I hope that all counties consider streamlining the building permit process as Sacramento is doing.
Good article about Energy Efficient Mortgages if you are considering purchasing a home - http://www.contracostatimes.com/real-estate-news/ci_18486421?nclick_check
An excellent article on deconstruction and diversion of building materials.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/918331/4cd6333432/281425269/a6ca3fb896/