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. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 17, 2012 including California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Janet Falk, 66, of Oakland, has been appointed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Falk was vice president of real estate development for Mercy Housing from 2002 to 2011 and executive director of the California Housing Finance Corporation from 1999 to 2002.
California-based marketing and PR firm, Neotrope, announces dedicated web portal for the annual Non-Profit PR Grants program
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California-based marketing and PR firm, Neotrope, today announced the formal launch of a dedicated web portal for the company's annual NonProfit PR Grants program at http://prgrants.com as part of its 30 year anniversary. The PR Grant program was originally launched in 2000 to help assist U.S. 501(c)3 worthy causes.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Statement on Connecticut School Shooting
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff and issued the following statement in response to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut:
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 14, 2012 including California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Michael Brown, 60, of Santa Barbara, has been appointed to the California Ocean Protection Council. Brown has been principal and partner at Brown and Wilmanns Environmental LLC since 2006 and was principal at Michael S. Brown and Associates from 1999 to 2006.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Dec. 13, 2012 including California State Board of Food and Agriculture
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Thursday announced the following appointments: First, Daniel Dooley, 62, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2008. Dooley has served in multiple positions at the University of California, Office of the President since 2008, including vice president and senior advisor for agriculture and natural resources and senior vice president of external relations.
PCM of California to Manage San Clemente's New Providence Community; Addition to HOA Portfolio Latest in Company's Impressive Growth
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PCM of California, Inc. (PCM), an Associa company, announced today that it has acquired management duties of San Clemente's New Providence Community Association, effective December 1. The 225-home community is the sixth to be added to PCM's Orange County management portfolio in recent months. PCM now manages 6 associations in the city of San Clemente.
The Pacific Pinball Museum welcomes the public to experience pinball with a European flair, with new rare addition to collection
ALAMEDA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Pacific Pinball Museum (PPM) welcomes the public to experience pinball with a European flair. Play a game on the newest addition to their exciting collection of more than 80 playable games: a 1967 Rally West Club. This game marks the one resident of their collection not produced in the United States.
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.
Consumers National Bank is successfully utilizing LendingQB Web-based loan origination system
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, announced that Ohio-based Consumers National Bank is successfully utilizing its Web-based loan origination system (LOS) to operate its entire mortgage lending business. LendingQB was selected specifically to launch the bank's mortgage business in April 2012.
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).
VLP Law Group LLP adds Tarun Chandran to Expand Real Estate Practice
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of its real estate practice with the addition of Tarun Chandran, who joins as a partner based in Chicago. Mr. Chandran brings considerable experience in commercial real estate and real estate finance transactions to VLP.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center welcomes Hali Nielson as senior VP in Irvine
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, announced today the addition of Hali Nielson as senior vice president private client services in its Irvine office. Nielson brings 19 years of experience in insurance and risk management for individuals with a high asset base and significant property and liability exposures.
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.
LendingQB's Binh Dang will present on a panel 'Mobile Originations in a Tablet World' at 14th Annual Mortgage Technology conference
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, announced that its president, Binh Dang, will present on a panel session entitled 'Mobile Originations in a Tablet World' at SourceMedia's 14th Annual Mortgage Technology conference in Miami Beach, Florida on November 30, 2012.
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.
TeamF1 Inc named as one of the Top 10 Enterprise Security Companies founded and managed by Indian technology professionals
FREMONT, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- TeamF1, Inc., the leader in embedded networking and security software solutions for wired and wireless applications, was selected by SiliconIndia, the premier magazine for business and technology, as one of the Top 10 Enterprise Security Companies founded and managed by Indian technology professionals.
PCM of California, Inc. Series of Employee-driven Fundraisers benefit United Way, AssociaCares
LAKE FOREST, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Donny Disbro, chief executive officer of PCM of California, Inc. (PCM), an Associa company, announced today that company employees raised more than $16,230 during a series of charitable fundraisers over the past several weeks.
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:
SF Mayor Lee Launches Season of Giving Campaign to Support San Francisco Families and People in Need
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee announced the launch of San Francisco’s Season of Giving campaign to support organizations that help San Franciscans and organizations helping victims of Hurricane Sandy. The Season of Giving will last through Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend on January 15, 2013 and residents and businesses are encouraged to give back to their own communities or to the American Red Cross for hurricane victims to provide warm meals, a place to stay and other essential services.
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.
Alegria Fresh announces 'healthy greens' gift giving for the holiday season
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With the arrival of the holiday season, Alegria Farm announces 'healthy greens' gift giving. This year, instead of giving the latest technology, entertainment or fashion goods, Alegria Fresh makes it possible to give vitality and longevity with its new one-month gift subscription. Enjoying a produce bouquet full of nutrient-rich greens and herbs will go along way to battling the calories and damage done from eating high-fat holiday treats.
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.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Dolores Glass as a principal in San Ramon Construction Practice
SAN RAMON, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has added Dolores Glass as a principal in their San Ramon construction practice. Glass brings over 20 years of experience in construction industry risk management and property and casualty insurance to EPIC.
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.
Leading mortgage compliance provider, The Compliance Group, Inc., is offering mortgage servicers expert compliance and risk services
SAN MARCOS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Leading mortgage compliance services provider, The Compliance Group, Inc. (TCG), is offering mortgage servicers its expert compliance and risk services, including regulatory audit preparation, Servicing QC, enterprise risk management (ERM) QC and servicing risk management.
Black Friday may be the best time to start a Home Remodeling Project, according to Remodel or Move
SUNNYVALE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- 'For many people, Black Friday is a crowded shopping experience that's so horrible it's not worth the savings,' says Dan Fritschen, founder of Remodel or Move. 'But if you're planning to remodel your home in the coming year, you may want to rethink your plans: the super sales that are offered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can save you thousands of dollars on the cost for your remodel.'
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.
