial Joins MCT Co-Issue Marketplace BAMCO
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, announced that BSI Financial Services (BSI) has become the latest investor to join BAMCO, MCT's new marketplace for co-issue loan sales. BAMCO brings co-issue transactions directly into MCT's whole loan trading platform and improves price transparency by connecting unapproved sellers to live executions from potential buyers.
Tijuana-inspired Cuisine: Tacomasa Cantina Opens in Cypress, California
CYPRESS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- For years, Tacomasa has been saving Southern Californians a trip south of the border. With the Tijuana-inspired cuisine served up at Tacomasa Taqueria in Long Beach, Ivan Flores and his team have brought the flavors of northern Mexico to diners in Orange County. Tacomasa opened its second location — Tacomasa Cantina — in Cypress on February 16, 2023.
Olea Kiosks Launches Quick Ship Program for its Popular Kiosk, Austin Model
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks®, the fastest growing provider of self-service kiosk solutions, has announced the launch of its new Quick Ship Program for its most popular model, the Austin kiosk. This program is designed to provide customers with a fast and efficient way to receive their most optimal kiosk, with a delivery time of just 4 weeks.
San Francisco-based Mytc.ai Launches AI-Powered Transaction Coordination Service for Real Estate Agents
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mytc.ai™ has officially launched its revolutionary subscription-based transaction coordination service for real estate agents in California. By blending expert licensed transaction coordinators with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Mytc.ai offers a cost-effective solution that saves agents up to 60% on transaction coordination costs.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: February 2023 data from a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for February 2023. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Operations Security (OPSEC) is Critical Requirement for Open-Source and Dark Net Collection says Treadstone 71
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Treadstone 71, LLC, the source for cyber intelligence, counterintelligence, hybrid and cognitive warfare announces new courses and services. The Treadstone 71 training and associated services include standardized anonymity methods, browser configurations, container builds, persona alignments to technology, PIRs and testing methods used by adversaries.
Youth Filmmakers Selected For 13th Annual BHERC Youth Diversity Film Festival In L.A. and Streaming
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) announces the 13th Annual Youth Diversity Film Festival (YDFF) Friday, March 3 through Sunday, March 12, 2023. On Saturday March 4 an in-person opening day will take place at the Pacific Design Center's Silver Screen Theater, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069), as well as online at BHERC.TV.
‘Our Walk with Grandma’ Celebrates National Library Lovers Month by Donating Children’s Books to Southern California Libraries
MURRIETA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The family of late author Dolores F. Kurzeka announced today their plans to donate "Our Walk with Grandma" (ISBN: 978-1039145450, FriesenPress) books to Southern California libraries in honor of National Library Lovers Month. The public is welcome to suggest their favorite public or school library by submitting a message on the "Contact Us" page.
Newly Discovered Vulnerability of Python Parsing Library Allows Check Bypassing, says cybersecurity researcher Yebo Cao
SUNNYVALE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A vulnerability has been discovered in Python's native urllib.parse function (CVE-2023-24329) by cybersecurity researcher Yebo Cao. This vulnerability has the potential to enable server-side request forgery (SSRF) and remote code execution (RCE) in a wide range of scenarios by bypassing the protections set by the developer for scheme and host.
EV Range and Liberty Partner to Bring Fast Electric Vehicle Charging to Northstar California Ski Resort
TRUCKEE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, EV Range and Liberty, a subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (NYSE: AQN), announce a unique three-way collaboration that brought four high-powered electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers to Northstar California ski resort, which is owned and operated by Vail Resorts. These are the first fast chargers in the Tahoe area located at a ski resort property.
Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco Presents: ‘New Frontiers in Meat & Dairy: Improving our Food System with Innovative Biotech’
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Next month, the San Francisco chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI) will host a virtual panel discussion titled New Frontiers in Meat & Dairy: Improving our Food System with Innovative Biotech, led by a visionary panel of female leaders from California-based companies that have pioneered exciting and delicious alternatives to conventional meat and dairy products.
Cal State San Bernardino School of Entrepreneurship Makes Top 10 Graduate Entrepreneurial Programs in the West
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The School of Entrepreneurship at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) announced they have once again made the list of top graduate schools for entrepreneurship programs by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine.
Metrolink Pop-Up Events Will Celebrate Riders on 2023 Customer Appreciation Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- Metrolink’s 5th annual Customer Appreciation Day, to show the agency’s love and appreciation for its riders. Pop-up events will take place at select stations, with Metrolink staff greeting riders with candy, scented valentines and gratitude for riding the trains. Travelers will also be greeted with classic love songs featuring distinct Metrolink-inspired lyrics via the stations’ public address system. Since 2019, Metrolink has held an annual customer appreciation day on Valentine’s Day to thank customers for riding the train.
