Wood framed buildings are much, much safer in earthquakes and with plywood shear walls can be considered the very safest construction method. Aesthetically, I

Wood framed buildings are much, much safer in earthquakes and with plywood shear walls can be considered the very safest construction method. Aesthetically, I dislike it because I have a taste for very solid, permanent things, but if you live in California, stud-wall ("stick built") construction with plywood shear walls over them is really the only choice.