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.
Sequoia Real Estate in San Francisco Adds Regional Sales Manager to Grow Business and Maintain Unique Culture
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Statewide growth and local expertise - while that may sound like a bit of an oxymoron - it's actually what Sequoia Real Estate has in mind for its future. And Jim Enes, a Bay Area native, is the right person to propel its growth. He's been hired as the company's Regional Sales Manager and brings more than 32 years of experience to the table.
We Inspect LLC in San Diego Acquires Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- We Inspect, LLC, a global mold inspection, consulting and health technology company, recently acquired Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy. Its acquisitional goal is to unify these individually-owned family businesses under one name and to better serve the community as a whole.
To Help Fight Vaping in Schools and Business, Vape Detector introduces a line of solutions that detect vape smoke from glycerin,...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Vape Detector, a Californian brand, has announced the launch of its line of Vape Detectors for schools, hotels, businesses, and parents. The growing popularity of vaping among young people has made it increasingly difficult for schools and workplaces to enforce policies against it. Vape Detector™ is a trademarked brand of Forensics Detectors which is a leading gas detection company located in Los Angeles.
Charles Communications Associates Celebrates 20 Years in Wine Marketing and Luxury Cuisine
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This year marks the 20th anniversary for Charles Communications Associates (CCA), a leading wine marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. What began at the dining room table of founder Kimberly Charles in 2003 with her first client, noted actor and vintner Fess Parker, has grown over the last twenty years to represent clients in Japan, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the U.S with a dynamic team.
Fintech Innovation Firm, MCT, is First to Integrate with Freddie Mac’s Income Limits API
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, is pleased to announce it is the first secondary marketing platform to integrate with Freddie Mac's Income Limits application programming interface (API) created for the first-time home buyer area median income (AMI) limits. Income Limits allows for the accurate pricing of Credit Fee in Price (Exhibit 19, or "Credit Fees") waivers.
Palo Alto-based WordSphere Announces $6.8M Acquisition of DrupalWare to Grow Webdev Operations
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- WordSphere LLC, a leading Palo Alto based tech company, announced today the completion of its acquisition of DrupalWare. DrupalWare, a tech company known for its cutting-edge software solutions, is one of the leading Drupal development agencies in the USA, responsible for sites like Tesla and Pfizer.
The California Crime Writers Conference is back for 2023 at the Hilton Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After going virtual in 2021 due to the pandemic, the California Crime Writers Conference (CCWC) is back with an in-person, two-day event to be held June 10-11, 2023 at the Hilton Los Angeles (Culver City). This premier conference offers panels and workshops on craft and the business of writing as well as opportunities for manuscript consultations and professional headshots at modest prices.
9th Annual ‘Cursive is Cool’ Contest Launched for K-6 Students in North America
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The American Handwriting Analysis Foundation announced that their 2023 "Cursive is Cool"® contest is now open to North American students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Students are encouraged to enter early. Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place, Third Place based on legibility and neatness.
Nina G, famous stuttering comedian, records debut solo album and live show at the Alameda Comedy Club
OAKLAND, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Thirteen years ago, Nina G made her debut as the first stuttering female comedian. Since then, she's challenged the status quo of how people who stutter are perceived - onstage and off. So, in an industry that lacks speech diversity, Nina G's unique voice will record both her first solo comedy album and comedy special on March 9, 2023 at the Alameda Comedy Club located in her hometown. The album is projected to come out later in the spring on the Punchline Records label with the comedy special to follow.
Celebrate Concord CA Comfort Food Month 2023 with gourmet sausage-dog from Hillside Dawgz
CONCORD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The El Monte Shopping Center is the perfect location to make the most of Visit Concord's "Comfort Food Month" with several minority and women-owned restaurants offering a local flavor to residents and visitors alike. There's something for everyone in the midtown shopping center, from fried chicken to sausage to Japanese. The list of El Monte restaurants includes The Taphouse, Parma Deli, Frickin Fried, Taqueria Autlan, Izakaya An, and the newest addition - Hillside Dawgz.
Intellimedia Networks Expands its Operations and Technology Solutions into Kenya
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Intellimedia Networks, an award-winning leading provider of technology solutions for government, educational institutions, and businesses, is excited to announce the expansion of its operations into Africa with a new presence in Nairobi, Kenya. This move follows several meetings with Kenyan government officials and the Kenyan business community at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC on December 13-15, 2022.
