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Gang prevention law hurts Internet cafes

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

Thanh Thuy Vo owns a "CyberCafe" where individuals rent Internet computer time to send and receive e-mail messages, as well as research various topics. Within two years, the number of CyberCafes in Vo's community increased from 3 to 23.

The police chief advised the city manager of a major increase in criminal gang activity near these CyberCafes, including a murder. He suggested a new ordinance regulating CyberCafes.

Purchase Bob Bruss reports online.  more...

Bad drainage threatens home's foundation

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

Q: I live in an 8-year-old home in the Diamond Heights area of San Francisco. When it was built, a lot of excavation was done. The foundation had a lot of rebar, but below it was a lot of gravel. I was told that the gravel was there to improve drainage.

During heavy rains, water collects under the house and seeps up through the floor in the front of the house. I can see moisture under the granite entry (discoloration of the stone), and some of the moisture has crept up some 2-by-4s and onto the drywall.  more...

How can I avoid capital gains tax?

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

DEAR BOB: Please tell me my tax adviser is wrong. More than five years ago, I rented my condo to tenants who have been there ever since. Last month they moved out because they bought a house. Now I have decided to sell my condo, which has appreciated in market value by about $175,000, maybe more. Before I rented the condo, I lived in the condo for about four years. When I phoned my tax adviser, she said my condo sale will be subject to capital gains tax. Is there any way I can qualify for that $250,000 tax exemption you often discuss? – Robert R.  more...