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.
California Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring California Library Week
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued a proclamation declaring April 12 through 19, 2015, as California...
Civic Resource Group International Makes Cloud-based CivicConnect Water Conservation Platform Available to Drought-Stricken California Cities
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group International (CRG) today announced immediate availability of its award-winning CivicConnect(TM) Water Conservation and Drought Management Platform to all the Cities and Water Agencies throughout California.
Vaccinations Required for Calif. Day Care Center Workers Under Bill Approved by Senate Health Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Senate Health Committee yesterday approved SB 792 authored by Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) on a bipartisan 8...
Latest Recycled-Water Bill Passes Committee as California's 2015 Drought Continues
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California is in the midst of a historic drought, and Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) has continued his focus on delivering new sources of clean water. Gatto’s legislation to help reduce the barriers for onsite-water recycling and allow more Californians to participate in safe and sustainable recycled-water practices was approved by the Assembly’s Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on a 15-0 vote.
Author Ryan Gattis and Artist Evan Skrederstu collaborate on new, hard hitting novel 'All Involved'
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta, a fine arts investment company, today announced that 'Ernie's Last Ride,' a piece by Evan Skrederstu, a Los Angeles-based artist and member of art collective UGLARworks (Unified Group of Los Angeles Residents), has been featured in fellow UGLARworks member Ryan Gattis's latest novel, 'All Involved' (ISBN: 978-0062378798).
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Veteran Broker Tim Woodhull to North East U.S. Team
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Timothy C. (Tim) Woodhull has joined the firm as a principal. Woodhull brings 35 years of diverse insurance industry experience and leadership in corporate insurance brokerage, insurance carrier operations, risk management and insurance program design and management.
Master Jeweler David Bellman and Segway inventor Dean Kamen unveil AquaSonic Wave for Daytime Emmy Stars
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This year's Daytime Emmy(R) Award stars will walk away with trophies and accolades as well as learning about a revolutionary new invention, The AquaSonic Wave. Co-created by Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway, and Master Jeweler David Bellman, the AquaSonic Wave provides a novel, time-effective way to keep diamonds and other precious jewelry sparkling like new.
L.A. Mayor Garcetti Launches 'Save the Drop' Campaign, encouraging Angelenos to address the Epic Drought
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti launched a major, citywide water conservation outreach campaign – "Save the...
We Care LA campaign gains momentum, supporters march urging County Supervisors to take action to lift caregivers from poverty
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- As L.A. County home care providers struggle to make ends meet, thousands of caregivers and supporters marched and...
Illegal Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and Meth Manufacturing Target of Legislation Approved by Calif. Senate Public Safety Committee – SB 212
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Senate Public Safety Committee today approved SB 212 authored by Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) on a unanimous,...
Christopher R. Mitchell joins Edgewood Partners Insurance Center as Senior VP Sales
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that Christopher R. Mitchell has joined the firm as senior vice president of sales in the firm's Northern California Bay Area Property and Casualty Insurance Division.
Calif. Senator Isadore Hall Statement on Recent Officer Involved Shooting in South Carolina
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Isadore Hall, III (D – South Bay), Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus today released...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for April 8-10, 2015 including to Advisory Council on Early Learning and Care
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On April 10, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: first, Barry Steinhart, 57, of Plumas...
Californians for Retirement Security Protest Plans to Eliminate Retirement Security for Millions of Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, more than 100 firefighters, teachers, police officers, school employees and other public servants protested an expected November...
Rich Swerbinsky, Nancee Mueller join The Mortgage Collaborative management team
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, an independent lending cooperative serving small and mid-sized mortgage lenders and community-based lending institutions, has deepened its senior executive team with the addition of two new hires, announced the Collaborative's Chairman, John Robbins, CMB.
Calif. Bill to Protect Children in Day Camps Approved by Senate Health Committee – SB 476
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Senate Health Committee this week approved SB 476 authored by Calif. Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), on a unanimous...
Calif. Congressman Tony Cardenas Welcomes New Veterans to Advisory Committee
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) welcomed a new group of Valley Veterans who will...
Huge Win For Middle Class Californians As Probate Simplification Legislation Passes State Assembly – AB139
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Glendale) legislation to create a “Revocable Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed” in California, allowing a...
Emilio N. Francisco, CEO of PDC Capital Group, announces development of SummerPlace at Correll Palms in Florida
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Emilio N. Francisco, Chairman and CEO of private equity firm PDC Capital Group, announced the development of SummerPlace at Correll Palms, an assisted living and memory care facility to be located in Titusville, Fla., across the Indian River from the Kennedy Space Center.
