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 Signs Bill Cutting Byzantine California Solar Rooftop Permitting Procedures for Homeowners – AB 2188
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Hardhat-wearing solar installers, local business leaders, and elected officials gathered at the Torrance Chamber of Commerce today to celebrate...
Calif. Bill Increasing Penalties for Frivolous Lawsuits Signed Into Law by Gov. Brown – AB 2494
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Thursday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s AB 2494 to curb frivolous litigation tactics....
Calif. Gov. Brown signs Computer Science Bill for California Students – SB 1200
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SB 1200 by Calif. State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was signed by Governor Brown on Saturday. The bill...
Calif. Gov. Brown signs California Bill to Increase Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – AB2656
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2565, authored by Assemblymember Muratsuchi (D–Torrance), a...
California Art Gallery 'Goes Rogue' with Zero Commissions and all Artists Welcome
RANDSBURG, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Randall 'Hoot' Smith, owner of the Randsburg Art Gallery in California, today announced his rogue vision of promoting world class artists. 'I know this is hard to believe from an art gallery owner but I think that artists deserve 100 percent of the value of their art! Yes, that's right, 100 percent,' says 'Hoot.'
Laguna College of Art and Design and student Dohee Yang a Winner at 'The Art of the Pixel'
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LCAD (Laguna College of Art and Design) was chosen as one of the top design schools by LG Electronic USA to participate and final in 'The Art of the Pixel' new-media art competition. LCAD Design and Digital Media program won $25,000 for the most popular votes. Senior student Dohee Yang was chosen as a finalist.
Indie feature film from director Eric Schwartz presents the stories behind the phenomenon of ink-on-flesh
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- There is plenty of body art on display in 'Tattoo Nation,' the alternative lifestyle documentary feature film from director Eric Schwartz, but none more famous than the one on the chest of actor Danny Trejo. 'Tattoo Nation' is emerging as the definitive look at how tattoos went from underground and illegal just a few years ago to mass acceptance and the status of art. The film has garnered rave reviews when screened at film festivals around the country.
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Manufacturing Job Creation Bill
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Last week, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) introduced legislation that will create an annual $100...
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs California Green HOV Sticker Bill – AB 2013
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2013, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), which...
Wholesale Trading Co-Op Insurance Services welcomes Sean Shannon to San Francisco team
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Wholesale Trading Co-Op Insurance Services, LLC (WTCI) announced today that Sean Shannon has joined the firm's property team as Vice President/Property Broker. WTCI is an independently operated and managed wholesale brokerage firm that collaborates directly with its retail insurance broker members to develop comprehensive placement strategies to better serve clients.
ReverseVision Names Jeff Birdsell VP to lead new RV Professional Services division
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision, Inc. today announced the launch of their Professional Services division aimed at helping reverse mortgage lenders and brokers to be more successful. Mortgage industry veteran and the company's former head of product management, Jeff Birdsell, CMB, will lead the RV Professional Services as Vice President of this new division.
Gov. Brown Signs Historic Deal for California Film Tax Credit Extension for Five Years
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After months of intensive negotiations, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown joined Assemblymembers Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) and Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima)...
Calif. Bill Strengthening Active Management of State IT Projects Signed Into Law by Gov. Brown
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s AB 2523 to strengthen top level management...
Karen Kutger Joins Wholesale Trading Co-Op Insurance Services as Senior VP
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Wholesale Trading Co-Op Insurance Services, LLC (WTCI) today announced that professional liability brokerage veteran Karen Kutger has joined the firm as Senior VP. Kutger joins WTCI from Howden Insurance Services, Inc. where she specialized in professional liability, management liability, cyber liability and related financial lines coverages.
The ideal holiday for cosplay, Envy Corner announces 2014 Top 5 Halloween Costumes as voted by Facebook fans
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sexy Halloween costume retailer, Envy Corner, today announced the 'top five Halloween costumes' that were voted to be the best costumes for women this year. Fans of Envy Corner's Facebook page picked the top five Halloween costumes, to create the ultimate 'complete costume.'
First Driverless Vehicle Permit Issued by DMV in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) announced that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued its first...
Mortgage Technology magazine names ReverseVision a 2014 Lenders' Choice Award Finalist
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ReverseVision Inc. today announced it has been named a finalist for the 2014 Lenders' Choice Award by Mortgage Technology magazine. ReverseVision is the leading provider of business solutions for the reverse industry offering such products as RV Exchange (RVX), and RV University.
iMobie Introduces AnyTrans 4: Complete iOS 8 and iPhone 6 Content Management
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- iMobie Inc., an innovative software company, today announced AnyTrans 4 to give users the best support on iOS 8. It introduces a set of breakthrough features that are tailored for managing music, photos, messages, notes, and all the iOS 8 content. Meanwhile, the Apple devices' content syncing performance has been boosted up - about 3 times faster than regular iTunes sync.
