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 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.
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.
J McLeish Public Relations honored at PRSA Polaris Awards: San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Annual Report wins Capella Award
CORONA DEL MAR, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- J. McLeish Public Relations, a public relations company that handles work for the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, was honored at the Inland Empire Public Relations Society's Polaris Awards on October 24, 2012. The Polaris Awards, signifying the highest standards of performance in the Inland Empire, celebrate outstanding public relations tactics and programs.
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.
LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, has hired David Colwell as vice president of corporate strategy
COSTA MESA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- LendingQB, a provider of end-to-end loan origination software, announced that it hired David Colwell as vice president of corporate strategy. The position is a newly created role that will focus heavily on developing the company's long-term business strategy and providing strategic guidance through its current growth mode.
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.
MCT Trading COO and Head Trader to Speak on Secondary Marketing Panel at Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference
SAN DIEGO, Calif., /California Newswire/ -- MCT Trading, Inc. (MCT), a recognized leader in mortgage pipeline hedging and risk management services, announced that its COO and Head Trader, Phil Rasori, will present on a panel session at the Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
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.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center continues to attract top professionals to its construction practice, adds Neil Willian in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, has added Neil Willian as an account executive to their San Francisco construction practice. Willian brings 15 years of experience to EPIC in construction risk, specializing in legal, claims, and insurance risk management.
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.
East End Job Fair Offers Hundreds of Jobs for San Bernardino Area – Workforce Investment Board Connects Businesses with Job Seekers
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- At a time when good local jobs are in high demand, the Inland Empire East End Job Fair hosted by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board will offer local job seekers the chance to meet with dozens of employers and access hundreds of job opportunities.
Quandis, Inc. client Specialized Loan Servicing named a Top 25 Tech-Savvy Servicer
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Quandis, Inc., a leading provider of default management technology solutions, today announced that its client, Specialized Loan Servicing (SLS), a servicer of residential mortgage loans, has been designated a 2012 Top 25 Tech-Savvy Servicer by Mortgage Technology magazine.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Reagan Peralta as senior account manager in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, has added Reagan Peralta as a senior account manager in its San Francisco office. Peralta brings more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, working for national insurance carriers as well as Bay Area-based benefits consulting firms.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center honored as a 'Best Place to Work in Insurance' for a Third Year
SAN MATEO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, has again been recognized as a 2012 'Best Place to Work in Insurance' by Business Insurance Magazine and survey co-sponsor Best Companies Group.
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.
Bringing Balance to this Year's Candy-Oriented Holiday Frenzy, ArteQuesta Presents a Health-Conscious Halloween for Kids
MILL VALLEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- ArteQuesta has decided to give kids a choice with what they fill their Halloween buckets this year. Over this holiday weekend, ArteQuesta put together a Halloween party filled with outrageous costumes by kids and adults alike, music and games, and, best of all, delicious festive treats. The delightful range of goodies included not only the candy corn and tootsie rolls we all love but also a range of tasty, healthy, homemade and homegrown Halloween sweets.
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.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Cris Nunez as principal in Los Angeles for Commercial Insurance and Risk Management
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, announced today the addition of Cris Nunez as principal in EPIC's Los Angeles office. Nunez brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial insurance and risk management, with a focus on workers' compensation.
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.
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center adds Benefits Consultant Adam Medeiros – California's fastest growing brokerage continues to expand in Central Valley
FRESNO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage, has added Adam Medeiros as an employee benefits consultant in its Fresno office. Medeiros brings his extensive knowledge of group health and welfare benefits, including ERISA, COBRA and HIPAA, to EPIC's rapidly expanding Fresno team.
PCM of California to manage Traditions Homeowners Association in Rancho Santa Margarita, a 125-home Community in Orange County
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PCM of California, Inc. (PCM), an Associa company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to manage the Traditions Homeowners' Association located in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. The 125-home community is the second to be recently added to PCM's management portfolio from this southeastern Orange County community of nearly 48,000 residents.
For the first time since 2008, kitchens have become the number one remodeling project for homeowners, according to the Fall 2012...
SUNNYVALE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- For the first time since 2008, kitchens have become the number one remodeling project for homeowners, according to the 'Fall 2012 U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report' from RemodelorMove. But before you join the rush to remodel your kitchen, you should carefully consider whether the project is a good idea for your finances and family.
SF Mayor Lee Launches TechSF Workforce Training Initiative to Train, Place 2,500 San Francisco Residents in High Tech Jobs
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Joined by dozens of high tech student trainees and representatives of San Francisco’s major technology companies, Mayor Edwin M. Lee launched TechSF – a citywide workforce initiative that aims to train and place 2,500 San Francisco residents from diverse backgrounds in high technology jobs over the next five years.
At CAI Legal Conference, Professional Community Management of California CEO Donny Disbro Offers Best Practices on Dispute Resolution
TEMECULA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Professional Community Management of California, Inc. (PCM) chief executive officer Donny Disbro addressed community association professionals on Friday on the benefits and pitfalls of mediation as an alternative to costly litigation.
SF Mayor Lee Announces Square Moving to New Central Market HQ: Tech Company Plans to Employ 1,000 People in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Square CEO Jack Dorsey today announced that Square, the company "making commerce easy for everyone," is relocating its corporate headquarters to 1455 Market Street in the City’s Central Market neighborhood. Square has signed a lease and expects to move into its new location in mid-2013.
San Francisco Mayor Lee’s Statement on SF Unemployment Rate Dropping to 6.9 Percent
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee issued the following statement on San Francisco’s unemployment rate dropping below seven percent in September, based on preliminary unemployment numbers released by the State Employment Development Department (EDD):
Annual Great Park Scarecrows in the Park Fundraising Competition Begins in Orange County
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Orange County Great Park invites visitors to vote for their favorite scarecrow at the third annual Scarecrows in the Park contest, which challenges Orange County’s businesses and community organizations to show off their creative and philanthropic spirit by building creative, themed scarecrows. The 2012 edition of the fundraising and fun-raising contest features 26 scarecrows – the most in the competition’s history – all vying for the title of “Best in Crow.”
