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.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces Open Data Partnership with Yelp to Improve Public Health and Transparency
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Yelp CEO and Co-founder Jeremy Stoppelman announced at the U.S. Conference...
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 17, 2013 including the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments: First, David Gordon, 66, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Gordon has been county superintendent at the Sacramento County Office of Education since 2004.
San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board helps Patton Sales Corporation Expand
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Patton Sales Corporation, a steel service center and manufacturer based in Ontario, has expanded its business, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board announced today. Two years ago, Patton Sales Corp. was in danger of laying off employees.
LegalizeFerrets.org announces new White House petition to help legalize ferrets in California
LA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legalize Ferrets announces new White House petition to help legalize ferrets in California. Over the past 25 years California ferret lovers have worked diligently to catch up to the rest of the 48 continental states to have our right for legal ferret ownership.
Calif. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell Introduces Legislation Clarifying 'Write-In' Vote Requirements
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Assemblymember Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) introduced legislation to clarify the way write-in candidates qualify for the general election under California’s "Top Two" election system. Assembly Bill 141 reestablishes the 1 percent minimum vote requirement, allowing greater legitimacy for the write-in process.
The Maple Conservatory of Dance Announces auditions for Summer 2013 Ballet Intensive Program
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Maple Conservatory of Dance announces the Summer 2013 Senior and Junior Ballet Intensives Program. Auditions are scheduled on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Conservatory's studio at 1824 Kaiser Avenue, Irvine, CA.
Shock the Monkey: LA Street Artist XVALA Gives Tonight Show Chimp Googly Eyes and Lipstick with New Art Exhibit
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Infamous 'Street Artist' XVALA, famous for invading the residential trash of celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Justin Bieber and tech icons Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, has set his sights on Robert Downey Jr., Lindsay Lohan, and Taylor Swift for his latest exhibit 'The Tonight Show with Celebrity Chimp' at Lab Art Gallery in L.A., announces Cory Allen Contemporary Art.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 16, 2013 including California Independent System Operator Board of Governors
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Edwin Lowry, 61, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, where he has served since 2011. He served as a part-time hearing officer at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation in 2009. Lowry was deputy attorney general at the California Attorney General’s Office from 2005 to 2007 and from 1988 to 1995.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Galt Police Department Officer Tonn
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Galt Police Department K9 Officer Kevin Tonn.
LendingQB Cloud-based Loan Origination System Integrated with MCT Trading's HALO Platform
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, announced that its Web-based loan origination system has been integrated with Mortgage Capital Trading's proprietary HALO (Hedging And Loan sales Optimization) platform. The interface, dubbed HALO-Link, allows for pipeline and trade data to automatically be exchanged from LendingQB's LOS to the HALO platform.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 15, 2013 including California Department of Human Resources
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the following appointments for January 15: First, Randy Fisher, 48, of Elk Grove, has been appointed assistant chief of labor relations at the California Department of Human Resources.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 14, 2013 including the California State Board of Education
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Sue Burr, 59, of Rancho Murieta, has been appointed to the California State Board of Education. Burr served as the executive director of the California State Board of Education and as education policy advisor to Governor Brown from 2011 to 2012. She served as the executive director of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association from 2006 to 2011 and was the Association’s governmental relations director from 2003 to 2006.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center Welcomes Janice Stanger as Employee Benefits Account Exec in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has added Janice Stanger as an account executive on their Los Angeles benefits consulting team. Stanger brings 27 years of experience in healthcare, benefits consulting, human resources, compliance, wellness and client relationship management to EPIC.
Quandis Inc. and Adeptive Software Partnership to Streamline Borrower Bankruptcy Searches using the Government's PACER Locator Service
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Quandis, Inc., a leading provider of default management technology solutions, and Adeptive Software, the developer of ResWare(TM), announced that they have with integrated Quandis' interface to the government's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database for bankruptcy searches.
