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America's Cup San Francisco fever starts! The first blush of San Francisco’s excitement for the 2013 America’s Cup was made evident today as hundreds of fans and dignitaries joined in celebrating the ceremonial signing of the agreement for the City to host the America’s Cup in 2013, complete with popping champagne corks, the America’s Cup itself and a digital competition between Mayor Ed Lee and four time America’s Cup winner Sir Russell Coutts. The event celebrated the start of construction on Pier 27, which will serve as the heart of the spectator village for the America’s Cup as well as the start and finish line for the Louis Vuitton Cup race from July 4 to Sept. 1, 2013, and the America’s Cup Match Finals from Sept. 7 to 22, 2013. “The America’s Cup will bring new life, new amenities and new excitement to San Francisco’s waterfront,” said Mayor Lee. “This great race, this grand tradition, this remarkable 161-year-old competition is part of the revitalization and refurbish...

The Oakland Builders Alliance, the advocacy group for Oakland's Commercial Real Estate Industry, has a new executive director. And I'm proud to say she's my business partner Beverly Rivas! Here's the announcement: Oakland Builders Alliance (OBA) Announces New Executive Director Oakland, California (April 18, 2012) - Beverly Rivas, social media and marketing entrepreneur, has been appointed Executive Director of the Oakland Builders Alliance (OBA). Over the last three months, Rivas has been working as the membership outreach coordinator, recruiting new members and re-structuring the organization. Under Rivas’ leadership, the organization has increased membership by 28%, implementing social media campaigns and hosting events. Rivas is a Bay Area native and graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California with B.A. in Communication and Political Science. Rivas has over 7 years experience in marketing and real estate development working on such projects as the Oa...