David G. Kittle named Board Vice Chairman at The Mortgage Collaborative, Debra Still as Board Secretary, and Jim Park CEO
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, an independent lending cooperative serving small and mid-sized mortgage lenders and community-based lending institutions, has implemented several changes to its Board of Directors and executive management team, announced the Collaborative's current Chairman, John Robbins, CMB.
Kings And Queens Robotics Team Advances to 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship Second Year in a Row
MONROVIA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Monrovia High Robotics Program announced today that the ten Monrovia High School students of the 'Kings and Queens' robotics team and their purple robot 'Sir Lancelot' qualified to advance to the 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships for a second year in a row as a result of their excellent performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held in Oakland March 26-28.
MCT Trading Adds Industry Veteran Joel Dulmage to Growing Sales Team for Mortgage Risk Management
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 Joel Dulmage has joined the company in the capacity of regional sales director. Mr. Dulmage will be responsible for new business development and client service management in the Midwest territory.
First EPIC Invitational Golf Tournament in Calif. benefits the Joyful Child Foundation
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has been working for over six months planning an event that raised nearly $30,000 to support The Joyful Child Foundation's efforts to bring their personal safety training to children in the Inland Empire, California.
ReverseVision Inc. Adds New Operations Team in San Diego to Enhance RV Exchange System Performance and Scale
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California-based ReverseVision, Inc., the leading software and technology provider for the reverse mortgage industry, has added a new Operations Team to their growing company. This team will be focused exclusively on product operations, system monitoring, capacity planning, backup, recovery, hosting management and product release.
Real Estate Market Showing Increasing Signs of Strengthening, Says Veros' Latest 12-Month VeroFORECAST Forecast Update
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Veros Real Estate Solutions, an award-winning industry leader in enterprise risk management, collateral valuation services and predictive analytics, reports that the residential market is gaining momentum with a greater percentage of markets expected to increase in value over the next 12 months, moving upwards to 86% from last quarter's 82 percent.
Calif. Governor Brown Directs First Ever Statewide Mandatory Water Reductions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Following the lowest snowpack ever recorded and with no end to the drought in sight, Calif. Governor Edmund G....
On National Ferret Day 2015, California Ferret Enthusiasts Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for Ballot Initiative
LA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- April 2 is National Ferret Day in the USA and California ferret lovers are using the occasion to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Tired of working and waiting for ferret legalization, which never comes despite thirty years of efforts - LegalizeFerrets.org is planning a ballot initiative to free our domestic ferrets from unnecessary and unfair regulation.
Lost Spirits LLC announces disruptive technology for beverage industry: 20 years in 6 Days, the future of Aged Spirits
SALINAS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California-based Lost Spirits LLC today announced it has built a new type of chemical reactor capable of making aged spirits with a near identical chemical signature to 20 year old barrel aged products. The new reactors are compact, portable, and will be deployed to 5 distilleries in a beta-test this summer.
New book by Margaret Galabe is unforgettable story of the human spirit triumphing over poverty, hopelessness and despair
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Margaret Galabe, author, award-winning humanitarian, philanthropist, and founder of Student International Development Engagement (SIDE), a program in which students travel abroad to enrich their global experience, contribute to development issues, shares her experiences as a member of the team that brought this pilot project to fruition in this meaningful, heartfelt, and insightful, illustrated book.
Oasis South Insurance Services acquired by Protector Holdings, expands footprint in San Diego County adding 8 new locations
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Protector Holdings, a joint venture of Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) and Dowling Capital Partners, today announced the acquisition of Oasis South Insurance Services. With 8 locations across California's San Diego County, Oasis South specializes in providing insurance services to Hispanic consumers.
Art-In-Relation announces musical 'Forever Plaid' swings into Long Beach for Limited Engagement
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Art-In-Relation, in conjunction with the Long Beach Scottish Rite, will present 'Forever Plaid' the musical, about a 1950's quartet of high-school chums who return from the afterlife for one final chance at musical glory. Show dates are April 24-26, May 3, May 9 and 10, 2015.
CivicConnect Project Audience is new cultural event management cloud-based application on Salesforce AppExchange
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group International today announced it has launched CivicConnect(TM) Project Audience on the Salesforce AppExchange, empowering and enabling arts and cultural organizations and businesses operating in the public sector to connect and provide rich services and cultural experiences to citizens through a variety of digital channels.
Acquisition of EB-5 Regional Center announced by PDC Capital's CEO, Emilio N. Francisco
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Emilio N. Francisco, Chairman and CEO of private equity firm PDC Capital Group, today announced the acquisition of ZGlobal Southern California EB-5 Investment Regional Center.