DAX LLC wins additional U.S. patent for cloud-based media workflow application for film and TV industries
CULVER CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- DAX LLC and its parent company, Sample Digital Holdings LLC, announce today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent for 'a system and method for media content collaboration throughout the media production process,' as U.S. Patent No. 8,218,764.
Antimicrobial Screen Protectors for iPhone, iPad and Galaxy 3S announced by Accurate Imaging Resources
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Accurate Imaging Resources announced this week its launch of Accurate Films - screen protectors for cell phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, PCs, and LCD TVs. 'These new multipurpose and multifunctional screen protectors will work for Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy 3S phones, Apple iPads and more,' Michael Doyle, Director of Sales for Accurate Imaging, says.
Calif. Governor Brown Proposes 2013-2014 Budget to maintain 'Fiscal Stability'
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- At a press conference on Thursday, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proposed a balanced state budget for 2013-2014 that boosts investment in education, implements health care reform and keeps California on a long-term path to fiscal stability. This budget builds on the work of the last two years to eliminate the ongoing deficit.
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 Collegiate Teams welcomed by Orange County Great Park
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Students representing the 20 collegiate teams competing in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 arrived at the Orange County Great Park today to prepare for the award-winning competition, which will take place October 3-13 at the Great Park. The arrival of the students marks a significant milestone in the planning efforts for the event which will attract worldwide attention to Irvine and Orange County.
LendingQB president Binh Dang named a Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professional
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, announced that its president, Mr. Binh Dang, has been named to National Mortgage Professional magazine's Top 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40 list.
Calif. Seeks End To Court Orders Capping the State’s Prison Population and Requiring Oversight of Prison Mental Health Care
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that the State of California has taken legal action to end a federal court order that caps the state’s prison population and another that requires “intrusive supervision” of prison mental health care.
ArteQuesta Israeli Masters Collection offers Visual History of Israel's Emergence as Jewish State and Preserves Cultural Assets
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta launches its Israeli Masters Collection, announces Rayah Levy and Jessica Jacobson, co-founders of ArteQuesta. This collection is the culmination of a decade of work to gather and preserve historically significant art works by Israeli Master Artists during Israel's emergence as the Jewish state.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center continues Central Valley expansion, adds principals Chad Seiler and Steve Parson in Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, has added Chad Seiler and Steve Parson as property and casualty insurance brokers and principals in its Fresno office. Seiler and Parson bring an extensive knowledge of risk management, property and liability insurance and workers' compensation cost control to EPIC.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Proclamations Declaring Special Elections for 32nd and 40th Senate Districts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued proclamations declaring special elections for the 32nd and 40th Senate Districts of the State of California on May 14, 2013. The primary for these special elections will be held on March 12, 2013.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 7, 2013 including State Council on Developmental Disabilities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Feda Almaliti, 35, of Fremont, has been appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as the Area Board V Representative, where she has served since 2012. Almaliti has been a self-employed full-time advocate for persons with disabilities since 2005.
In California, Broken Meters Shouldn’t Lead to Parking Tickets, says Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-43)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-43) introduced legislation today that will allow Californians to park for free at broken or malfunctioning parking meters for the maximum time allowed by the meter. The bill, AB 61, would prohibit local governments, such as cities and counties, from enacting an ordinance that bans parking in a space controlled by a broken meter or broken kiosk for on-street parking.
World Savvy immersion study and cultural exchange program in Bangladesh enables US youth leaders and educators
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Thirty U.S. youth leaders and five U.S. educators are set to return next Saturday, January 12, 2013, from a month-long immersion study and cultural exchange program in Bangladesh from World Savvy. The group studied how global climate change has impacted local communities in Bangladesh, and upon return to the U.S., the students will apply their new knowledge by launching climate change projects to improve their U.S. communities and the world.
California's fastest growing brokerage Edgewood Partners Insurance Center welcomes Terri Parreira as principal in Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, has added Terri Parreira as a property and casualty insurance producer and principal in its Fresno office. Parreira brings an extensive knowledge of risk management, property and liability insurance and workers' compensation cost control to EPIC.
