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.
SecuGen to Showcase the UN20 Serial OEM Sensor for Security Installations at CES 2016 in Las Vegas
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen Corp., a world leading optical fingerprint device and technology vendor, is pleased to announce that it will be showcasing the UN20 Serial(TM), a stand-alone high performance, low cost, optical fingerprint sensor at CES 2016 from January 6-9. Developers are invited to come by SecuGen's booth, number 21733 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center to see a demonstration of this revolutionary new OEM fingerprint sensor.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Named Chair of Utilities & Commerce Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Earlier today, Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) was appointed chairman of the Assembly’s formidable Utilities and Commerce Committee, overseeing...
'Winter on Fire' Director Evgeny Afineevsky Awarded by Ukrainian President
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- American-Russian Business Council (ARBC) is pleased to announce that its member and director of the Netflix original documentary 'Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom,' Evgeny Afineevsky, has been awarded the Medal of the Cross of Ivan Mazepa by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Three More California City Plastic Bag Bans Go Into Effect Jan. 1, 2016
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Three more California cities – Sacramento, American Canyon, and Milpitas – will implement bans on single-use plastic bags on...
Calif. Interfaith Experts Discuss Building Community of Peace from Recent Tragedies in San Bernardino and Worldwide
CLAREMONT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In light of the recent tragic events in San Bernardino, California and around the world, Claremont Lincoln University on...
Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Reminds on New Laws for Californians Jan. 1, 2016
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- While everyone is out celebrating New Year’s Day, Californians should take note of new laws that will take effect...
SecuGen Corp. Announces UN20 Serial OEM Sensor in New 'Unity' Product Family
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen, a world leading optical fingerprint device and technology vendor, is pleased to announce the UN20 Serial(TM), a stand-alone high performance, low cost, optical fingerprint sensor.
ReverseVision Offers Lenders and REALTORS a Reverse Mortgage Education Track at 2016 User Conference
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. today announced that mortgage lenders, bankers and REALTORS(R) interested in learning why offering reverse mortgages in their lending portfolio allows them to better serve consumers are invited to attend a 'Reverse Mortgage Facts' track at its inaugural User Conference 2016 in San Diego January 20 - 22 at the Sheraton San Diego Hoteland Marina.
Calif. Gov. Brown Declares State of Emergency in San Bernardino County to Help with Recovery from Shooting
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an emergency proclamation for San Bernardino County to help the...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 18, 2015 including to Department of Toxic Substances Control
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: Russell Atterberry, 39, of Folsom, has been...
FootMate System from Gordon Brush featured on CNN The Short List for Buying American
COMMERCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The FootMate System by Gordon Brush was selected by CNN as one of the companies where one can buy American made products for the holidays. The American-made FootMate System helps make optimal foot health easy. It is a complete foot care system for cleaning, soothing, stimulating, and massaging feet in the shower.
New on iTunes: Augmented Reality Collaboration between Civic Resource Group and Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group and the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism today announced the availability of the Augmented Reality 'VisitPalmSprings' App on iTunes. The joint collaboration achieves the goal of designing and delivering a mobile solution that provides instant, multi-aspect navigation data. Residents, visitors and tourists now have instant access to a broad range of information about the city on their mobile device.
Donald Trump the poster child for Excessivism, says L.A. artist Kaloust Guedel
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- We've all heard the phrase, 'Art imitates life.' And it could not ring truer than in how a new contemporary art movement, Excessivism, founded by American artist, Kaloust Guedel, that showcases the excessiveness present in people's lives, correlates to Donald Trump's bid for the GOP presidential nomination.
EPIC Golf Insurance Services named Insurance Provider of the Year by BoardRoom magazine
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named a 2015 'Excellence in Achievement' award winner by The BoardRoom magazine as the 'Insurance Provider of the Year.'
Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza and CHP Hosted a Holiday Traffic Safety Event Dec. 11, 2015
CERRITOS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles County...
West Coast Mayors Meet to Seek Federal Support to Address Homelessness, Housing Crises
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayors from five West Coast cities on Thursday signed a joint statement to the federal government seeking full...
Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims Ask Erin Brockovich, Weitz & Luxenberg for Help
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,200 affected residents gathered Wednesday night Dec. 9 in Porter Ranch, Calif. They were there to listen to environmental activist Erin Brockovich, scientists and attorneys from Weitz and Luxenberg discuss their legal options against Southern California Gas Co. due to a leak from the natural gas storage well in the hills above their homes, the law firm today announced.
The Miracle of You: new music fuses talents of Paul Luftenegger and NY Times best-selling author Anita Moorjani
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Multi award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Paul Luftenegger and New York Times best-selling author Anita Moorjani, whose hugely successful book 'Dying to be Me' chronicles her struggle with cancer and her near death experience with heaven , are jointly releasing an album to inspire self-love, 'The Miracle of You.'
Charles Wright's A Million $ Worth of Memories Presents Soul Music New Year's Eve in Beverly Hills
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Join us at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif., at 8 p.m. for the funky grooves of headliner Charles Wright and The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band! Special musical guests include The Original Lakeside, Bloodstone and Chante Moore will keep the stage hot until the ball drops. A champagne toast and party favors help you bring in 2016 with fireworks, fun and soul music from many decades.
