Van de Kamp Elected President of California Bar

John Van de Kamp, who will be leaving his position as president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California July 1, was elected president of the California Bar Association Tuesday.

Van de Kamp will work full-time in his new role, but said he will continue to support Thoroughbred racing, both as an owner and through his experience gleaned during eight years as TOC president.

"I will always be interested in racing," Van de Kamp said. "I told (the TOC) I would continue to be helpful to it in any way that I could."

Prior to becoming president of the TOC in April 1996, Van de Kamp was California's attorney general for eight years beginning in 1982. He also ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1990.

As president of the California Bar, Van de Kamp said he hopes to increase diversity in the law profession and encourage pro bono service.

Currently, Van de Kamp is sharing the TOC's president's duties with Drew Couto.No permanent replacement for Van de Kamp has has been named, but Couto appears to be the frontrunner. Couto was the TOC president immediately preceding Van de Kamp's arrival.