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.
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.
Cal State LA researchers, with the City of Los Angeles’ Data Team, develop an interactive data visualization tool that helps residents...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cal State LA researchers, in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles’ Data Team, have developed an interactive data visualization tool that helps residents understand crime trends in neighborhoods. The crime records were previously categorized by the Los Angeles Police Department’s reporting district, which did not align with neighborhood boundaries.
FineShare FineVoice is a Digital Voice Solution Unleashing the ‘Charm of Voice’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- FineShare, an emerging software company committed to improving the user experience of virtual communications, online presentations, and real-time video, today officially announced the launch of its voice processing product, FineVoice. FineShare FineVoice is a one-stop digital voice solution that can transform voice and record sound from multiple sources with ease and offers a variety of features including text to speech, speech to text, audio extractor, and file voice changer.
Mold Inspection Sciences Expands Environmental Testing Capabilities to San Francisco Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Leading mold inspection and environmental testing company, Mold Inspection Sciences (MIS), today announces its expansion into the San Francisco market. This new operation will service customers from Santa Rosa to San Jose, continuing to provide affordable, professional, and high-quality mold inspection and testing services to all clients suffering from mold, indoor air-quality, and environmental issues.
Olea Kiosks Announces Addition of Industry Veteran Michael Tulloch
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks®, Inc., the premier provider of innovative self-service kiosk solutions, is proud to welcome industry veteran Michael Tulloch to its team as Director of Solution Sales. In this role, Tulloch will be responsible for growing the business in Access Control and Transportation.
Domaine Carneros in Napa makes the holidays sparkle for 2022 with elegant gift offerings
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of method traditionelle sparkling wines, has a wide array of gifts available for the 2022 holiday season. Curated by the team at the French inspired chateau situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the offerings range from charcuterie and chocolate pairings with wine, to sabers and chillers to luxury candles, all paired up in gift sets that are sure to please.
Comedy Veteran, Pierre, Gets Real About Race in Witty Stand Up Special ‘HALF/TRUTHS’ Streaming on HypePlusTV
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Tired of being misjudged and constantly proving himself in the Black community, biracial comedian and actor, Pierre Edwards (Pierre), speaks his truth in a witty stand-up micro-special on race titled "HALF/TRUTHS." The thought-provoking film was released last week with the soft launch of Comedy Hype's new streaming platform, HypePlusTV.com.
Author Dolores F. Kurzeka Honored by Her Family, Who Published Her Book, ‘Our Walk with Grandma’ After Her Passing
MURRIETA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The family of author Dolores F. Kurzeka is thrilled to announce the release of "Our Walk with Grandma" (ISBN: 978-1039145450, FriesenPress), her long-awaited children's picture book about the beauty of family and nature. Written 20 years ago, Kurzeka was unable to find an illustrator before her passing. Her children continued the search and found the perfect illustrator Nichole Monahan, and brought the book to market to make their mom's dream of publication come true.
Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang add Casey Martin to the exec team as chief revenue officer
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 Casey Martin as chief revenue officer.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: November 2022 Data for Housing Markets
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 November 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Nonprofit Fostering UNITY Presents Winter Wonderland 2022 Holiday Event in L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fostering UNITY will present their 4th annual Winter Wonderland event at the organization’s headquarters in Acton, CA on Saturday, December 10 from 4-8pm. This free event sold out in less than one week! Families who pre-registered on Eventbrite will bring hundreds of children in foster care to the 10-acre Heritage House in Acton, CA to experience a dazzling drive-through display of colorful lights, festive music, beautiful decorations, an abundance of snow, a choir of carolers, family-friendly activities, and of course – Santa and his elves.
MCT Launches BAMCO, a Co-issue Loan Sale Marketplace for Finance Industry
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, announced the release of BAMCO, a new marketplace for co-issue loan sales. Co-issue loan sales, also known as flow-based mortgage servicing rights (MSR) sales, are a three-way transaction involving the sale of loans to one of the agencies with a simultaneous sale of the MSRs to a separate third party.
Golden State Pops Orchestra presents the 2022 HOLIDAY POPS Spectacular at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Golden State Pops Orchestra rings in the holiday season with joyous music and high spirits on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8 p.m. in the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, California. Celebrate the holiday season with Maestro Steven Allen Fox, Resident Choir Maestra Marya Basaraba, and the Golden State Pops Orchestra and Chorale, with the "Holiday Pops Spectacular."
