Tag Archives: California Business

The Old Vine Registry, the world’s largest and most authoritative public database of old vineyards, launches the OVR Seal

New global program lets wine producers and the trade connect a wine directly to the documented old vineyard behind it

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Old Vine Registry (OVR), the world’s largest and most authoritative public database of old vineyards, today launched the OVR Seal. The program lets registered producers and the trade put a vineyard’s documented old-vine status in front of consumers directly, via wine labels, digital marketing materials, and more.

Image caption: The OVR Seal in use.

A wine qualifies for the OVR Seal when at least 85% of its grapes come from vineyards registered in the Old Vine Registry, at one of five age tiers, 35+, 50+, 75+, 100+, or 150+ years.

“The Old Vine Registry exists to build demand for old-vine wines so that vineyards stay in the ground instead of getting pulled out and replanted. The OVR Seal helps consumers connect a wine to the specific vineyard behind it and learn more about that set of vines,” said Alder Yarrow, Architect and Manager of the Old Vine Registry.

Ten producers across seven countries will be among the first to use the seal. Several are already showing it on their websites and tech sheets ahead of today’s launch, with use on bottle labels coming soon as new vintages are released.

“We’re honored to be among the first wineries to adopt the Old Vine Seal and believe it will help consumers better understand the value for our old vine wines,” said Andy Robinson, Winemaker for Seghesio Family Vineyards. “As stewards of 131-year-old vines, we know how vital it is to preserve these historic vineyards and share the stories behind them. We look forward to putting the seal on our labels, tasting room menus and website to help tell that story.”

“At Plaimont, preserving old vines, biodiversity and the vine heritage of Gascony and the Pyrenean foothills has been a long-standing commitment,” said Olivier Bourdet-Pees, Directeur Général of Plaimont. “The Old Vine Registry Seal now gives us a new way to bring this heritage closer to consumers and to tell the story of the vines behind our wines.”

Other early adopters of the seal include Bedrock Wine Company in Sonoma, Garage Wine Company in Chile, AYA Estate in Bulgaria, Sown Estate in Napa, Methymnaeos Organic Wines in Greece, Ciclo Andino and Versado in Argentina, and Woolridge Creek Winery in Oregon.

“The Old Vine Registry has always been about identifying old vineyards, helping the trade value them, and protecting them,” Yarrow said. “That work already matters to the industry and wine connoisseurs, but it means even more when a winery can point to a registration and the average consumer can actually see it. The OVR Seal is how the Registry’s mission reaches the shelf.”

The OVR Seal doesn’t certify wine quality, sustainability, or farming practices. It confirms that a vineyard of a specific age has been recorded in the Registry and that a wine’s grapes meet the sourcing and age threshold shown on the seal. Consumers get a documented vineyard they can look up for themselves.

The Seal is available now for any permitted use, including wine packaging. Registration requires a qualifying vineyard in the Registry and a one-time fee of $300, designed to make the seal accessible even to the world’s smallest producers. Registration is available at: oldvineregistry.org/seal

ABOUT THE OLD VINE REGISTRY

The Old Vine Registry (oldvineregistry.org) is the world’s largest and most authoritative public database of vineyards aged more than 35 years, with more than 12,500 vineyards registered across 43 countries. Initiated by Jancis Robinson in 2010, the Registry launched publicly in 2024 as a crowd-sourced resource, supported by a founding donation from Jackson Family Wines and managed by Alder Yarrow of Vinography. The Registry is owned and operated by the Old Vine Registry Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to establishing a credible global category for old-vine wines and communicating their cultural and viticultural value.

Learn more: https://www.oldvineregistry.org/

MULTIMEIDA:

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Image caption: The OVR Seal in use.

NEWS SOURCE: The Old Vine Registry

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Old Vine Registry), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-old-vine-registry-the-worlds-largest-and-most-authoritative-public-database-of-old-vineyards-launches-the-ovr-seal/

Realset AI and Flatkey Raise 10 million Dollars in Series A Funding to Build Real World Training Data for Frontier Models and Embodied Agents

The real-world data lab captures expert human demonstrations, builds RL environments from real workflows and evaluates AI agents with domain experts

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Realset AI (https://realset.ai), a real-world data lab that produces training data for LLMs, frontier models and embodied agents, today announced that Realset AI and Flatkey have raised 10 million dollars in Series A funding. The funding will expand Realset’s capture network of real workplaces and studio environments, grow its pool of expert demonstrators and domain experts, and support open benchmarks that measure whether AI policies work outside the lab.

Image caption: Realset AI raises 10 million dollars in Series A funding to capture real-world data for frontier models and embodied agents.

THE INTERNET IS EXHAUSTED. THE PHYSICAL WORLD IS NOT.

Frontier labs and robotics companies have largely consumed the text available on the internet. The next gains come from data about people doing real tasks in real places: how a worker folds laundry, loads a dishwasher, packs an order or handles a customer return. That data does not exist on the web, and simulation does not reproduce it.

Realset’s answer is that every dataset starts with a real person doing a real task in a real place. The company uses expert demonstrators rather than crowd annotators, real environments rather than simulation, and delivers de-identified data to US-hosted cloud buckets.

THREE WAYS TO PRODUCE GROUND TRUTH

Realset Body captures skilled workers performing manipulation tasks in homes, kitchens, warehouses and light assembly lines, using egocentric and third-person rigs as well as bimanual teleoperation with synchronized stereo video, IMU and action logs. Data is delivered with dense action-level annotation for training vision-language-action models.

Realset Field supplies LLM and agent training data: reinforcement learning environments built from real workflows such as e-commerce operations, customer support, logistics dispatch and manufacturing procedures. Domain experts generate trajectories, preference pairs and rubrics inside the environment, with rewards tied to real business outcomes, so agentic models learn the task rather than the benchmark.

Realset Judge provides expert evaluation for agents in production: evaluation design, failure diagnosis and continuous monitoring by people who do the job the agent is replacing, plus targeted training data for the top failure modes. The same services are offered to data integration and AI solution companies that deploy agents for their own clients.

OPEN BENCHMARKS ON REAL TASKS

Realset is building open benchmarks so the field can measure whether a policy works outside the lab. The first, the Realset Household Manipulation Bench, evaluates open-source vision-language-action policies on folding, loading, sorting and wiping tasks captured in real kitchens and laundry rooms, with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. A Light Assembly Bench and a Commerce Ops Agent Bench are planned.

“The easy data is gone. What is left is the physical world, and you cannot scrape it,” said Hunter Guo, founder of Realset AI. “You have to put a camera on a skilled person doing real work, structure what they did, and check it with people who know the job. That is a capture and quality problem, not a labeling problem, and it is the problem we are building a company around.”

ABOUT REALSET AI

Realset AI is a real-world data lab and training data provider for LLMs and embodied AI. It captures expert human demonstrations, builds RL environments from real workflows and evaluates AI agents with domain experts, for frontier labs, robotics companies, and data integration and AI solution providers. Realset is headquartered in San Jose, California. Learn more at https://realset.ai

ABOUT FLATKEY

Flatkey is an AI infrastructure platform that gives developers access to more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through one key and one balance. Learn more at https://flatkey.ai

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0930-s2p-realset-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Realset AI raises 10 million dollars in Series A funding to capture real-world data for frontier models and embodied agents.

NEWS SOURCE: Realset AI

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Realset AI), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/realset-ai-and-flatkey-raise-10-million-dollars-in-series-a-funding-to-build-real-world-training-data-for-frontier-models-and-embodied-agents/

Hillcrest’s Whole-Person Approach to Healthy Aging Includes Healthy Eating, Blue Zones Education and a Focus on Wellness

LA VERNE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the importance of healthy habits at every stage of life. At Hillcrest, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in La Verne, Calif., living well is not a once-a-year focus. It is woven into daily life through nutritious dining, wellness programs, education and opportunities for residents to stay active, connected and engaged.

Image caption: Hillcrest’s health and wellness initiatives include programs focused on cognitive health, brain-healthy nutrition and education to help residents understand how daily choices can support brain health.

One of Hillcrest’s distinctive approaches is its focus on brain-healthy nutrition. Its MIND Diet program, which stands for Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, emphasizes foods that support brain health and overall well-being. Hillcrest stands apart from other senior living communities in its commitment to making MIND Diet foods and meals available to residents every day so they can maintain cognitive strength through targeted nutrition.

“Healthy aging is about much more than adding years to life. It’s about building an environment that helps people continue to live with energy, purpose, connection and enjoyment,” said Ryan Harrison, PsyD, Certified Wellness Professional and Director of Resident Life and Wellness at Hillcrest. “Food is an important part of that equation. We want residents to have access to nutritious choices that support their health while still making every meal something to look forward to.”

Hillcrest recently welcomed Chef Rick Garcia as its new executive chef, adding more than 19 years of culinary leadership experience spanning restaurants, hotels, banquets, catering and high-volume food service. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, Garcia has held leadership positions including Corporate Task Force Executive Chef for Hilton Hotels and has experience in restaurant ownership, culinary consulting, menu development and food quality.

Bringing healthy choices to residents is another way Hillcrest lives its pledge every day. Its recent Good Thyme Farmers Market Block Party, a special community-focused farmers market featuring fresh finds, artisan goods and live entertainment, was part of Hillcrest’s ongoing activities to make healthy living engaging, social and enjoyable.

“We want to help our residents to live better, not just longer,” explained Harrison. As part of its dedication to be a center for optimal cognitive care and healthy brain education, Hillcrest hosted a Blue Zones event, exploring the lifestyle and dining habits of communities around the world known for longevity and lifestyles that support health. The event invited participants to consider how they might incorporate some of those principles into their own lives.

The community prioritizes physical health, mental engagement, emotional wellness, social connection and purpose. Residents can have multiple opportunities to take part in fitness, educational, creative and social opportunities on campus.

Hillcrest also launched its inaugural biannual magazine, “Elevate,” which shares fresh perspectives on life, wellness and aging. Designed as the “Un-Retirement” magazine, the publication features articles covering nutrition, financial planning, hobbies, lifelong learning and finding purpose at every stage of life.

“Aging well allows us to think differently about what the years ahead can look like,” said Harrison. “At Hillcrest, we work to create an environment where people can continue learning, trying new things, building relationships and choosing options that support their health and happiness.”

Hillcrest offers a variety of living options, including independent living in homes, cottages and apartments, and a full continuum of care with assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. Community amenities include dining services, a fitness center and a swimming pool.

About Hillcrest

Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena and San Bernardino and at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit: https://www.livingathillcrest.org/.

NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Hillcrest), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrests-whole-person-approach-to-healthy-aging-includes-healthy-eating-blue-zones-education-and-a-focus-on-wellness/

Come Over October Celebrates its Third Iteration – Goes Global, Expanding Across the U.S., Canada and New Zealand

International growth is matched by growing U.S. retail adoption, with Kroger and Albertsons activating the campaign this fall

ST. HELENA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Come Over October™ returns for its third year with its broadest participation yet, as the campaign expands internationally, grows its presence across U.S. retail and introduces new ways for consumers to put its simple invitation to gather into action, COME TOGETHER-A Community for Wine Inc. announced today.

Image caption: Come Over October.

Canada returns for a second year with an expanded national campaign led by Wine Growers Canada, while New Zealand joins Come Over October for the first time. In the U.S., Albertsons’ Southern Region has adopted Come Over October as promotional programming for September and October, and Constellation Brands will activate the campaign for a third time across nearly 500 Kroger supermarkets.

At the same time, Come Over October is adding new tools and partnerships designed to make gathering easier and more fun, from invitations and conversation starters to recipes, interactive experiences and giveaways.

“Come Over October is based on a simple but powerful idea, that wine brings us together,” said Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible and co-founder of Come Over October. “Our lives are enriched by social connection; and social connection has no borders. It’s fantastic to see Come Over October being embraced around the world.”

THE INVITATION GOES INTERNATIONAL

Canada’s 2026 campaign will coordinate wineries, regional associations, restaurants and other partners around a national invitation to connect. Two major moments will anchor the month: Open the Door on October 1 and The Long Table on October 16, both nationwide days of gatherings and shared tables. An Event-in-a-Box toolkit gives wineries ways to participate at different levels, from simple “bring a friend” tastings to community dinners and regional events.

New Zealand is joining Come Over October for the first time through a coalition of wine, retail and hospitality businesses. Coordinated locally by Brent Eddy of Homefields Wine, the first-year campaign is deliberately grassroots, with producers, retailers, restaurants and media encouraged to use free campaign materials and bring the idea to life in ways that feel natural to their own businesses and communities. Wellington retailer Regional Wines is among the businesses already participating.

“There’s something incredibly exciting about watching Come Over October cross borders and take on a local life of its own,” said Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, co-founder of Come Over October and president of Charles Communications Associates. “Canada and New Zealand are creating bespoke campaigns that resonate with their cultures and traditions, and that’s the beauty of this concept. The invitation is universal, but how people gather is wonderfully personal.”

For New Zealand organizers, preserving that local character is essential. “We don’t want to run a sales campaign, we want to encourage people to start a habit, or get back to it, of intentionally connecting with one another,” said Eddy. “Everyone taking part is doing it their own way, which is exactly the point, this only works if it feels like an invitation from someone you know, not a marketing push from an industry.”

MORE RETAILERS PUT COME OVER OCTOBER IN FRONT OF CONSUMERS

Come Over October will also have a larger presence where consumers shop for wine this fall. Albertsons’ Southern Region has adopted the campaign as promotional programming across the region for September and October, while Constellation Brands will bring Come Over October programming to nearly 500 Kroger supermarkets for the third time.

Independent and regional retailers are getting behind the campaign as well, including Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and Buy Rite New Jersey, bringing Come Over October into local communities and neighborhood wine shops.

The continued retail adoption builds on previous Come Over October programs that have demonstrated the campaign’s ability to create a shared occasion around wine while giving retailers and suppliers flexibility in how they activate it.

“Retail is where Come Over October can move from an idea people hear about to an occasion they actually participate in,” said Gino Colangelo, co-founder of Come Over October and president of Colangelo & Partners. “Seeing retailers and suppliers come back to the campaign, expand it and make it part of their own programming is significant. It puts a very simple message in front of consumers at exactly the right moment: invite someone over and enjoy some wine together.”

GIVING CONSUMERS SOMETHING TO DO

Come Over October’s recent Wine & Gathering Study reinforced the opportunity behind that approach. Among more than 1,500 wine consumers surveyed, 41% said having a specific occasion or reason to gather would make them more likely to host a gathering with wine, while 44% wanted easy recipes and food-pairing ideas.

This fall, ComeOverOctober.com will give consumers more ways to act on that invitation, including downloadable invitation templates, conversation starters, hosting ideas and other tools intended to take some of the work out of gathering.

A new partnership with BlindVine will introduce What’s Your Hosting Signature? an interactive experience that lets consumers discover one of eight hosting personalities and share the results with friends. Come Over October is also partnering with the American Lamb Board on approachable recipes and wine-pairing ideas, culminating in a seasonal giveaway, while LocalWineEvents.com is bringing campaign programming and events directly to its vast community of wine lovers as part of an expanded partnership this year.

“We’ve learned a lot by listening to consumers this year, and one message came through very clearly: they want more reasons to get together and practical ideas that make it easier to do,” said Barbara Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Come Over October. “That’s shaped both the tools we’ve developed and the partnerships we’ve built this year. We’re giving people things they can actually use, whether that’s an invitation they can text to a friend, a game that gets everyone talking or a recipe that answers the eternal question of what to make for dinner.”

Now entering its third year, Come Over October was created in 2024 by MacNeil, Colangelo and Charles around a straightforward idea: give people a reason to make time for one another and celebrate wine’s longstanding place in those moments.

Consumers and members of the wine industry can find campaign resources, gathering ideas and 2026 programming at https://www.comeoveroctober.com/.

ABOUT COME TOGETHER—A COMMUNITY FOR WINE INC.

COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc. is the mission-driven company behind the Come Over October™ and Share & Pair Sundays™ wine advocacy campaigns. Founded in 2024 by wine writer and author Karen MacNeil, Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners, and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, of Charles Communications Associates, the organization tells the story of wine’s historic and contemporary role as a beverage that brings people together. For a full list of supporters and more information visit https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Kimberly Noelle Charles
kcharles@charlescomm.com
415-701-WINE (9463)

Barbara Fitzgerald
barbara@cometogetherforwine.com
(415) 577-1938

MULTIMEDIA:
COO logo for media (PNG): https://www.comeoveroctober.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Full-logo-color-1-2048×536.png

Come Together Logo for media (SVG): https://www.cometogetherforwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/come-together-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (COME TOGETHER - A Community for Wine Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/come-over-october-celebrates-its-third-iteration-goes-global-expanding-across-the-u-s-canada-and-new-zealand/

Flatkey Raises 10 million Dollars in Series A After Passing 10,000 Developers in Two Months

One key, one balance and one invoice replace the accounts, credits and API keys developers juggle across providers

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Flatkey (https://flatkey.ai), the AI infrastructure platform that brings models, tools and data together behind one API key, today announced that Flatkey and Realset AI have raised 10 million dollars in Series A funding. The company also said that over 10,000 developers have used the platform since its launch in July 2026 to access more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through a single API key and a single balance.

Image Caption: Flatkey passes 10,000 developers in its first two months with one key for 100 plus official AI models and 1,000 plus tools.

AI is shifting from answering questions to completing work. The agents doing that work depend on three things: the models that reason, the tools that act, and the data they act on. Each of those is fragmenting into more providers every quarter, and every provider adds an account, a top-up, an API key, a rate limit and an invoice.

