May, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
If the recent and alarming news stories coming from Nashville school boards, North Carolina city councils, Texas and Oklahoma state houses, the Senate, and now the Supreme Court, share a common thread, perhaps it is that “Elections have consequences.” (Barack Obama, 2009)
To advance our Democratic goals of safe, fair and just treatment under the law, a cleaner greener environment, protecting reproductive rights and voting rights, and expanding education, economic, and housing opportunities, we must continue to get Democrats to turn out and vote in every election — for every level of government.
So please, consider joining the LDC Precinct Organizing Project. Become a Democratic Leader and Organizer in our community. Help engage, educate and elect Democrats — the mission of this club. The June primary is fast approaching, but it is never too late to join the team! No experience is necessary, and you can Get Out The Vote on your own schedule, in your own precinct, and in a way that works best for you and your neighbors.
Together, LDC Precinct Organizers reach tens of thousands of Contra Costa Democratic voters each election cycle, neighbor-to-neighbor. The program is effective in getting out the vote, and it’s fun being part of a team effort. It’s also great way to get to know your Democratic neighbors, and other members of the Club. Current LDC Precinct Organizers live in Lamorinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez, and San Ramon.
To join the Precinct Organizing team or find out more, please send an email to:
GOteam@LDclub.org
The next Lamorinda Democratic Club general meeting is on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. It is our June 2022 Primary “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Ballot) meeting, where we will go over the ballot, and answer remaining election questions. Additionally, next Thursday’s meeting will provide another “Round-Table” discussion opportunity. Using break-out rooms on Zoom, members will gather around the table (virtually) to share ideas and thoughts about the upcoming election and other political news items.
I hope you can join us on Thursday, May 12! In the meantime, be sure to look for your ballot arriving by mail soon, and please return it early!
To those of you who are moms, or playing the role, or celebrating, or remembering your own mothers this Sunday, Happy Mothers Day.❤️
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
NEXT LDC GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to register and receive the Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsce-tqDgqHNKa8WWki0hlA9d_6GjyczTq
MIND THE GAP
We are trying to fill in a few gaps in our Precinct Organizing voter outreach. If you live in one of the following precincts, we would especially love your help getting out the vote:
Lafayette (LFET) 103,104,110,113
Orinda (ORDA) 103, 104, 106
Moraga (MORG) 102,103
Walnut Creek (WLCR) 105, 107
LDC CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
The following CA June Primary Election candidates received endorsements from the Lamorinda Democratic Club:
Contra Costa County District Attorney: Diana Becton
Contra Costa County Assessor: Floy Andrews
Contra Costa County Sheriff – Coroner: Benjamin Therriault
Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder: Kristin Connelly
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 4: Carlyn Obringer
LDC LEGISLATION ENDORSEMENT
The LDC also endorsed California Senate Bill 912, authored by Senator Monique Limón. SB 912 is sponsored by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the University of California. It would increase access to biomarker testing, which can help determine the best treatment plan for a specific patient. Click here to read the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s fact sheet about the bill.
LDC BYLAWS CHANGES APPROVED
Three bylaws changes were approved at the last meeting.
The Club Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget to be approved by the membership.
Unbudgeted expenditures of $2,000 or more shall require approval by the membership.
The LDC President may authorize unbudgeted expenditures less than $2,000 upon LDC Board approval and following consultation with LDC Treasurer – to assure adequate funds.
April, 2022 Letter
- JUNE 9 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS recommended by the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee (Contra Costa District Attorney, Contra Costa Clerk/Recorder, Contra Costa Sheriff, Contra Costa Board of Supervisors District 4)
- LEGISLATIVE ISSUE ENDORSEMENT recommended by the LDC Issues & Candidates Committee
- LDC BYLAWS CHANGE recommended for endorsement by the LDC Board of Directors
- LDC 2022 BUDGET recommended for endorsement by the LDC Finance Committee
To register and receive the link for the Zoom meeting, please click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/
March, 2022 Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends,
If there is any subject that can demonstrate the sweeping expanse of our Big Blue Democratic tent, surely it must be California Housing: specifically, the new California laws derived from California SB9 and SB10.
No matter where you are on the spectrum of opinions, we hope you will join us for the next Lamorinda Democratic Club General Meeting on Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to get answers to your housing questions and to learn about some local implications of the new state legislation.
The evening’s expert panel includes:
- Greg Wolff, Planning Director, City of Lafayette
- Jim Cervantes, Chair of Lafayette GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee), and newly appointed Member of the California Housing Finance Agency Board
- Cindy Darling, Walnut Creek City Council Member, former Chair of Walnut Creek Planning Commission
Additionally, LDC members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to endorse a recent bill introduced by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. The Saving Local News Act (H.R. 6068) would make it easier for newspapers to become non-profits, allowing them the flexibility to focus less on maximizing profits and more on producing quality content. The local news resolution (H.Res. 821) addresses the urgent need for Congress to prevent the further decline of local media outlets. Please click here to learn more about these bills.
Please be sure to register in advance for the meeting. You can click here to register, and then you will receive a confirmation email.
