An Interview with Rebecca Hermosillo, Supervisor Elect
Born and raised in Sonoma Valley, Rebecca Hermosillo will take office on January 6, representing the First District on the Board of Supervisors after a decade as a staff member for Fourth District Congressman Mike Thompson. The Sun’s Anna Pier talked with her about her background, current work, and aspirations for her new position.
Tell us about your girlhood and dreams.
I was born at Sonoma Valley Hospital when it was still one-story. I’m the youngest of seven children – three boys and four girls. I spoke Spanish with my parents, but English with my siblings and at Sassarini elementary school. It was a carefree childhood. The most you would plan or dream would be going to high school. And I did go to Sonoma High, but I had to leave after my freshman year. I was pregnant with my older son. I have another son, born three years later.
And yet you have a true success story.
In 1991 I got my GED. I am the only staff that Rep. Thompson ever hired with just a GED. But for myself, I researched and found Park University in Missouri, an online school designed to serve members of the service. I went to classes evenings and weekends over four years. Once, when I replied to a 4 a.m. text from the Congressman – he was in Washington – he asked, “What are you doing up?” I replied, “Studying.” I earned a B.A. in Public Administration, the first in my family to graduate college. I wanted that notch in my belt.
How did you come to work for Congressman Thompson?
I had met the Congressman when I worked at his civic engagement event, “Connecting Latino Voices.” I was the Executive Director of the Teen Center/Operation Youth, where I had been working for eight years. He also got wind of my work in the community from then-Supervisor Valerie Brown. His staff encouraged me to apply for a position, but the job description sent from the Congressional office was not appealing. I’m about connecting, working with people. But I had an interview anyway, in the fall of 2012, with his Chief of Staff, and a week later with the Congressman. I’m glad I moved on it. I started that January as a Constituent Services representative. There are no accidents; everything happens for a reason.
Talk about your work.
Of course, I had no experience working in a public office. Every day you learn how to pivot, how to find solutions. I got lots of support from staffer Cheryl Diehm. I still talk to her every day, and she will continue to be a resource for me. Thirty-to-forty percent of the 4th Congressional District constituents are Latino. I helped navigate issues, such as expediting passports, delayed immigration petitions, DACA renewals lost in the mail.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It’s helping people every day. I get paid to do it. Give me a problem, I’ll find a solution. I am now Senior Field Representative, and I run the Congressman’s Sonoma County office. I know that Rep. Thompson values my opinion and my feedback.
You have had a remarkable trajectory – from high school drop-out to trusted staffer for a US Congressman to Supervisor-elect of a large, complex county.
I feel like I’m a testament to perseverance, commitment to uplifting others, and ability to find solutions – all qualities that will be helpful to the District and County when I take office in January.
How do you feel about your new role?
It’s an honor to be in the position. I will focus on back-to-basic constituency services, being accessible, including monthly evening office hours in the Valley at the new County hub for services (19080 Lomita Avenue). I want it to be a welcoming place for constituents. I plan to model Rep. Thompson’s methods in delivering constituency services.
This is your first public office. Was it a huge learning curve?
I believe my experience in federal government will be really beneficial. I’ve worked all over the County as Field representative, because the 4th Congressional District includes all of District One, and parts of all the other Districts. What’s new for me is the Brown Act (California’s open meeting law).
The First district Supervisor is the sole elected representative of all the unincorporated areas, especially the Springs. How will you deal with that?
I’ll be sure the Springs is well-represented; for instance when looking for Federal, state and other funding sources that I’ve become aware of through my work.
How are you getting ready?
During the transition until I am sworn in, (the rules state) I cannot attend County meetings that are policy-driven, or speak to more than one supervisor about a particular issue. I can attend open and transparent meetings, being careful not to state my position on issues I will have to vote on. But I have been meeting with all the department heads and listening in on meetings. My recent homework has been the Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. I’ll end my job for Congressman Thompson at the end of November.
What do you do in your spare time?
There’s not much of it! Mowing the lawn, and recharging with friends.
Final thoughts about being our Supervisor?
As the first Latina supervisor, I hope my presence will encourage other Latinos to join boards, commissions, go for positions in government. It’s going to be great for us, for the Valley. I’m excited to be able to serve our community in a different capacity. I look forward to being a resource for our community. Don’t be surprised to see me at the Farmer’s Market or a grocery store.
Anything we haven’t covered?
I want to say I’m really glad the Sun will be continuing, reimagined.