Flatkey’s bet is that these three converge into a single layer developers reach through one key. A production application today rarely depends on one model: it combines several models across text, image, audio and video and pairs them with tools such as search, browsing and data enrichment. A team using models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and DeepSeek, a video model such as Seedance, and a search and a browser tool would ordinarily manage seven or more provider relationships. With Flatkey that becomes one key, one balance and one invoice, and a new model or tool is a parameter change rather than a new vendor. The Series A funding will go toward adding more official models and tools to the platform and scaling the infrastructure that routes developer traffic to them.

ONE KEY, EVERY MAJOR MODEL

With Flatkey, one key and one balance covers models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM and others, as well as image and video models such as Seedance. New models are made available through official channels as soon as they are released, so developers do not have to set up a new provider account every time something new comes out.

Every model call goes through an official provider endpoint. Flatkey does not self-host modified or quantized versions and label them as the original model.

TOOLS ON THE SAME BALANCE

The same account also covers the tools developers increasingly need alongside the models: search, browsers, data enrichment, media generation and actions. There is no separate billing setup for each provider.

PRICING

Because Flatkey buys upstream capacity in volume, it offers many of these APIs at 60 to 90 percent of the providers’ official list prices. Most models are priced at around 80 percent of official list, while a smaller number are currently offered at deeper discounts as part of ongoing promotions. Subscription plans start at 10 dollars per month, and pay-per-use credits cover both models and tools.

“AI development is becoming less about choosing one model and more about combining models, data and tools across text, image, audio and video,” said Hunter Guo, founder of Flatkey. “If developers can reach all of that through one key, the platform stops being a convenience layer and starts to look like infrastructure. That is the company we are building.”

Flatkey is a drop-in replacement for any OpenAI-compatible client: developers change one line of code, the base URL, and their existing code works.

ABOUT FLATKEY

Flatkey is an AI infrastructure platform that gives developers access to more than 100 official AI models and more than 1,000 AI tools through one key and one balance. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Flatkey launched in July 2026. Learn more at https://flatkey.ai

MULTIMEDIA

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Image Caption: Flatkey passes 10,000 developers in its first two months with one key for 100 plus official AI models and 1,000 plus tools.

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NEWS SOURCE: Flatkey

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Flatkey), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/flatkey-raises-10-million-dollars-in-series-a-after-passing-10000-developers-in-two-months/

The PR Guru Dispels Myths on the Best Day and Time to Send a Press Release in 2026

TLDR: What is the best day? The fact is there is no perfect day anymore

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Christopher Simmons (aka “the PR guru”) updated his long-standing guidance on the best day and time for sending out press releases, dispelling many common myths related to news distribution. Simmons wrote his first press release in 1981, and is the co-founder and editorial director for Send2Press® Newswire, a 26-year-old leading affordable “true” news dissemination service.

Image caption: The PR Guru Dispels Myths on the Best Day and Time to Send a Press Release in 2026. (AI generated.)

“Over the past twenty-plus years with our platform,” says Simmons, “we are constantly asked about the best day and/or time to send out news. The myths related to this question, continue to live on today, even if long since deprecated.

“Having personally managed 30,000-plus release documents, and managing scheduling and reporting, I have been on the front lines of knowing when the best day and times really are, based on earned media pick-up and online click-through and engagement.”

Send2Press routinely tracks and researches the daily reads from releases, and has found that no specific day of the week automagically results in more engagement.

MYTH: TUESDAY IS THE BEST DAY TO SEND NEWS

This has been a popular idea the past couple of decades, says Simmons. Originally the idea was that everyone would send out business and finance news at start of business on Monday mornings. This led to the idea that Tuesday is the better day.

“The answer to this I have used for quite some time,” Simmons says, “is this: if everybody is skipping Monday to send news on Tuesday, wouldn’t that make Monday a good news day?”

TLDR: What is the best day? The fact is there is no perfect day anymore. With the immediacy of syndication, social shares, Google News, Apple News – and now AI search and AEO – news is “in the wild” immediately, not hours or days later.

Newswires like Send2Press which push news to all AP newsrooms in the U.S., has the news available for 30 days, so there is little urgency – media connected to the AP, don’t have to jump on things right now.

“While Tuesday and Thursday are often the most popular days used by our agency clients,” says Simmons, “Wednesday has increasingly become a top choice for sending news this year.”

Further, trying to chase editorial calendars (“edcals”) months or weeks in advance is also no longer the norm, since many traditional print publications have shifted to “online first” where news can be live while a print edition is still being copy-edited for the digital press process.

So, the fact is this: any day is a good day to send news – except following a long holiday weekend, Presidential election, or major tragic event with wide impact in the U.S.

The value of the news and how “newsworthy” it is still matters more than the day it’s sent out. Advertorial news, fake articles, vanity awards, and poorly written AI slop adversely affect response far more than a certain day or push time, says Simmons.

MYTH: FRIDAY IS A BAD NEWS DAY

Also, false. In the “olden days,” entertainment news was often issued Fridays to try to hit the daily newspapers doing the Saturday edition, which would also be for Sunday inside the outer wrap of breaking news. However, again, as noted already, any day works now. In fact, we noticed a decade ago as many traditional media outlets downsized and worked more with freelancers, more people were reading releases Friday to Monday, than Tuesday to Thursday.

“I recently sent out a release Friday at 5 p.m. PDT and got 2,300 reads over the weekend on our main site,” adds Simmons.

7 A.M. EASTERN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEND NEWS

This has been a common practice since news runs on EST/EDT, when the U.S. news business wakes up on the East Coast. This time works just fine. However, those based on the West Coast, find that doing 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. ET works better, as it serves media on both coasts better. 7:30 a.m. has become popular to be “on top” of the 7 a.m. barrage, and 6 a.m. ET has also become popular.

ASAP is a popular time for many news announcements, allowing a newswire service to advise on whether same-day or next morning fits the actual announcement better. Late to the party event marketing generally needs to go ASAP, to ensure enough lead time for use prior to the event date(s).

ABOUT THE PR GURU

Christopher Laird Simmons has been an expert in PR and marketing for over 40 years. His first press release got coverage in Playboy magazine; he sold his first paid article to POLYPHONY in 1984; and he has been widely interviewed as a technology and marketing expert. He is the CEO of NEOTROPE®, based in California (founded 1983), and co-founder of Send2Press® Newswire.

His company was an INC 5000 listed company in 2009, and he has an ARPL design award from Apple, in addition to many other achievements.

Some of Simmons articles on PR can be found at: https://www.send2press.com/prguru/

NEWS SOURCE: Christopher Simmons

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Christopher Simmons), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-pr-guru-dispels-myths-on-the-best-day-and-time-to-send-a-press-release-in-2026/

Ten New and Exceptional Good Reads make the 2026 Q3 BOOKS TO BOOKMARK List: What to Read This Fall

Even with the economic struggles this year, books continue to be one of the best forms of affordable entertainment

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Publishers Newswire (PNW), an online news publisher covering books, music, indie film, and software launched in 2004, announced today its latest semi-annual “books to bookmark” list for third quarter (Q3) of 2026, highlighting 10 new and interesting “great reads” from small publishers based in North America. These newly published books are often overlooked due to not coming from major traditional N.Y. book publishers.

Image caption: Ten New and Exceptional Good Reads make the 2026 Q3 BOOKS TO BOOKMARK List: What to Read This Fall.

“This quarter we saw a great mix of fiction, family and parenting, memoirs, and financial topics,” says PNW editor and publisher, Christopher Laird Simmons, who has worked in the publishing world since the late ‘70s, and is also CEO of the website’s parent company, NEOTROPE. “Even with the economic struggles this year, books continue to be one of the best forms of affordable entertainment.”

TEN BOOKS WORTH A LOOK FOR Q3 2026:

(alphabetical order by book title)

:: CALLING OUT THE SHADOWS: A FATHER’S STAND AGAINST THE CURRENT

What happens when silence protects the wrong person? That’s a core question at the heart of “Calling Out the Shadows: A Father’s Stand Against the Current” (ISBN: 979-8995335115) by author Neal Winsomer. “Calling Out the Shadows” is at once a memoir, a manual and a father’s story. It documents one man’s decision to respond to chaos with clarity, to meet secrecy with transparency and to choose love over anger for his daughter’s sake. The book chronicles 10 years of contested co-parenting across 999 documented hours of writing.

:: INTO THE HEART OF THE FOREST: A JOURNEY TO LOVE

When Ani Lalazarian changed careers in 2020, leaving the fashion world to become an energy healer, breathwork facilitator and spiritual guide, she held tight to one conviction: that children and adults all carry a special light within them – they simply need the tools to find it. Her debut picture book, “Into the Heart of the Forest: A Journey to Love” (ISBN: 979-8218897246), is a gorgeously illustrated adventure story that brings those tools directly to the page. It’s more than a bedtime story. It’s a doorway into emotional resilience, courage and nervous system awareness – and an invitation back home to yourself, to love, to your center.

:: PITCH BLACK: THE BEST BLACK ADS OF THE PAST 50+ YEARS

A new book by advertising luminary, Mark Robinson, “Pitch Black: The best Black ads of the past 50+ years” (ISBN: 978-1736621585), is destined to challenge what you think you know about American business, fashion and culture. “Pitch Black,” chronicles a pivotal chapter in America’s Civil Rights movement. The advertising images and messages contained in this comprehensive coffee table book chronicle a previously unrecorded chapter in the history of American business, fashion and culture, revealing how advertising created by Black people and for Black people became one of the most effective tools of the Civil Rights movement, changing the world’s perception of Black America.

:: RINGS OF SATURN: ENEMY WITHIN

Author, pilot and flight instructor David Brandon’s new book, “Rings of Saturn: Enemy Within” (ISBN: 978-1834380247) is a military science fiction novel. The book launches into a cultural moment marked by renewed global interest in UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), government transparency discussions, and science fiction storytelling inspired by aerospace and extraterrestrial themes. Brandon’s novel is inspired by long-circulated online narratives surrounding secret space program theories, including the Solar Warden secret space program theories, reimagined through a military science fiction lens that blends psychological tension, romance, and speculative aerospace technology.

:: SPACES BETWEEN THE NILE AND THE TRUE NORTH: NEGOTIATING EGYPTIAN-CANADIAN CULTURAL FUSION

In his new memoir, “Spaces between the Nile and the True North: Negotiating Egyptian-Canadian Cultural Fusion” (ISBN: 978-1834381282), author Mohsen Rifaat reflects on a life shaped by migration, cultural change, and the search for belonging. Blending personal memories with historical insight, the book follows his journey from British-occupied and revolutionary Egypt to a new life in Canada. Illustrated with Rifaat’s own watercolors, sketches, photographs, and personal memorabilia, the memoir offers readers both a visual and literary record of a life lived across continents.

:: THE FEELING YOU CANNOT ADMIT: FOR THE PARENT WHO CANNOT LOVE FREELY AND THE CHILD WHO GREW UP KNOWING IT

Author, teacher, and coach Shaffa has published “The Feeling You Cannot Admit: For the Parent Who Cannot Love Freely and the Child Who Grew Up Knowing It” (ISBN: 979-8996214310), to directly name and address the specific, targeted, and bewildering feeling some parents carry toward a particular child. The one that coexists with genuine love in ways that make no logical sense, and has lived, until now, in complete silence. Unlike every comparable title in the parenting and healing space, the book does not name the feeling for the reader. It gives the reader the psychological safety, the honest framework, the scientific grounding, and the spiritual wisdom to name her own experience in her own language for the very first time.

:: THE OTHER BACH: THE MYSTERIOUS MAGDALENA WILCKE

Dr. Martin W. B. Jarvis OAM CM, Ph.D., has published a new historical novel titled “The Other Bach: The Mysterious Magdalena Wilcke” (ISBN 978-1834380001), which explores the life of Johann Sebastian Bach’s second wife, Anna Magdalena Wilcke. The book blends historical fiction with Jarvis’s long-standing interest in eighteenth-century music manuscripts and forensic document analysis. It focuses on Magdalena’s background as a professional musician before her marriage to Bach in 1721, and considers her proximity to the creative and musical work of the Bach household.

:: TWO DRAMATIC LIVES

A romantic suspense novel written by Dave Roseman, “Two Dramatic Lives” (ISBN: 978-1662979927) is set against an international backdrop of exotic locations, clandestine operations, hidden agendas, intrigue, and emotional conflict. “Two Dramatic Lives” blends romantic suspense, espionage, and psychological drama into a story where every choice carries consequences – and a mistake might be fatal. Romantic suspense, emotionally driven fiction, women’s fiction, and espionage thrillers, are blended, delivering both heart-pounding danger and deeply human emotion. In real life, Roseman has been described in the CIA’s highest career commendation as, “CIA’s secret weapon.”

:: WHAT REMAINS AFTER

The new novel by Pauline J. Grabia, “What Remains After” (ISBN: 978-1834384511) is a literary psychological suspense story that examines the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the fragility of memory, and the difficult path toward forgiveness and survival. Originally conceived as a short story, “What Remains After” evolved into a full-length novel through a deeply personal and cathartic writing process. While not autobiographical, Grabia draws from lived experiences and the stories of others to shape a narrative that speaks to both the devastation of abuse and the possibility of grace and healing.

:: WHO GETS YOUR PASSWORDS? THESENIORTECHIE GUIDE TO DIGITAL ESTATE PLANNING

Millions of Americans have prepared wills, named beneficiaries, and organized their financial records, but many have overlooked a critical question: What happens to their email accounts, online banking, digital photos, passwords, and other digital assets when they die? TheSeniorTechie founder Paul Wilczynski addresses that growing problem in his new book, “Who Gets Your Passwords? TheSeniorTechie Guide To Digital Estate Planning” (ISBN:‎ 979-8995501725). The book is intended not only for individuals and families but also as a practical resource that can support conversations between clients and the professionals who help them prepare wills, trusts, and estate plans. Wilczynski believes digital estate planning should become a routine part of the broader estate planning process.

LEARN MORE:

To learn more about these and other great reads you’ve never heard about, visit: https://publishersnewswire.com/book-news/

ABOUT PUBLISHERS NEWSWIRE:

Publishers Newswire™ (PNW) is an online publication founded in 2004, covering books and publishing, music and software news. Publishers Newswire does not endorse, “recommend,” or review any of the book titles mentioned, and the specific books mentioned are for informational purpose only. No fee or other consideration was paid for inclusion in this list. PNW is a publication of Neotrope®.

ABOUT NEOTROPE:

Neotrope® has been in the publishing business since the late 1970s, when then teenage founder Christopher Simmons published first “The Comic Collectors Comic Checklist” sold at the San Diego Comic-Con. The company went on to publish “The Galaxy of Fandom” a two-issue entertainment magazine, and later “The Adama Journal” a fanzine for “Battlestar Galactica.” In 1982, “The Unicorn Hunters Guidebook” was featured in Playboy magazine. In 1987, a fanzine for “Star Trek: The Next Generation” called “Galaxy Class” launched. In 2008, the company published “FRACTOPIA” a coffee table art book by Simmons (ISBN: 978-0971055506; Neotrope Press).

The company publishing unit was originally called Silver Unicorn Graphics (S.U. Graphics and Marketing), became Mindset Press in 1987 and Neotrope Press in 1997.

The company is also a leader in online advertising and marketing, public relations, music/video and multimedia. Neotrope is based in the Southern California wine country of Temecula. Neotrope® is a registered trademark in the U.S. and Europe. The company celebrated its 40th anniversary Jan. 2023.

Christopher Laird Simmons has been a working journalist since 1984 when he sold his first article to POLYPHONY magazine. Later writing for diverse pubs including Computer Player, Digital Imaging, Micro Publishing News, Spazz, the Graphic Artist’s Guild newspaper, among many others. He has been widely interviewed on topics related to technology, marketing, health and entertainment.

Learn more about Neotrope at: https://neotrope.com/ (website under reconstruction).

NOTE: NEOTROPE does not publish any of the “books to bookmark” mentioned in this press release nor represent any author or publisher in an agency capacity. For questions about any of the books mentioned contact the author or publisher directly and not this website.

NEWS SOURCE: Publishers Newswire

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Publishers Newswire), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/ten-new-and-exceptional-good-reads-make-the-2026-q3-books-to-bookmark-list-what-to-read-this-fall/

Kord Fire Protection Issues Fire Hydrant and Underground Piping Testing

California facilities face ongoing requirements for hydrant flow testing and underground fire service maintenance

STUDIO CITY, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Kord Fire Protection is sharing guidance for California facility owners, engineers, contractors and fire protection professionals on inspection, testing and maintenance considerations for private fire hydrants and underground fire service piping.

Image caption: Showcases one of Kord Fire Protection’s fire safety technicians.

Fire hydrants and underground piping form an essential connection between a property’s water supply and systems including fire sprinklers, standpipes and fire pumps. Although much of this infrastructure remains out of sight during normal building operations, its condition can directly affect available water flow and pressure during an emergency.

The 2025 California Fire Code requires private fire service mains and appurtenances to be installed in accordance with NFPA 24 as amended by California. The code also requires private fire service mains and water tanks to be periodically inspected, tested and maintained. Private fire hydrants are identified for annual inspection and flow testing, while fire service main piping is subject to periodic inspection and five-year flow testing requirements.

Hydrant flow testing provides information about the available water supply under flowing conditions. During testing, technicians evaluate factors such as static pressure, residual pressure and water flow while observing the hydrant and associated equipment for operational deficiencies.

Specialized equipment can help manage the significant volumes of water released during these tests and support more controlled collection of field measurements. Kord Fire Protection technicians use professional hydrant flow-testing equipment, including equipment manufactured by Hose Monster, during applicable field testing operations.

Testing can also reveal issues extending beyond the hydrant itself. Unexpected pressure loss, restricted flow, valve problems, debris, corrosion or other performance changes can indicate conditions within underground piping or the larger water-supply arrangement that warrant additional evaluation.

