DAUGHTER OF IMMIGRANT FARM WORKERS ELECTED COUNTY SUPERVISOR Rebecca Hermosillo and her family’s immigrant story

[this article was published in the Sonoma County Gazette: https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/daughter-of-immigrant-farm-worker-elected-as-sonoma-county-first-district-s/

By Christopher Kerosky

Camilo Hermosillo first came to California as a seasonal worker in 1947.? He picked fruit and vegetables up and down the state as part of the federal bracero program, which brought seasonal workers from Mexico to work as farm labor.? When he got to Sonoma Valley, he thought it was paradise and decided to raise his family here.

Camilo probably could not imagine then that his daughter would one day assume one of the top leadership positions in Sonoma County.?

With her election to County Supervisor for the First District covering Sonoma Valley, Oakmont, Bennet Valley and Rincon Valley, Rebecca Hermosillo has truly made history.? While her victory is extraordinary, the first Latina Supervisor in the County is part of a modern American dream story taking place all around us: the rise of many children of Mexican immigrants to successful positions in government, education and the private sector throughout the North Bay.?

A courtship that started at the church dance.

On a trip back to his hometown of Jalostotitlan in Jalisco, Mexico, Camilo met his future wife Maria.? “They met at a kermes –a fiesta organized by the church,” explains Rebecca.? “My dad was really nervous around my mom and waited for the outdoor mass to end so he could walk her home.”? ?

Soon Camilo and Maria were married, started a family and she joined Camilo in Sonoma Valley to raise their children together on the Leveroni ranch.? Rebecca was the youngest of 7 children.?

“We were a family of 9 living on one salary but we never felt like we did without; we had food in our pantry and an abundance of family around us.? Tamale season in the summer meant friends and family would come every weekend to the ranch and eat sweet corn tamales my dad would harvest in the morning and all the tias and tios (aunts and uncles) would shuck the corn and grind the maíze to make the fresh corn tamales and chile de tomatillo that we still make.? Many decades of memories were made at that ranch.”?Camilo retired from the dairy in his early 80’s, and then would help his wife with her house cleaning business.

Hard work was a way of life.

While Camilo worked in the dairy, Maria made a home for the kids, and everyone helped out with chores on the ranch.? Later, Rebecca’s parents opened Mi Tienda, Sonoma County’s first Mexican market and restaurant along Sonoma Highway. ??Rebecca and her siblings would tend the register, bus tables, and wash dishes.? ?“They taught us to always work hard, not quit, appreciate the opportunities this country has given us and give back.”?? Rebecca remembers her parents allowing customers to run up a tab when they could not afford their groceries, telling them ‘Pay when you can.’

After Mi tienda closed, Maria went back to cleaning houses she could have a flexible schedule and be at home with the kids. Rebecca’s mother retired two years ago but still works non-stop at age 86—taking care of the house, preparing meals and putting stamps on many envelopes for Rebecca’s campaign.? “My mom was and is the caretaker for everyone.? During the campaign, I would have long days and nights and she always had a plate of food for me or would slice up fruit and leave it on my desk.? She is the best”.

Single mother and career in public service

Rebecca attended Sonoma Valley High, studied at Santa Rosa Junior College and then earned an AA degree from Empire College.? After her kids were raised, she returned to school, earning a B.A. in public administration from Park University, graduating with honors.? “Both of my parents were able to see me graduate, their first child to get a college degree.”

Over the years, Rebecca worked various jobs in the private sector including serving as Executive Director of the Valley of the Moon Teen Center.? Almost twelve years ago, she took a position in Congressman Mike Thompson’s local office, where she continues to work providing constituent services.? In that role, Rebecca has helped thousands of local constituents navigate federal entities including the immigration process, keeping many families together in the process.?

While working full-time, Rebecca raised her own family in Sonoma Valley.? She has two grown sons, Cory and Ramon, now each pursuing their own professional careers.? She has a grandson, Mateo, who is her “pride and joy”.

Si Se Puede.

The significance of her election is not lost on Rebecca.? “I am humbled to be in the position I am in now to make history in a county that I was raised in and that I love.? I hope that by me running, I am a beacon of hope for kids that look like me, that they understand that they too can be here, and hopefully they are encouraged to run for office as well.” ?

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CHRISTOPHER A. KEROSKY of the law firm of KEROSKY & GALLELLI has practiced immigration law for over 25 years. He currently teaches law at Empire Law School and is a former member of the Sonoma County Human Rights Commission. He helped found My American Dreams, a non-profit promoting knowledge and understanding about immigrants and immigration law.?www.MyAmericanDreams.org .

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