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. Gov. Brown, Top U.N. Official Call for Action at Every Level on Climate Change
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. welcomed the United Nations' top climate change official, Christiana Figueres,...
'Carmen' comes to Ernest Borgnine Theatre in Long Beach for One Show, June 20, 2015
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Art-in-Relation (AIR) will present a co-production of the classic opera 'Carmen' to The Ernest Borgnine Theatre, Saturday, June 20, 2015. The co-production will run for one performance only. The Ernest Borgnine Theatre is located at 855 Elm Ave. in Long Beach.
PDC Capital Group's Emilio N. Francisco named a Goodwill Southern California Partner of Hope
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Emilio N. Francisco, Chairman and CEO of PDC Capital Group, has been named a Partner of Hope by Goodwill Southern California. The Goodwill Partner of Hope program allows generous donors to make regularly scheduled donations that fund education, job-training and job-placement services for individuals with physical or mental disabilities or other difficulties finding a job.
MostFit Brand Ambassador Tom Holland and New 12 lb Core Hammer featured at 2015 IDEA World Fitness Convention L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MostFit will host Tom Holland, internationally recognized exercise physiologist and certified sports nutritionist, in the MostFit booth (booth 1507) at the 2015 IDEA World Fitness Convention in Los Angeles in July. As MostFit Brand Ambassador, Tom will be leading product demonstrations to include the brand new 12 lb. Core Hammer, the original 8 lb. Core Hammer, SYN Rings and more.
Calif. Senator Mendoza Issues Statement on Passage of 2015-16 State Budget Today
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), Chair of the Senate Labor & Industrial Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for June 8-12, 2015 including Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced a wide range of appointments for June 8-12, including:...
Opinion: The Failure of Modern Medicine and Growing Opioid Addiction
CORTE MADERA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 'Giving voice to a growing public health problem,' notes Dr. Don Harte, Marin County chiropractor, 'a recent cover of TIME magazine bears a picture of a fishhook, with a pill as 'bait.' That cover proclaims 'They're the most powerful painkillers ever invented. And they're creating the worst addiction crisis America has ever seen.' No kidding!'
EPIC Insurance Brokers Launches Private Exchange Platform with Employee Benefit Services
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a national retail property and casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, this week unveiled its next generation private exchange, coined EPIC EXP (The EPIC Exchange Platform) in partnership with Atlanta-based Hodges-Mace, LLC.
2nd Annual City of Angels Celebrity Red Carpet Experience Honors Hip Hop Legend Yolanda 'Yo Yo' Whitaker
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On June 26, 2015, Yolanda 'Yo Yo' Whitaker will be celebrated at the 2nd Annual City of Angels Celebrity Red Carpet Experience through awards and a live performance produced by Darryl Pitts (DP Productions) and partners Kevin and Schvone Rouse (Rouse House Entertainment). For over 25 years, Whitaker has influenced the world of hip hop.
New Comedy CD by Brett Riley announced by Uproar Entertainment
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Uproar Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of Brett Riley's first comedy CD, 'I'm An Idiot.' Riley's signature impersonations, witty observations, and colorful stories incite bouts of laughter from the start. 'I'm An Idiot' was recorded at The Comedy Underground in Seattle, and is Riley's first recording for Uproar Entertainment.
EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants welcomes Broker Brian Laney as principal in Sacramento
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Brian Laney has joined the firm as a property and casualty insurance broker/producer and principal.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center welcomes Sheryl McLamb to EPIC's Private Client Group in Sacramento
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consultant, announces that Sheryl McLamb has joined as an Account Manager in EPIC's Private Client Group. McLamb will be based in Sacramento as EPIC expands its private client services.
Reverse Mortgage Loan Origination System Support Portal launched by ReverseVision Inc
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. has announced the launch of its new RV Support Portal designed to improve the support experience for users of RV Exchange (RVX), ReverseVision's flagship reverse loan origination system (RLOS) platform.
Le French Festival 2015: A 10-Day Bastille Day Celebration in Los Angeles of French Artisans and Culture
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In a celebration of French artisans and culture in Los Angeles, Selavi Global and Canard Duchene Champagne have teamed up to launch the brand new 'Le French Festival' set to take place across Los Angeles from July 4-14, 2015. The event will end with a closing night party produced by French Tuesdays on Bastille Day, July 14 at Riviera 31 at the Sofitel Hotel.