Children’s Gardening Workshops at the Great Park Farm + Food Lab
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Families from throughout Orange County can expect their kids to come home with dirty hands after a day at one of the Orange County Great Park's Children's Gardening Workshops. The free monthly workshop series at the Great Park’s Farm + Food Lab provides hands-on gardening activities for children ages 3-to-11. The year-round series of Children's Gardening Workshops is set to begin Sunday, January 13.
Calif. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell's First Act as Budget Vice-Chair: Offer Voters Decision on State 'Rainy Day' Surplus Fund
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Assembly on Thursday announced that Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) has been chosen to serve as vice-chairman of the Assembly’s Budget Committee. As one of the first acts in this new leadership role Gorell introduced legislation that will give California’s voters the ability to make an earlier decision on implementing the state’s “rainy day” surplus fund.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 2, 2013
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday announced the following appointments: First, Luis Dominicis, 59, of Downey, has been appointed to the California Dental Board, where he has served since 2008. Dominicis has been a dentist in private practice since 1993.
New Exhibit in Hollywood, 'Five Views' Represents Recent Work by Five Emerging Photographers
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calumet Photographic is proud to host this exceptional exhibit that offers deeply personal work from photographers exploring new themes: 'Five Views' represents recent work by five emerging photographers in the gallery of Calumet's Hollywood store located at 1135 N. Highland Ave. The exhibit begins January 8 and runs through February 8, 2013.
Bank of Southern California has been recognized as one of the top small business lenders among medium sized banks, in San...
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California N.A., a locally owned community business bank, has been recognized as one of the top small business lenders among medium sized banks for the largest number and dollar volume of 7(a) loans in 2012 in the greater San Diego area according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center acquires Homeplace Insurance Brokers Inc, expands into Inland Empire
ONTARIO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire Homeplace Insurance Brokers, Inc.
Launch of ArteQuesta Portal Features Museum-Quality Artworks and Collections, Resources for Art Investors, and Humanitarian Community
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta co-founders Jessica Jacobson and Rayah Levy today announced the long-awaited launch of ArteQuesta.com, the company's intuitive new web portal featuring museum-quality artworks and collections.
Bank of Southern California adds Banking Expert Marie Bruning as VP Client Relationship Manager
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California N.A. has announced that Marie Bruning has joined the bank as Vice President, Client Relationship Manager. She is responsible for business development and client relationship management for the company, and will be headquartered in the company's corporate office in Del Mar.
Colton based Premier Medical Transportation company announces partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank
COLTON, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Premier Medical Transportation, a Colton-based medical transportation company, has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to serve Riverside and San Bernardino in a year-long campaign, Driving Away Hunger. Premier Medical Transportation will donate one meal to Second Harvest Food Bank for every transport call they receive. The Driving Away Hunger campaign began Nov. 1, just in time for the holiday season and will run throughout 2013.
SecuGen Corporation announces Android compatibility of SecuGen Hamster Fingerprint Readers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SecuGen Corporation is pleased to announce a demonstration of Android(TM) compatibility with SecuGen Hamster IV(TM) and Hamster Plus(TM) fingerprint readers. This demonstration will be shown in SecuGen's booth (#36175) at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 8 - 11, 2013.
TeamF1 Inc becomes a member of the Telecom Council of Silicon Valley, a platform facilitating innovation and fostering relationships
FREMONT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- TeamF1, Inc, the leader in embedded networking and security software solutions for wired and wireless applications, announced today that it joined the Telecom Council of Silicon Valley, a business tool providing leaders in the telecom industry, a means to connect, interact and innovate.
Calif. Assemblyman Gatto Introduces Legislation to Protect California’s Native American Sacred Sites
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) announced that he will be introducing legislation to protect California's Native American sacred sites. The state's legislative counsel is still working with Gatto to draft specific details, but it is anticipated that the legislation will include a process for public review of a proposed project if that project threatens a sacred site.