From Darius Kordabadi, CEO of Kord Fire Protection, he gives out this guidance about the topic: “Fire hydrants and underground piping are easy to overlook because much of the system is either outside the building or below ground. Testing gives facility teams actual performance data and helps identify conditions that may not be visible during a routine walkthrough.”

Underground fire service work can include new installations, flushing, hydrostatic and acceptance testing, repairs, valve work, hydrant service and coordination with fire pumps and other water-based systems. Requirements vary based on the property, system configuration, local jurisdiction and Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Fire pumps are particularly dependent on a reliable water supply. Facilities evaluating hydrants or underground mains may also need to consider how available flow and pressure affect fire pump performance and the systems supplied by the pump. Additional information on fire pump inspection and testing is available at: https://kordfire.com/fire-pump/

Kord Electric also provides resources and services related to commercial and industrial electrical infrastructure, including systems that support critical building operations. More information is available at: https://kordelectric.com/

Kord Fire Protection also maintains resources covering water-based fire protection systems and related testing. Information for Australian facilities is available at: https://kordfire.com.au/

For California facility owners, maintaining accurate inspection and testing records is an important part of managing private fire protection infrastructure. Hydrants, underground mains, valves, fire pumps and connected systems should be evaluated as parts of the same water-delivery network rather than isolated pieces of equipment.

ABOUT KORD FIRE PROTECTION

Kord Fire Protection provides fire and life safety inspection, testing, maintenance, repair and installation services for commercial, industrial and institutional properties. Its work includes fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, hydrants, underground fire service piping, alarms, extinguishers and specialized suppression systems.

Learn more: https://kordfire.com/

NEWS SOURCE: Kord Fire Protection

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Kord Fire Protection), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/kord-fire-protection-issues-fire-hydrant-and-underground-piping-testing/

Fonelora Launches Fonelora Go Mobile App and Adds Pokémon GO Map and Route Features to Desktop Location Changer

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fonelora Inc. today announced the launch of Fonelora Go, a mobile location simulation app for compatible iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, together with Fonelora Location Changer V2.0.0, the latest version of its Windows and Mac desktop software.

Image caption: Fonelora Launches Fonelora Go Mobile App and Adds Pokémon GO Map and Route Features to Desktop Location Changer.

The V2.0.0 update adds a Pokémon GO game map, resource search and filtering, multi-stop route planning, PoGo Route support, and Portuguese language support. Fonelora Go extends key location-changing, route simulation, joystick, and route-management capabilities to compatible mobile devices.

“Users often need to switch between different tools when searching for locations, reviewing map resources, and setting up simulated routes,” said Frank Kong, CEO of Fonelora Inc. “By combining location tools, route planning, and movement controls into a more unified workflow, we aim to make location management more direct and convenient.”

CORE FEATURES OF FONELORA LOCATION CHANGER

Fonelora Location Changer is a location simulation tool for iOS and Android devices. Through Windows or Mac, users can change virtual locations, simulate movement between multiple points, control movement with a joystick, and manage GPX routes, history, and favorites.

Compatible devices can use core features without requiring iPhone jailbreak or Android root access. For location-based gaming scenarios, the software provides Cooldown Timer, Realistic Mode, and Game Mode to support more controlled location changes and simulated movement.

Key features include:

Location Change and Jump Teleport: Move a device’s virtual location to selected destinations.
Multi-Spot Movement: Create simulated routes between multiple locations.
Joystick Control: Adjust movement direction and speed in real time.
GPX Route Support: Import and export compatible GPX files for customized routes.
History and Favorites: Quickly access saved locations and destinations.

Fonelora Location Changer Product information:
https://www.fonelora.com/location-changer/

NEW POKÉMON GO GAME MAP AND ROUTE FEATURES IN V2.0.0

Fonelora Location Changer V2.0.0 introduces an integrated Pokémon GO game map on desktop, allowing users to view available game-related resources and apply selected locations or routes to supported location simulation workflows.

New features include:

Game Map Resources: View Pokémon, Raid, Max Battle, Gym, PokéStop, Route, and Quest resources.
Advanced Search and Filtering: Search Pokémon data by name, Pokédex number, CP, IV, and level, including an IV 100 filter.
Resource Details: Review Pokémon information, Raid and Max Battle data, quest requirements, rewards, route distance, and estimated expiration times.
Multi-Stop Route Planning: Build routes directly from selected map points.
PoGo Route Support: Apply available Pokémon GO Routes to supported route simulation workflows.

Game map availability may vary by location, and some data may be delayed, incomplete, or temporarily unavailable.

FONELORA GO FOR MOBILE

Fonelora Go brings location simulation directly to compatible mobile devices. After setup, users can manage location changes, route simulation, joystick movement, GPX routes, history, and favorites without maintaining a continuous connection to a computer.

The app supports flexible location management for social, privacy, and LBS gaming scenarios, including Pokémon GO and Monster Hunter Now.

Key mobile features include:

Global Location Change: Set a virtual location to selected destinations.
Route Simulation: Simulate movement between two points or along multi-point routes.
Joystick Control: Adjust movement direction in real time; compatible Android devices can use a floating joystick after permission is granted.
GPX, History, and Favorites: Import GPX routes and access saved locations.
Android-to-iOS Location Control: Connect compatible Android devices to iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth and control simulated location after setup.

Installation and setup requirements may vary by platform, and certain iOS workflows may require an initial desktop configuration.

SYSTEM, LANGUAGE AND PRICING

Fonelora Location Changer supports Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS 10.15 or later, iOS 7.0 or later, and Android 5.0 or later. Fonelora Go supports iOS/iPadOS 13 or later and Android 9.0 or later.

Both products support seven interface languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Portuguese.

Fonelora Location Changer plans start at $9.99 per month for desktop-based location changing and route simulation, while users seeking additional capabilities, including Fonelora Go, Pokémon GO game map resources, and other Pro features, can choose a Pro plan starting at $14.99 per month. Fonelora offers monthly, quarterly, annual, and lifetime plans, with lifetime plans including free lifetime software upgrades.

As part of the launch, Fonelora is offering 20% off eligible plans with coupon code NEWS20OFF. The offer applies to all qualifying plans except the Basic monthly plan and the Pro one-device monthly plan.

Product information:
https://www.fonelora.com/location-changer/

Purchase information:
https://www.fonelora.com/location-changer/buy.htm

ABOUT FONELORA

Fonelora Inc. develops device management and location simulation tools designed to make mobile workflows easier to use. Its products include Fonelora Location Changer and Fonelora Go, covering desktop and mobile location changing, route simulation, GPX management, and location-based gaming workflows.

More information:
https://www.fonelora.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@FoneloraLocationChanger

Discord:
https://discord.gg/pYbdWGT6Af

NEWS SOURCE: Fonelora

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Fonelora), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/fonelora-launches-fonelora-go-mobile-app-and-adds-pokemon-go-map-and-route-features-to-desktop-location-changer/

California Waste Solutions Approaches 35 Years of Recycling and Global Environmental Infrastructure

The Oakland-headquartered, family-owned company serves more than 343,000 customers across Oakland and San Jose, operates six Bay Area facilities and extends its environmental infrastructure operations to Vietnam through Vietnam Waste Solutions

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — California Waste Solutions, Inc. (CWS) is approaching its 35th year as a leader in the international recycling, resource recovery and environmental infrastructure business with operations in California and Vietnam. Headquartered in Oakland, the company serves more than 343,000 customers across Oakland and San Jose and operates six Bay Area recycling facilities. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS) it also manages large-scale waste infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City.

Image caption: California Waste Solutions Recycling Collection in San Jose, California.

“Approaching our 35-year milestone in business means more to us than just a number. It’s a testament to what immigrant entrepreneurs can achieve if they put time and work into their passions in this country,” said David Duong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of California Waste Solutions.

David Duong founded California Waste Solutions in Oakland in 1992. The company received its first City of Oakland franchise in 1993 and has served Oakland continuously since. California Waste Solutions later expanded into San Jose while building a broader operating network around collection, processing, material recovery, customer service and the marketing of recovered commodities.

“When we started, we had eight used trucks and a family willing to work. That was it! The company is much larger today, but the responsibility and the mindset here has not changed. People count on us every week. We have to do the work safely, take care of our employees, serve our customers well, and keep finding better ways to recover materials instead of wasting them. It’s a community business at the end of the day,” said David Duong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of California Waste Solutions.

California Waste Solutions now operates across two countries and manages the daily work behind municipal recycling systems that hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses rely on every week.

The scale of the company today is closely tied to David Duong’s own history. After arriving in the United States as a Vietnamese refugee, Duong and his family rebuilt their lives hrough the recycling business they already knew well, beginning again in California with recovered paper, cardboard and other recyclable materials. David Duong founded California Waste Solutions in Oakland in 1992 with eight used collection trucks and spent the following decades expanding the business through municipal recycling, material recovery and environmental infrastructure in Oakland and San Jose. He later brought that experience back to Vietnam through Vietnam Waste Solutions, where the family developed large-scale waste and environmental infrastructure serving Ho Chi Minh City. His path from refugee resettlement to building environmental businesses across the United States and Vietnam is also documented in The King of Trash, a film about David Duong, the Duong family and the experiences that shaped their work across both countries.

AN “INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL SERVICE OPERATING MODEL”

California Waste Solutions provides residential recycling collection in Oakland through Oakland Recycles and in San Jose through San Jose Recycles. The company also serves commercial customers, including manufacturers, offices, retailers, restaurants and multifamily properties.

Collection was where the family business began, and it remains the part of California Waste Solutions most visible to customers. But collection is only the first step in a larger system that includes sorting, processing, material recovery, logistics and commodity marketing.

After recyclable material reaches a processing facility, mixed loads are separated into usable streams of paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass. The materials are then prepared to meet the specifications of mills, processors and other buyers before they can return to manufacturing facilities.

That process depends on an operating network that reaches well beyond the curb. Drivers manage collection routes. Mechanics keep trucks and processing equipment in service. Facility teams operate conveyors and sorting systems, remove unwanted material and monitor quality. Customer service employees work with residents, businesses and property managers. Supervisors coordinate people, equipment, safety requirements and daily service performance.

For a municipal recycling operator, scale matters only when the system works together as a single unit. A route completed on time can still create problems if material is poorly sorted downstream. Processing capacity has little value if equipment is unreliable. Technology adds little if employees cannot use the information it provides. California Waste Solutions has built its operating model around the connection between collection, processing, service and material recovery.

“What we’ve developed here at California Waste Solutions can be best described as a tightly-knit integrated municipal operating model. Waste collection and recycling is a community business and communities don’t work in linear ways. People throw out different things at different times in the year, and they’re not always predictable in their habits. Technologies change over time too. Three decades ago people used to throw out videotapes and cassettes; today they throw out smartphones. The nature of what you’re recycling isn’t always the same, but by building a system that accounts for these changes, we’ve been able to consistently improve the quality of our output,” said David Duong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of California Waste Solutions.

Nearly 35 years after David Duong founded California Waste Solutions, the company remains family-owned and operated, with the next generation now holding leadership responsibilities across the business. Michael Duong serves as President, Johnny Duong as Chief Operating Officer, Kristina Duong as Chief Financial Officer and Victor Duong as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. Their roles span operations, finance, public affairs, municipal relationships and long-term planning, giving the company continuity between the business David Duong built in Oakland and the organization now operating across California and Vietnam. The leadership structure reflects years of the next generation working inside the business alongside David Duong rather than a sudden transfer of responsibility.

REINVESTING IN SAFETY, SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

The recycling industry has undergone enormous changes since California Waste Solutions began operating in 1992. Material streams are more complex, commodity specifications are tighter, cities expect greater visibility into service performance, and batteries and electronic devices have created new safety risks for collection vehicles and processing facilities.

California Waste Solutions has continued to reinvest in the systems behind its daily operations every year. The company has invested more than $2 million in upgrades to current operating systems designed to improve coordination, efficiency, safety and service performance across collection and processing activities during the time it has been in business.

Safety technology is another area of constant focus. California Waste Solutions is evaluating infrared cameras, smoke and heat detection systems and fire-extinguishing components for collection vehicles to improve early detection and response when batteries or other hazardous materials enter collection vehicles or processing facilities. The company is also evaluating electric and lower-emission collection vehicles as part of its longer-term fleet planning.

Inside its recycling facilities, California Waste Solutions continues to modernize sorting and processing systems while giving employees better information about material flow and equipment performance. The objective is to identify problems earlier, respond faster and improve the consistency of the operation without separating technology from the people responsible for using it.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS THROUGH VIETNAM WASTE SOLUTIONS

California Waste Solutions operates internationally through Vietnam Waste Solutions, its wholly owned subsidiary in Vietnam. Vietnam Waste Solutions develops and operates integrated waste management infrastructure, extending the company’s experience from municipal recycling in Northern California to large-scale environmental systems serving Ho Chi Minh City.

At the center of that international operation is the Da Phuoc Integrated Solid Waste Facility (DPI) in Ho Chi Minh City. The 341-acre facility receives more than 6,500 tons of waste per day and handles approximately 2.4 million tons annually. Da Phuoc is Southeast Asia’s first and only integrated solid waste facility and Vietnam’s largest landfill operation. A World Bank environmental assessment has also described the Da Phuoc complex as Vietnam’s largest solid waste processing complex.

Da Phuoc combines recycling and material recovery, sanitary landfill management, composting, industrial leachate and wastewater treatment, treated-water reuse, landfill-gas collection and electricity generation within one operating complex. Those systems were developed over time to manage not only where municipal waste is placed, but also what can be recovered from it and how the water and gas produced by landfill operations are controlled.

The Da Phuoc landfill dates back more than two decades. As relations between Vietnam and the United States normalized in the 1990s, Ho Chi Minh City began looking for more advanced approaches to municipal waste treatment. California Waste Solutions agreed to develop the project under a structure that gave the company ownership of the facility and required it to be built to U.S. environmental standards.

Building Da Phuoc to U.S.-standard environmental requirements meant investing in engineered liner systems, dedicated leachate and wastewater treatment, landfill-gas collection and other controls that went well beyond the cost of a conventional disposal site. For David Duong, that additional investment was essential to creating a facility designed to serve Ho Chi Minh City reliably for decades.

Da Phuoc became one of the first major catalysts for Vietnam’s new energy-efficiency in an economy that is growing at nearly 8% a year.

“California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutions became overnight pioneers in clean, renewable energy and in installing best-of-breed American and European technologies in Vietnam at the very start of the country’s huge growth curve,” said David Duong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of California Waste Solutions. “Because we were using American technology and know-how we were able to effectively plan for Ho Chi Minh City’s growth decades ahead of time.”

Today, only one American employee remains on the ground, while the operation is run overwhelmingly by Vietnamese engineers, employees and technical personnel. Da Phuoc remains the only landfill in Vietnam developed to U.S. Subtitle D standards, according to company records, and its landfill-gas recovery and environmental systems support Vietnam’s broader efforts to improve waste management and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions on the path toward net zero by 2050.

For California Waste Solutions, Vietnam Waste Solutions represented a significant expansion of the business David Duong had built in Northern California. The collection routes and material recovery facilities in Oakland and San Jose operate in a different environment from Da Phuoc, but both businesses depend on the same operating fundamentals: reliable infrastructure, material recovery, environmental controls and systems capable of performing every day at city scale. Through Vietnam Waste Solutions, that experience expanded into sanitary landfill engineering, recycling, composting, leachate and wastewater treatment, landfill-gas recovery and energy generation. Da Phuoc gave California Waste Solutions experience managing environmental infrastructure at a scale far beyond a conventional recycling operation.

Together, the California and Vietnam operations give California Waste Solutions experience across the full chain of environmental services, from neighborhood collection and material recovery to integrated waste infrastructure. That international operating footprint has become a defining part of the company as it approaches its 35th year.

A COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP THAT GOES BEYOND COLLECTION

Long-term municipal service also requires communication outside the truck and the processing facility. Residents, property managers, schools and other institutions need clear guidance on which materials belong in recycling and which require another collection or disposal route.

California Waste Solutions produces recycling guides, multilingual communications, property-manager resources and conducts school visits and public outreach. Recent activities have included the Lakeshore Street Festival in Oakland, the Oakland Housing Authority Summer Block Party and recycling education with a local Daisy Scout troop. The company also participates in programs serving seniors, young people and multifamily communities.

“Good recycling service is not only about picking up a cart,” said Michael Duong, President of California Waste Solutions. “It is also about helping people understand what belongs in that cart and why it matters. Our employees, city partners, residents and businesses are all part of the same system. The company’s operations and the community which they serve are co-dependent in that way. That’s why we value our place in the local community so much.”

The same operating logic is behind a planned residential household battery recycling program in San Jose for 2027. California Waste Solutions is collaborating with the City of San Jose on a service intended to make household battery recycling easier while keeping batteries out of the conventional recycling stream, where damaged or improperly handled batteries can create serious fire risks.

The company’s community record also extends beyond recycling education. In December 2024, David Duong committed $5 million to the scholarship fund at Fulbright University Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City through Vietnam Waste Solutions. One million dollars has been contributed, with the remaining $4 million structured as a matching commitment intended to encourage additional donations and expand financial aid for students facing financial hardship.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a manufacturing operation established in Vietnam produced masks and hand sanitizer that were distributed in California through local governments and community organizations. Millions of units were donated, and the Duong family also sent 1,200 oxygen concentrators to hospitals in Vietnam. Other support has included Vietnamese language and culture schools, assistance for California cancer patients, humanitarian relief following Typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam and support for the Oakland Dynamites youth football program.

These programs are separate from California Waste Solutions’ municipal service work, but they reflect the company’s long-term presence in the places where it operates. The business has grown across California and Vietnam, and so has the scale of the responsibilities it has chosen to take on outside its core operations.