EPIC Insurance Brokers Expands National Employer Services Platform with Davin Millholland and Rosemary Hughes in Georgia
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consultant, announced today the additions of Employee Benefits Consulting professionals Davin Millholland and Rosemary Hughes to its rapidly growing Employer Services Platform (ESP).
Calif. Public Utilities Commission Reform Legislation Passes Assembly – AB 825
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved Assembly Bill 825 by Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to bring increased...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for June 3, 2015 including to California Native American Heritage Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Jacque Roberts, 35, of West Sacramento, has...
Californians for Retirement Security calls on former San Jose Mayor Reed not to accept a $106K payment
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Californians for Retirement Security, a 1.6 million member coalition of teachers, firefighters, police officers, school employees, and public...
Calif. Butane Hash Oil and Meth Manufacturing Target of Legislation Approved by State Senate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Calif. State Senate approved SB 212 authored by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) on a unanimous bipartisan vote...
Bill to Protect the Genetic Profiles of Californians Clears Assembly Floor – AB 170
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A closely watched bill by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) to strengthen notice requirements for the storage of newborn blood...
Calif. Conflict of Interest Bill Approved by State Senate to Help Prevent Corruption in Government Contracting
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A bill to restore public trust and accountability in government by strengthening California’s conflict of interest laws was approved...
Historic WWII D-Day Flag to be Auctioned by Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions for 71st anniversary of D-Day
SANTA MONICA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- An historic 48-star American D-Day flag - similar to one radio personality Glenn Beck paid $350,000 for in an auction last June - will be offered for auction during June 2015 by Grenadier Military Antiques Auctions in Los Angeles. The auction coincides with the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and the 71st anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Victoria Jackson Cosmetics Re-Launches Brand Portal with Classic Products and New Offerings
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Victoria Jackson Cosmetics is proud to announce an exciting brand refresh. Known as The Original 'No Make-up, Makeup'(R), Victoria Jackson Cosmetics has re-launched its website with a brand new look and new products. Victoria's favorites are still available like her 'No Make-up' Foundation Duo, Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, Universal Brow Pencil and the Victoria Jackson Survival Kit(R).
Onsite-Water Recycling Practices: Recycled-Water Bill Passes Assembly as California Drought Lingers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California is in the midst of a historic drought, and Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) has continued his focus...
Gatto's California Film Tax Credit Legislation is a Hit with the Motion Picture Production Industry
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the California Film Commission announced that four major television productions will be relocating to California from out of...
Calif. Bill to Prevent Child Hunger Approved by State Senate: Increases Access to National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Senate today approved a bill to address childhood hunger and improve access to the National School...
Calif. legislation to help increase the efficiency of Los Angeles freeway system passes Assembly – AB 210
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Glendale) legislation to help increase the efficiency of Los Angeles County’s freeway system, one of...
California State Senate Approves Legislation to Protect Consumers Using Home Sharing Services
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Senate today approved SB 761 by Senator Isadore Hall, III (D – South Bay), which would...
Calif. Assemblyman Gatto and Crime Victims United Issue Statement Regarding AB 84 Being Held by Appropriations Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The following is a joint statement from Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) and Crime Victims United regarding the Assembly...
EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Grows in Reno with Addition of Courtney Pino and Move into New Offices
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a national retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consultant, announced today the addition of Courtney Pino as a commercial insurance broker/producer as well as their move into new Reno, Nevada offices.
Calif. Bill to Protect California Kids in Day Camps Approved by State Senate – SB476
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Senate today approved SB 476 authored by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), on a unanimous bipartisan vote...
Calif. Bill to Keep Strangers from Using TV to Record Conversations Passes State Assembly – AB1116
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Imagine a television that records and transmits conversations in the privacy of your bedroom, asks Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto...
Calif. Vaccinations Required for Day Care Center Workers Under Bill Approved by State Senate – SB792
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Senate today approved SB 792 authored by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) on a bipartisan vote of...
Southern California Oil Spill Victims' Claims being explored by Weitz & Luxenberg
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Weitz and Luxenberg P.C., today announced it is investigating claims from members of the fishing industry, property owners and others harmed by an oil spill that began Tuesday and blighted the shoreline just north of Santa Barbara, Calif.
21st Century Cures: 50 Percent of Californians Will Get Cancer, This Legislation Could Help Them Survive
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today in Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) voted as a member of the House Energy...
Calif. Congressional Leaders Urge Gov. Brown, Legislative Leaders to Boost Denti-Cal in State Budget for 5 Million Children
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Led by Calif. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) and Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), 16 members of California’s delegation today...
