There is no Thanksgiving hangover at municipalities this week, as most are slated to meet and provide updates on construction projects.

(Bloomberg) -- Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) may limit its exposure to claims by Countrywide Financial mortgage-backed securities investors after a federal judge said she may have erred two years ago by allowing some claims to proceed.

(AP) -- California environmentalists are suing Fresno County in an effort to block the proposed 886-acre Carmelita mine rock quarry project near Reedley.

(Bloomberg) -- Blackstone Group LP expects to increase sales of its property holdings in the next year, with potential buyers including real estate investment trusts and sovereign wealth funds, said Jonathan Gray, the firm's global head of real estate.

The Architecture Billings Index dipped slightly in the West, but demand for design services is still increasing, according to the latest report by the American Institute of Architects released on Wednesday.

A Vancouver, Wash.-based developer has broken ground on the 242-unit apartment complex called 15th and Market -- just one of several apartment projects under way in the East Village.

The San Diego County Water Authority announced Wednesday that its board of directors will on Nov. 29 consider approval of a 30-year water purchase agreement with Poseidon Resources, developer of the seawater desalination plant proposed for construction in Carlsbad.

(AP) -- Itsy-bitsy apartments are coming to San Francisco.

NewSchool of Architecture and Design students will be able to study abroad in Italy and New Zealand and take new courses in design programs beginning next fall.

San Diego County construction employment rebounded in October, according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank kicked off its annual Holiday Food Drive on Nov. 1, and the effort to feed families in need through the holidays is getting help from some well-known institutions around the city.

Orlando, Fla.-based SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced Tuesday it has acquired Knott's Soak City in Chula Vista for an undisclosed sum.

(Bloomberg) -- Wells Fargo & Co., the biggest U.S. home lender, must face a lawsuit that accuses the bank of overcharging veterans under a federal loan-refinancing program, a judge ruled.

Residents of La Jolla and regular visitors to Westfield UTC mall can now enjoy a new shopping, dining and entertainment experience, as its $180 million makeover is now complete.

Vista-based Electra Bicycle Co. has moved into a larger facility to accommodate its growing leisure and recreational bike business.

Bill Tall has spent the last 40 years doing what he loves. As the owner of City Farmers Nursery, he gardens, raises animals, teaches classes on site and seems always available to answer customers’ questions.

Five words are printed on the back of George Rogers' business cards and those of every staff member at Carlsbad-based RQ Construction (RQ): Safety. Ethics. Innovation. People. Teamwork.

The words of the 30th U.S. president and the availability of free WiFi at Starbucks might, to most, seem like improbable contributors to the success of a business, but not to Jody James Watkins.

Xpera Group, a San Diego-based construction consulting firm, has opened a new office in Walnut Creek, Calif., the third office for the company, which also has two offices in San Diego County.

The following properties are local winners and nominees for The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) awards for 2012.