On the heels of the announcement this morning by Facebook that it has officially hit 500 million users, socalTECH has mined its database of high tech companies, and identified a few of the firms here in Southern California hoping to ride Facebook's coat-tails to success and fortune.

RealGifts, San Diego - a facebook application which allows users to send both real and virtual gifts to their friends. Backed by Facebook's fbFund. [Profile]

Friendgiftr, Hollywood - looking to allow Facebook users to send actual gift cards to their friends. Founded by Rob Carpenter. [Profile].

Favrav, Westlake Village - FavRav has developed an online tool to help small businesses to promote and gain referrals from facebook users. Founded by Taher Scherzay and Bill Manos [Profile]

Sometrics, Los Angeles - Sometrics, originally founded as a provider of analytics for Facebook apps, is now also powering virtual goods and currency tools for social games on Facebook and other platforms. Backed by Steamboat Ventures, Greycroft Partners, AT&T, and The Mail Room Fund. Headed by Ian Swanson. [Profile]

Have we missed a firm here poised to take advantage of Facebook's popularity and growth? Let us know!