Valerie Gotten
Valerie G has been an editor with California Newswire for several years, is a gifted theremin player, can quote copious lines from 'Red Dwarf' and also knows where her towel is. Oddly, she does not drive, nor does she take the bus. She identifies as both human and democrat.
EPIC Programs Group Introduces Comprehensive Pizza Industry Insurance Package
SAN RAMON, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- EPIC Programs Group, a managing underwriter and program administrator providing leading-edge risk management and insurance solutions nationally, announces the launch of their newest program for Pizza Restaurants and Delivery Operators. Dubbed "SLICE" (safety, loss control, insurance, coverage, expertise), the new program specifically addresses a significant exposure and principle risk management concern of Pizza Delivery Operators
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Legislation to Streamline Environmental Review and Fast-Track Job Creation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Taking action to fast-track the creation of thousands of jobs, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Tuesday signed legislation to streamline environmental review for key construction projects. The two bills, signed during a ceremony at the proposed site of the Farmers Field stadium, are expected to drive hundreds of millions in economic investment while ensuring all projects meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) criteria.
Best Lawyers in America and Northern California Super Lawyers Honor VLP Law Group Attorneys
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP is pleased to announce that Corporate and Transactional founding partner David Goldenberg was named a 2011 'Rising Star' by Northern California Super Lawyers as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state for 2011. In addition, Trademark and Copyright partner Brian M. Davis and Executive Compensation partner Stephen T. Lindo were recognized in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
New Book: A Way to Solve the New Home Sales Crisis
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A new book, 'Why People Don't Buy New Homes,' proposing a solution to improve the numbers of new homes being sold, has just been announced by Sales Superiority Publishing. Written by Steve Weston, a new home salesperson with 30 years experience, this book makes the case that it is possible for builders and their own salespeople to re-energize their sales efforts and improve their sales.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Padilla Bill to Accelerate NFL Stadium/Convention Project Development Promises Thousands of Jobs in L.A.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill 292 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The new law will accelerate the approval process for an NFL football stadium and a modernized convention center in downtown Los Angeles.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Law to Help San Francisco Finance America's Cup Infrastructure
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Friday signed AB 664 (Ammiano) to finance improvements the Port of San Francisco needs to host the 2013 America’s Cup yacht race, considered along with the Olympics and the World Cup to be one of the world’s top sporting events.
Calif. Gov. Brown Signs Landmark Legislation to Create California Jobs, Level the Retail Playing Field to Guarantee Future Revenue from Online...
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Approving a landmark legislative compromise that creates jobs and ensures that online retailers do not receive an unfair tax advantage over brick-and-mortar businesses, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Friday signed a bill that requires Amazon and other internet retailers to collect sales taxes starting next year.
Calif. Gov. Brown Acts to Help Californians Save Money and Clean the Air with Solar Power
FOWLER, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Last Thursday (Sept. 22), on a day when the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued its third dirty air alert in a week, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. visited Marshall Elementary School in Fowler and signed three bills that bolster the state’s commitment to clean energy.
California 'No-Otter Zone' Public Hearings Hold the Key to Southern Sea Otters’ Future
MONTEREY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Otter Project today announces that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be conducting public hearings regarding the failed 'No-Otter' Zone in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz on September 27, October 4 and October 6, 2011 respectively.
Calif. Gov. Brown Vows to Pursue Constitutional Protection for Public Safety Realignment Funding
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire// -- Speaking to more than 500 local government and law enforcement leaders at a statewide conference on public safety realignment, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today vowed to do 'whatever it takes' to provide constitutional protection for realignment funding.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for Sept. 21, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced today that he has signed the following bills: AB 214 by Assemblymember Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) – Professional photocopiers. AB 261 by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) – Property tax: tax-defaulted property. AB 289 by Assemblymember Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) – Sales and use taxes: exemption: charitable thrift stores.
Mike McMullen and PowerGuard Insurance named 2011 Risk Innovator and Responsibility Leader by Risk & Insurance Magazine
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services - a Managing General Agent specializing in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries - today announced that Managing Principal Mike McMullen was named by Risk & Insurance magazine as a 2011 Risk Innovator.
Intellectual Property Attorney Kent Cheng Joins VLP Law Group LLC
PALO ALTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is very pleased to announce the expansion of its Intellectual Property practice with the addition of Dr. Kent H. Cheng as a partner. Dr. Cheng joins VLP from Cohen Pontani Lieberman and Pavane LLP where he was a partner representing clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and high tech industries.
Calif. Gov. Brown and Fitness Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld Announce California 2011 Champions for Youth Fitness
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Chairman Jake Steinfeld announced the Council’s 2011 Gold Medal winners and Schools of the Year at the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Awards Ceremony today in Sacramento.