Calif. Assemblyman Rendon Proposes Initiative Reform to Counter Anti-Gay Ballot Measure
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today instructed Legislative Counsel to draft a proposal to counter “The Sodomite Suppression Act,”...
FTC to better educate Calif. consumers and small businesses on impacts and prevention of data breaches
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In Washington, D.C. today, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley), a member of the House Subcommittee on Commerce,...
Calif. Bill to Create Parks and Open Space, Address Climate Change, Introduced by Senator Mendoza
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A groundbreaking bill to develop green space and recreational areas for underserved communities while helping the state achieve its...
Monnie McGaffigan joins 5 Bars as Senior VP Business Development
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 5 Bars(TM) a leader in wireless technology solutions, announced the appointment of Monnie McGaffigan as Senior VP of Business Development. 5 Bars is a premier neutral host provider of indoor/outdoor distributed antenna systems, small cells and Wi-Fi(R) networks. The 5 Bars team designs, builds, operates and maintains wireless systems and has designed and developed over 500 wireless projects nationwide.
SensibleHerbs launches new online boutique delivering options for healthy consumers, including discount herbs and supplements
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California-based online retailer SensibleHerbs announced its launch at Natural Products Expo West fulfilling increased demand for discount herbs and supplements nation-wide. Starting with a fresh clean design and discount pricing up to 35 percent off SRP, SensibleHerbs.com is a positive entry into the natural products marketplace online.
John Waguespack's 'Channeling The Dionysian' presented at Rocha Art in San Francisco April 10 – May 15, 2015
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- John Waguespack, a San Francisco based artist, unveils a new chapter in his creative evolution in 'Channeling the Dionysian,' a solo exhibition at Rocha Art. In his first solo exhibition in over a year, Waguespack's work is inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's dramatic theory of the 'Dionysian' and 'Apollonian' modes of the human mind.
Universal Adult Tuberculosis Risk Assessment to help tackle Tuberculosis in California
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With 2145 cases of active TB in 2014, California alone has 23 percent of the nation's TB cases. However, this represents only a small fraction of the estimated 2.5 million Californians infected with TB. The California Tuberculosis Controllers Association (CTCA) released a Universal Adult TB Risk Assessment today to support efforts to find those infected with TB.
Author of the 'Sir Licksalot' Series, D.L. Carroll, Receives Prestigious 2015 Award from Family Review Center
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Family Review Center honors D.L. Carroll, author of the 'Sir Licksalot' children's book series, with the 2015 Star Award. The Star Award is to recognize outstanding companies and business owners. An interview with Carroll is published in the 2015 Awards Edition of the Family Review Center's Magazine.
PDC Capital CEO, Emilio N. Francisco Announces Greater Scrutiny of its EB-5 Investors
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Emilio N. Francisco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of private equity firm PDC Capital Group, LLC, in Calif., announces a company-wide effort to increase scrutiny of potential investors it recruits for EB-5-funded projects.
ReverseVision Inc. Named to HousingWire's HW TECH100 2015 for Top Mortgage Technology
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc., the leading software and technology provider for the reverse mortgage industry, announced it has been included in the 2015 edition of HousingWire's HW TECH100 list.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for March 18, 2015 including State Council on Developmental Disabilities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, David Long, 49, of Tehachapi, has...
Calif. Gov. Brown, Legislative Leaders Announce $1 Billion Emergency Drought Package
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mobilizing state resources to face another year of extreme dry conditions, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today joined...
The Open Truth campaign and Bay Area Youth Confront Soda Industry in Fight Against Diabetes
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Open Truth campaign, a youth-focused effort to highlight the health impacts of sugary drinks and expose precision...
Calif. Bill to Improve Probate Process, Cut Fees for Families, Passes Judiciary Committee – AB 139
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- To pass the contents of just about any asset — a bank account, a multi-million-dollar stock account, a car...
Calif. Congressman Cardenas Welcomes Luis Gutierrez to Valley to Protect Undocumented Workers March 21
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) will join U.S. Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Chicago), this Saturday, to help...
eSign and eDelivery mortgage tech firm DocMagic Named to HousingWire Magazine's 2015 HW TECH100 List
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, compliance, eSign and eDelivery solutions, announced that HousingWire magazine designated the company to its 2015 HW TECH100(TM) list. The list honors the 100 most innovative technology companies serving the U.S. mortgage finance and real estate industries.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for March 12, 2015 including Domestic Violence Advisory Council
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following two appointments: First, Mark Beckley, 44, of Gold River,...