APPROACHING 35 YEARS WITH A LARGER OPERATING FOOTPRINT

California Waste Solutions will mark its 35th anniversary in 2027. The milestone comes at a time when recycling and waste management are becoming more demanding operational businesses. Cities expect reliable service, stronger safety systems, more accurate data and continued investment in infrastructure capable of handling changing material streams.

California Waste Solutions enters its mid-thirties chapter with six Bay Area facilities and more than 343,000 customers across Oakland and San Jose. Its international operations in Vietnam extend that experience into large-scale environmental infrastructure.

The company that began in Oakland in 1992 is now responsible for a much larger system. Its future will be judged the same way its municipal work has always been judged: by whether it performs safely, consistently and over time.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA WASTE SOLUTIONS

California Waste Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned and operated recycling, resource recovery and environmental infrastructure company headquartered in Oakland, California. Founded in 1992 by David Duong, the company provides recycling collection, processing, customer service and material recovery services for residential, commercial and municipal customers in Northern California, including Oakland and San Jose. California Waste Solutions operates six Bay Area recycling facilities and serves more than 343,000 customers. The company also operates internationally through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vietnam Waste Solutions, which manages the Da Phuoc Integrated Solid Waste Facility in Ho Chi Minh City. https://www.calwaste.com/

MULTIMEDIA

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0918-s2p-cwstruck-300dpi.webp

Image caption: California Waste Solutions Recycling Collection in San Jose, California

LOGO: https://www.calwaste.com/assets/cws-logo-primary-BP90heFs.webp

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Nguyen
California Waste Solutions
Wendynguyen@calwaste.com
+1 (415) 740 1580

NEWS SOURCE: California Waste Solutions

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (California Waste Solutions), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/california-waste-solutions-approaches-35-years-of-recycling-and-global-environmental-infrastructure/

California Waste Solutions Inc. (CWS) Approaches 35 Years of U.S. Recycling and Global Environmental Infrastructure

The Oakland-based, family-owned company serves more than 343,000 customers across Oakland and San Jose, operates six Bay Area facilities and extends its environmental infrastructure operations to Vietnam through Vietnam Waste Solutions

Image caption: California Waste Solutions Recycling Collection in San Jose, California.

California Waste Solutions now operates across two countries and manages the daily work behind municipal recycling systems that hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses rely on every week.

AN “INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL SERVICE OPERATING MODEL”

REINVESTING IN SAFETY, SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS THROUGH VIETNAM WASTE SOLUTIONS

Da Phuoc became one of the first major catalysts for Vietnam’s new energy-efficiency in an economy that is growing at nearly 8% a year.

A COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP THAT GOES BEYOND COLLECTION

APPROACHING 35 YEARS WITH A LARGER OPERATING FOOTPRINT

ABOUT CALIFORNIA WASTE SOLUTIONS

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: California Waste Solutions Recycling Collection in San Jose, California

LOGO: https://www.calwaste.com/assets/cws-logo-primary-BP90heFs.webp

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Nguyen
California Waste Solutions
Wendynguyen@calwaste.com
+1 (415) 740 1580

NEWS SOURCE: California Waste Solutions

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/california-waste-solutions-inc-cws-approaches-35-years-of-u-s-recycling-and-global-environmental-infrastructure/

FineVoice Launches Aunio, an Audio Production Agent for End-to-End AI Audio Creation

Meet Aunio, the First AI Audio Production Team Built to Turn Ideas into Production-Ready Audio

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FineVoice today announced the launch of Aunio, an end-to-end AI audio production agent designed to help anyone create professional, publish-ready audio without a dedicated audio production team.

Image caption: Your AI audio production team that turns creative ideas into finished audio.

Rather than generating individual audio assets in isolation, Aunio understands the content and context of a project and coordinates capabilities across voices, voiceovers, music, sound effects, and audio processing. Users can start from a creative idea or source material such as text, documents, audio, images, or video, then work with Aunio to develop it into polished, production-ready audio within a single, integrated workflow.

Aunio includes built-in capabilities for voice, music, sound design, and audio processing, while enabling users to create customizable, reusable, and extensible AI skills for specialized production tasks. AI skills allow users to convert their creative methods, production preferences, and recurring workflows into executable AI capabilities. Users can apply skills across projects, as well as import and share them to extend their production workflows. In this way, Aunio is designed not only to help users complete a single audio task, but also to help them build a more personalized, repeatable, and scalable audio production system over time.

Generative AI has simplified the creation of individual audio assets. Yet complete audio production still typically involves multiple tools, repeated configuration, and specialized expertise. Voiceover, background music, sound effects, audio separation, editing, and post-production are often managed as separate tasks, resulting in fragmented and time-intensive workflows. For individual creators, small production teams, and marketing departments, the challenge is not merely generating an audio clip, but delivering high-quality, consistent content within a shorter production cycle.

“Audio production involves much more than generating a single voice or sound,” said the Manager at FineVoice. “It requires an understanding of the creative intent, coordination across multiple production stages, and careful integration of voices, music, sound effects, and other audio elements. With Aunio, creators have an AI audio production team working alongside them, allowing them to spend more time on their ideas and final expression while helping them turn a creative concept into a finished audio work with greater ease and efficiency.”

Aunio is available today through FineVoice. Visit Aunio to learn more, or access the Aunio app to explore video, audio, and music production capabilities.

Learn more at: https://finevoice.ai/aunio

About FineVoice

FineVoice is an AI audio production platform building tools and intelligent systems for creating, transforming and refining audio. Its products bring together capabilities across voice, speech, music, and sound for creators, teams, and developers.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Image caption: Your AI audio production team that turns creative ideas into finished audio.

NEWS SOURCE: FineVoice

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FineVoice), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/finevoice-launches-aunio-an-audio-production-agent-for-end-to-end-ai-audio-creation/

Cloud 9 Inn LAX Unveils Comprehensive Rebranding and Name change and Complete Down-to-the-Studs Bathroom Renovations

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloud 9 Inn LAX officially announces the completion of its extensive property rebranding and total guest room modernizations. Completed in August 2025, the top-to-bottom transformation establishes the hotel as the premier budget-friendly gateway for travelers, sports fans, and concertgoers visiting the booming Inglewood and Greater Los Angeles entertainment hubs.

Image caption: Cloud 9 Inn LAX logo.

The centerpiece of the renovation is a complete, down-to-the-studs remodel of all guest bathrooms. Every bathroom has been entirely stripped and rebuilt with modern plumbing, contemporary tiling, sleek glass fixtures, and high-efficiency bright LED lighting. This intensive upgrade reflects the hotel’s commitment to delivering premium comfort, cleanliness, and functionality at an accessible price point.

The completely overhauled lobby at Cloud 9 Inn LAX has been transformed into a vibrant, high-energy gateway designed specifically for modern travelers, sports fans, and concertgoers. Strategic upgrades shift the focus toward guests visiting SoFi Stadium, the Intuit Dome, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The redesign features tech-forward amenities, streamlined transit hubs, and a dynamic social atmosphere that captures the excitement of LA’s premier entertainment district. Whether travelers are stopping in for a pre-game gathering, utilizing seamless airport check-ins, or unwinding after a world-class concert, this modernized space serves as the ultimate launchpad for the ultimate Los Angeles experience.

Complementing the physical infrastructure upgrades is a fresh, modern rebranding that aligns the hotel with the vibrant energy of the surrounding sports and entertainment district. Strategically located just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Cloud 9 Inn LAX has tailored its guest experience to cater to travelers arriving for major events at Southern California’s most iconic venues.

The hotel offers unparalleled proximity to the region’s premier sports and entertainment destinations, including:

SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams and Chargers and host to world-class concerts.
Intuit Dome, the cutting-edge new home of the LA Clippers.
Kia Forum, the legendary music and entertainment arena.
Hollywood Park, the sprawling 300-acre sports and neighborhood retail district.

“Our complete reinvention marks an exciting new chapter for Cloud 9 Inn LAX,” said the management team. “By stripping our bathrooms down to the studs and rebuilding them with premium materials, we are completely changing the expectations for airport-adjacent lodging.

“Whether you are catching an early flight from LAX, attending a championship game at SoFi Stadium, or experiencing a concert at the Intuit Dome, our reimagined hotel provides the perfect, pristine launchpad for your LA adventure.”

In addition to the brand-new bathrooms and refreshed brand identity, guests will enjoy upgraded high-speed Wi-Fi, convenient airport access, and streamlined express check-in options designed for travelers on the go.

For more information, to view photos of the newly renovated property, or to book your upcoming stay, please visit the Cloud 9 Inn LAX website or contact the reservation desk.

Website: https://cloud9innlax.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Cloud 9 Inn LAX Media Relations
Email: cloud9innlax@gmail.com
Phone : (310) 674-1386

* * *
Updated 8:30am PDT 9.18 to correct an inadvertent error in the original text as provided by the news source.

NEWS SOURCE: Cloud 9 Inn LAX

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Cloud 9 Inn LAX), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/cloud-9-inn-lax-unveils-comprehensive-rebranding-and-name-change-and-complete-down-to-the-studs-bathroom-renovations/

Tim Cox rejoins Informative Research to lead the company’s business process automation efforts

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Tim Cox has rejoined the IR leadership team as executive vice president of business process automation. In this role, Tim will apply his industry expertise to support the company and help its clients work more efficiently and intelligently.

Image caption: Tim Cox of Informative Research.

“As Informative Research continues to invest in intelligent automation, we needed someone who could bridge deep mortgage industry expertise with operational execution,” said IR President Matt Orlando. “Tim knows this organization from the inside out, and that perspective is invaluable as we scale our automation strategy. His return gives us a leader who understands both where we’ve been and where we need to go.”

Cox brings more than two decades of experience in mortgage technology, client experience and operational strategy to his new role. His career includes leadership positions across lending, data solutions and client success, most recently as SVP of strategic solutions and client success at Xactus, where he drove client experience initiatives, AI enablement and operational scalability. Cox has also worked with IR previously, a tenure that included time as SVP of operations, SVP of sales operations and head of client experience.

“Having spent time with this team before, I know firsthand the high caliber of work Informative Research delivers,” said Cox. “I’m looking forward to building on that momentum to help drive the next phase of automation and efficiency for our clients.”

Previously, Cox also held senior leadership roles at LoanBeam, Mortgage Quality Management & Research, Lenders One and Citi. Throughout his career, Cox has built a consistent track record of developing scalable systems, driving measurable business outcomes and elevating the client experience at every stage.

About Informative Research

Informative Research, a Stewart company, is a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community. The solutions provider currently serves mortgage companies, banks and lenders throughout the United States. The company is recognized for streamlining the loan process with its straightforward service model, progressive solutions and cutting-edge technology. To learn more, visit https://www.informativeresearch.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Informative Research), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tim-cox-rejoins-informative-research-to-lead-the-companys-business-process-automation-efforts/

Media Lauds Movie About Leading Vietnamese American Green Entrepreneur David Duong as Tickets Sell Out for Upcoming Screenings of ‘The King of Trash’

The founder of California Waste Solutions and his family are the stars of a new documentary that has sold out additional screenings across Bay Area and San Jose box offices this September

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — David Duong, the charismatic entrepreneur whose family built California Waste Solutions after arriving in San Francisco as refugees, is the star of a new documentary, “The King of Trash,” that has drawn strong reviews and is now returning to California theaters. Tickets for Bay Area and San Jose showings sold out in August after heavy demand from movie-goers and the local community.

Image caption: David Duong speaking to attendees at ‘The King of Trash’ screening at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

New screenings are scheduled in Hayward, Dublin, San Jose and Emeryville between Sept. 12 and Oct. 3. Nearly 1,000 people have registered or joined waiting lists across the four events, according to the production team.

“The King of Trash” is returning after an eight-city U.S. pre-screening tour that drew more than 5,000 attendees in San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Orange County, Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Orlando. The events brought together business leaders, community organizations, California Waste Solutions employees, families and members of the Vietnamese American community.

The Sept. 26 program at AMC Eastridge in San Jose will serve as the final VIP pre-screening, where audiences will have an opportunity to meet Duong, members of the cast and director Errol Webber. The film has also been selected for the 2026 San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival and The Red Rock Film Festival.

For some viewers, the documentary offers a window into a refugee experience they may know little about. For others, particularly immigrant and refugee families, the story reflects experiences closer to their own: parents beginning again in an unfamiliar country, children growing up between generations, and businesses built not simply as enterprises but as sources of stability for entire families.

The Duongs arrived with little material wealth but with knowledge accumulated over generations in the recovered-paper trade. In San Francisco, discarded cardboard became one of the first resources they could turn into income. Those beginnings eventually led to California Waste Solutions, creating jobs and establishing a recycling operation that today serves communities across Oakland and San Jose.

A RARE GLIMPSE INTO ONE OF AMERICA’S BIGGEST IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORIES

“The King of Trash” offers viewers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of America’s leading green entrepreneurs.

In the movie, Duong cuts a pragmatic and benevolent figure, building a company that began with a handful of family members into an operation employing thousands of blue-collar workers in California and contributing environmental benefits to his local community.

“We started a business with one pick-up truck, getting a contract with Oakland and expanding that to a contract in San Jose and then getting a massive 50-year contract in Vietnam for waste handling for 7,500 tons per day. Next I want to take this company bigger so we can grow more and be helping more in society,” Duong tells the filmmakers in “The King of Trash.”

San Francisco has long been the subject of criticism for its homeless and waste problems. Duong was one of the few entrepreneurs who tackled the task head on along with his siblings, parents and wider family. At the time of the company’s founding, Michael Duong was only around 10 years old, while sons Danny Duong and Andy Duong hadn’t yet been born. Victor Duong tagged along in toe.

A JOURNEY THAT BEGAN WITH SURVIVAL

The movie opens with the Duong family in 1960s and 1970s Vietnam, when their property and recycling plants were lost after the fall of Saigon. Twenty-three relatives boarded a small boat and fled by sea. Survival itself was not guaranteed.

“We almost died out there in the ocean. We had only one choice: survive,” Duong recalls in the film.

The family reached a refugee camp in the Philippines and spent about a year there before they were admitted to the United States. San Francisco became their new home. Sixteen relatives crowded into two small studio apartments in the Tenderloin.

“We flew to San Francisco. My parents tried to go to a non-profit organization to ask for help to rent a place. I remember at the time that we went to Goodwill and my parents brought some of the bunkbeds, and then we put them together in two apartment studios for 16 of us that were living there,” Duong says in the movie.

Finding themselves with little work or outside support, the Duongs collected cardboard, office paper, aluminum cans and other recyclable materials from San Francisco streets and businesses. They sorted what still had value, sold the recovered material and used the income to help support the household. By the end of the 1980s, the family had acquired seven trucks and the business began to thrive, earning them a contract from the city of Oakland.

“We went to San Francisco downtown where there’s these beautiful buildings. My parents went through one of the buildings where there is this white office paper and they take out aluminum cans. They said, ‘this is gold,'” Duong says in the movie.

Those words help explain the meaning behind “The King of Trash.” The family was not learning recycling for the first time in America. They were using knowledge carried from a previous life to survive in a new one. Over time that work helped create economic stability. The family established CoGiDo Paper Corporation in Oakland, followed later by California Waste Solutions.

Ironically, given the family’s former bitter experiences with Vietnam, they later invested in and founded Ho Chi Minh City’s largest waste-disposal business. Vietnam Waste Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of California Waste Solutions launched in 2005, handles more than 6,000 tons of waste per day. The movie depicts that construction in detail, showing how they built the city’s largest American-standard waste-disposal facility and began tackling Vietnam’s environmental challenges from the ground up.

“We came here to America with bare hands and we started collecting trash on the street. We’d open all the garbage bags and go through them and pick out all the recycled materials, sell, and build ourselves up. With $700 to start with, now we have a few billion-dollar contracts between here, the Bay Area and Vietnam. This is the country with opportunity, but you have to work hard for it,” Duong tells a forum of young San Jose entrepreneurs in the movie.

STRONG CRITICAL RECEPTION

The film was screened this weekend at Cinemark Century in Hayward to rave reviews from attendees.

“What I found so inspiring was the message that family is at the center of everything in David Duong’s life and in the fabric of CWS,” said Emily 27, from San Francisco.

“’The King of Trash’ was crazy. It’s hard to believe it’s a true story, and yet it is!” said Brad, 35, from Oakland.

“I would definitely watch it again! I want this on Netflix!” said Rob, 29, from the East Bay Area.

What’s so powerful about “The King of Trash,” according to critics, is that it tells the true story of the Duong family’s rise in America without rhetorical flourish or exaggeration.

“The film is about family resilience — a ubiquitous ideal among the thousands of people who left their old lives behind in Vietnam at great personal risk after the 1975 Fall of Saigon … After a year sustained on rations, the family won passage to San Francisco, cramming 16 relatives into two tiny studio apartments in the Tenderloin. From there, the family would scour the city streets for cardboard and other recyclable materials. The children worked too, after school through midnight,” wrote Brandon Pho in the San Jose Spotlight.

“In interviews, Cal Waste Solutions truck drivers and executives wax reverent about their CEO who made a recycling empire out of nothing,” Pho wrote.

“At its core, ‘The King of Trash’’s story is ultimately about turning hardship into long-term community improvement. The Duong family’s businesses are guided by the simple principle that nothing, and no one, should ever be wasted,” wrote Tom White in The Front Row Daily.

Other reviewers pointed to Duong’s influence on the green economy in both America and Asia.

“Today, David is preparing his family’s business for the long term. He has ambitions to take the company public, expanding its impact in California and Vietnam. Furthermore, he works to ensure that California Waste Solutions and Vietnam Waste Solutions remain aligned with future sustainability demands and global environmental standards,” wrote California Waste Solutions’ Wendy Nguyen in The Hype Magazine.