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Awards of More Than $825M to Build Affordable Housing Through Accelerated Approval Process
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE/ -- To continue expanding the state’s affordable housing stock and increase capacity for additional climate-smart infill housing, California Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the first funding awards under a new streamlined application process aimed at accelerating the development of new projects while saving time and money at the local level.
Hollywood Burlesque Festival, Back for 2023, Offers a Sweetheart Deal Just In Time for Valentine’s Day
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With Valentine's Day less than a week away, last minute shoppers need not fret. The Hollywood Burlesque Festival is offering a sweetheart deal that includes a chance to win two VIP tickets and a 30% discount for anyone that buys at least two tickets. Heading into its 10th year, the Hollywood Burlesque Festival takes place March 17-19, 2023 at The Vermont Hollywood.
New Mom’s Touch Location in City of Industry Brings Korea’s number one chicken sandwich brand to foodie locals
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- People in and around the City of Industry now have the opportunity to enjoy Korea's number one chicken sandwich brand. Mom's Touch has opened a new location there, adding to their existing locations in Gardena and Long Beach, California. The grand opening of this new location was Monday, February 6, 2023.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: January 2023 Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and...
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for January 2023. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Sequoia Real Estate in San Francisco Adds Regional Sales Manager to Grow Business and Maintain Unique Culture
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Statewide growth and local expertise - while that may sound like a bit of an oxymoron - it's actually what Sequoia Real Estate has in mind for its future. And Jim Enes, a Bay Area native, is the right person to propel its growth. He's been hired as the company's Regional Sales Manager and brings more than 32 years of experience to the table.
We Inspect LLC in San Diego Acquires Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- We Inspect, LLC, a global mold inspection, consulting and health technology company, recently acquired Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy. Its acquisitional goal is to unify these individually-owned family businesses under one name and to better serve the community as a whole.
To Help Fight Vaping in Schools and Business, Vape Detector introduces a line of solutions that detect vape smoke from glycerin,...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Vape Detector, a Californian brand, has announced the launch of its line of Vape Detectors for schools, hotels, businesses, and parents. The growing popularity of vaping among young people has made it increasingly difficult for schools and workplaces to enforce policies against it. Vape Detector™ is a trademarked brand of Forensics Detectors which is a leading gas detection company located in Los Angeles.
Charles Communications Associates Celebrates 20 Years in Wine Marketing and Luxury Cuisine
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This year marks the 20th anniversary for Charles Communications Associates (CCA), a leading wine marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. What began at the dining room table of founder Kimberly Charles in 2003 with her first client, noted actor and vintner Fess Parker, has grown over the last twenty years to represent clients in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the U.S with a dynamic team.
Fintech Innovation Firm, MCT, is First to Integrate with Freddie Mac’s Income Limits API
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, is pleased to announce it is the first secondary marketing platform to integrate with Freddie Mac's Income Limits application programming interface (API) created for the first-time home buyer area median income (AMI) limits. Income Limits allows for the accurate pricing of Credit Fee in Price (Exhibit 19, or "Credit Fees") waivers.
Palo Alto-based WordSphere Announces $6.8M Acquisition of DrupalWare to Grow Webdev Operations
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- WordSphere LLC, a leading Palo Alto based tech company, announced today the completion of its acquisition of DrupalWare. DrupalWare, a tech company known for its cutting-edge software solutions, is one of the leading Drupal development agencies in the USA, responsible for sites like Tesla and Pfizer.
The California Crime Writers Conference is back for 2023 at the Hilton Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After going virtual in 2021 due to the pandemic, the California Crime Writers Conference (CCWC) is back with an in-person, two-day event to be held June 10-11, 2023 at the Hilton Los Angeles (Culver City). This premier conference offers panels and workshops on craft and the business of writing as well as opportunities for manuscript consultations and professional headshots at modest prices.
9th Annual ‘Cursive is Cool’ Contest Launched for K-6 Students in North America
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The American Handwriting Analysis Foundation announced that their 2023 "Cursive is Cool"® contest is now open to North American students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Students are encouraged to enter early. Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place, Third Place based on legibility and neatness.
Nina G, famous stuttering comedian, records debut solo album and live show at the Alameda Comedy Club
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Thirteen years ago, Nina G made her debut as the first stuttering female comedian. Since then, she's challenged the status quo of how people who stutter are perceived - onstage and off. So, in an industry that lacks speech diversity, Nina G's unique voice will record both her first solo comedy album and comedy special on March 9, 2023 at the Alameda Comedy Club located in her hometown. The album is projected to come out later in the spring on the Punchline Records label with the comedy special to follow.
Celebrate Concord CA Comfort Food Month 2023 with gourmet sausage-dog from Hillside Dawgz
CONCORD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The El Monte Shopping Center is the perfect location to make the most of Visit Concord's "Comfort Food Month" with several minority and women-owned restaurants offering a local flavor to residents and visitors alike. There's something for everyone in the midtown shopping center, from fried chicken to sausage to Japanese. The list of El Monte restaurants includes The Taphouse, Parma Deli, Frickin Fried, Taqueria Autlan, Izakaya An, and the newest addition - Hillside Dawgz.