California Ranks #1 on 2022 AWE State Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability Policies
SACRAMENTO Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. California was the top-ranked state in the nation and in the Colorado River Basin region, scoring 72.5 out of 89 possible points.
One of the Largest Pilot Hiring Events to be Hosted Feb. 2023 in Palm Springs, California by NGPA
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NGPA - one of the largest pilot hiring career expo events in the United States - is coming to Palm Springs, CA on February 9, 2023. The two-day NGPA Industry Expo Presented by United Airlines will bring together over 100 exhibitors, including major airlines, to meet with job seekers and discuss career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Activist Writer Homa Pourasgari Exposes Inhumane Slaughter of Dolphins in New Book, ‘The American Outsider’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Linbrook Press announces a new novel, "The American Outsider" (ISBN: 978-0977978038), authored by Homa Pourasgari, scheduled to be released January 23, 2023. It's a story about the inhumane slaughter and torture of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, and addresses the complex nature of the Japanese culture. It's written for anyone who cares about animal welfare and who hopes to make a difference.
Sisters-in-Crime Los Angeles (SinC/LA) debuts new mystery anthology, ‘ENTERTAINMENT TO DIE FOR’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sisters in Crime Los Angeles (SinC/LA) has announced the release of their new anthology, "Entertainment to Die For" (ISBN: 978-1970181388), with an introduction by award-winning novelist Sara Paretsky. Contributors to SinC/LA's "Entertainment to Die For" include a lineup of mystery writers from southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Sage Investment Club, a California African American Women Partnership, Celebrates 25 Years of Stock Market Education
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sage Investment Club, an investment firm managed by an all-female, African American leadership team, today celebrates 25 years since the launch of its investment platform. Founded by Sonya Weaver-Johnson, the group offers investment education and co-investment opportunities.
TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP Invests in TRAiNED Inc., in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, announced today that the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP (the "Fund") recently participated in a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) funding round for TRAiNED, Inc.
GridBright upgrades Oracle Network Management System (NMS) at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative (MCEC)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCEC, an early adopter of Oracle Network Management Systems (NMS), undertook a major NMS upgrade and re-integration with core operational systems of an ever-increasing complex electric grid. GridBright, in its upgrade of Oracle NMS at MCEC, further leveraged its proven NMS Configuration for COOPS that incorporates industry best practices from over thirty utility implementations.
California Strawberry Festival is Back for 2023 at a New Venue, the Ventura County Fairgrounds
OXNARD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 2023 California Strawberry Festival will take place May 20-21. For the first time ever, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This isn't the first time the Festival has outgrown a location, and the Fairgrounds venue was considered when the California Strawberry Festival moved from Channel Islands Harbor to College Park in 1991.
Legacy Launch Pad Changes Podcast Name to ‘On Good Authority’ – hosted by NY Times bestselling author, Anna David
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing announced today that it is updating its publishing podcast name to "On Good Authority: Publishing the Book that Will Build Your Business." The podcast, which has been named one of the best publishing podcasts by LA Weekly, Feedburner and Kindlepreneur, among others, has long been hosted by Launch Pad founder and New York Times bestselling author Anna David.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices Data for December 2022 Released by Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for December 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Calif. Governor Newsom Appoints Nancy Ward Cal OES Director
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This past week (Dec. 31, 2022), Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Nancy Ward as Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the first woman to hold the position. Ward has served in several positions at Cal OES since 2014 and brings decades of distinguished leadership in emergency management, including at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
CDF Labor Law Expands Leadership Team for 2023, Elevates Three Attorneys to Partner
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Labor, employment and business immigration law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is proud to announce the elevation of three outstanding attorneys to partner. These individuals are among the close to 50 CDF attorneys who aggressively defend and guide employers through the challenging legal landscape in California.
Legacy Launch Pad Releases Hybrid Family Memoir & Political Science Book That Warns Against Political Polarization
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Legacy Launch Pad Publishing is proud to release "Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency when Politics Fail You" (ISBN: 978-1956955491 (ebook); 978-1956955477 (paperback), 978-1956955484 (hardback)) the first book by life partners Dr. Emily Bashah and former Phoenix, Arizona mayor Paul E. Johnson.
Shelli Holland, Chief People Officer, joins Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, and Mortgage Coach, a platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive home loan presentations, today announced the appointment of Shelli Holland to the role of Chief People Officer.