In one scene, Duong explains how California Waste Solutions lends struggling and start-up families money to purchase trucks of their own and gives them training to find profitable routes. This, he says, comes from his experience as a struggling refugee starting his own business.

“I always said even all that time ago that one day I would have my own recycling facility and I would help people like us. I would treat them fairly,” Duong tells the filmmakers.

Nguyen summed it up in a comment about Duong’s late father, who never got to see the Vietnam facility built but advised it would be a good venture to pursue: “Through difficulty, he taught his family that nothing should be wasted: not materials, not opportunity, not potential.”

AUDIENCE DEMAND BRINGS THE FILM BACK TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Demand continued after the first tour ended. Bay Area residents who missed previous screenings contacted the production team seeking another opportunity to see the film, while some earlier attendees wanted to return with parents, children and friends.

The next screenings are:

Dublin: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, Regal Hacienda Crossings, 5 to 7 p.m.

San Jose: Final VIP pre-screening, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, AMC Eastridge, 4 to 8 p.m. Audiences will have an opportunity to meet David Duong, members of the cast and director Errol Webber.

Emeryville: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, AMC Bay Street Emeryville, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Bay Area is where the Duong family rebuilt its life after arriving in America, and San Jose is home to one of the country’s largest Vietnamese American communities. For many of those families, the history portrayed in “The King of Trash” is not distant history. It belongs to people they know.

ABOUT “THE KING OF TRASH”

“The King of Trash” is a 72-minute documentary that uses the experience of Vietnamese American entrepreneur David Duong and the Duong family to tell a broader story about refugee displacement, immigration, family, work and rebuilding a life in America. Beginning with the fall of Saigon, the film follows the family’s escape from Vietnam by sea, about a year in a refugee camp in the Philippines and their resettlement in San Francisco. It then traces the decades of work that followed, including the family history behind California Waste Solutions ( https://www.calwaste.com/ ) and Vietnam Waste Solutions ( https://vnwaste.com/ ).

For screening information, the official trailer and film updates, visit https://www.thekingoftrash.us/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Nguyen
PR & Marketing Manager
The King Of Trash
info@thekingoftrash.us
+1 (415) 740 1580

MULTIMEDIA
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Image caption: David Duong speaking to attendees at “The King of Trash” screening at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

NEWS SOURCE: The King Of Trash

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The King Of Trash), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/media-lauds-movie-about-leading-vietnamese-american-green-entrepreneur-david-duong-as-tickets-sell-out-for-upcoming-screenings-of-the-king-of-trash/

Vesta Customers Gain Access to Mezzo’s One-to-Many Operating Architecture

Lenders can leverage an unlimited ecosystem of verification providers from one orchestration gateway

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mezzo, creator of the mortgage industry’s first one-to-many operating architecture for third-party services, today announced an integration with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system (LOS) and agent platform built to automate and accelerate mortgage operations.

Image caption: Mezzo LLC logo.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Client usage and diversification of digital providers hailed as “best in class” by GSE
Lenders put loan-level strategy on autopilot, with intelligent routing and self-optimizing waterfalls continuously improving cost, performance, and profitability
Third-party service providers gain a near-immediate path to production, allowing their services to become part of lender workflows and execution strategies without waiting for lender integrations

The mortgage industry has long accepted that vendor choice comes at the cost of greater operational complexity and highly manual processes. Historically, every new provider has meant another integration, another workflow, and fragmented reporting.

Mezzo launches with a single gateway across verification providers and will expand to include fees, credit, and automated underwriting, including GSE engines. Intelligent, AI-native orchestration dynamically executes loan-level strategy, optimizing provider selection, cost, performance, and profitability on every loan.

“A Top 10 IMB client had its usage and diversification of digital verification providers described as ‘best in class’ by a GSE,” commented Jina Choi, Mezzo’s President. “Most lenders default to just one verification provider to avoid adding to the complexity and cost of managing more. Our client’s results demonstrate that AI-driven, loan-level orchestration across multiple vendors drives incremental profitability, without asking lenders to sacrifice execution to get it.”

For third-party service providers, the value extends beyond faster integration. Providers become embedded in lenders’ loan-level workflows, where lender strategy, not manual intervention, determines when and how their services are used.

“Vesta has always believed lenders should have the freedom to build the technology stack and vendor ecosystem that’s right for their business,” said Mike Yu, CEO of Vesta. “Mezzo lets lenders take full advantage of that freedom across multiple verification vendors at once, with sophisticated routing and waterfalls, and no development burden.”

ABOUT MEZZO

Mezzo builds the operational layer that unifies and standardizes a lender’s fragmented third-party services ecosystem. Accessible through the LOS, AI-native technology executes a lender’s own rules and strategy through dynamic waterfalls, appends verified data, and triggers cross-service actions in real time to fine-tune cost and performance across verifications, credit, fees, and automated underwriting technology, including DU & LP. Every run is transparent and self-optimizing, providing a complete audit trail of every decision while continuously improving execution and reporting ROI on every loan. Learn more at: https://teammezzo.com/.

ABOUT VESTA

Vesta is the loan origination system (LOS) where people and AI agents work together. It streamlines and automates operations to cut the time and cost of origination. Vesta has helped lenders cut operational costs by as much as 25 percent. Founded in 2020, Vesta is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital Ventures, and Conversion Capital. Learn more at: https://www.vesta.com/.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0914-s2p-mezzo-300dpi.webp

NEWS SOURCE: Mezzo

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mezzo), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-customers-gain-access-to-mezzos-one-to-many-operating-architecture/

Novak Doors and Gates Expands Same-Day Electric and Automatic Gate Repair Across Los Angeles, from West LA and Hollywood to the San Fernando Valley and Pasadena

Licensed Los Angeles gate company adds coastal-corrosion repair, hillside operator service and condo intercom support for West LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and Pasadena properties

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Novak Doors and Gates, a licensed and insured electric gate repair and installation company serving Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, today announced expanded same-day electric and automatic gate repair coverage across the city, with dedicated crews for West Los Angeles and Hollywood alongside its established service in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and Pasadena.

Image caption: Novak Doors and Gates logo.

“Gates fail differently in every part of Los Angeles,” said Aviv Ifrah, owner of Novak Doors and Gates. “On the Westside, salt air reaches hinges and bottom rails on iron driveway gates first. In Hollywood and the Hills it is steep driveways where swing gate operators fight gravity every cycle. In the Valley it is summer heat cooking control boards inside metal housings, and in Pasadena it is older estate gates that were automated decades after they were built. Our trucks are stocked for the neighborhood they are heading to, not for a generic gate.”

The expansion covers electric gate repair in Los Angeles for residential and commercial properties, automatic gate repair for sliding and swing systems, gate opener and motor service for LiftMaster, DoorKing, FAAC, Viking, All-O-Matic and Mighty Mule operators, intercom and keypad entry systems including DoorBird and DoorKing, and on-site welding for wrought iron, wood and combination gates.

Typical repairs fall inside the ranges the company publishes for Los Angeles: remote and keypad fixes from $100 to $300, sensor problems $150 to $350, control boards $500 to $2,000 and motor replacement $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the opener model and brand, the size of the gate and the complexity of the installation, with every job quoted in writing before work starts. Novak Doors and Gates holds a 5.0 rating across 184 customer reviews and offers same-day appointments across Los Angeles, with emergency priority for gates stuck open or closed.

ABOUT NOVAK DOORS AND GATES

Novak Doors and Gates is a Los Angeles electric gate, intercom and access control company serving West LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and central Los Angeles. Services include electric and automatic gate repair and installation, gate opener repair for all major brands, intercom and video entry systems, access control and commercial gate service. Phone: (323) 955-2251.

Learn more at: https://novakdoorsandgates.com/

NEWS SOURCE: Novak Doors and Gates

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Novak Doors and Gates), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/novak-doors-and-gates-expands-same-day-electric-and-automatic-gate-repair-across-los-angeles-from-west-la-and-hollywood-to-the-san-fernando-valley-and-pasadena/

Discover! California Cheese Shops Guide Launches to Support Independent Retailers and Inspire Exploration of California Specialty Cheeses

New statewide resource developed by Real California Milk and the Cheese Trail connects consumers with independent cheese shops throughout the Golden State

TRACY, Calif., July 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Real California Milk and the Cheese Trail today announced the launch of the Discover! California Cheese Shops Guide, a new consumer resource designed to celebrate and support independent cheese shops across California while encouraging consumers to discover the exceptional variety and quality of California-made cheeses.

Image caption: Real California Milk and the Cheese Trail connects consumers with independent cheese shops throughout the Golden State.

The statewide guide features independent cheese shops that showcase California cheeses, providing consumers with an easy way to explore local destinations, meet knowledgeable cheesemongers and discover the state’s award-winning artisan and farmstead cheeses.

Developed through a partnership between Real California Milk and the Cheese Trail, the guide expands opportunities for consumers to connect with California’s vibrant cheese community and the retailers who help bring specialty cheeses to market.

“California is home to an extraordinary community of cheesemakers producing world-class cheeses that reflect the innovation, craftsmanship and agricultural heritage of our state,” said Jennifer Giambroni, Vice President of Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board. “Independent cheese shops play an essential role in helping consumers discover these exceptional products, learn the stories behind them and build connections with local food producers. The Discover! California Cheese Shops Guide is designed to make those experiences more accessible while supporting the retailers who champion California cheese every day.”

California is America’s leading dairy state and home to one of the nation’s most dynamic artisan cheese communities. More than 50 California cheesemakers produce hundreds of varieties of specialty, artisan and farmstead cheeses, earning recognition at prestigious national and international competitions. From traditional European-inspired styles to innovative new creations, California cheeses reflect the state’s diverse landscapes, cultures and commitment to quality.

The Cheese Trail was founded in 2011 by Vivien Straus to connect cheese lovers with the cheesemakers, farms and retailers behind America’s cheese culture. What began as a regional Sonoma and Marin County initiative has grown into a statewide network that helps consumers discover cheesemakers, creameries, retailers and cheese-focused experiences throughout California, with expansion efforts underway nationwide.

“Cheese shops are among the most important ambassadors for artisan cheese,” said Vivien Straus, founder of the Cheese Trail. “These retailers introduce consumers to new flavors, educate them about cheesemaking traditions and connect them directly to the people and places behind the cheese. We’re excited to partner with Real California Milk on this guide to help more people discover the incredible cheese culture that exists throughout California and to support the independent businesses that make it thrive.”

The Discover! California Cheese Shops Guide highlights destinations throughout Northern, Central and Southern California, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore local communities through cheese. The guide complements the Cheese Trail’s broader mission of connecting consumers with cheesemakers, farms and retailers while helping strengthen California’s specialty cheese economy.

Consumers can access the Discover! California Cheese Shops Guide at https://www.cheesetrail.org/product/discover-california-cheese-shops-guide.

ABOUT CMAB/REAL CALIFORNIA MILK

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture representing California dairy farmers. The CMAB develops and implements marketing programs on behalf of the state’s dairy farmers, including the Real California Milk seal, which certifies dairy products are made with milk from California dairy farm families. Learn more at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram and Pinterest.

ABOUT THE CHEESE TRAIL

Founded in 2011 by Vivien Straus, the Cheese Trail connects consumers with the cheesemakers, farms, retailers and experiences that make up America’s cheese culture. Originally launched as a Sonoma-Marin initiative, the Cheese Trail now serves consumers throughout California and is expanding its model nationwide. Learn more at https://www.cheesetrail.org/.

NEWS SOURCE: California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/discover-california-cheese-shops-guide-launches-to-support-independent-retailers-and-inspire-exploration-of-california-specialty-cheeses/

Thump Records Enters the World of Comic Book Publishing with the Debut of ‘East Side Story’ #1 at San Diego Comic-Con

Legendary record label launches its first original comic book, introducing an authentic story inspired by Southern California's iconic lowrider culture

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — One of this year’s most unexpected Comic-Con announcements comes as Thump Records—long recognized for its contributions to the music industry—officially enters the world of comic book publishing with the debut of “East Side Story” #1, premiering exclusively at Booth #1735 during San Diego Comic-Con.

Image caption: Thump Records Enters the World of Comic Book Publishing with the Debut of ‘East Side Story’ #1.

Inspired by the iconic Chicano-influenced East Side Story music compilations of Thump Records, the company’s inaugural comic book is the first chapter of an original multimedia property, introducing readers to a compelling cast of characters and the dramatic events that set the story in motion.

Set against the unmistakable backdrop of Southern California, “East Side Story” is an authentic, character-driven story inspired by the rich traditions of the region’s legendary lowrider culture. Far more than beautifully customized automobiles, lowriding represents generations of artistry, craftsmanship, family, music, neighborhood pride, and cultural heritage. The comic celebrates that legacy through cinematic storytelling that focuses on the people whose lives, dreams, triumphs, and challenges define this remarkable community.

Rather than relying on stereotypes, “East Side Story” delivers an emotionally engaging story filled with family conflict, friendship, loyalty, ambition, romance, and redemption—creating a vibrant world that honors one of Southern California’s most enduring cultural movements.

“Comic books have become one of the entertainment industry’s greatest launching pads for unforgettable worlds and compelling new characters,” said Bill Walker, President of Thump Records. “With ‘East Side Story,’ we’re honored to introduce readers to a story that celebrates the heart and soul of Southern California’s lowrider community with authenticity, respect, and cinematic scope. This is a story about family, identity, dreams, and perseverance—universal themes that transcend culture. We believe audiences will immediately connect with these characters and their journey, and we’re incredibly proud to premiere the very first issue at San Diego Comic-Con.”

The debut of “East Side Story” #1 also marks a significant new chapter for Thump Records, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing original intellectual property across multiple forms of entertainment. By expanding from music into comic book publishing, Thump Records is embracing the growing synergy between comics, film, television, and music while creating stories designed to resonate with audiences across generations.

Comic-Con attendees visiting Booth #1735 will be among the very first readers anywhere to experience “East Side Story” #1, and discover the beginning of what promises to become an exciting new multimedia entertainment franchise.

Following its Comic-Con debut, “East Side Story” #1 will also be available at the “East Side Story” celebration on San Diego’s Broadway Pier on Saturday, July 25, where fans of live music, classic lowriders, and Southern California culture can experience the real-world inspiration behind the comic book.

As Hollywood continues to look to comic books for its next generation of film and television projects, “East Side Story” at exactly the right moment—offering authentic storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a cinematic vision rooted in one of America’s most vibrant and influential cultural traditions.

Whether you’re a lifelong comic book fan, an admirer of Southern California culture, or simply searching for the next exciting independent series to discover, “East Side Story” #1 is a Comic-Con debut not to be missed.

VISIT THUMP RECORDS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON BOOTH #1735

Be among the first to experience the world premiere of “East Side Story” #1 and witness the launch of an exciting new comic book universe inspired by the people, traditions, and spirit of Southern California’s legendary lowrider culture.

Learn more:

https://thumprecords.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thumprecords

NEWS SOURCE: Thump Records

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Thump Records), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/thump-records-enters-the-world-of-comic-book-publishing-with-the-debut-of-east-side-story-1-at-san-diego-comic-con/

Informative Research names Ajay Trilokeshwaran chief technology officer

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the promotion of Ajay Trilokeshwaran to chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, Trilokeshwaran will lead the company’s product and technology execution, overseeing platform development, application engineering, infrastructure and cloud strategy to support business growth.

Image caption: Ajay Trilokeshwaran of Informative Research.

Trilokeshwaran brings more than 20 years of enterprise technology experience to the role, with deep expertise in platform modernization, large-scale system integrations and DevOps strategy. Since joining Informative Research, he has been the driving force behind the company’s core verification infrastructure, building systems that help lenders meet investor guidelines and capture GSE incentive programs through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Trilokeshwaran’s work has turned what was once a set of separate capabilities into something greater than the sum of its parts. IR’s verification platform operates as a unified system where credit, income, employment and asset data flow together intelligently, giving lenders a single infrastructure they can build on. His contributions have helped lenders across the industry manage verification costs and develop consistent, reliable verification processes.

“Ajay has been instrumental in shaping what Informative Research is today,” said President Matt Orlando. “His technical vision, his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, and his deep understanding of what lenders need have made him the right person to take the reins as we continue to grow.”

Trilokeshwaran was recognized as a 2024 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter for his leadership in advancing scalable technology in the mortgage industry. His work has also contributed to IR’s recognition on the HousingWire Tech100 list over multiple years.

“I’m motivated to build things that actually move the needle for the people using them,” said Trilokeshwaran. “Our team has and continues to pursue that goal, and there’s still more to do. I’m grateful for the trust and recognition, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

About Informative Research

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/informative-research-names-ajay-trilokeshwaran-chief-technology-officer/

Volume growth from existing staff ranks as lenders’ top priority for the second half of 2026, The Mortgage Collaborative’s survey finds

Lenders also focused on early-stage AI adoption and reducing cost-per-loan

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today released results from its June 2026 Pulse of the Network survey. The biannual survey gathered input from mortgage lenders, including independent mortgage banks, credit unions and depository institutions, on strategic priorities heading into the second half of 2026.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative.

According to the survey results, lenders are focused on growth heading into the second half of 2026 and intend to rely mostly on existing staff to achieve that goal. Three-quarters of respondents said their primary growth strategy is to increase production from their current sales team, while 64% plan to recruit experienced loan officers. Overall, 83% said their companies are focused on growth, and 89% expect origination volume to climb in the second half of the year. Most are projecting moderate gains of 5% to 20%, though 17% anticipate a significant jump. Elevated interest rates, tight housing inventory and margin compression remain the biggest obstacles.