Intellimedia Networks Expands its Operations and Technology Solutions into Kenya
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Intellimedia Networks, an award-winning leading provider of technology solutions for government, educational institutions, and businesses, is excited to announce the expansion of its operations into Africa with a new presence in Nairobi, Kenya. This move follows several meetings with Kenyan government officials and the Kenyan business community at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC on December 13-15, 2022.
California Ranks #1 on 2022 AWE State Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability Policies
SACRAMENTO Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. California was the top-ranked state in the nation and in the Colorado River Basin region, scoring 72.5 out of 89 possible points.
One of the Largest Pilot Hiring Events to be Hosted Feb. 2023 in Palm Springs, California by NGPA
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NGPA - one of the largest pilot hiring career expo events in the United States - is coming to Palm Springs, CA on February 9, 2023. The two-day NGPA Industry Expo Presented by United Airlines will bring together over 100 exhibitors, including major airlines, to meet with job seekers and discuss career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Activist Writer Homa Pourasgari Exposes Inhumane Slaughter of Dolphins in New Book, ‘The American Outsider’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Linbrook Press announces a new novel, "The American Outsider" (ISBN: 978-0977978038), authored by Homa Pourasgari, scheduled to be released January 23, 2023. It's a story about the inhumane slaughter and torture of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, and addresses the complex nature of the Japanese culture. It's written for anyone who cares about animal welfare and who hopes to make a difference.
Sisters-in-Crime Los Angeles (SinC/LA) debuts new mystery anthology, ‘ENTERTAINMENT TO DIE FOR’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sisters in Crime Los Angeles (SinC/LA) has announced the release of their new anthology, "Entertainment to Die For" (ISBN: 978-1970181388), with an introduction by award-winning novelist Sara Paretsky. Contributors to SinC/LA's "Entertainment to Die For" include a lineup of mystery writers from southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Sage Investment Club, a California African American Women Partnership, Celebrates 25 Years of Stock Market Education
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sage Investment Club, an investment firm managed by an all-female, African American leadership team, today celebrates 25 years since the launch of its investment platform. Founded by Sonya Weaver-Johnson, the group offers investment education and co-investment opportunities.
TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP Invests in TRAiNED Inc., in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity
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") recently participated in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) funding round for TRAiNED, Inc.
GridBright upgrades Oracle Network Management System (NMS) at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative (MCEC)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCEC, an early adopter of Oracle Network Management Systems (NMS), undertook a major NMS upgrade and re-integration with core operational systems of an ever-increasing complex electric grid. GridBright, in its upgrade of Oracle NMS at MCEC, further leveraged its proven NMS Configuration for COOPS that incorporates industry best practices from over thirty utility implementations.
California Strawberry Festival is Back for 2023 at a New Venue, the Ventura County Fairgrounds
OXNARD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 2023 California Strawberry Festival will take place May 20-21. For the first time ever, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This isn't the first time the Festival has outgrown a location, and the Fairgrounds venue was considered when the California Strawberry Festival moved from Channel Islands Harbor to College Park in 1991.
Legacy Launch Pad Changes Podcast Name to ‘On Good Authority’ – hosted by NY Times bestselling author, Anna David
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing announced today that it is updating its publishing podcast name to "On Good Authority: Publishing the Book that Will Build Your Business." The podcast, which has been named one of the best publishing podcasts by LA Weekly, Feedburner and Kindlepreneur, among others, has long been hosted by Launch Pad founder and New York Times bestselling author Anna David.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices Data for December 2022 Released by Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for December 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Calif. Governor Newsom Appoints Nancy Ward Cal OES Director
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week (Dec. 31, 2022), Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Nancy Ward as Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the first woman to hold the position. Ward has served in several positions at Cal OES since 2014 and brings decades of distinguished leadership in emergency management, including at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
CDF Labor Law Expands Leadership Team for 2023, Elevates Three Attorneys to Partner
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Labor, employment and business immigration law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is proud to announce the elevation of three outstanding attorneys to partner. These individuals are among the close to 50 CDF attorneys who aggressively defend and guide employers through the challenging legal landscape in California.
Legacy Launch Pad Releases Hybrid Family Memoir & Political Science Book That Warns Against Political Polarization
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is proud to release "Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency when Politics Fail You" (ISBN: 978-1956955491 (ebook); 978-1956955477 (paperback), 978-1956955484 (hardback)) the first book by life partners Dr. Emily Bashah and former Phoenix, Arizona mayor Paul E. Johnson.
Shelli Holland, Chief People Officer, joins Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, and Mortgage Coach, a platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive home loan presentations, today announced the appointment of Shelli Holland to the role of Chief People Officer.