The Roberson Brothers, Two We Are G.A.M.E. Alums, Find Success On and Off the Sports Field
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Roberson brothers are two pictures of success. Jacen, the younger brother, was recently drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixteenth round. Meanwhile, his older brother, Cameron, graduated last year from the University of Mass. Amherst, which he attended on a full-ride scholarship. They attribute a portion of their combined athletic-academic success to their connection with We Are G.A.M.E. (Getting Athletes Mentoring and Education).
NotaryCam ‘Help a Hero’ initiative 2022 provides complimentary online notarization for military service members
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its semi-annual "Help a Hero" initiative will run Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, 2022, and once again offer free remote online notarization (RON) sessions to United States veterans and current service members.
San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier 2022 Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship Recipients
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is delighted to announce that five recipients have been awarded the Etoile d'Escoffier Culinary Scholarship in 2022. L'Etoile scholarships support outstanding female students and graduates in achieving their professional aspirations as they become the next leaders of the culinary industry.
MCT Expands Investor Services Team, Appoints Jennifer Kennelly as Senior Director
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a recognized industry leader in mortgage risk management providing pipeline hedging, best execution loan sales, and centralized lock desk services, announced today that Jennifer Kennelly has been appointed as the new Senior Director of MCT's quickly expanding Investor Services team.
Todd-versations Lunchtime Heroes: Shining a light on School Nutrition and the ‘Lunchtime Heroes’ that make it happen
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Todd Linsky Consulting (TLC) announced today: TLC-Todd-versations, in collaboration with the Chef Ann Foundation, brings you stories from across our great country on positive changes to the school nutrition landscape, "Todd-versations Lunchtime Heroes."
Vistage Recognizes CDF Law co-founder, Marie DiSante with 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates Marie DiSante, Founding and Firm Managing Partner, for being named the recipient of the Vistage 2022 Orange County "Lifetime Achievement Award." Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses.
Mortgage Capital Trading’s MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: October 2022 Data
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 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 October 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
New illustrated children’s book celebrates magic of adoption and diversity through creative storytelling
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Adam Swain Ferguson, founder, Purple Fox Entertainment, is a creative producer and author. His new book release, "Love Without Wings: An Adoption Fairytale" (ISBN: 979-8986768014), was inspired by a true story - his own story - and celebrates diverse families made complete through adoption. It's scheduled to be released during National Adoption Month on November 19, National Adoption Day.
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger and Voluspa light up the holiday season with Sparkling Cuvée Candle and Sparkling Wine duo
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Two iconic California-based handcrafted brands come together this holiday season with the release of the limited edition "Sparkling Cuvée" Signature Duo, featuring a luxuriously scented Voluspa candle and Sparkling Wine by the ever-elegant Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, paired in holiday gift packaging. Artisans of the senses, Voluspa and Domaine Carneros worked closely to accent the aromas of pink grapefruit and stone fruits found in the sparkling wine in the newest candle in the Voluspa portfolio
12 Startups to Present at 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neurotech Reports, the publisher of the Neurotech Business Report newsletter, announced that 12 promising neurotechnology startups and early-stage firms will present at the 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco, November 7-8. The 22nd annual event - the most established in the industry - will also feature presentations and panel discussions on important issues confronting the neurotechnology industry.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation annual Gala Celebration and auction 2022 announced
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its 11th annual gala celebration event and auction, taking place at the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 5-10 p.m.
EPIC Expands Again with Acquisition of SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced it has acquired SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California. The acquisition expands EPIC's growing presence in Northern California and adds to its client offerings both regionally and nationally.
Anita Huang Joins EPIC’s Life and Executive Benefits Practice as a Senior Vice President
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anita Huang has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President within its Life and Executive Benefits practice managed by Vanbridge, an EPIC company.
Trust Administration 101: Absolute Trust Counsel to Hold Free Virtual Trust Administration Event for California CFPs and CPAs
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Leading Bay Area estate planning firm Absolute Trust Counsel will host a free virtual event, The Absolute Trust Academy Trust Administration 101, on October 28, 2022, to equip CPAs and CFPs with a stronger knowledge of trust administration processes. The webinar is aimed at enhancing advisors' client services and relationships.