The Mortgage Collaborative and NAHREP Consulting Announce Strategic Alliance
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), an independent lending cooperative serving small- to mid-sized mortgage lenders and community-based lending institutions, has formed a strategic alliance with NAHREP Consulting Services (NCS), announced TMC Vice Chairman David G. Kittle, CMB.
ReverseVision Inc. Debuts Credit Report Integration with Certified Credit Reporting
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. has announced its newest credit report partnership with Certified Credit Reporting, a nationwide provider of credit reports and mortgage information services. This integration within RV Exchange (RVX), ReverseVision's flagship reverse loan origination system (RLOS) platform, increases RVX users' choice of automated credit report services.
Author A.A. Jones Takes Plunge in Underwater Pole Dance for Re-Release of 'Tilt' Memoir
BURBANK, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A.A. Jones is re-releasing her memoirs, 'Tilt Diary of a Virgin Stripper' (ISBN: 978-1257802869) just in time for holiday reading. Instead of doing it with a bang however, the self-confessed housewife by day and exotic dancer by night has taken a plunge instead. 'Plunge' is the title of a provocative yet inspirational pole dance shot underwater by world-renowned photographer Brett Stanley.
Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims to Meet Erin Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg, Dec. 9
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich - whom actress Julia Roberts famously portrayed in an Oscar-winning role - will join environmental and consumer protection attorneys from Weitz and Luxenberg, P.C., at a Southern California townhall meeting Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, for victims of the Porter Ranch gas leak, Weitz and Luxenberg today announced. (Press Release)
Calif. Congressman Cardenas Introduces Manufacturing Jobs Bill, inspired by 'Race to the Top'
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week in Washington, D.C., U.S. Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley, Calif.) and Brad Ashford (D-Omaha, Neb.) today...
ReverseVision Jan. 2016 Inaugural User Conference features keynote from Jamie Hopkins
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. today announced that noted financial planning expert Jamie Hopkins, Esq., JD, CLU(R), RICP(R), an associate professor of taxation at The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania will deliver the keynote address at its inaugural User Conference 2016.
ArteQuesta signs Ziv Koren, Award-Winning, Critically Acclaimed Photo Journalist
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fine Art Investment firm ArteQuesta announces the exclusive USA representation of world-renowned Israeli Photo Journalist, Ziv Koren. In signing with ArteQuesta, Koren stated, 'I'm very excited and looking forward to a fruitful collaboration. Through my photography, I'd rather be honest than impressive.'
Civic Resource Group and TransitScreen to Modernize MTC's Transit Signage across San Francisco Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group (CRG) and TransitScreen, Inc. today announced they have joined forces to modernize the transit displays in 46+ different locations across the San Francisco Bay Area as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)'s Hub Signage program.
Arab-Latina Beauty Sofia Hanan Runs for Miss California USA Despite Backlash Towards Arabs
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Regardless of America's focus on 'white nationalism,' Palestinian-Latina-American Sofia Hanan continues on her quest to become Miss California USA 2016. The U.S. has become ultra sensitive to the idea of outsiders living amongst them. Fears heightened after recent Paris attacks and the on-going manhunt for its coordinator.
EPIC Brokers Again Named Among 'Best Places to Work' in Insurance by Business Insurance Magazine
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been ranked #5 among the 2015 'Best Places to Work in Insurance' in the medium employer category (250-999 U.S. employees) by Business Insurance Magazine and Best Companies Group.
Calif. Senator Isadore Hall Receives 100-percent Approval Rating from Planned Parenthood
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) recognized Calif. Senator Isadore Hall’s (D – South Bay) unwavering commitment...
Jeffrey S. Taylor of ReverseVision Honored by NRMLA for Reverse Mortgage Leadership
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. today announced that board member Jeffrey S. Taylor, Master CMB, has received the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) Career Achievement Award. The award was presented to Taylor at NRMLA's 2015 Annual Meeting and Expo held November 16-18 in San Francisco.
Digital Spiritual Resort: Celebrated Hollywood Creatives Launch a Unique New Form of Entertainment
MALIBU, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This is The Frequency presents 'The Digital Spiritual Resort,' a totally original and anarchic form of interactive entertainment that turns enlightenment, meditation and philosophy on its head. The Frequency experience uses music, humor and drama to explore the deepest issues of existence, and offers insights that will help you overcome the obstacles you face in getting the life you want.
National Foundation for Military Family Support teams with The Charitable Mint to launch two initiatives
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Helping to weave a critically needed safety net for our nation's soldiers and their loved ones, the non-profit National Foundation for Military Family Support (NFMFS) has joined forces with The Charitable Mint to battle urgent needs military families are facing not met by other sources.
The Mortgage Collaborative Welcomes 10 New Providers to Preferred Partner Network
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, an independent mortgage lending cooperative, today announced the formal approval of 10 new preferred vendor partners to their national network, announced the Collaborative's EVP of National Sales and Strategic Alliances, Rich Swerbinsky.
