OAKLAND, CA-The Bay Area commercial real estate market remains active, as seen with two recent purchases in Oakland and Petaluma. Two companies purchased large properties this month.

SAN FRANCISCO-The Grosjean Rice Milling Plant, which consists of a 4.2-acre piece of land at 1875 Marin Street in San Francisco, will soon be home to a 100,000-sf FedEx distribution center.

OAKLAND, CA-Relocating from Berkeley to Oakland, Franz Inc. will move into 10,535-sf at 555 City Center in August. The 21-story building recently opened and is considered one of downtown Oakland's prime locations.

OAKLAND, CA-The September conference will feature more than 25 sessions with authors, researchers and governing officials speaking on several topics, including organization development, professional advancement, urban and rural development, and legislative issues.

SAN FRANCISCO-Farella Braun and Martel will begin an extensive renovation project this June on its newly extended headquarters in San Francisco's historic Russ Building. The plan includes a full-build-out of four floors and interior improvements of 11 floors.

SAN JOSE-The San Jose Redevelopment Agency is seizing a property next to Fountain Alley for its redevelopment project, but not without a fight. San Jose Parking Inc. is defending its rights to the land.

LIVERMORE, CA-Experts say that Livermore continues to attract companies looking to relocate or expansion, even in today's soft market. American Precision has relocated its headquarters to Livermore Gateway Business Park West.

OAKLAND, CA-The city and port of Oakland filed suit against the state of California after federal agents, acting on the state's behalf, tried to seize military land for construction purposes. Now, the state will pay $11.6 million in rent to Oakland for the property.