![From May 2008 to May 2009 the price of lumber and plywood fell 13.8 percent nationwide, and suppliers such as Pacific Coast Building Products' Anderson Lumber are grappling with the aftermath. From May 2008 to May 2009 the price of lumber and plywood fell 13.8 percent nationwide, and suppliers such as Pacific Coast Building Products' Anderson Lumber are grappling with the aftermath.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/8414330.jpg?1577874530)
Material Witness
Construction costs' momentary lapse of reason
The cost of lumber, steel, asphalt and other construction materials has been on a wild ride since the early part of this decade, but don’t be fooled by the relatively placid prices in 2009. Industry players say it’s likely just a brief respite before the roller coaster starts climbing again.
![Unveiled last October, the $350,000 Centennial Walk connects the Memorial Union with Shields Library.
(Photo courtesy of UC Davis) Unveiled last October, the $350,000 Centennial Walk connects the Memorial Union with Shields Library.
(Photo courtesy of UC Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/p8120053.jpg?1577874531)
Campus Construction
Projects keep the campus investing in its future
Before UC Davis played a huge role in bringing science and agriculture together and changing the course of history for California and the world, the importance of collaboration across disciplines was well recognized. That vision is perhaps nowhere better exemplified than at the campus Quad — the true heart of the campus since its founding — where the new Centennial Walk was unveiled last October.
Speedy Delivery
The promise of high-speed rail
The potential benefits of high-speed rail are huge. Transportation planners say a bullet train would meet or exceed the demand for transportation from our growing population between now and 2030 — at less than half the cost of building the five airport runways, 90 departure gates and 3,000 miles of new freeways that would otherwise be required. Building the system will provide 160,000 construction jobs and 450,000 permanent jobs in related industries, providing a much-needed boost to the economy.
![Marc Ross, a senior associate with CB Richard Ellis in Sacramento, specializes in investment and multifamily property. Marc Ross, a senior associate with CB Richard Ellis in Sacramento, specializes in investment and multifamily property.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_en20136---2009-04-01-at-11-25-32.jpg?1577874530)
Apartment Complex
Multifamily buyers build up cash and wait for bargains
The credit crunch and other broad changes in economic conditions cut a wide swath through the ranks of potential buyers. Those who are left are biding their time, lining up cash and waiting for a sweet deal, probably a distressed property at a bargain price. But far fewer multifamily properties are facing the default notices that helped drive down prices for single-family homes, and many landlords are trying to ride out the storm. The result is very few deals.
![Benicia paid consultants $40,000 to help with a branding strategy; among the recommendations were revitalizing and bringing people to the downtown waterfront, shown here. Benicia paid consultants $40,000 to help with a branding strategy; among the recommendations were revitalizing and bringing people to the downtown waterfront, shown here.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_7622-web.jpg?1577874530)
Secret Destination
Solano hopes to attract travel spending by uncovering its image
If Napa County is wine country and Calaveras County is frog-jumping territory, where does that leave a place like Solano? Trying to catch up, perhaps.Thirty years ago Napa County was where Solano is today, says Solano County Supervisor Mike Reagan. In 1992, Napa brought in $361 million in tourism revenue, and with $319 million, Solano wasn’t far behind. Fast-forward to 2006: Napa brought in almost $890 million, but Solano’s revenue only rose to $554 million.
![Trudy Nearn, principal, Generations law firm. Trudy Nearn, principal, Generations law firm.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/trudy-2.jpg?1577874531)
Estating the Obvious
A little planning goes a long way
Asset values are down, interest rates are down, and industry experts doubt the Obama administration will allow the current estate tax exemption to expire in 2010. That combination makes a ripe environment for creating or adjusting an estate plan, and financial advisers say acting now could save thousands — if not millions — of dollars later.