San Francisco Moves Forward with Pedestrian Strategy: the Pedestrian Safety Executive Directive
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and San Francisco Department of Public Health to announce the draft Pedestrian Strategy is nearing completion. City officials, advocates and community groups reaffirmed their commitment to pedestrian safety during the holiday shopping season today at the Powell Street Promenade where existing pedestrian improvements have helped holiday shoppers stay safe on busy San Francisco sidewalks.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 20, 2012 including California Subject Matter Project Advisory Board for Arts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /Caliornia Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Alice Y. Hom, 45, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Council for the Humanities. Hom is the director of the Queer Justice Fund at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, where she was philanthropic advocacy manager from 2007 to 2010.
TechNet Presents California Senator Alex Padilla with its Tech Champion Award
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) last week was presented with the “Tech Champion” Award from TechNet, at TechNet’s Annual Policy Conference and Tech Academy. TechNet is the leading bipartisan political network whose members represent some of the world’s leading technology companies including Google, Cisco, Facebook, Intel, Oracle, Ebay and Microsoft. The award was given to Senator Padilla for authoring legislation that promotes California’s leadership in innovation and technology.
San Diego Children's Choir Honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Diego Children's Choir (SDCC) today announced that it has been honored with a prestigious 2012 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. "We are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2012 Nonprofit," says Donna Icenhower, executive director.
Bank of Southern California announces Robert Marshall appointed Executive VP and Chief Credit Officer
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bank of Southern California N.A. announced today that Robert Marshall was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. In this role, Mr. Marshall will lead the Bank's credit function, overseeing credit risk management, credit approval and credit analysis functions, and ensuring the overall quality of the Bank's lending portfolio is maintained.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 19, 2012 including California Commission on Emergency Medical Services
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Douglas Faigin, 66, of Marina del Rey, has been appointed to the California State University, Board of Trustees. Faigin has been president of City News Service Inc. since 1985.
Calif. Governor Brown Appoints New Corrections Secretary Dr. Jeffrey Beard
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that Dr. Jeffrey Beard has been appointed Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Beard, 65, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections from 2001 until his retirement in 2010, overseeing more than 51,000 inmates and 16,000 employees.
Interthinx, a Verisk Analytics Subsidiary, Hosts Successful Beltway Breakfast Series for Mortgage Markets, Examining Post-Election U.S. Housing Outlook
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Interthinx announced today the success of its second in a series of Washington, D.C., 'beltway breakfast' forums dedicated to building confidence in the mortgage markets through a renewed focus on data integrity. 'The Housing Outlook Postelection' explored how the Administration and Congress can work together on the future development of solutions and policies that affect the real estate finance industry.
Ten U.S. based charitable non-profits will receive in-kind grants totaling $50,000 with the 2013 Non-Profit PR Grants
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neotrope, a marketing, PR, and information publishing company founded in 1983, today announced its annual Nonprofit PR Grant Program for 2013. Ten U.S. based charitable non-profits will receive in-kind grants totaling $50,000, including public relations, news dissemination and online marketing services, as part of the company's 30th anniversary.
California Board of Accountancy Welcomes New Board Members
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California Board of Accountancy (CBA) has announced the reappointment of Leslie J. LaManna, CPA, to the CBA, and the appointment of three new members: Jose A. Campos, CPA, of Glendale; Scott Harris, Esq., of Los Angeles; and Katrina Salazar, CPA, of Sacramento. Ms. LaManna, who has served on the CBA since her appointment in 2007, was elected as President of the CBA in November 2012. Her reappointment and the three new appointments were announced December 14, 2012 by Governor Jerry Brown.The CBA consists of eight public members and seven members who are Certified Public Accountants.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Secures Funding for Cutting Edge Piezoelectricity Project
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After two years of work, California Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has found a new partner in the fight for green transportation and domestically produced alternative energy. Building on an idea of Gatto’s, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced that it will fund preliminary research on the potential of using California’s roadways to generate green electricity.