Technology ranked second on lenders’ priority lists, though most are still in the exploration phase with AI. While 83% said they are evaluating AI tools across their businesses, only 17% have deployed the technology in live production workflows. The most frequently cited barrier to AI adoption is trust, with a quarter of respondents saying their organizations aren’t yet confident in AI-generated outputs.

Operational efficiency rounded out lenders’ top three priorities, with an emphasis on making better use of existing investments and talent. Reducing loan production costs was the top operational priority for 86% of respondents, followed by vendor and technology consolidation at 64% and reduction in turn times at 56%. Personnel-wise, three-quarters of respondents say they are investing in technology to improve loan officer productivity, and 72% plan to improve compensation and incentive structures to keep top performers.

Borrower retention/recapture ranked as the top secondary market priority by 75% of respondents, in light of the growing opportunity in this area due to gradually declining interest rates. Nearly as many, 72%, are working to broaden their investor and agency relationships, while 69% are strengthening their post-close processes. From a product perspective, respondents identified conventional purchase loans and non-QM lending as the two largest opportunities for volume growth in the second half of the year.

Lenders’ caution around AI also extends to their compliance departments, where automated decisioning now consumes more resources than any other area of compliance, according to 75% of respondents. Nearly half expressed concerns about fair lending risk tied to AI decisioning, and 22% say they haven’t yet fully assessed it. State-level regulatory complexity remains a burden as well, with 53% calling it a meaningful drain on resources.

“The results show a membership that is more confident about volume in the second half of the year, but still disciplined about how they get there,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “Members are prioritizing production from their current teams and technology investment over expansion, and they are asking specific questions about AI governance and per-loan costs.”

TMC conducts the Pulse of the Network survey twice a year to identify what lender members are navigating and where they are seeking support. Results inform programming for TMC’s working groups, lender-only collaboration labs, TMC Insight benchmarking initiatives and conference programming. The survey results are provided at https://mailchi.mp/mtgcoop/pulse-of-the-network.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization that empowers mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education and advocacy. TMC fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation, ensuring its members succeed regardless of market conditions. For more information, visit mortgagecollaborative.com.

LOGO link for media: https://mortgagecollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Color-Logo-The-Mortgage-Collaborative-scaled-1.png

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Mortgage Collaborative), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/volume-growth-from-existing-staff-ranks-as-lenders-top-priority-for-the-second-half-of-2026-the-mortgage-collaboratives-survey-finds/

Mag Instrument (MAGLITE) Joins Forces with Pedestrian Safety Institute to Save Kids from Being Killed by Cars, launching The Safer Road Initiative

Almost 1,000 children a year are struck and killed by automobiles, and tens of thousands more are badly injured - TheSaferRoad.Com curriculum will save lives!

ONTARIO, Calif., July 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Last year, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed when struck by cars (some 700 of those were children) and tens of thousands more were injured. MAGLITE® flashlights have been featured in kids’ entertainment over the years, most notably in the Nancy Drew books and, more recently, in the “Dora the Explorer” live-action film. The brand’s longstanding annual commitment to roadside traffic safety awareness led to the creation of the Safe Road Adventures K-5 Curriculum through Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI), a roadside safety initiative that MAGLITE® partnered with several years ago to combat roadside fatalities.

Image captioN: Mag Instrument (MAGLITE) Joins Forces with the Pedestrian Safety Institute.

Upon the request of Tony Maglica, Sr., the 96-year-old founder and inventor of the iconic MAGLITE® flashlight, the PSI team went to work and came up with Safe Road Adventures™, a free 5-week, 15-minute-a-week curriculum that teaches kids how to be safe around vehicular traffic through core principles lessons, workbooks, drawings, and an original “Cross The Road” song and dance with the animated characters of Maggie The Chick and her friend Sol The Duckling.

For participating schools, this curriculum will culminate in a school-wide assembly, cementing the principles of roadside safety in the minds of K-5 students. For teachers, this free curriculum is an easy add-on to their current lesson plans. For parents and homeschoolers, it is a fun weekly activity that will potentially save the lives of their children.

“Learning these critical skills will save children’s lives, and that’s why we are excited about the program,” said Tony Maglica, Sr. “Any time a child is killed or injured, it is devastating for the family, their friends, their school, and the community, and we are doing what we can by sponsoring this program of the Pedestrian Safety Institute to reduce the number of these tragic accidents.”

The program teaches kids the importance of looking before crossing the street with the “look left, right, left” drill and song, teaches the importance of making sure you are seen by oncoming traffic “see and be seen,” and being patient when crossing the street “1-2-3 wait for me.”

“The United States had more than 7,000 pedestrian deaths last year, and around 10% or 700 of those were children who were killed, and tens of thousands more were struck and injured, often severely,” said Lou Desmond, spokesperson for PSI. “It is fantastic that MAGLITE® has stepped up and sponsored this program to help children stay safe.”

The number of pedestrian deaths goes up when the days get darker and longer, and low visibility (darkness) is a huge factor; some 90 percent of traffic fatalities happen between the hours of dusk and dawn, according to a variety of government and private studies on the matter of pedestrian traffic deaths and injuries.

“As the maker of the iconic Maglite Flashlight, lighting the darkness and providing visibility is in our DNA,” said Maglica.

The curriculum is available for free at www.thesaferroad.com, and the staff at PSI are ready to assist any school that wants to implement the curriculum, which will officially be launched at the 22nd Annual School Safety Conference in Orlando, Florida.

For help with implementing the program or any questions you may have, please go to the “Get Support” tab at https://www.thesaferroad.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Mag Instrument Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mag Instrument Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mag-instrument-maglite-joins-forces-with-pedestrian-safety-institute-to-save-kids-from-being-killed-by-cars-launching-the-safer-road-initiative/

Anima Presents: ‘Any Other Way,’ An Immersive Concert Experience by Dolce Wang

Step inside a forest clearing built entirely from sound for the celebrated, multidisciplinary artist's most personal album yet; live for two nights only

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Anima Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers for independent and underrepresented artists, today announced a two-night immersive concert experience presented with Los Angeles-based musician Dolce Wang. “Any Other Way” debuts July 25-26, 2026, at Venia Studio in Downtown Los Angeles, and is co-produced with Bravewyld, a Los Angeles-based collective of multidisciplinary creative volunteers.

Image Caption: Dolce Wang, ‘Any Other Way’ immersive listening event concept artwork. Credit: Concept image created using Adobe Firefly by Anima Initiative based on an original photograph courtesy of Dolce Wang.

“Any Other Way,” Wang’s most personal record to date, is an emotionally rich collection of shoegaze, indie folk and electronic dream pop that embraces vulnerability as a source of strength. Written across years of international travel and shaped by conversations with strangers along the way, the album moves through themes of love, loss, resilience and tenderness, including “Time Once Again,” a song written about the passing of Wang’s father.

The record features an international ensemble that mirrors its global influence. Serbian drummer Serge Milenkovic, Yugoslavia-born bassist and producer Aleksandar “Meksi” Sasha Panich and Taiwanese violinist Edith Lin bring together distinct musical backgrounds to create a unified and deeply expressive sound. Together, they craft sweeping arrangements that move effortlessly between intimate acoustic passages, expansive shoegaze textures and cinematic dream pop.

The record’s title doubles as its thesis: an invitation to find and be celebrated in one’s own unique path forward and the album release is intended as more than an immersive listening event; it is both a personal artistic statement and a demonstration of what’s possible when musicians, designers and community organizations unite their strengths toward a single creative vision. That range comes naturally to Wang, whose career sits at the intersection of art and engineering.

Alongside her music, she has spent nearly two decades as a multidisciplinary creative and business leader across theme park design, film and interactive new media art, including as a Creative Director and Inventor within Walt Disney’s R&D Imagineering division. “Any Other Way” draws directly on that same instinct for world-building aimed, this time, at her own story.

“The canvas is the space, actually. And with the space and the event, we’re transporting people from their daily lives. For me, it’s about stopping time so you can be present in the moment, with the people around you. The album is very poetic so there’s a poetic sense to the space. It’s creating a sense of magic. That’s the memory we’re embedding into people’s minds,” said Wang. “When we can find our own ways and celebrate that together, even when it’s difficult or isolating to walk the road less-traveled, we’re actually doing this together. I believe the evening and the album are both reflective of how we are able to find another way.”

Anima Initiative and Wang partnered on this immersive concert experience following the success of her earlier show, InDreams Immersive Concert, where audiences reportedly remained in their seats for the full 90-minute performance. Rather than staging a traditional album release show, Wang and Anima conceived the event as a fully immersive world of her own making, assembling Bravewyld’s multidisciplinary team of collaborators, including projection and lighting designers, a fashion studio, florists and a dedicated soundscape partner, to transform the studio into what the creative team is calling a “forest clearing for the weary traveler.”

The result is an environment built around live performance, ambient soundscapes, 3D audio and layered lighting, projection and scent design, all in service of the album’s sound. For Anima Initiative, the collaboration is also a continuation of its core mission: creating environments where independent and underrepresented artists can share their work without the usual production and marketing hurdles.

“There is something incredibly unique about listening to Dolce perform live. Being able to showcase it through Anima is a very unique opportunity for us, but also one that we’re very happy to do, because much of the feedback we’ve received is that LA needs more of this, and facilitating the experience of this album and event is exactly what we’re here to do,” said Keeter Ly, Co-Founder & Experience Director, Anima Initiative. “Anima’s entire mission is to support independent, underrepresented artists and help tell their stories, removing barriers and giving them a platform for their work.”

At a moment when independent artists face mounting barriers to producing and marketing their own work, this event reflects a broader shift in how independent artists in Los Angeles are reimagining the album release format, trading the traditional venue-and-lineup model for smaller, narrative-driven gatherings built around a specific sensory and emotional experience.

“A lot of people have known me to be unshakably resilient. I’ve gone through a lot, both professionally and in my personal life, pushing through a lot of hardship in our family growing up. Tapping into that is very difficult publicly, but I’m slowly learning how to find strength in vulnerability. The truth is, there has always been plenty of fear and anxiety, but I’ve created a muscle of just stepping through it. Now I’m just pulling back the curtain. In fact, the album leaves me in an even more raw state because it’s so personal. But as I step through this, I feel like it also gives permission for others to do the same and embrace their humanness,” said Wang.

At its core, “Any Other Way” is an invitation into a shared experience. Through music, design and immersive storytelling, the event encourages audiences not simply to observe, but to participate, to slow down, connect and experience the album together.

As Wang put it, echoing a line from Maya Angelou that she returns to often: “You only are free when you realize you belong to no place, you belong to every place, no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great;” the emotional anchor of both the album and the event.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Any Other Way,” a two-night immersive concert experience

Who: Dolce Wang, presented by Anima Initiative, co-produced with Bravewyld

When: July 25-26, 2026

Where: Venia Studio, Downtown Los Angeles

Tickets: On sale now; presale pricing ends at 11:55 p.m. the night before each show, after which door pricing applies

ABOUT DOLCE WANG:

Dolce Wang is a Los Angeles-based musician and multidisciplinary artist whose nearly two-decade career spans theme park design, film, spatial audio and interactive new media art. A former Creative Director and Inventor within Walt Disney’s R&D Imagineering division and two-time U.S. patent holder, she has since served as Chief Creative Officer of Fantasy Works Interactive and Executive Creative Director at MoonShine Animation, and designs experiences for clients including Audi, Honda, Asus, NASA and the United Nations.

Her music draws on years spent in Taiwan’s independent scene and her own string-driven shoegaze sound; she also founded the Vox Photo Project, teaching photography as a tool for underserved communities to tell their own stories. “Any Other Way” is her most personal release to date, exploring themes of love, loss, resilience and belonging. For additional information, visit: https://www.dolcewang.com/.

ABOUT ANIMA INITIATIVE:

Anima Initiative is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to being a platform for underrepresented and independent artists, exploring the invisible languages of art, music and movement. Anima works to identify the barriers artists face, particularly around production, logistics, and marketing and to build environments where their work can reach audiences and communities more directly. For additional information, visit: https://www.anima-initiative.org/.

ABOUT BRAVEWYLD:

Bravewyld is a thought collective of wacky and passionate multi-disciplinary volunteers from around the world, who gather for salon-style conversations, champion each other’s work and are united by a desire to create something beautiful in Los Angeles.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14UDEbUyiPgBdeo3ONp1A4VJSnmHJVB8C/view?usp=share_link

Image Caption: Dolce Wang, ‘Any Other Way’ immersive listening event concept artwork.

Image Credit: Concept image created using Adobe Firefly by Anima Initiative based on an original photograph courtesy of Dolce Wang.

Listen (pre-save): https://show.co/yUBOqCT

Anima Initiative Logo:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pZmVMjnB_CbMuIyYWTlm3MpvVzO4ywtR/view?usp=sharing

NEWS SOURCE: Anima Initiative

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Anima Initiative), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/anima-presents-any-other-way-an-immersive-concert-experience-by-dolce-wang/

FIT4MOM Celebrates 25 Years by Launching New Fitness Programs For Every Stage of Motherhood

America's leading fitness community continues to evolve with new strength training, postpartum recovery, and midlife wellness programs launching in 2026

SAN DIEGO, CALIF., July 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FIT4MOM, the nation’s leading fitness and wellness community for moms, is celebrating its 25 year anniversary by expanding its programming to better support women through every stage of motherhood—from postpartum recovery to midlife wellness.

Image caption: As FIT4MOM celebrates 25 years of Strength in Motherhood, Founder and CEO Lisa Druxman is evolving their fitness programming to launch new programs such as Body Strong and Stronger Every Season, to offer more strength training for women in all stages of motherhood, including midlife.

The milestone marks the beginning of a journey that started with one new mom looking for connection.

After becoming a mom 25 years ago, FIT4MOM Founder and CEO Lisa Druxman was looking for a way to get out of the house, move her body and meet other moms. When she couldn’t find a workout catered to new moms, she created her own. She wasn’t trying to build a business. She was trying to find her village.

What began as a small group of moms working out together in a San Diego park grew into Stroller Strides, and eventually FIT4MOM, the nation’s leading fitness and wellness community for moms. While it’s best known for launching the nation’s first stroller fitness program, the company now offers 8 different fitness programs, and is preparing to launch two more.

“Moms come for the workout, but they stay for the village,” said Lisa Druxman, Founder and CEO of FIT4MOM. “For 25 years, we’ve helped moms find strength—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. This milestone is a celebration of every mom, instructor, franchise owner, and community member who has been part of that journey.”

Founded in 2001 on the belief that every mom needs a Village, FIT4MOM has grown into a nationwide movement dedicated to creating strength in motherhood.

Over the past 25 years, FIT4MOM has:

Expanded to more than 200 markets across 40 states
Served nearly 420,000 moms nationwide
Trained and certified more than 1,200 instructors
Developed fitness and wellness programs supporting moms from pregnancy through midlife
Built a community of more than 500,000 social media followers
Been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and NBC

The impact extends far beyond fitness. According to a 2025 member survey, 86% of FIT4MOM members reported that connection with other moms – not the workout itself—is their primary reason for staying.

LOOKING AHEAD: NEW PROGRAMS FOR EVERY SEASON OF MOTHERHOOD

As motherhood has evolved over the past 25 years, so has FIT4MOM. In honor of its 25th anniversary, FIT4MOM is introducing new programs that address the changing needs of today’s moms.

CORE & RESTORE: CONNECT & STRENGTHEN

Designed specifically for newly postpartum moms, Core & Restore: Connect is a 45-minute baby-friendly class focused on rebuilding core and pelvic floor strength after childbirth. The program addresses common postpartum challenges such as diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postural changes, while creating a welcoming space where babies are fully integrated into the experience.

When moms are ready to progress, Core & Restore: Strengthen moves beyond recovery into more challenging strength work while still supporting core and pelvic floor function.

BODY STRONG

Created for women ready to prioritize strength training, Body Strong delivers progressive strength workouts designed to help women build muscle, improve mobility, and support long-term health. The program emphasizes functional strength, bone health, balance, and confidence.

STRONGER EVERY SEASON

FIT4MOM is also expanding support for women navigating perimenopause and menopause through Stronger Every Season, a 60-day strength, nutrition, and hormone reset available online at FIT4MOM On Demand. The program includes strength and mobility workouts, guided walks, nutrition support, hormone health education, and practical resources designed to help women feel strong and informed during this stage of life…because strength in motherhood doesn’t stop at any age.

“For 25 years, our mission has been to help moms find strength in motherhood,” said Druxman. “That mission hasn’t changed—but moms have, and we’re committed to evolving alongside them. These new programs ensure we’re supporting women through every chapter of motherhood, today and for the next 25 years.”

ABOUT FIT4MOM

FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading provider of prenatal and postnatal fitness and wellness programs, supporting moms through every stage of motherhood—from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. With a focus on strength, community, and connection, FIT4MOM offers group fitness classes, wellness resources, and a supportive network designed to help moms feel strong in body, mind, and spirit. For more information, visit https://fit4mom.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Cox, nicolecox@fit4momhq.com or (530)318-3902

NEWS SOURCE: FIT4MOM

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FIT4MOM), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/fit4mom-celebrates-25-years-by-launching-new-fitness-programs-for-every-stage-of-motherhood/

Southern California Dog Finley from Pet Friendly Paw Life Wins Best in California, Competing for Best in Nation in the Pet Lovers Choice Awards

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Pet Friendly Paw Life Pomeranian Finley has won the title of Best in California in the Pet Lovers Choice Awards and is now competing for Best in Nation. Vote for California dog Finley to win the national title, the voting round lasts from July 14th through July 22nd. The event benefits rescue Best Friends Animal Society with official media partner USA Today Pets.