Calif. Gov. Brown Calls for Pacific Rim Leaders to Wage War on Unemployment
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Speaking at the largest diplomatic gathering in California in more than 65 years, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Tuesday urged political and business leaders to wage a 'war on unemployment' by combating global warming and preparing for climate change.
Authernative, Inc. Joins McAfee Security Innovation Alliance (SIA)
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Authernative, Inc., a leading developer of user authentication technologies for enterprises and governments, today announced that it has joined the McAfee(R) Security Innovation Alliance (SIA) partner program.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Sept. 12, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First: Melissa Figueroa, 31, of West Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary of communications of the State and Consumer Services Agency.
Professional Community Management of California, Inc. Signs Park Paseo in Irvine
LAKE FOREST, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Professional Community Management of California, Inc. (PCM), one of the nation's largest managers of common-interest residential developments, will manage Park Paseo in Irvine, CA. With 625 single-family homes and nine acres of greenbelt space and walking paths, it is one of the largest homeowner associations in the city.
California Senate Approves Padilla's Los Angeles NFL Stadium Bill
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The State Senate today gave final legislative approval to SB 292 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The bill will help bring a new stadium and convention center to downtown Los Angeles and create more than 23,000 jobs, including 12,000 jobs during the construction process and another 11,000 permanent jobs when finished. The legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature.
California Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Sept. 8, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Askia Abdulmajeed, 69, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Board of Parole Hearings, Juvenile Division. Abdulmajeed has served on the Board since 2007.
Gov. Brown Announces Bipartisan Agreement on the California Jobs First Plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced a bipartisan agreement with Assembly Democrats and Republicans in support of the California Jobs First Plan. The plan will eliminate a toxic tax loophole that rewards businesses who move jobs out of state, and uses this savings to give working families an income tax break; lower taxes for California manufacturers; and provide more than $300 million in permanent tax relief to small businesses.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for Sept. 7, 2011 (CORRECTED)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ –- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced today that he has signed the following bills: AB 177 by Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) – Juveniles: parenting classes. AB 307 by Assemblymember Brian Nestande (R-Palm Desert) – Joint powers agreements: public agency: federally recognized Indian tribe.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for Sept. 6, 2011 (CORRECTED)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced on Tuesday that he has signed the following bills: AB 134 by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) – Appropriation of water: Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District. AB 147 by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) – Subdivisions.
Calif. Governor Signs Senator Padilla's Smoke-Free Rental Housing Bill
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) announced today that Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law SB 332. This new law expands the availability of smoke-free housing in California by allowing landlords to prohibit smoking in rental units. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012.
Calif. Gov. Signs Padilla Bill to Prevent Genetic Discrimination – Unruh Civil Rights Act Modernized to Reflect 21st Century
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Senate Bill 559, a landmark civil rights protection bill authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown Tuesday night. The new law will protect Californians by prohibiting discrimination based on an individual’s genetic information. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012.
Calif. Gov. Brown and San Diego Business Leaders Call on Legislature to Pass California Jobs First Plan
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today will join San Diego business leaders at Gen-Probe, Inc. to call on the state Legislature to pass his California Jobs First plan, which eliminates a toxic tax loophole and offers over $1 billion a year in tax relief for businesses that create jobs in the state.
Calif. Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod Announces Campaign for Congress
Chino, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod announced her campaign for Congress today. Senator Negrete McLeod will run in the newly created 35th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Pomona, Montclair, Ontario, Chino, unincorporated Bloomington, and portions of Fontana and Rialto.
Calif. Senator Alex Padilla and Speaker John Perez Announce L.A. Stadium and Convention Center Legislation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ --Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) and Assembly Speaker John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles) were joined by business and labor leaders at a press briefing today to announce legislation that could bring a new sports arena and convention center to downtown Los Angeles.
New Weekly Music Showcase hosted by radio host Sheena Metal debuts at The Other Door in NoHo
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Bands and fans will have an exciting new opportunity for music, merriment and much more as Sheena Metal hosts “Carnyville: An Industry Showcase at The Other Door” every Thursday evening. Located in the NoHo Arts District, the premiere event will take place September 8, 2011 and will feature live music on the club stage.
Mayors Unveil USCM Common Sense Jobs Plan Before Labor Day
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- During a time of historic unemployment and stagnant job growth, U.S. Conference of Mayors President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Vice President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Second Vice President Mesa (AZ) Mayor Scott Smith released the USCM Common Sense Jobs Plan.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Statement on Standard & Poor's Rating for California's Upcoming Sale of Revenue Anticipation Notes
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Thursday issued the following statement regarding Standard & Poor's rating for California’s upcoming sale of Revenue Anticipation Notes.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for Sept. 1, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Thursday that he has signed the following bills: AB 188 by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) – Property tax exemption: principal residence: veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. AB 571 by Assemblymember Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) – Corporations: distributions.