NotaryCam founder Rick Triola earns third HousingWire Vanguard Award
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, announced today that its founder and outgoing Division President Rick Triola has been named a 2022 HousingWire Vanguard.
With New Ruling, an Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles Case Changes U.S. Immigration Policy
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C., a full-service immigration law practice that handles employment, investment, and family immigration cases, has achieved a landmark victory for a client unfairly refused permanent residency. The case has also fundamentally changed U.S. immigration policy.
BOOSTER TROOP Animation Project Tackles Misinformation, Vaccines for Media Literacy Week
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Founded by two black doctors who tired of watching patients who looked like them die sicker and younger, Welfie is launching "Booster Troop," a fun health media literacy initiative that helps underserved children better spot misinformation. It launches October 24 for Media Literacy Week, and it includes a 7-minute animated episode in both English and Spanish, a lesson plan, and other classroom materials. Welfie provides culturally competent health and mental health education and care coordination to schools.
Legacy Launch Pad Releases Personal Finance Guidebook to Achieving Financial Security by Dan Nicholson
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing has released "RIGGING THE GAME: How to Achieve Financial Certainty, Navigate Risk and Make Money on Your Own Terms" (ISBN: 978-1956955439 paperback), written by Dan Nicholson. In "RIGGING THE GAME," Nicholson reveals why some entrepreneurs seem to always win while others routinely fail. (Spoiler alert: it's not luck.)
BOSS, an education nonprofit, Racks Up $130K in a Day and Places Second in Long Beach Gives
LONG BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The 4th Annual Long Beach Gives campaign, an online giving day sponsored by the City's leading nonprofit funders and nonprofit support organizations, invites donors from throughout the city and beyond to give to the local nonprofit of their choosing. This year, the effort raised $1,965,539 to support 232 participating nonprofits. BOSS™ (Business Of Student Success) raised $130,000 from more than 300 donors, making it the second most contributed to charity in this year's campaign.
IT Outsourcing Company, Radixweb Bags Gold in Business Excellence Awards by Globee
ARTESIA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Radixweb, a global leader in the field of IT Consulting and custom software development since 2000, has recently been conferred the Gold Globee award for superior IT Consultation at the 12th Annual Business Excellence Awards, 2022 edition.
SecuGen Corp. Announces is New Hamster Pro Trio for Multi-factor Authentication
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen, a world leading optical fingerprint device and technology vendor, is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the Hamster Pro Trio, a multi-factor authentication device that contains an FBI-certified FAP 20 fingerprint reader and both contact and contactless smart card readers.
KROST CPAs & Consultants Acts as Exclusive Financial Advisor for American Range in Sale to Hatco
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- American Range, a privately held manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking appliances, was sold to Hatco, an employee-owned manufacturer of warming, cooking, sanitizing, and cooling equipment. KROST CPAs & Consultants acted as the exclusive financial advisor to American Range in its transaction to Hatco Corporation.
San Francisco-based Engage By Cell Announces Rebrand of its Divisions
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Engage by Cell announces the rebranding of former divisions Guide by Cell, Give by Cell, and Train by Cell to create a cohesive and clear client experience. Engage by Cell has served as a catchall for the growing divisions under the "by Cell" umbrella for years and will now serve as the company's sole iteration.
Top Colleges and U.S. Universities to Attend Vistamar School 14th Annual Multicultural Student College Fair on October 16, 2022
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On October 16, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Vistamar School hosts its 14th annual Multicultural Student College Fair at Vistamar School, 737 Hawaii Street in El Segundo. Open to all students, this College Admissions Fair is an opportunity for high school students to meet representatives and alumni from a wide range of top colleges, universities, and service academies from across the country. These institutions seek to meet Los Angeles area high school students of all backgrounds.
MCT® Named a Best Place To Work 2022 by San Diego Business Journal
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), an industry-leading capital markets advisory firm, announced that it has been named Best Places to Work 2022 by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ). MCT was ranked number seven in the medium-sized company category (50 - 249 U.S. employees). This award is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in San Diego that benefit the county's economy, workforce, and local businesses.
MCT Announces Monthly MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: September 2022 Data
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 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 September 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
