NEXT MEETING: December 14, 2018

What to expect for your taxes in 2019

What changes will we see in our 2019 tax laws and procedures? Our resident CPA, Connie Tritt, will gives us a rundown on what to expect: the good, bad and maybe deferable.

So come, listen, and prepare to stock up on either aspirin or champagne.

MEETING OF December 7, 2018

Welcome

Jim Findley lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb asked for a moment of reflection for peace and justice on Earth. Syd’s Thought for the Day: Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how

Our guests were Jeff Sloan, the Executive Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Program. He was a guest for the last time (see below).
John Bassett, General Manager of the Shops at Hilltop.
Scott Harris, owner of a digital marketing business in Point Richmond.
And finally, our speaker, Leslie Lundin from LBG Real Estate.

Announcements

• • David announced that the auction, when we receive a promised payment from Chevron, will have raised $38,181! Also, we raised $7,240 for bicycles for the toy giveaway, of which the Club matched $5,000, plus another $2,100 was raised at the auction, so we donated a total of more than $14,000 for bikes! Finally, David circulated a basket to collect tips for our waitstaff at the Country Club.
  • Alan B. announced bell ringing at Macy’s at the Shops at Hilltop on December 22 and circulated a sign-up sheet.
  • Don L. announced that the toy giveaway (including the bikes) will be on December 22m, starting at 8am at the Downer Family Y, and invited any one to attend (and help).
  • President Jerry announced the Richmond Rotary Holiday Party will be on December 8, at 5:30 pm, at the Richmond Art Center. The cost is $15 per person.
  • Jan announced new member of the Club’s Board of Directors: Oscar and Jim Findley. Norm had agreed to serve another term. Next year’s officers are Jan as President, Alan B. as Sergeant at Arms (a dramatic departure: Syd has been doing that for as long as I can remember), Connie will be Secretary and Jon and Erle will be co-Foundation Chairs. Jan thanked everyone for their willingness to serve.
  • Erle announced the Crab Feed. January 26 at Salesian High School cafeteria. Buy whole tables, not just individual tickets, and you have no tickets nor reservations until David has your money! There will be a button on the web site to buy your tables.
  • Jim announced a fundraiser for victims of the fires in Butte County being put on by the Elks Club, but it will be past by the time you read this.
  • Jerry announced that Stacey has agreed to the President of the Richmond Rotary Club in 2020!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Shops at Hilltop and Hilltop by the Bay

Today’s speaker was Leslie Lundin from LBG Real Estate, which purchased Hilltop Mall and the 77 acres of land it occupies. The mall has been renamed “The Shops at Hilltop” and the entire property as “Hilltop By the Bay”.

Hilltop By the Bay will be a mixed-use community (a new city within the city), including more than 3,500 residential dwelling units (a mix of rentals, for-sale and affordable), offices, recreational amenities and 1.2 million square feet of retail. The latter will be in the Shops at Hilltop, a portion of which will be anchored by a 99 Ranch Market and several other businesses calculated to appeal to Asian consumers, which is the fastest growing and one of the wealthiest demographics in the region. Once those businesses start pulling in buyers, mainstream retailers will follow, many of which will be outlets.

One problem with the plan is that the cost of residential construction is outstripping the income that can be received from them, so they may have to be prefabricated buildings or wait for construction costs to go down. Look at their web site for a really cool video of what the completed development might look like, lots of statistics about the demographics and wealth of the region served by Hilltop Mall (Richmond is wealthier than you think!), and information about retailers and restaurants expected to occupy the rehabilitated mall. That’s Shophilltop.com.