Sandy Spin Slade Inc. Announces New Classic Family Fitness Game 'Fitivities'
CORONA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sandy Spin Slade, Inc., the company that created Skillastics(R), the successful series of games for the educational market, is excited to announce the launch of the indoor/outdoor family fitness game FITIVITIES(TM).
Calif. Congressman Cárdenas Introduces Legislation Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- To recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) today joined U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Sept. 10, 2014 including to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments. First, Tom Dresslar, 61, of Sacramento,...
DrivenBI and Polonious partner to launch self-service data analysis and business intelligence
PASADENA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Polonious Investigations Management Systems, the premier provider of special investigative unit (SIU) and investigation management systems for the insurance and investigation industries, announced its partnership with DrivenBI, the leading provider of cloud based self-service analysis platforms, empowering Polonious customers to create their own analysis in entirely new ways.
Costume Outfitter, Sexy Wear Avenue, Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary with Halloween Promotion
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sexy Wear Avenue, a popular online retailer of adult Halloween costumes for women, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with limited-time anniversary specials of extra 15 percent-off discount on all products storewide with coupon code SWA15.
Art-In-Relation announces West Coast Premiere of 'Frankenstein The Musical' at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Jonas Sills and Ray Buffer today announced their new performing arts company in Long Beach called Art-In-Relation (AIR). Art-In-Relation's first production, 'Frankenstein The Musical' will open Oct. 23 at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre inside the Scottish Rite Event Center in Long Beach. The two producers also appear in this powerful production, as Victor Frankenstein and The Creature, respectively.
ArteQuesta announces a new art investment program in its support for veterans and military families
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta today announced a new art investment program in its support for veterans and military families. The fine arts investment company believes that every opportunity for the enjoyment of art, including the opportunity for art investment, should be given to those who serve the United States.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Tiffany McClellan as Regional Director of Employee Benefits
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Tiffany McClellan has joined the firm as Regional Director Employee Benefits. McClellan brings 16 years of experience in strategic market planning, sales organizational leadership, new product/service development and health and welfare plan consulting to the firm.
Keyboardist Isha Love Pours 'Jars of Waters' with Her New Solo Piano CD Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With ten gospel-tinged jazz originals and four unique interpretations of traditional spiritual hymns, Isha Love's "Jars of Waters" is a tall refreshing glass to drink from. When the fingers of Isha Love glide across the piano, a dazzling cascade of melody rushes forth spraying the atmosphere like the mist from a waterfall.
SavePro Insurance Solutions addition to Premier Insurance Services brand adds commercial insurance products
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Protector Holdings, LLC, a joint venture of EPIC (Edgewood Partners Insurance Center) and Dowling Capital Partners, today announced the acquisition of Northern California's SavePro Insurance Solutions. Addition to Premier Insurance Services brand adds auto, homeowners and commercial insurance products and Latino service markets.
Teams from all armed service branches to launch personal watercraft in 'Never Quit Challenge' 2014 in Calif.
TUSTIN, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- It's time for several teams of war-injured military veterans and active servicemen participating in the 'Never Quit Challenge' organized by Shawn Alladio to put their personal watercraft into the Pacific Ocean and do what they've always done - finish the job. Event to help Wounded Veterans Charities.
Reverse Mortgage Expert Jeffrey Taylor says HECM Reverse Mortgages Have Less Risk for Lenders
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- According to reverse mortgage expert Jeffrey Taylor, a ReverseVision board member and president of Wendover Consulting, mortgage lenders offering the HUD-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) will find that originating reverse loans carries fewer risks than traditional mortgages.
In 'Tattoo Nation' Director Eric Schwartz takes viewers on fact-filled and eye-popping journey through the tattoo experience
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 'Tattoo Nation' began as a simple series of portrait photography sessions and grew to become an 86-minute exploration of the art of ink-on-flesh by director Eric Schwartz. Now available for streaming or purchase on DVD, 'Tattoo Nation' is emerging as the definitive look at how tattoos went from underground and illegal to mass acceptance and the status of art.
Calif. Legislature Approves Bill Focused on Seafood Mislabeling – SB1138
SACAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, the Calif. State Senate gave final legislative approval to Senate Bill 1138. The bill, by Senator Alex...
To Combat Calif. Hit-and-Run Problem, Assemblyman Gatto Sends Two Landmark Bills to Gov. Brown
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, advocates for street safety are celebrating as two landmark bills by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), which seek...
Plastic Bag Ban Would Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Bags in California, approved by Assembly – SB 270
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Calif. State Assembly approved SB 270 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), Senator Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles)...
