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Autopsy service takes heat over zoning violation

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, November 2, 2005.

Autopsy/Post Services Inc. (APS) purchased a building in a commercial zone where at least 70 percent of the first floor area must be used for retail stores, restaurants or offices. Shortly after buying the building, APS obtained a city building permit to remodel the building for a "medical laboratory."

But when owner Vidal Herrera later applied for a city permit for an exterior sign showing the name of his business "1-800-AUTOPSY," the city informed Herrera his application was rejected.  more...

Trade show reveals latest in kitchen design

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, November 2, 2005.

Our friends Gerilyn and Mark have just started a down-to-the-studs kitchen remodel at their rancher in San Leandro, Calif.

For a couple of months they've been running around to various stores and clicking through the Web, looking at appliances, cabinets, countertops and flooring. They are careful shoppers, blessed with good taste. They want their new kitchen to be functional, simple and elegant. But they don't want to refinance the national debt.  more...

Does lease-option require renter to pay for repairs?

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, November 2, 2005.

DEAR BOB: Someone is buying my home on a rent-with-option-to-buy condition. She will forfeit $30,000 if she does not go through with the purchase at the end of the lease. I am asking her to pay the property tax and insurance while leasing. Can I also ask her to take care of any repairs while she leases? – Maria F.

DEAR MARIA: Yes, you can ask whatever you want. Whether the tenant-buyer will agree to pay the repair costs during the lease-option period is up to her to decide.  more...