If you have not yet renewed your LDC membership, please do so by clicking here. Only members who have renewed their membership by March 31 will be eligible to vote for the first round of 2022 Candidates and Issues endorsement recommendations at the April 14 general meeting.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
February, 2022 Letter
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January, 2022 Letter
- Go online: https://ldclub.org/
join/ - Mail a check for $60 to: Lamorinda Democratic Club, P.O. Box 31, Orinda, CA 94563
Questions about membership or getting more involved? Please contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk at MEMBERSHIP@LDclub.org.
December, 2021 Letter


November Letter
Lamorinda Democratic Club Members and Friends, If the autumn of 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that “All politics are local” is ringing louder and truer than ever before.
From Virginia school board fights over false narratives about “Critical Race Theory,” to Texas legislative attacks on reproductive rights, local issues exploded onto the national scene and may likely have the staying power to drive the elections of 2022.
The Lamorinda Democratic Club has always recognized the power of LOCAL. We know the importance of understanding what’s happening in our neighborhoods, and harnessing the influence of our local members, organizers, and activists to affect change in, and well beyond our communities. And we know that our mission to “engage, educate, and elect Democrats” can make a positive, lasting change in the lives of our families, neighbors, and the friends we have yet to meet.
Please join us for the next, and last, LDC General meeting of 2021, when city council members from Concord, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek will be presenting Adapting to Climate Change—a Local Update this Thursday, November 11, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. If you would like to receive a Zoom link, please send email to: webzoom@LDclub.org
How is climate change already affecting local city planning for housing, transportation, land-use and development, water, energy, traffic, local economy, emergency management? Our Thursday meeting will provide an opportunity to hear from local elected leaders about adaptation strategies, actions and ideas, and about some of the specific challenges our communities face.
Thank you to the following invited speakers for participating in what we hope will be just the first in a series of presentations dedicated to the topic:
- Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Council
- Carl Anduri, Lafayette City Council
- Wei-Tai, Lafayette City Council
- Teresa Onoda, Moraga Town Council
- Amy Worth, Orinda City Council
- Ken Carlson, Pleasant Hill City Council
- Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek City Council
- Cindy Darling, Walnut Creek City Council
In this season of grace and giving, thank you to each and every member and friend of the Lamorinda Democratic Club for doing your part to respect and improve the lives of our neighbors—regardless of their immigration status, their race and ethnicity, how they’re employed, where they live, or who they love.
Thank you for your compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Thank you for listening to all sides of the argument, trusting science, and recognizing reason.
Thank you for being part of the LDC team, and for making a difference.
May the Veterans among you enjoy a peaceful Veterans Day. Thank you and your families for your service.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Tracy Brog
Lamorinda Democratic Club President
On the Calendar:
Time to Renew or Join! The Lamorinda Democratic Club Membership 2022 Renewal Campaign begins officially on Tuesday, November 30, which also happens to be “Giving Tuesday!” Please remember the LDC when you are writing annual checks for your favorite non-profits! To join, renew, or donate, please click on this link, or you may mail a check to:
Lamorinda Democratic Club
P.O. Box 31
Orinda, CA 94563Questions about membership? Contact LDC Membership Chair Mike Rusk at membership@LDclub.org
LDC Thursday Morning Coffee
Join us on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10 a.m. for lively banter about the news and politics of the day! If you are new to the Club, or new to town, this is a particularly great way to meet some long-time members and friends of the LDC, as well as some LDC Board members.
We’d like to know what’s on your mind! Contact: membership@LDclub.org
How to Run a Political Campaign
The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County is offering two trainings this month: :
- Candidate Basics Training: Saturday, November 13, 1-2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
- Campaign Management 101: Saturday, November 20, 1-2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
Contra Costa Democrats Connecting!
Join the Contra Costa Young Dems and the Lamorinda Democratic Club for a no-host get-together on Wednesday, December 15, 7-9 p.m.
Drop in at Headlands Brewing in Lafayette to meet new Dems or reconnect with friends!
3420 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Facebook Event Link: https://fb.me/e/1qfacSPtE
In Memoriam: Our community will miss long-time Lamorinda Democratic Club member, Betty Karplus of Orinda, who passed away on September 22.
“What a wonderfully talented, generous, and energetic person she was!” from LDC Board Member Mary Ann Hoisington.
“A brilliant, and remarkable woman — modest, down-to-earth, and kind.” from LDC Board Member Valerie Sloven.
Betty was a World War II welder, a physicist, researcher, teacher, Orinda Citizen of the Year, a pioneer for the rights of students with disabilities, mother of seven, grandmother of sixteen, and great grandmother of sixteen! In her 70’s, Betty joined the Peace Corps and worked for two years in a home for handicapped children, in Jamaica. The obituary in the Orinda News included a photo of Betty in July 2021, painting a picnic table in Sequoia National Park—as part of a refurbishment project—her way of celebrating her 95th birthday. She was 96 years old. To those of you who were lucky enough to have called Betty a friend, our sincerest condolences. No doubt, her life well-lived will continue to inspire so many of us.
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