Cal State LA researchers, with the City of Los Angeles’ Data Team, develop an interactive data visualization tool that helps residents...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Cal State LA researchers, in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles’ Data Team, have developed an interactive data visualization tool that helps residents understand crime trends in neighborhoods. The crime records were previously categorized by the Los Angeles Police Department’s reporting district, which did not align with neighborhood boundaries.
FineShare FineVoice is a Digital Voice Solution Unleashing the ‘Charm of Voice’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- FineShare, an emerging software company committed to improving the user experience of virtual communications, online presentations, and real-time video, today officially announced the launch of its voice processing product, FineVoice. FineShare FineVoice is a one-stop digital voice solution that can transform voice and record sound from multiple sources with ease and offers a variety of features including text to speech, speech to text, audio extractor, and file voice changer.
Mold Inspection Sciences Expands Environmental Testing Capabilities to San Francisco Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Leading mold inspection and environmental testing company, Mold Inspection Sciences (MIS), today announces its expansion into the San Francisco market. This new operation will service customers from Santa Rosa to San Jose, continuing to provide affordable, professional, and high-quality mold inspection and testing services to all clients suffering from mold, indoor air-quality, and environmental issues.
Olea Kiosks Announces Addition of Industry Veteran Michael Tulloch
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Olea Kiosks®, Inc., the premier provider of innovative self-service kiosk solutions, is proud to welcome industry veteran Michael Tulloch to its team as Director of Solution Sales. In this role, Tulloch will be responsible for growing the business in Access Control and Transportation.
Domaine Carneros in Napa makes the holidays sparkle for 2022 with elegant gift offerings
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Domaine Carneros, the award-winning California grower-producer of method traditionelle sparkling wines, has a wide array of gifts available for the 2022 holiday season. Curated by the team at the French inspired chateau situated at the gateway to wine country in northern California, the offerings range from charcuterie and chocolate pairings with wine, to sabers and chillers to luxury candles, all paired up in gift sets that are sure to please.
Comedy Veteran, Pierre, Gets Real About Race in Witty Stand Up Special ‘HALF/TRUTHS’ Streaming on HypePlusTV
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Tired of being misjudged and constantly proving himself in the Black community, biracial comedian and actor, Pierre Edwards (Pierre), speaks his truth in a witty stand-up micro-special on race titled "HALF/TRUTHS." The thought-provoking film was released last week with the soft launch of Comedy Hype's new streaming platform, HypePlusTV.com.
Author Dolores F. Kurzeka Honored by Her Family, Who Published Her Book, ‘Our Walk with Grandma’ After Her Passing
MURRIETA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The family of author Dolores F. Kurzeka is thrilled to announce the release of "Our Walk with Grandma" (ISBN: 978-1039145450, FriesenPress), her long-awaited children's picture book about the beauty of family and nature. Written 20 years ago, Kurzeka was unable to find an illustrator before her passing. Her children continued the search and found the perfect illustrator Nichole Monahan, and brought the book to market to make their mom's dream of publication come true.
Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang add Casey Martin to the exec team as chief revenue officer
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, and Mortgage Coach, a platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive home loan presentations, today announced the appointment of Casey Martin as chief revenue officer.
MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: November 2022 Data for Housing Markets
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for November 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
Nonprofit Fostering UNITY Presents Winter Wonderland 2022 Holiday Event in L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Fostering UNITY will present their 4th annual Winter Wonderland event at the organization’s headquarters in Acton, CA on Saturday, December 10 from 4-8pm. This free event sold out in less than one week! Families who pre-registered on Eventbrite will bring hundreds of children in foster care to the 10-acre Heritage House in Acton, CA to experience a dazzling drive-through display of colorful lights, festive music, beautiful decorations, an abundance of snow, a choir of carolers, family-friendly activities, and of course – Santa and his elves.
MCT Launches BAMCO, a Co-issue Loan Sale Marketplace for Finance Industry
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, announced the release of BAMCO, a new marketplace for co-issue loan sales. Co-issue loan sales, also known as flow-based mortgage servicing rights (MSR) sales, are a three-way transaction involving the sale of loans to one of the agencies with a simultaneous sale of the MSRs to a separate third party.
Golden State Pops Orchestra presents the 2022 HOLIDAY POPS Spectacular at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Golden State Pops Orchestra rings in the holiday season with joyous music and high spirits on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8 p.m. in the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, California. Celebrate the holiday season with Maestro Steven Allen Fox, Resident Choir Maestra Marya Basaraba, and the Golden State Pops Orchestra and Chorale, with the "Holiday Pops Spectacular."