Solutions Direct launches email marketing platform with automated push technology for promotion on a shoestring
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Everyone these days is looking for ways to save money, while making money. So, what's the answer? A new advertising company, Solutions Direct, thinks it knows. It starts with automated push technology. It can help with the simplest of projects such as increasing traffic to a new website to handling more advanced advertising campaigns for global corporations.
Calif. Student Social-Media Privacy Bill Passes Legislature – AB 1442
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Social-media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have stoked concerns from parents about how to protect the privacy of...
Attorney Stanley D. Prowse of San Diego North County Embraces Mobile Tech for Law Information Portal
CARLSBAD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In response to the growing demand for sound legal information available over the internet, Certified Family Law Specialist Stan Prowse in San Diego has released an updated mobile-friendly version of his comprehensive and easy to understand legally oriented web site. Easy access to helpful legal information is now available 24/7/365, optimized for all devices and web platforms.
'Legends of Surf Music' concert in San Diego to benefit Wounded Warrior Homes
VISTA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Stars and Stripes Events, a concert production company located in Escondido, Calif., is promoting a surf rock concert with former members of eight of the best known famous surf rock bands of the sixties. The promoter will donate 10 percent of ticket sales directly to Wounded Warrior Homes also located in Vista Calif. The 'Legends of Surf Music' concert is at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista on October 25.
Calif. Bill of Rights for seniors in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly approved by Senate
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the California State Assembly voted 55-16 to approve a bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) that...
Larkin McLean's New Album 'Ladybug' Flies with Her Distinctive Smartly Lyrical Pop Music
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Larkin McLean got her start sitting in at jazz clubs, taking piano lessons from Sarah Vaughan's accompanist George Gaffney, and studying Flamenco dance. You can hear it woven eloquently throughout her new record on iTunes, 'Ladybug.' A follow-up to the well-received 'If You're a Wild Girl, Say Aye,' McLean first hit the scene with her self-titled album.
SecuGen announces new Combination Fingerprint and Contactless Smartcard Reader, the Hamster Pro Duo CL
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen Corporation today announced that it will be showing at the Global Identity Summit in Tampa, Fla., a completely new device that combines a contactless smartcard reader with SecuGen's FAP 20 certified, optical fingerprint sensor, the U20. This new product, the Hamster Pro Duo CL(TM), is housed in a sleek new case and provides convenient access to dual mode authentication for enhanced security.
Landmark California Water Conservation package heads to Governor Amidst summer 2014 drought
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Most homeowners want cheaper water bills, says Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles). If provided the infrastructure, they'd gladly use recycled water or water-efficient technologies to wash cars and irrigate lawns. Many cities have vast reservoirs of recycled water. If offered a market, they'd gladly allow the water to be used for more than just landscaping medians.
Calif. Legislation to Protect Healthcare Workers Headed to Governor – SB 1299
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senate Bill 1299 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Padilla) won final legislative approval today in the State Senate. The bill would require hospitals to establish comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. According to the bill's backers, "Violent attacks at California hospitals underscore need for more healthcare worker protections."
ArteQuesta has announced new artwork will be added to the Israeli Masters Collection to preserve Israeli art and culture
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta, a fine art investment company has announced new artworks to be added to the Israeli Masters Collection as part of their continued effort to preserve Israeli art and culture. The collection was created over ten years ago to gather and preserve historically significant artworks and artifacts by Israeli artists during Israel's diaspora and the emergence of the Jewish state in 1948.
Civic Resource Group unites multi-vendor applications and services on common platform with CivicConnect
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Civic Resource Group today announced that it is initiating the City Development Ecosystem, a group which is chartered to promote new software models for civic organizations to take advantage of next generation applications and cloud infrastructure. It is software interoperability among multiple vendors that makes the City Development Ecosystem possible.
Calif. Gov. Brown, Attorney General Harris and Legislative Leaders Announce Unaccompanied Minor Legislation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and members of the Latino Legislative Caucus announced legislation to provide legal services to the unaccompanied minors arriving in California from Central America.
Calif. Governor Brown Signs Legislation – New Laws Signed Aug. 21, 2014
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills, including AB 1455 by Assemblymember Nora Campos (D-San Jose) - Pupils: bullying: counseling services, and AB 1583 by Assemblymember Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) - Controller: state funds: reporting. Complete list follows.
California Military Sexual Assault Legislation Signed by Governor Brown
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1422 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The law removes investigations and prosecutions of military sexual assault cases from the chain of command in the California Military Department ensuring that there is no conflict of interest in the evaluation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. SB 1422 goes into effect on January 1, 2015.
State Legislature Passes Bill Streamlining California Solar Permitting – AB 2188
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assembly Bill (AB) 2188, by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D– Torrance), was approved today by the State Legislature with...
Bill to Mandate Child-Abuse Training for California Teachers Clears Senate – AB 1432
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) bill to strengthen training requirements and prevent child abuse in schools passed the...