Augmented Reality Enabled 'GoLauderdale' App Launched on iTunes for Travel in Ft. Lauderdale
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group International (CRG) and the Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (DDA) today announced the completion of the DDA's modernizing Smart City initiative. The joint collaboration achieves the goal of designing and delivering a mobile solution that provides instant, multi-aspect navigation data.
DrivenBI's SRK helps BJD Inc. to drive clothing sales cycle analytics for successful growth and expansion
PASADENA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- BJD Inc., a privately held men's sportswear manufacturer, established in 1985, located in Los Angeles and New York, has selected DrivenBI's SRK to help transform their Sales Cycle Analysis. BJD Inc. owns several different brands, their most distinguished being Michael Brandon, Thread and Cloth, James Tattersall, and Park West. BJD Inc. distributes to retail giants such as Burlington, Marmaxx Group, Ross, Steinmart, and many more.
Financial Firms Can Better Comply with Servicemembers Civil Relief Act with Quandis' Military Search Service
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Quandis, Inc., a leading provider of default management technology solutions, announced today that it developed and incorporated a sophisticated data parsing and analysis component into its Military Search Service. The new functionality assists servicers and default attorneys in adhering to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in order to avoid non-compliance, lawsuits and fines.
CIOReview Public Sector Analysts Panel names Civic Resource Group International 'Company of the Month'
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group International (CRG) announced today that it has been named 'Company of the Month' in the magazine's Public Sector special edition, a commendation marking CRG's leading position in the digital transformation of the broad public sector in both the U.S. and internationally.
Credit Report Integration with MeridianLink announced by ReverseVision Inc.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. has announced their newest credit report partnership with MeridianLink, a leading web-based platform for ordering and delivery of credit reports. This integration within RV Exchange (RVX), ReverseVision's flagship reverse loan origination system (RLOS) platform, increases RVX users' choice of automated credit report services.
EPIC Insurance Brokers Named a 2015 Elite Agency by Insurance Business America
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC'), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has been named a 2015 Elite Agency by Insurance Business America, a publication that reports on the latest achievements in insurance and also provides the latest in business best practices in a continually evolving industry.
Grant Hier, Chair of Liberal Arts at Laguna College of Art Nominated for Pushcart Prize
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) announced Grant Hier, Chair of Liberal Arts and Art History, has been nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize. Hier was nominated as an author and will choose which works he wishes to submit to Pushcart judges for consideration for inclusion in their revered annual anthology.
Michelle Doyle joins The Compliance Group as Director of QC to Oversee Mortgage Quality Control Services
CARLSBAD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Leading mortgage compliance and quality control (QC) services provider The Compliance Group, Inc. (TCG) announced it has hired Michelle Doyle as Director of Quality Control. Doyle brings more than two decades of experience in mortgage underwriting, quality control, risk mitigation and compliance to her new role at TCG.
Deloitte's 2015 Technology Fast 500: ReverseVision Ranked No. 367 Fastest Growing Company in North America
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision today announced it ranked number 367 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 'fastest growing' technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. ReverseVision grew 175.1 percent during this period.
MCT Trading, Inc. Acquires Assets of PLar Analytics and PB Pacific Partners
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCT Trading, Inc., a recognized industry leader in mortgage risk management providing pipeline hedging, best-execution loan sales and centralized lock desk services, announced that it has acquired certain key assets of PLar Analytics, LLC, a provider of financial models for mortgage bankers, and of PB Pacific Partners, LLC, which offers consulting services on capital markets and mortgage servicing.
Calif. Congressman Tony Cardenas endorses former Secy. of State Hillary Clinton for President of the United States
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-San Fernando Valley, Calif.), a member of the prestigious House Committee on Energy and...
New Homes Navigator and MLSListings Inc Offer New Tool to Expand California Home Search
SUNNYVALE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MLSListings Inc. today became the first multiple listing service (MLS) in California to offer New Homes Navigator - a first of its kind service that connects real estate professionals with new construction inventory for their clients' home search.
Community Leaders to be Honored at 2015 Awards Luncheon in Sacramento including Women of Excellence
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- More than 500 people are expected to attend the annual award luncheon Saturday, November 14, 2015 in Sacramento, to recognize winners of the 'Women of Excellence,' 'Lifetime Achievement' and 'Business of the Year' Awards presented by the Sacramento Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 9, 2015 including to 39th District Agricultural Association
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Andrew Campbell, 23, of Oakdale, has...
KMA Black Belt Champions: Martial Artist Maria Turnhout Promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, KMA Black Belt Champions is proud to host their 16th ceremony showcasing the new Black Belts at their Sherman Oaks, California school. The celebration, at Van Nuys High School Auditorium, is the culmination of a three month testing process.
Frank A. Daniele joins VLP Law Group LLP as Executive Compensation Partner in NYC
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP announces that noted executive compensation lawyer Frank Daniele has joined the firm as a partner based in New York City. Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Daniele spent 23 years with Willkie Farr and Gallagher LLP, where he was a partner and served as co-head of the firm's Executive Compensation and ERISA practice group.