Photo caption: Finley, Pomeranian from Pet Friendly Paw Life, Best in California Winner for the 2026 Pet Lovers Choice Awards.

Small but mighty 6 lb. tri-color Pomeranian Finley is a paw ambassador for Pet Friendly Paw Life, where he helps his paw family discover and feature dog friendly destinations across southern California and beyond. @PetFriendlyPawLife quickly grew to over 60,000 followers and subscribers across Instagram, Facebook and YouTube combined in just over 6 months thanks to highlighting dog friendly restaurants, hotels, shops, events and experiences across California. Finley and his Pomeranian sister Cocoa feature in all the Pet Friendly Paw Life highlights, giving them their Paw Approved and Two Paws Up stamps of approval.

Finley has his own survivor story, where he was rejected by his biological dog mom and needed to be hand fed as a puppy, growing up very attached to his human paw mom Pebbles and paw dad Robert. It’s for this reason that Pebbles decided to start Pet Friendly Paw Life, because Finley would insist on joining his paw family everywhere. Pet Friendly Paw Life quickly gained a strong local Southern California following, which helped propel Finley to win the Best in California title, beating thousands of entrants.

Finley was present at the 2026 Pet Lovers Choice Awards Best in State live taping and even got his paw-15 minutes of fame on the stage with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Monica McNutt. Little Finley is now collaborating on a music video with local Temecula musician Joanna Pearl to her song, “Authentically Me” from her latest album, available on iTunes and Spotify. Follow @PetFriendlyPawLife on Instagram and/or YouTube to see the video debut!

To Vote for Finley visit https://petloverschoiceawards.com/contestant/60404?contest=79

To learn more visit https://www.petfriendlypawlife.com/

ABOUT PET FRIENDLY PAW LIFE:

Pebbles Vadakan started Pet Friendly Paw Life in late 2025 to feature dog friendly locales and products across southern California and the occasional road trip, with a focus on Los Angeles, San Diego, Temecula Wine Country, Orange County and Fallbrook. The main social channels on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube quickly gained over 20,000 followers each (60,000+ combined) thanks to engaging videos choreographed to music, adorable Pomeranian paw ambassadors Finley and Cocoa, and local event round-ups that have become a popular staple within the dog friendly community.

The first event for Pet Friendly Paw Life is taking place August 23, 2026 at Cougar Winery in Temecula Wine Country, titled “Paws, Pours and Pop-Ups,” in collaboration with several other local dog influencers (Pug Moms Club, Stormi’s Furever Friends, OC Yorkies and Tiny Dog Club and San Diego Pomeranians).

MULTIMEDIA

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Photo caption: Finley, Pomeranian from Pet Friendly Paw Life, Best in California Winner for the 2026 Pet Lovers Choice Awards.

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NEWS SOURCE: Pet Friendly Paw Life

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Pet Friendly Paw Life), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/southern-california-dog-finley-from-pet-friendly-paw-life-wins-best-in-california-competing-for-best-in-nation-in-the-pet-lovers-choice-awards/

HotDeals Releases 2026 Mid-Year Savings Report Highlighting Accelerating Coupon Activity Across Global Markets

Internal platform data shows savings activity outpaced coupon inventory growth during the first half of 2026, with strong momentum across the U.S. and international markets

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HotDeals today released its 2026 Mid-Year Savings Report, highlighting coupon activity and savings trends observed across its global platform during the first half of the year. Based on HotDeals’ internal platform data collected between approximately January and mid-July 2026, the report shows continued growth in coupon availability, merchant coverage, and savings activity, with demand for verified discounts increasing faster than the overall supply of coupon codes.

Image caption: HotDeals logo.

In the United States, the number of merchants available on the HotDeals platform increased from 14,704 to 15,308 (+4.1%), while the platform’s coupon inventory expanded from 203,000 to 231,804 active coupon codes (+14.2%). During the same period, savings records generated across the U.S. platform increased from 2.69 million to 7.84 million, representing 191.8% growth.

The report also found that coupon availability on the consumer-facing website expanded significantly. Publicly displayed coupon codes increased from 33,667 to 50,418 (+49.8%), while front-end savings records grew from 125,186 to 212,144 (+69.5%).

One of the report’s key findings is that savings activity grew substantially faster than coupon inventory. While the number of available U.S. coupon codes increased by 14.2%, savings records increased by 191.8%, indicating that existing coupon offers were used more frequently across the platform during the first half of the year.

“Our mid-year data suggests consumers are becoming more intentional about seeking savings before making online purchases,” said a HotDeals spokesperson. “As coupon availability continues to improve, shoppers appear to be making greater use of verified discounts across a wider range of retailers.”

The report also highlights strong momentum across HotDeals’ international markets. During the first half of 2026, savings records increased by 1,133% in the United Kingdom, 211% in Germany, 208% in France, and 180% in Australia. Emerging markets also showed continued expansion, with merchant and coupon inventories growing in South Korea, while savings activity more than doubled in Japan and nearly quadrupled in Hong Kong.

In addition, HotDeals observed sustained engagement with its coupon verification feature. Verification activity remained consistently active in the United States throughout the reporting period, with Germany and France also recording strong levels of verification usage, reflecting continued consumer interest in confirming coupon validity before checkout.

The report found that merchant coverage on the U.S. consumer-facing platform remained above 98%, with 15,213 of 15,308 merchants displaying at least one available coupon or promotional offer. This broad coverage helps shoppers access verified savings opportunities across a diverse range of online retailers.

The findings indicate that retailers and consumers alike are entering the second half of 2026 with discount verification as a baseline expectation rather than an occasional benefit — a shift that may reshape how promotional strategies are designed for the upcoming holiday season.

About HotDeals

HotDeals (https://www.hotdeals.com/) is a verified coupon platform where real users test promo codes before they are published. The HotDeals Research Team analyzes consumer savings trends across major shopping events and publishes periodic insights through the HotDeals Consumer Savings Index.

Learn more: https://www.hotdeals.com/

NEWS SOURCE: HotDeals

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (HotDeals), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hotdeals-releases-2026-mid-year-savings-report-highlighting-accelerating-coupon-activity-across-global-markets/

Domaine Carneros Debuts the Sparkling Elixir Sampler

Winery Introduces Inclusive Daily Flight Featuring Sonoma's Land & Local Botanical Elixirs Available as a Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Water Option or with Ultra Brut

NAPA, Calif., July 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Domaine Carneros has long delighted guests with inventive food and wine experiences that reflect the winery’s commitment to culinary craft and local ingredient sourcing. The newest addition to that tradition is the Sparkling Elixir Sampler, a daily tasting flight that pairs four all-natural, handcrafted botanical elixirs from Land & Local of Sonoma County for either a non-alcoholic option with San Pellegrino sparkling water, or with the acclaimed Ultra Brut sparkling wine. This new offering makes for a fully inclusive experience for every guest at the table.

Image caption: Domaine Carneros Debuts the Sparkling Elixir Sampler. Photo courtesy of Domaine Carneros.

Served tableside, the flight is priced at $35 with San Pellegrino or $50 with the Ultra Brut. The four elixirs, each crafted from locally sourced seasonal botanicals, are:

Blood Orange Fennel

Rose Cardamom Meyer Lemon

Hibiscus Tulsi Ginger

Elderflower Mint

The Sparkling Elixir Sampler is available as a standalone daily tasting option and can also be selected as a non-alcoholic alternative within any of the winery’s elevated experiences: Bubbles & Bites, Plat des Perles, Ultimate Carneros, and Ultimate Caviar.

A DEEPENING TRADITION OF ARTISAN COLLABORATION

The partnership with Land & Local joins a roster of celebrated local makers whose work has shaped the Domaine Carneros guest experiences over the years, among them Pete Seghesio of Journeyman Meats, Terri and Brook Penquette of Nova Terra Creamery, Anette Madsen Yazidi of Anette’s Chocolates, and Ali and Marai Bolourchi of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar.

Land & Local founder Kim LaVere brings eight years of botanical craft to the collaboration, grounding her formulas in Ayurvedic medicine, Western herbalism, and culinary training. About 85% of the herbs and fruits she uses are sourced within 50 miles of her Sonoma County production kitchen. Her mission is to reconnect beverages to their healing roots while centering the story of place. “Our partnership is about two high-quality products that complement each other and help tell a story of place together, from different perspectives,” she says. “And our products are inclusive: they work beautifully for people who are imbibing and for people who aren’t.”

WELCOMING EVERY GUEST AT THE TABLE

The non-alcoholic option reflects both the winery’s hospitality values and a meaningful consumer shift. According to a Wine Business Monthly article in July 2024, wellness tourism which includes “dry” tourism as well as alcohol drinkers who opt out occasionally, has seen a measurable increase, with nonalcoholic offerings expanding a brand’s reach and ensuring no one sits on the sidelines.

The Ultra Brut, a highly awarded offering in the Domaine Carneros portfolio, was chosen with thoughtful consideration as the sparkling wine part of the experience. Director of Marketing, Phoebe Ullberg stated, “Our driest sparkling wine, Ultra Brut, becomes even more nuanced and complex when accented with chef Kim LaVere’s local, all natural mixers – Blood Orange Fennel, Rose Cardamom Meyer Lemon, Hibiscus Tulsi Ginger and Elderflower Mint.”

AN EVER-EVOLVING GUEST EXPERIENCE

The Sparkling Elixir Sampler takes its place alongside a portfolio of distinctive offerings that reflect the winery’s sustained investment in the gustatory pleasures of its guests. Bubbles & Bites’ seasonally rotating global menus, the recently launched Scent & Savor: A Wine Tour of Aromas and Taste Transformations, The Art of Sabrage, Plat des Perles, Ultimate Carneros, and Ultimate Caviar together define a visitor experience as thoughtfully curated as the wines themselves.

WHERE: Domaine Carneros Winery, 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559

RESERVE: 707-257-0101 x 150 | reservations@domainecarneros.com

LEARN MORE: https://www.domainecarneros.com/visit

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS
Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, Domaine Carneros embodies the vision of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, with terroir-driven sparkling wine crafted with the quality tenets of méthode traditionnelle production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay and 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery’s iconic château is a landmark of the Napa Valley, welcoming guests to experience its estate sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs.

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com

Social: Domaine Carneros

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/domainecarneros

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/domaine-carneros-winery

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/domainecarneroswinery

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, Charles Communications Associates
kcharles@charlescomm.com | 415-701-9463 (WINE)

NEWS SOURCE: Domaine Carneros

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Domaine Carneros), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/domaine-carneros-debuts-the-sparkling-elixir-sampler/

Two Senior Experts Share an Insider’s Guide to Confident Aging in New eBook, ‘A Good Life Anywhere’

Written by a long-term care ombudsman and a nationally recognized expert on ageism, the eBook offers practical guidance on care options, advocacy, and quality of life

LA VERNE, Calif., July 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — 3rd3rd Marketing, the “Un-Senior Living Agency” that challenges ageism in marketing, and Hillcrest Senior Living, announced the launch of “A Good Life Anywhere,” a new eBook designed to empower older adults and their families to make informed decisions about care, community, and quality of life.

Image caption: Written by eldercare advocate and ombudsman Beverly Gianna and senior living expert Cynthia Thurlow, “A Good Life Anywhere” examines the full spectrum of care and offers practical guidance on care options, advocacy, and quality of life from professionals who are also members of the generation they serve.

Coauthored by Beverly Gianna, a long-term care ombudsman in Louisiana and a graduate of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, and Cynthia Thurlow, founder and CEO of 3rd3rd Marketing and a recognized expert on ageism in branding and communications, the eBook sets itself apart with the unique perspectives of its authors and provides an insider’s perspective on the senior living journey.

Both women are experienced professionals and members of the generation they serve, bringing together professional expertise and personal understanding of the opportunities and challenges that accompany aging.

The guide explores the full spectrum of senior living and care options while helping readers evaluate communities, advocate for quality care, explore alternatives, and access resources that support independence and well-being.

Hillcrest is home to nearly 400 residents, many of whom are solo agers and living independently, across its 50-acre continuing care retirement campus in southern California.

“We often talk to prospective residents about when is the right time to move and how to do it,” said Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest. “A Good Life Anywhere is an excellent guidebook for the next step in the journey, as it outlines how to choose the right community, explore alternatives, advocate for quality care, and understand the role of the local ombudsman.”

“Living in a senior community or nursing home should never mean losing one’s sense of purpose,” said Gianna. “My work as an ombudsman, combined with my education and lived experience, has shown me how important it is for older adults to feel seen, heard, respected, and engaged in life. We hope readers will find both practical guidance and encouragement in A Good Life Anywhere.”

Beyond her formal role, Gianna is a passionate educator and local champion for older adults. She regularly speaks with families and community members, as well as with law and medical schools, about care options and future planning. One of her passions is helping future professionals understand the many ways aging intersects with their work.

Thurlow brings more than 30 years of experience in branding, advertising, and strategic leadership. As founder and CEO of 3rd3rd Marketing, known as the “Un-Senior Living Agency,” she helps organizations recognize and overcome age-based assumptions that often shape branding, hiring, customer engagement, and communications.

“People want to be understood by their values, aspirations, and experiences, not reduced to a number,” said Thurlow. “Our goal with this eBook is to provide practical information that empowers older adults and their families to make decisions with confidence and clarity.”

“A Good Life Anywhere” is available at https://www.livingathillcrest.org/ebooks/.

ABOUT 3RD3RD MARKETING

3rd3rd Marketing is the “Un-Senior Living Agency,” partnering with senior living communities and mission-driven aging services organizations globally. By dismantling stereotypes and replacing them with aspirational narratives, 3rd3rd helps organizations build authentic connections, increase engagement, and achieve lasting impact. For more information, visit: https://3rd3rd.com/.

ABOUT HILLCREST

Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, and San Bernardino and at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit: https://www.livingathillcrest.org/.

IMAGE link for media: https://3rd3rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HC-038-26-A-Good-Life-Anywhere_COVER.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: 3rd3rd Marketing

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (3rd3rd Marketing), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/two-senior-experts-share-an-insiders-guide-to-confident-aging-in-new-ebook-a-good-life-anywhere/

New Cadence Healthcare Welcomes Dr. Karen Rasmussen as Third Physician, Reuniting Three Doctors from the Same Long Beach Residency Program

Dr. Rasmussen joins founding physician Dr. Cordelia Sotelo and Dr. Jasia Hu in August 2026 - all three trained at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center's family medicine residency program

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — New Cadence Healthcare, a membership-based primary care practice in Long Beach, today announced that Dr. Karen Rasmussen will join the practice as its third physician beginning August 2026.

Image caption: Dr. Karen Rasmussen.

Dr. Rasmussen is a board-certified family physician who has cared for patients in Southern California for more than a decade. Since 2011, she has practiced comprehensive outpatient family medicine at Optum’s Orange County location in Los Alamitos. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, where she was part of the Campuswide Honors Program and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She then completed her medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine before returning to Southern California to complete her family medicine residency at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, the same program where Dr. Sotelo and Dr. Hu trained.

Her arrival brings capacity for up to 300 new patients to a practice model that caps each physician’s panel at 300 — roughly one-fifth the load carried by physicians in traditional insurance-based primary care.

“I am joining New Cadence because I want to be able to practice medicine the way it should be practiced,” said Dr. Rasmussen. “Longer visits that aren’t rushed, better availability, responding promptly to patients when they reach out, and taking the time to actually get to know them. These things are just not possible within the system most primary care physicians operate in today.”

Dr. Rasmussen joins founder Dr. Cordelia Sotelo and Dr. Jasia Hu at the practice’s Bellflower Boulevard office. Dr. Sotelo’s panel is currently full; Dr. Hu, who joined in December 2025, continues to accept new patients.

“Karen is exactly the kind of physician we built this practice for,” said Dr. Cordelia Sotelo, founder of New Cadence Healthcare. “She’s experienced, deeply patient-centered, and as committed as we are to the idea that primary care should be a relationship — not a 7-minute transaction. And there’s something meaningful about the three of us coming from the same residency program. We share a foundation of how we were trained to care for patients.”

Patients interested in establishing care with Dr. Rasmussen can learn more at https://newcadencehealthcare.com/ and call the office at 562-248-2999 to sign up.

New Cadence memberships include appointments that fit your schedule, a direct line to your care team where you are able to reach out to us anytime by phone or through a secure online patient portal with same-day or next-day replies, and care coordination with specialists.

About New Cadence Healthcare

New Cadence Healthcare is a membership-based primary care practice located at 1777 N Bellflower Blvd, Suite 210, in Long Beach, California. The practice was founded by Dr. Cordelia Sotelo to offer an alternative to the time-constrained primary care most patients experience inside the insurance system. Each New Cadence physician caps their panel at 300 patients, allowing for longer visits, direct access, and a deeper patient-physician relationship.

Dr. Karen Rasmussen is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Name: Lauren Osborne
Email: Lauren@lhoandco.com
Phone: 562.232.4375

NEWS SOURCE: New Cadence Healthcare

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (New Cadence Healthcare), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-cadence-healthcare-welcomes-dr-karen-rasmussen-as-third-physician-reuniting-three-doctors-from-the-same-long-beach-residency-program/

Author Shaffa Publishes Groundbreaking Book on the Parenting Feeling No One Has Ever Been Allowed to Name

'The Feeling You Cannot Admit' by Author Shaffa Launches July 1, 2026

LANCASTER, Calif., July 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Author, teacher, and coach Shaffa today announced the publication of “The Feeling You Cannot Admit: For the Parent Who Cannot Love Freely and the Child Who Grew Up Knowing It” (ISBN: 979-8996214310, paper; publisher: Peace with Shaffa, July 2026), the first book ever written to directly name and address the specific, targeted, and bewildering feeling some parents carry toward a particular child. The one that coexists with genuine love in ways that make no logical sense, and has lived, until now, in complete silence.