The Roberson Brothers, Two We Are G.A.M.E. Alums, Find Success On and Off the Sports Field
TORRANCE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today, the Roberson brothers are two pictures of success. Jacen, the younger brother, was recently drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixteenth round. Meanwhile, his older brother, Cameron, graduated last year from the University of Mass. Amherst, which he attended on a full-ride scholarship. They attribute a portion of their combined athletic-academic success to their connection with We Are G.A.M.E. (Getting Athletes Mentoring and Education).
NotaryCam ‘Help a Hero’ initiative 2022 provides complimentary online notarization for military service members
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its semi-annual "Help a Hero" initiative will run Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, 2022, and once again offer free remote online notarization (RON) sessions to United States veterans and current service members.
San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier 2022 Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship Recipients
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is delighted to announce that five recipients have been awarded the Etoile d'Escoffier Culinary Scholarship in 2022. L'Etoile scholarships support outstanding female students and graduates in achieving their professional aspirations as they become the next leaders of the culinary industry.
MCT Expands Investor Services Team, Appoints Jennifer Kennelly as Senior Director
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), a recognized industry leader in mortgage risk management providing pipeline hedging, best execution loan sales, and centralized lock desk services, announced today that Jennifer Kennelly has been appointed as the new Senior Director of MCT's quickly expanding Investor Services team.
Todd-versations Lunchtime Heroes: Shining a light on School Nutrition and the ‘Lunchtime Heroes’ that make it happen
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Todd Linsky Consulting (TLC) announced today: TLC-Todd-versations, in collaboration with the Chef Ann Foundation, brings you stories from across our great country on positive changes to the school nutrition landscape, "Todd-versations Lunchtime Heroes."
Vistage Recognizes CDF Law co-founder, Marie DiSante with 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates Marie DiSante, Founding and Firm Managing Partner, for being named the recipient of the Vistage 2022 Orange County "Lifetime Achievement Award." Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses.
Mortgage Capital Trading’s MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices: October 2022 Data
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCT®, the leader in capital markets software and services supporting more lenders with hedging and pipeline management solutions than any other single provider, is pleased to present the MCTlive! Lock Volume Indices for October 2022. MCT Data represents a balanced cross section of several hundred lenders among retail, correspondent, wholesale, and consumer direct channels.
New illustrated children’s book celebrates magic of adoption and diversity through creative storytelling
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Adam Swain Ferguson, founder, Purple Fox Entertainment, is a creative producer and author. His new book release, "Love Without Wings: An Adoption Fairytale" (ISBN: 979-8986768014), was inspired by a true story - his own story - and celebrates diverse families made complete through adoption. It's scheduled to be released during National Adoption Month on November 19, National Adoption Day.
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger and Voluspa light up the holiday season with Sparkling Cuvée Candle and Sparkling Wine duo
NAPA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Two iconic California-based handcrafted brands come together this holiday season with the release of the limited edition "Sparkling Cuvée" Signature Duo, featuring a luxuriously scented Voluspa candle and Sparkling Wine by the ever-elegant Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, paired in holiday gift packaging. Artisans of the senses, Voluspa and Domaine Carneros worked closely to accent the aromas of pink grapefruit and stone fruits found in the sparkling wine in the newest candle in the Voluspa portfolio
12 Startups to Present at 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Neurotech Reports, the publisher of the Neurotech Business Report newsletter, announced that 12 promising neurotechnology startups and early-stage firms will present at the 2022 Neurotech Leaders Forum in San Francisco, November 7-8. The 22nd annual event - the most established in the industry - will also feature presentations and panel discussions on important issues confronting the neurotechnology industry.
Glancy Wine Education Foundation annual Gala Celebration and auction 2022 announced
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation announces its 11th annual gala celebration event and auction, taking place at the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 5-10 p.m.
EPIC Expands Again with Acquisition of SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced it has acquired SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California. The acquisition expands EPIC's growing presence in Northern California and adds to its client offerings both regionally and nationally.
Anita Huang Joins EPIC’s Life and Executive Benefits Practice as a Senior Vice President
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anita Huang has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President within its Life and Executive Benefits practice managed by Vanbridge, an EPIC company.