PowerGuard Specialty Insurance adds Business Development Exec Tim Kinsella in N.Y.
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services - a Managing General Agent and Lloyds cover holder specializing in unique insurance and risk management solutions for the wind and solar energy industries - today announced that risk management, financial services and alternative energy professional Tim Kinsella has joined the company as a business development executive.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for Aug. 31, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced today that he has signed the following bills: AB 139 by Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes (D-Los Angeles) – State claims. AB 434 by Assemblymember Dan Logue (R-Chico) – County penalties: forensic laboratories.
MCT Trading Makes Inc. 5000 Annual List of Fastest-Growing Companies
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCT Trading, Inc. (MCT), a recognized leader in mortgage pipeline hedging and risk management services, announced today that it has been named to Inc. 5000 2011 fastest-growing private companies list. MCT ranks 776 on the list with an industry rank in the financial services category of 39 and impressive three-year sales growth of 405 percent.
Calif. Senator Padilla Legislation on the Move: Two Bills Signed by Governor Brown with More on the Way
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Pacoima) ambitious legislative agenda has already achieved some success this year with the Governor signing two of his bills and more working their way through the Legislature. Find below some of the highlights and status of pending legislation by Senator Padilla.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Welcomes New Farmers Insurance Facility That Benefits From Citywide Development Reform Efforts
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmember Dennis Zine, and city officials joined Farmers Insurance representatives to welcome the company to their new Woodland Hills facility that directly benefited from the City's recent development reform efforts.
School Board Member and Former Rosemead Mayor John Tran Announces Campaign for Calif. State Assembly
ROSEMEAD, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- El Monte Union High School Board Member and Former Rosemead Mayor John Tran announced his campaign for State Assembly today. Tran will run in the 49th State Assembly District, which includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and portions of El Monte, Montebello, South El Monte and the unincorporated community of South San Gabriel.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Celebrates Major Solar Installation Project In Central Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Ron Nichols, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe and city officials on Friday celebrated the completion of a major solar panel installation project in central Los Angeles.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments to Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission for Aug. 29, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Peggy Hellweg, 59, of Orinda, has been appointed to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. Hellweg has been a research geophysicist at the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory since 2001.
Tom Calderon Announces Campaign for California State Assembly
MONTEBELLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Former State Assemblymember and Montebello Unified School District Board Member Tom Calderon announced his campaign for State Assembly today. Calderon will run in California’s newly created 58th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Artesia, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Downey, Montebello, Pico Rivera and portions of Norwalk.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Aug. 26, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Lisa Barkett, 52, of La Jolla, has been appointed to the 22nd District Agricultural Association, San Diego County Fair Board.
Padilla Bill to Criminalize Cell Phones in California Prisons Moves Forward
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senate Bill 26, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee Thursday with unanimous bipartisan support. SB 26 would crack down on the smuggling and possession of cell phones and other wireless communication devices in California prisons. The bill now goes to the full Assembly for consideration.
Business Leaders Respond to Governor Brown's California Jobs First Plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Following Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.'s proposal of a three-part California Jobs First plan this morning, business leaders expressed overwhelming support for his plan to put Californians to work.
Calif. Governor Brown Proposes California Jobs First Package to Spur Local Job Creation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Taking action to put Californians to work, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today proposed a three-part California Jobs First plan that offers over $1 billion a year in tax relief for businesses that create jobs in the state.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointment – Michael E. Rossi appointed to the Board of the High Speed Rail Authority
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -– Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointment. Michael E. Rossi, 67, of Pebble Beach, has been appointed to the Board of the High Speed Rail Authority.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Aug. 23, 2011
SACRAMENTO,. Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Tuesday announced the following appointments. First, Jeanne Clinton, 60, of Berkeley, has been appointed special advisor to the California Public Utilities Commission. Clinton has been a manager of the Climate Strategies Branch of the Commission since 2009.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa to Film Industry: Let's Keep Los Angeles The Entertainment Capital of the World
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today participated in a roundtable discussion at Variety headquarters with film production and location managers to highlight the cost-saving opportunities and film-friendly policies the City has implemented to keep production in Los Angeles.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Aug. 19, 2011
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Friday announced the following appointments. First, Paul Benedetto, 51, of Elk Grove, has been appointed deputy secretary of operations at the California Technology Agency. Benedetto has been director of the Office of Systems Integration at the California Health and Human Services Agency since 2008 after serving as chief deputy director from 2007 to 2008.
Calif. State Senate Approves Padilla Bill to Prevent Genetic Discrimination
Sacramento, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senate Bill 559, a landmark civil rights protection bill authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was approved with strong bipartisan support by the State Senate today. The bill protects Californians by prohibiting discrimination based on genetic information in California. The legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature.
