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.
Gold Team California Attracts Major 3-day Aerospace UAV Conference to Ventura County
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Office of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) announced today that he and Calif. Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, co-founders of the economic development effort "Gold Team California," will be hosting a 3-day conference on future civilian applications and job creation opportunities for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Non-military application of this technology is the fastest growing manufacturing sector in the global aerospace industry and expected to grow by 700% between 2012 and 2018.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Receives Legislator of the Year Award From the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) will be presented with the Legislator of the Year Award tonight from the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (CRNG), a not-for-profit group that represents renewable natural-gas producers throughout the country. Renewable natural gas is an alternative, renewable energy, derived from the natural decomposition of waste from landfills and organic sources and is used to generate green electricity and clean transportation fuel.
Film and TV Industry Asset Management Leader, Sample Digital, Re-brands Company as DAX LLC
CULVER CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sample Digital, the leading provider of production workflow and media asset management tools to the film and TV industry, has re-branded as DAX, LLC. Major film and TV companies actively using DAX, include such companies as Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, CBS, Showtime, and Lionsgate.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for December 10, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Kent Sasaki, 48, of Walnut Creek, has been appointed to the California Building Standards Commission. He has served in multiple positions at Wiss Janney Elstner Associates Inc. since 1989, including principal, board member and engineer.
Former MMA Fighter Derrick Jones is Helping Kids Avoid Gang Violence by Participating in a Junior MMA Tournament
CULVER CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Derrick Jones, a former MMA fighter, is helping kids avoid gang violence through a Junior MMA tournament. The tournament will be held on December 9, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Focus Self Defense, 9000 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90231.
Children's Book Author-Publisher Donates 100 Books and One Month's Net Profits to Support Children in Need
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Author Arnold Rudnick and publisher Paraphrase, LLC, have donated 100 copies of new children's book 'Little Green' (ISBN: 978-0981587974) to the My Stuff Bags Foundation and have pledged all net profits from book sales for the month of December 2012.
California State Fire Fee Bills Being Sent to Local 44th Assembly District Residents – Short Window to Challenge Fee
CAMARILLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Thousands of 44th Assembly District residents in certain unincorporated areas will be receiving in the mail a new California state tax bill charging property owners an additional fee for fire prevention services within the "State Responsibility Area" (SRA). The office of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) is asking the media to help inform residents of this new bill and the very short time window allowed to challenge or appeal an erroneous fee.
At Starlight Children's Foundation's Winter Wonderland, Children with Cancer to Experience the Holiday with Celebrity Guests and Activities
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Starlight Children's Foundation's Winter Wonderland - a day when more than 350 Starlight kids, siblings and their parents are given the opportunity to experience the holidays by decorating cookies, making ornaments, meeting Hollywood celebrities, and more - will be held Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at CBS Studios. The current 'X Factor' soundstage is being turned into a children's wonderland courtesy of Northwestern Mutual.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Initiates Federal Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Decision
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 1, a measure that begins the process to amend the United States Constitution to nullify the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In Citizens United, a deeply divided Supreme Court held that corporations are due the same free-speech rights enjoyed by natural persons.
Calif. Senator Padilla Introduces Bill to Regulate Drones in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) introduced Senate Bill 15 today which is the first attempt in California to establish regulations on domestic use of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Calif. Senator Padilla Issues Statement on California State Auditor's Report on LAUSD Handling of Child Abuse Allegations
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Califonria Newswire/ -- California State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) released the following statement today regarding the California State Auditor’s report on Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) handling of child abuse allegations:
San Diego Children's Choir is looking for children who 'love to sing'
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- San Diego Children’s Choir is holding auditions in December and January. The Choir offers children a chance to achieve artistic excellence, attain personal goals and perform service to the community. Short 5-10 minute auditions will be held on Dec. 12 and 13 as well as Jan. 9 and 12 for children in grades 3-12. No audition is required for grades 1-2. The Choir has five convenient sites in Del Mar, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest, Lake Murray and Rancho Bernardo.
Calif. Governor Brown Appoints Two to judgeships in the Sacramento County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Bunmi O. Awoniyi and Steven M. Gevercer to judgeships in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Awoniyi, 48, of Elk Grove, has served as a principal attorney with a family law practice since 1994.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 28, 2012 to Regional Water Quality Control Boards
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Monica Samaniego Hunter, 63, of Los Osos, has been appointed to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she has served since 2005. Hunter has been director of research at PAST Foundation since 2010 and has served as the central coast watersheds program manager at the Planning and Conservation League Foundation since 2004.
A Calif. Foundation for Autism, Surfers Healing, Needs Local Support to Win $1 Million from Chase American Giving Awards
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Surfers Healing, a non-profit working to enrich the lives of children with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing, is competing for grants ranging from $125,000 to $1 Million through the American Giving Awards, presented by Chase. Residents can help ensure their favorite charity's success by simply voting for Surfers Healing through the American Giving Awards program on Facebook.