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center welcomes Myesha Lamison Director, Benefits Technology
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consultant, announces that Myesha Lamison has joined as Director, Benefits Technology as a part of EPIC's growing national Employer Services Platform (ESP) team.
Telecom Industry Veteran Bruce Banigan joins 5 Bars as Vice President
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars(TM), a leader in wireless technology solutions, announced the appointment of Bruce Banigan as Vice President. California-based 5 Bars is a premier neutral host provider of indoor/outdoor distributed antenna systems, Wi-Fi and small cells networks.
Gatto Introduces Bill to Cut California Bureaucracy and Protect Water-Conscious Residents
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- When Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), the principal co-author of last year’s California water bond and numerous water-efficiency bills,...
Civic Resource Group International Names Former VMware Global VP Dane Smith as New Company President
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group Intl. (CRGI) is pleased to announce that Dane Smith has joined the company as President. Mr. Smith comes to CRGI from On-Ramp Wireless, an IoT technology provider. In his role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Company by working with the CRGI Executive Team, their Advisory Board, and community leaders to establish long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies for implementing successful Smart City campaigns globally.
SecuGen Corporation's Hamster Pro 20 Fingerprint Reader Receives IP65 Certification
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen Corporation is pleased to announce that the Hamster Pro 20(TM) fingerprint reader has been certified IP65. The SecuGen Hamster Pro 20 has successfully passed tests for both dust and water ingress. These tests were performed by third party testing organizations in South Korea.
Gordon Brush Plans Massive Expansion of its Made in the USA Products for Q3-2015 with New Calif. Facility
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Gordon Brush Company, which boasts one of the world's largest selection of industrial brushes, has acquired a new building and will move its factory and offices from its current 51,000 square foot facility at 6247 Randolph Street in Commerce, CA, to a 182,000 square foot building in the City of Industry, CA, located at 3737 Capitol Avenue.
Insider Software Launches Digital Asset Manager, EXPO, Which Centralizes Creative Assets and Streamlines Workflow
SAN JOSE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Insider Software, the maker of FontAgent(R) Pro, has launched Expo(TM), an innovative asset manager that redefines how web, creative and marketing professionals discover, manage and utilize images, fonts, icons, multimedia and application documents in their projects. By supporting their creative workflow, Expo helps them develop better designs, websites, documents, presentations and materials.
MostFit welcomes certified sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist Tom Holland, as a Brand Ambassador
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MostFit is excited and proud to announce the onboarding of internationally recognized exercise physiologist and certified sports nutritionist Tom Holland, as a Brand Ambassador.
Fannie Mae and The Mortgage Collaborative Partner to Support Small, Mid-Sized Mortgage Originators
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), an independent lending cooperative serving small and mid-sized mortgage lenders and community-based lending institutions, and Fannie Mae agreed upon enhancements to the benefits offered to TMC members that were announced earlier in the year through a strategic partnership agreement.
EPIC Insurance Brokers expands Employee Benefits Practice with acquisition of Executive Financial, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today it has acquired Executive Financial, Inc., an employee benefits consulting firm specializing in executive benefits, life, and disability insurance strategies.
Veros Real Estate Solutions Delivers First Direct Connection to FHA Electronic Appraisal Delivery Portal
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Veros Real Estate Solutions, an industry leader in enterprise risk management, collateral valuation services and predictive analytics, announced today that lenders and technology vendors interested in the option of implementing a direct connection to FHA's recently announced Electronic Appraisal Delivery portal for electronic appraisal submission can connect through Veros' proprietary product, PATHWAY.
Calif. Bill SB 505 Clears State Senate – Requires Voter Bill of Rights to be Written in Plain Language
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. State Senate this week approved SB 505 authored by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) on a bipartisan vote....
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Historic Investment in Schools, Rainy Day Fund, New Earned Income Tax Credit in Revised Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. released a revised state budget that prudently pays down debt and saves...
Los Angeles Celebrates Veterans on 71st Anniversary of D-Day, 70th Anniversary of VE Day, and 50th Anniversary Vietnam War
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Celebrated philanthropists Jane and Bert Boeckmann of Galpin Ford and the Heritage League of the Second Air Division, today announced they have joined forces again to honor WWII Veterans at the 71th Anniversary D-Day Luncheon at The Proud Bird, in Los Angeles, on June 6. All WWII and Vietnam Veterans, as well as their friends and family, are encouraged and invited to attend.