Image caption: Cover art for “The Feeling You Cannot Admit: For the Parent Who Cannot Love Freely and The Child Who Grew Up Knowing It” by Shaffa, Published by Peace With Shaffa, July 2026.

Unlike every comparable title in the parenting and healing space, the book does not name the feeling for the reader. It gives the reader the psychological safety, the honest framework, the scientific grounding, and the spiritual wisdom to name her own experience in her own language for the very first time. Because the most powerful naming, author Shaffa argues, is the one the reader does herself. A name handed to her is a verdict. A name she arrives at through her own honest work is a key to lasting change and genuine transformation.

The book was written simultaneously for two readers: the parent who has never been able to say this out loud to anyone, due to the immense shame the feeling evokes, and the adult who grew up knowing something was missing in the way a parent loved them. In many families, these are the same person.

Drawing on the ACE Study, the research of Dr. Bruce Perry on childhood trauma and brain development, Dr. Rachel Yehuda’s epigenetics work on intergenerational trauma, the HeartMath Institute’s studies on the electromagnetic field of the heart, and Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the book provides rigorous scientific grounding for experiences that have previously existed only in shame and silence.

The book introduces two original frameworks. The Love Trinity of Will, Action, and Energy explains why blocked love is not absent love and what it actually takes to unblock it. The Relay Race of Healing maps the generational transmission of this wound and shows why one person’s healing changes every generation that follows.

Moving across five parts from the wound to the healing, the book includes personal reflection practices, journaling exercises, somatic and body-based practices, and meditative tools throughout, which makes it both a reading experience and an active healing guide.

“This book exists because I suffered in silence and refused to carry this alone,” said Shaffa. “And because I believe no parent should have to. The feeling has never had a name. That silence has cost parents, children, and entire generations. The love was never absent. It was blocked. And what is blocked can be unblocked.”

Shaffa is herself a rejected and wounded child and a mother of five who discovered after having her own children that the wound she believed was healed had surfaced in her parenting in ways she was not prepared for. She wrote the book from the other side of the healing, with the authority that only lived experience produces.

“The Feeling You Cannot Admit” is available July 1, 2026 in paperback ($24.99), hardcover ($34.99), and ebook ($9.99) editions. Print editions are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and booksellers and libraries worldwide via Ingram distribution. The ebook is available through all major digital retailers including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes and Noble Nook, and Google Play. For more information, visit: https://peace.peacewithshaffa.com/thefeelingbook

ABOUT PEACE WITH SHAFFA:

Peace with Shaffa is an independent publishing and coaching platform founded by author, teacher, and coach Shaffa, whose work sits at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the lived experience of women. The platform supports women in doing the inner work that changes not just their own lives but the lives of every generation that follows. Learn more at: https://peace.peacewithshaffa.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Shaffa
Peace with Shaffa
peace@peacewithshaffa.com
https://peace.peacewithshaffa.com/contact

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0701-s2p-feelingyca-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Cover art for “The Feeling You Cannot Admit: For the Parent Who Cannot Love Freely and The Child Who Grew Up Knowing It” by Shaffa, Published by Peace With Shaffa, July 2026.

NEWS SOURCE: Peace with Shaffa

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Peace with Shaffa), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/author-shaffa-publishes-groundbreaking-book-on-the-parenting-feeling-no-one-has-ever-been-allowed-to-name/

The Mortgage Collaborative launches TMC Healthcare Cooperative to give lender members and preferred partners control over rising healthcare costs

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has launched the TMC Healthcare Cooperative, a self-funded medical program open to all TMC lender members and preferred partners. Developed in partnership with CCIG, a Colorado-based employee benefits firm, the program gives vendors, community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers a way to fund their own health claims as a group, share risk through a captive structure and access institutional-grade stop-loss coverage, replacing the fully insured carrier model where rate increases arrive at renewal with no explanation and no recourse.

Image caption: TMC – The Mortgage Collaborative.

“Mortgage lenders have for too long been paying into a system that offers nothing in return when claims run well,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “For an IMB without the scale of a large institution, for example, that means absorbing rate increases year after year with no transparency into what’s driving costs and no path to a better outcome. The TMC Healthcare Cooperative changes that equation for our entire network, giving members and partners the purchasing power, the claims visibility and the risk-sharing structure that large employers take for granted, delivered through the trust and community TMC has already built.”

In a fully insured plan, premiums go to a national carrier regardless of healthcare usage. The TMC Healthcare Cooperative replaces this with a group captive model: participants pool risk and fund their claims, so money stays within the group. A captive layer spreads risk; a tough claims year for one participant doesn’t necessarily raise that participant’s renewal cost. Stop-loss coverage caps big claims, protecting members from high costs. Surpluses from better-than-expected claims are returned to participants rather than retained by an insurance carrier.

For depository institutions like community banks and credit unions, the program covers all employees, not just mortgage staff. It pairs this with plan partners for administration, pharmacy and stop-loss coverage, selected through evaluation. A committee of TMC lender members vetted these partners to ensure the program matches industry-specific costs, workforce traits and business cycles. Participants see their claims data, control plan design and share best practices with peers.

The TMC Healthcare Cooperative is for organizations with 51+ employees; smaller options are upcoming. Members should start 180 days before renewal with a short interest form, then a 30-minute intro. Interested parties share census and claims data for cost comparison. Participation is exclusive to the TMC community.

Lender members and preferred partners can complete the interest form at https://benefits.thinkccig.com/ or contact their TMC member benefits advocate. Organizations interested in joining TMC may contact referrals@mtgcoop.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

About CCIG

Founded in Greenwood Village, Colo., in 1985, CCIG has won repeated recognition as one of the nation’s leading independent insurance brokers, offering personal and commercial property and casualty insurance, as well as risk engineering services and health benefit plans for employers.

CCIG’s 80 personal and business insurance professionals take pride in designing custom-tailored solutions to protect our clients’ property, valuables and all of their exposures to risk. CCIG’s Private Client Services group concentrates exclusively on the specialized needs of individuals and families with substantial assets.

LOGO link for media: https://mortgagecollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Color-Logo-The-Mortgage-Collaborative-scaled-1.png

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-launches-tmc-healthcare-cooperative-to-give-lender-members-and-preferred-partners-control-over-rising-healthcare-costs/

DocMagic and Truliant Federal Credit Union earn PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award for industry-first eHELOC milestone

Recognition marks the latest chapter in a yearslong collaboration that has produced three landmark milestones in digital mortgage lending

TORRANCE, Calif., June 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic® was honored today with PROGRESS in Lending’s 2026 Connections Award alongside Truliant Federal Credit Union, a North Carolina-based credit union serving more than 300,000 members. The recognition honors a yearslong partnership that culminated in the mortgage industry’s first electronic home equity line of credit (eHELOC) registered with the MERS® eRegistry.

Image caption: DocMagic, Inc.

Since 2020, Truliant and DocMagic have worked together to build the credit union’s digital closing capabilities from the ground up. In June 2025, that partnership extended into home equity lending, where DocMagic’s SmartSAFE™ eVault made the eHELOC registration possible.

The eHELOC milestone is the third time the two organizations have broken new ground together. In March 2020, DocMagic helped Truliant become the first credit union in North Carolina to complete a full eClosing. A year later, working with DocMagic, Truliant became the first credit union to transfer an eNote to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and just the second in the entire 11-member FHLBank system to do so, opening a wider path for member financial institutions to pledge eNotes. In the months that followed, the shift to eNotes cut six to eight days from Truliant’s loan delivery timeline.

“Truliant has been a tremendous partner in advancing digital lending across the credit union space,” said Pat Theodora, CEO of DocMagic. “Every milestone we’ve reached together over the years has been built on a shared belief that the next frontier is always worth pursuing.”

“DocMagic has helped us move lending forward with greater speed, efficiency and ease for consumers,” said Beth Eller, senior vice president of mortgage lending at Truliant. “Their innovative, forward-thinking approach has been instrumental to our progress, and we’re honored to celebrate this achievement together.”

Now in its third year, the Connections Award honors partnerships and integrations that are advancing mortgage lending through collaboration, innovation and measurable business results. For a full list of 2026 winners, visit https://mymortgagemindset.com/.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic® provides a complete digital mortgage platform for the mortgage industry, delivering proprietary document generation, automated compliance, eSignature, eClosing, eNotarization, eNote and eVault technology in one unified solution. Built on nearly 40 years of innovation, DocMagic helps lenders, settlement service providers and investors move loans from application through post-closing with greater speed, accuracy and confidence. AI deepens that foundation through the company’s Intelligent Agentic Network. For more information, visit www.docmagic.com.

About Truliant Federal Credit Union:

Truliant is a mission-driven, not-for-profit financial institution based in Winston-Salem, N.C. It improves lives by providing great service and straightforward financial solutions. Truliant was chartered in 1952 and serves 333,000+ members. A top 100 U.S. credit union, Truliant has more than 35 branches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. For more information, visit www.truliant.org.

Logo link for media:
https://www.docmagic.com/sites/default/files/img/logo/docmagic-logo-reg.png

* * *
UPDATED: 1:40 p.m. PDT to fix an inadvertent error in the text as originally provided.

NEWS SOURCE: DocMagic, Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (DocMagic, Inc.), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/docmagic-and-truliant-federal-credit-union-earn-progress-in-lendings-2026-connections-award-for-industry-first-eheloc-milestone/

Alder Springs Vineyard to Conclude Farming After 2026 Harvest

Owner Stuart Bewley announces the decision to cease vineyard operations in the face of industry downturn

LAYTONVILLE, Calif., June 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — After 33 years as one of California’s most singular and pioneering vineyards, Alder Springs Vineyard, the remote, high-elevation Mendocino County site, announced today that the 2026 harvest will be the last vintage farmed under founder and owner Stuart Bewley. After more than three decades, Bewley will step back from financing the vineyard’s farming and will cease supplying grapes to the market after the 2026 season.

Image caption: Alder Springs Vineyard, Terraces block.

The decision follows a multi-year contraction across the wine industry. The downturn has hit growers hardest, who bear the fixed costs of farming regardless of demand.

“We can’t take a year off the vineyard. We’ve got to prune, water, and take care of it, and a huge amount of that is manual labor,” explained Bewley. “At some point, the numbers have to pencil. Right now, they don’t — not because of the vineyard, but because the market for this kind of fruit isn’t there yet.”

First planted in 1993, Alder Springs, whose fruit has supplied many of California’s most acclaimed and adventurous wineries, became known for doing what few believed possible. Bewley pioneered organic frost protection to grow high-quality fruit on a rugged mountain site at elevations between 1,700 and 2,700 feet; committed to no-till farming from the outset to protect the salmon-bearing streams that run through the property; and spent 15 years transitioning the vineyard to regenerative practices. Today, it grows 43 commercial varieties — among them rarities in California such as Petite Arvine, Mencía, Counoise, Pelaverga and Aligoté — alongside ongoing trials of hundreds of variety, clone, and rootstock combinations.

Over the years, Alder Springs fruit appeared in a wide range of highly rated wines from dozens of significant California producers.

Looking ahead, Bewley will redirect his focus to other profitable enterprises, including his carbon-sequestration company, Carbon Storage Solutions LLC, land-stewardship work, and his role on the board of the Pacific Forest Trust. Some members of the Alder Springs team will transition to those businesses alongside him; the vineyard is assisting others in finding new opportunities in the industry.

Bewley will retain ownership of the ranch with no intention to sell.

“We have loved this business and working with each of the producers who came here,” said Bewley. “The wine industry has had a major downturn, and it hit them. Had our customers been able to weather it, they would have kept buying fruit, and we’d still be growing.”

Bewley and his team will farm through the current season with the same commitment that has defined the vineyard from the start.

“We will be making 2026 our very best vintage in our 33 years in this business,” said Bewley.

About Alder Springs Vineyard

Founded in 1993 by Stuart Bewley, Alder Springs Vineyard is one of California’s most distinctive high-elevation winegrowing estates. Known for pioneering regenerative mountain viticulture and an exceptional diversity of grape varieties, it has supplied fruit to many of California’s most respected wineries for more than three decades, earning a reputation well beyond its size. For more information, visit https://www.alderspringsvineyard.com/vineyard/

NEWS SOURCE: Alder Springs Vineyard

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Alder Springs Vineyard), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/alder-springs-vineyard-to-conclude-farming-after-2026-harvest/

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Festive California Dairy-Inspired Recipes

Real California Milk offers red, white and delicious ways to gather with family and friends this Fourth of July

TRACY, Calif., June 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, Real California Milk is helping families make the holiday even more memorable with festive recipes featuring wholesome, delicious dairy products made with milk from California family dairy farms, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today.

image caption: Real California Milk offers red, white and delicious ways to gather with family and friends this Fourth of July.

Whether hosting a backyard barbecue, neighborhood gathering or family picnic, these red, white and blue-inspired recipes bring flavor, fun and California dairy goodness to every celebration.

“America’s 250th birthday is a milestone worth celebrating with family, friends and great food,” said Jennifer Giambroni, Vice President of Communications Services at the CMAB. “These recipes showcase the versatility and quality of Real California dairy products while creating memorable moments around the table.”

Featured recipes include:

Red Velvet White Chocolate Shake
A rich and indulgent shake made with California dairy, combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake and creamy white chocolate. This patriotic dessert delivers a smooth, decadent taste and striking red, white, and blue presentation that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Red, White & Berry Cheesecake Shake
This creamy shake, made with California dairy, blends rich cheesecake-inspired flavors with fresh berries for a sweet, celebratory treat bursting with bright summer flavor. Smooth, refreshing, and indulgent, it’s the perfect dessert for festive gatherings and warm-weather celebrations.

Extreme Summer Smoothie Bowl
A refreshing and vibrant smoothie bowl made with creamy California Greek yogurt and topped with colorful fruit for a festive and nourishing treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light summer dessert, it delivers a delicious balance of freshness, flavor, and eye-catching appeal.

Family Celebration Board
Designed for sharing, this crowd-pleasing board features an assortment of California cheeses and accompaniments, making it the perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings.

California is the nation’s leading dairy state, producing high-quality milk and dairy products that help bring families together for celebrations throughout the year. By choosing products bearing the Real California Milk seal, consumers can be confident they are supporting California dairy farm families and enjoying dairy products made with milk from California.

To find these recipes and more Fourth of July inspiration, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

ABOUT REAL CALIFORNIA MILK / CALIFORNIA MILK ADVISORY BOARD

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world.

Connect with the CMAB at https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/.

Follow on social: Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

LOGO link for media: https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/themes/cmab/assets/images/logo-en.webp

NEWS SOURCE: California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/celebrate-americas-250th-birthday-with-festive-california-dairy-inspired-recipes/

Hillcrest Announces Second Annual UnityFest Celebrating Community, Inclusion, and Belonging

UnityFest reflects Hillcrest’s longstanding commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and connected

LA VERNE, Calif., June 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hillcrest, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in La Verne, will host its second annual UnityFest, bringing together residents, families, employees, volunteers, community partners, and guests on June 26 from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest campus, 2705 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA 91750. Dedicated to connection, celebration, and inclusion, UnityFest celebrates Pride and the spirit of commUnity!

IMAGE caption: Hillcrest invites the community to join its second annual Unity Fest on June 26 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at its La Verne campus, 2705 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA 91750. UnityFest celebrates connection, inclusion, Pride, and the spirit of commUnity.

Attendees can enjoy barbecue and music, along with a resource fair, while connecting with neighbors and friends from diverse backgrounds. Aiden Aizumi from PFLAG LA will speak during UnityFest at 12:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Meeting House.

“The strength of Hillcrest comes from its residents, employees, families, and volunteers, who share a commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant place to call home,” said Jack Meek, resident and chairman of the Hillcrest Board of Directors. “We look forward to hosting our second annual UnityFest, a celebration of our commitment to being an inclusive, welcoming community where people from all backgrounds can connect, engage, and feel a sense of belonging.”

COMMUNITY PARTNERS PARTICIPATING IN UNITYFEST INCLUDE:

La Verne Community Center

Tri City Mental Health

Aging Next

Amada Senior Care

LA County Department of Public Health

Hillcrest Retirement Community

Pomona Valley Pride

Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter

PFLAG LA

Pilgrim Place

UnityFest reflects Hillcrest’s longstanding commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and connected.

“During this year’s Pride Month celebration, we recognize that Pride is not only celebrated in June, but every day, Pride 365. As community partners throughout the Pomona Valley, Pomona Valley Pride is proud to extend our collaboration with Hillcrest in La Verne. Unity Fest celebrates the spirit of community by bringing together people from all walks of life while honoring our intergenerational community, where we continue to learn, grow, and support one another,” said Edgar Jacuinde, Program Director of Pomona Valley Pride. “Pomona Valley Pride looks forward to celebrating with Hillcrest in honor of Pride Month and continuing to build spaces where we uplift each other, show support, and strengthen our community every day.”

Hillcrest was founded by the same progressive Brethren who established the University of La Verne. As one of the Historic Peace Churches committed to justice, equality, and radical inclusion, it has a legacy of welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations.

“We invite our neighbors to join us at UnityFest,” said Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest. “We believe that a strong community is built on meaningful connections and a genuine sense of belonging.”

ABOUT HILLCREST

Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, and San Bernardino and at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit https://livingathillcrest.org/.

MULTIMEDIA:

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0624-s2p-hillcrest-300dpi.webp

NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrest-announces-second-annual-unityfest-celebrating-community-inclusion-and-belonging/

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Alder Springs Vineyard to Conclude Farming After 2026 Harvest

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Festive California Dairy-Inspired Recipes

Hillcrest Announces Second Annual UnityFest Celebrating Community, Inclusion, and Belonging