At Foodprint LA, Erik Cutter of Alegria Fresh will address future food solutions delivered today by hydroponic vertical farming
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Sunday December 9, Erik Cutter, Managing Director of Alegria Fresh, will speak at Foodprint LA as an expert panelist about innovative ideas for the future of food production within dense urban environments.
Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Forms Small-Business Advisory Commission to Improve the State's Business Climate
BURBANK, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) announced on Tuesday that he is seeking applications from local business owners to serve on his District 43 Business Advisory Commission. The commission will meet several times in the months ahead, with the goal with formulating one or more legislative proposals that would be introduced by Assemblyman Gatto in the 2013 state legislative session.
Mark and Holly Monroe Loan Important Works to ArteQuesta's Private Museum in Silicon Valley, California
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta Collectors Drs. Holly and Mark Monroe will loan a portion of their collection for display in ArteQuesta's private museum, Rayah Levy and Jessica Jacobson, co-founders of ArteQuesta, announced today.
New Addition to Professional Community Management's HOA Portfolio leads Company's Impressive 2012 Growth throughout Southern California
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PCM of California, Inc. (PCM), an Associa company, announced today that it has assumed management of Mission Viejo's Highland Park Homeowners' Association, effective November 1. The 208-home community is the fifth to be added to PCM's Orange County management portfolio in recent months. PCM now manages 18 associations in the city of Mission Viejo.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 21, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Aaron Robertson, 44, of Roseville, has been appointed chief deputy director at the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Robertson has been deputy director of administration at the California Department of Parks and Recreation since 2012.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Issues Statement on City Council Vote to Send Sales Tax to March 2013 Ballot
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced today that he will return without signature a City Council election ordinance to place a half-cent sales tax increase on the March 5, 2013 ballot:
California Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 20, 2012, including Carcinogen Identification Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Jason Bush, 42, of Fresno, has been appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Bush has served as associate professor of cancer biology at California State University, Fresno since 2012 and was assistant professor of cancer biology from 2006 to 2012.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces 81st Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on December 5
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the 81st Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 5 on the West Steps of the State Capitol. This year's tree is a 50-foot tall white fir tree from the Latour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County and is the first Capitol Christmas tree from a state forest.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 19, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, Ken DaRosa, 46, of Sacramento, has been appointed chief deputy director at the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). DaRosa has served in multiple postions at the California Department of Finance since 2004, including program budget manager, assistant program budget manager, principal program budget analyst and staff finance analyst.
Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO Sample Digital/DAX LLC tells Media and Entertainment Forum that 'Adopting Technology Key to Scaling Media Production'
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO Sample Digital/DAX LLC, emphasized technology's critical role, in both the creative and business aspects of media, in his address as a featured speaker at the 1st Annual Media and Entertainment Forum in Tianjin, China. Organized by KPMG Advisory China and AID Partners Capital in Tianjin, the international conference assembled key executives from the U.S. and Chinese to explore the state of the media and entertainment industry.
Calif. Governor Brown Signs Compact with Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians agreed to an amended tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Tribe.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 16, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: first, Paul Marchand, 64, of Kelseyville, has been appointed to the 49th District Agricultural Association, Lake County Fair Board. Marchand has been an independent emergency physician and contractor since 1985 and owner of Highland Springs Equestrian Center since 2005. He is a founding member of the Lake County Horse Council and Lake County Dressage Society.
Great Park Announces Scarecrows in the Park Winners: Competition raised $13,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank, and education programs
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Orange County Great Park today announced the top winners of the third annual Scarecrows in the Park fundraising competition, which challenges local businesses and community organizations to build creative, themed scarecrows that are displayed for public voting at the Great Park’s Farm + Food Lab and on the Great Park’s website.
San Francisco City Hall and Seven Other Historic Civic Center Buildings File For LEED Certification
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin M. Lee today at the U.S. Green Building Council Greenbuild International Conference and Expo being held at the Moscone Convention Center announced that the City and County of San Francisco has filed for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for eight buildings in San Francisco’s Historic Civic Center District.
SF Mayor Lee Announces Landmark Local Hiring Agreement Between Golden State Warriors, Labor and Community to Build Waterfront Arena
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced an agreement between the Golden State Warriors, local building trades unions and community groups to hire a minimum number of San Francisco residents for the construction of a proposed basketball and performing arts venue on San Francisco’s waterfront.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 13, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Hal Geiogue, 71, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Student Aid Commission. Geiogue was the chief consultant to the California Assembly Education Committee from 1995 to 2002, and was assistant state treasurer to the California State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995.
Edupoint Synergy Student Information System selected by Poudre School District
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edupoint(TM) Educational Systems, a leading student information system (SIS) solutions provider to the national K-12 market, has been selected by Poudre School District to implement its Synergy(R) SIS solution. The centralized web-based system will connect the district's schools and administration facilities to serve students, their parents, teachers, and district staff.
AMT Datasouth Corp Introduces the Accel 7450 Serial Dot Matrix Printer for Heavy Duty Use
CAMARILLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- AMT Datasouth Corporation is pleased to introduce its new Accel 7450 serial-dot-matrix (SDM) printer. The Accel 7450 features the latest technology in motors, drivers and electronics. The Accel 7450 is the successor to the very successful Accel 6300 and 7350 series printers.
California Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 9, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Elaine Howle, 54, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed state auditor for the California State Auditor’s Office. Howle has served in multiple positions at the California State Auditor’s Office since 1993, including state auditor, deputy state auditor and principal auditor.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Nov. 8, 2012 to District Agricultural Associations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Meredith Biasca, 54, of Loleta, has been appointed to the 9th District Agricultural Association, Redwood Acres Fair Board. Biasca has been manager at Don’s Rent-All since 2005. She was manager at the Party Place from 1990 to 2005.
Alegria Farmacy Keeps Its Clients Young and Healthy including Francis Lingel, a 90-year-young Veteran
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 'This food will keep you alive and vital, and I am living proof,' says Francis Lingel, a 90-year young veteran who has joined Alegria Farm's team to assist with farm tours. 'Fresh greens are the secret to longevity,' he adds.
Huntington Beach Surf City Nights: Bonne Foi Beauty Showcases Anti-Aging Products in Downtown Autumn Open House Event
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bonne Foi Beauty Products, an anti-aging skin care line, is proud to host its first Autumn Open House event in downtown Huntington Beach on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Bonne Foi will feature its full line of anti-aging skin care and hair care products for guests to try at its Open House.
Solo Exhibition: John Waguespack 'New Works' comes to San Francisco's 111 Minna Gallery
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Having just been selected as one of nine artists nationwide to be showcased at Art Basel Miami in December 2012, in conjunction with Russell Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, John Waguespack will exhibit his 'New Works' at 111 Minna Gallery November 16, 2012 through January 26, 2013.
Calif. Governor Brown Hails Clear Victory for Children, Schools and Colleges
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Delivering on his pledge to ask the people of California to vote on the best path forward, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today hailed the passage of Proposition 30 as a clear and resounding victory for children, schools and the California dream.
OC Great Park and Arts OC present 'The Dig' a new One-woman Play performed by Stacie Chaiken
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Orange County Great Park and Arts Orange County are pleased to present a new Arts Happening featuring the premier of a new one-woman play: The Dig. Written by and starring Los Angeles-based actress Stacie Chaiken, The Dig recounts the dramatic tale of a world-renowned American archeologist who uncovers the identity of a remarkable find in the Middle East that has the potential for explosive consequences.
Study to Identify County's Demand Employment Sectors launched by San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board conducted a study to identify the top demand sectors for employment in San Bernardino County. The results showed that manufacturing, health care, transportation and logistics, energy and utilities, and construction are the top five industries that will be seeking a skilled workforce in San Bernardino County to fill available jobs.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Assistance During Hurricane Sandy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Monday directed the California Emergency Management Agency and California National Guard to send specialized assistance to the east coast to help in responding to Hurricane Sandy.
High-Efficiency Hydroponic Vertical Farming: Sustainable Teachers Delegation from Sweden tours Alegria Farm to learn about Disease-Preventing Foods
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A Swedish delegation of Sustainable Teachers toured Alegria Farm to learn about its new high efficiency farming process and find out about the disease fighting food being grown and delivered by Alegria Fresh. Alegria's innovative new farming method employs the Verti-Gro System.
The Central Valley Tea Party will host a massive phone banking event for their monthly Action Night Nov. 1
FRESNO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Central Valley Tea Party will host a massive phone banking event for their monthly Action Night meeting on Nov. 1, 2012. Several candidates will be in attendance to rally participants.
SF Mayor Lee Unveils Violence Prevention Service Center in Sunnydale Hope SF Public Housing
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee on Thursday opened the new Visitacion Valley Family Resource Center annex at the Sunnydale HOPE SF public housing site as part of the Mayor’s IPO (Interrupt, Predict and Organize for a Safer San Francisco) violence prevention strategy.
California Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Oct. 25, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Thursday announced the following appointments: First, Paul Helliker, 55, of Berkeley, has been appointed deputy director at the California Department of Water Resources. Helliker has been executive advisor at the Marin Municipal Water District since 2012 and general manager there from 2004 to 2012
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Oct. 24, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday announced the following appointments: First, Bobbie Jean Anderson, 73, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Anderson served as a field representative for Assemblymember Mike Davis from 2006 to 2009, supervising legal office assistant at the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender from 1978 to 2003 and a typist clerk for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services from 1957 to 1968.
Sandy Harmsen Appointed to Chair California Workforce Association
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board announced that Executive Director Sandy Harmsen was appointed to Chair of the California Workforce Association's Executive Committee. The committee facilitates the direction and management of the Association.
Nature Conservancy of Calif. announces Study and Website for Drinking Water Source Information
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, The Nature Conservancy of California announced that their one-stop website on the sources and protection levels of drinking water across the state now provides such information for an estimated 26.5 million Californians residing in more than 500 cities and towns.
San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board Offers Employer and Job-Seeker Services to Victorville and Surrounding Community
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board announced it opened a new Employment Resource Center in Victorville. The Employment Resource Centers help county residents re-enter the workforce or transfer their skills from shrinking industries to expanding industries.
