Alten Construction celebrates groundbreaking of McClymonds High School
OAKLAND, Calif. — Alten Construction, a full-service San Francisco Bay Area commercial construction company, recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodel and modernization of McClymonds High School, part of the Oakland Unified School District. Located at 2607 Myrtle Street in Oakland, the $92.75 million project will include essential upgrades to building systems such as plumbing replacement with lead abatement, seismic improvements, and the modernization of heating, electrical,
Fire Safe Academy-Contractor Training Course RETROFITTING FOR WILDFIRE
Course Description Fire Safe Marin, the region’s leading wildfire education organization, has partnered with world-renowned wildfire scientist Dr. Steve Quarles, Marin Wildfire, and the Marin Community Foundation to create this first-of-its-kind online training program, free of charge for licensed contractors. Participants are admitted in waves, with each wave capped at limited capacity. Complete the form down below to get on the waitlist. Through the FREE 5-hour course, you will learn: How embers,
Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program Awards $25,500 to Twelve Extraordinary Students
The 2026 annual awards were presented on Wednesday, June 17th at the Scholarship Awards, Past Presidents & Honorary Members Reception, hosted at The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael. To view the full gallery of the evening's photos, click HERE. Scholarships were determined after an initial screening of applicants and interviews by an independent selection committee. The committee included Jesse Madsen, Director, Marin County Office of Education and Rob Devincenzi, President and
Utilizing Peak Water Demand Calculator benefits developers, builders and residents.
CPC Appendix M or the Water Demand Calculator (WDC) provides a method for estimating the demand load for the building water supply, principal branches, and risers for single family and multifamily dwellings. The peak water demands derived using CPC Appendix M inform the recommended diameter of water supply pipes. The alternative approach of using CPC Appendix M methodology in conjunction with CPC Appendix A or pipe sizing yields lower design flow rates and smaller distribution piping when compared to
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Breakthrough Permit Resolution in Novato Offers a New Model for Marin County
Novato, CA — June 15, 2026 — A complex red-tagged property in Novato has successfully achieved FEMA compliance, removed a red tag, and avoided costly structural elevation or reconstruction, creating a potential model for resolving similar permit challenges for other Novato Homeowners. The project was led by Clare Michael, who coordinated the effort to navigate regulatory requirements, technical challenges, and stakeholder alignment. Referred by Denise Athos, long-time realtor and Novato City Councilmember,
Community Development Agency Warns Permit Applicants of Phishing Scam
Marin County, CA – The Marin County Community Development Agency is warning planning and building permit applicants about a phishing scam involving fake emails that request payment for permit-related fees. CDA has received reports that applicants are receiving emails that appear to come from Community Development Agency Director Sarah Jones. The emails state that the applicant owes an administrative fee and include an invoice attachment. The emails are fake and were not sent by CDA. Permit applicants
Heat Illness - Warning Signs
Understanding Heat Illnesses In the construction industry, heat illness isn't just a matter of discomfort - it is a critical safety hazard that can escalate from fatigue to a life-threatening medical emergency in a matter of minutes. Because heavy physical labor, direct sun exposure, and personal protective equipment (PPE) drastically accelerate dehydration and core body temperature, proactive intervention is essential. Heat illness occurs when your body gets too hot and can no longer cool itself. It
Marin Builders Association Board of Directors and Staff Thank Christine Puccini for 10 Years of Service and Congratulate Her on Retirement
San Rafael, CA — July 9 — The Marin Builders Association Board of Directors and staff extend their heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Christine Puccini as she retires after 10 years of dedicated service to the association, its members, and the broader Marin County building community. Over the past decade, Christine has played a meaningful role in strengthening the member experience, deepening engagement, and helping Marin Builders Association grow as a connected and service-driven organization.
Warning to MBA Members: Businesses Being Targeted in New Website Privacy Lawsuits
Dear Members, We want to make you aware of a growing legal issue impacting businesses across California, including companies in the construction industry. One of our members was recently served with a lawsuit related to the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The claim alleges that the company’s website used a tracking pixel or similar website technology without obtaining proper visitor consent. Like many businesses, the member was unaware that their website configuration could create potential
Marin Builders Association PAC Announces Endorsements of Damon Connolly, Eric Lucan, Mary Sackett, and Magali Limeta
San Rafael, CA — May 5, 2026 — The Marin Builders Association Political Action Committee, known as BAPAC, today announced its endorsement of Damon Connolly for California State Senate, Eric Lucan for California State Assembly, Mary Sackett for Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1, and Magali Limeta for Marin County Board of Supervisors District 5. BAPAC supports candidates who understand the essential role the building industry plays in Marin County’s economy, housing supply, workforce development,
Sands Anderson -- Ten Common Employment Law Mistakes That Get Employers Sued (a Management-Side Perspective)
Most employment lawsuits don’t start with dramatic misconduct or bad actors. They start with small, avoidable decisions that no one thought would matter—until they did. In my experience representing employers, the practices that cause the most damage are rarely exotic or cutting‑edge. They’re the routine, “we’ll get to it later” items: missing documentation, inconsistent discipline, outdated policies, or decisions made out of frustration instead of process. Employment law rewards preparation and
Welcoming Julia Scardina, Welcoming Back Orna Weisberg, Celebrating Casey Mazzoni’s Next Chapter, and Welcoming Josh Townsend and Strategic 32
San Rafael, CA — May 4, 2026 — Marin Builders Association is pleased to announce several important team updates as the organization continues its work supporting members, partners, and the local building community. The Association is excited to welcome Julia Scardina as Office Administrative Assistant. In this role, Julia is responsible for front office administrative duties and helps ensure a positive experience for members, partners, and visitors. She works closely with the team to help daily processes
Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500
Planning an Outdoor Digging Project this Spring? Call 811 Before You Dig to Avoid Repair Costs Averaging $3,500 In 2025, there were over 1,200 incidents in Northern and Central California where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging OAKLAND, Calif. — Every year during spring and summer months, many California homeowners and residents turn their attention to yard improvement projects that involve digging. Whether it’s repairing or replacing a fence, planting or landscaping, or installing
Sonoma Clean Power Seeking Contractors Interested in Future Public Works Projects
Sonoma Clean Power Authority (“Authority”) is creating lists of contractors interested in performing public works projects for the Authority beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing until December 31, 2026.Submittals and/or questions may be directed to Beau Anderson, Building Operations & IT Manager, at operations@sonomacleanpower.org To be included on the Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s (“Authority”) list of contractors for informal repairs, maintenance, and construction contracts, all contractors must