Voices of Service & Rebecca Gomez's Story

Voices of Service & Rebecca Gomez's Story A story of Women's Political Action in Southern California

Women in political offices have faced the odds on the campaign trail in order to better their communities across southern California. The story of Rebecca Gomez embodies the spirit of numerous other women who have made the same strides in the political arena to enact change for the people of Southern California.

The drive for women to participate in local politics is by no means a recent development. Women in Orange County have been politically active since the 1970’s according to this LA Times article. The paper covers a workshop held in Orange County in 1975 that strove to encourage more women to run for local offices. While the women were aware of the obstacles ahead of them, it was a challenge these women were eager to tackles as Dr. Carlotta Mellon put it, “Orange County Politics is a puzzle, but the puzzle is small enough so that you can figure it out.”

"Most of my volunteer work had been in the schools and I already had influence there, but I really felt like I could make a difference by running for city council. And so, that was why I ran.” - Rebecca Gomez

In more recent times, Rebecca "Beckie" Gomez, has a decorated political career that embodies the spirit of women in service. Her passion for her community and ensuring better quality education for the next generations led her down the path of public office in the male dominated political landscape of Tustin politics.

“And so, in campaigns, it’s the same thing. You have to be just like anybody else. You should be knowledgeable. But unfortunately, as a female, you have to be twice as knowledgeable to have the same kind of respect that perhaps a man would have." - Rebecca Gomez

Women have been discouraged from the field of politics due to the dominant position men have had in government affairs ever since the beginning of this country. Beckie didn't let that discourage her from participating in her city's local political affairs, despite the bias she knew she would be facing.

“Here in Tustin, to the best of my knowledge I’m only the fifth female to ever be elected in Tustin. So, it’s been very heavily male. Most of the meetings, I am the only female. So even in closed session, it is usually me and the gentlemen in the room. But again, I kind of go back to the competition aspect. As a young girl, when you’re used to being competitive, you’re not intimidated by other people.”

Local newspapers covering local governments noticed the wide gap in female representation in Beckie's district, to which Beckie would testify further. Despite her accomplished political career, Beckie would be denied higher political office in favor of her less experienced male counterparts.

“I think my interest in education, my concern for making sure that all kids get a great education, was really my driving force. There was some concern that I, personally, had as to whether or not the makeup of the board was going in the right direction. And again, with all the years of volunteer service as a PTA President and the President of Tustin Schools Foundation, I think it was really incumbent to try to get my voice heard because I think my council experience actually helps me on the Board of Education in looking at things on a bigger scope, not just looking at that immediate decision.” - Rebecca Gomez

Despite the hurdles that came with Beckie's gender in the political field, she has led a colorful career in both local government and in the Orange County Board of Education. Breaking the barriers that keep women out of politics is a difficult task, but numerous women have answered the call to seek a better society not just in the now, but for future generations as well.

Because of the stigmas and biases that have been inherit within local politics, many women have been discouraged from seeking public offices. This statistic from the National League of Cities reflects the dire need of further equal representation within local governing bodies.

While the realm of politics has been lacking female representation for a long time, women have been fighting to gain office regardless. As to those who would hesitate, Beckie offers words of encouragement to help other women join the movement.

Do it. Don’t be afraid, but also seek advice. Seek advice from other people... putting yourself out there in a campaign can be tough. It can be. And for women, they’ve got to have a lot of support. And traditionally that hasn’t been there for women... But I would really encourage more women to get involved" -Rebecca Gomez

Appreciate

Credits:

"Women on the Political Move Get Tips for Winning Elections" - LA Times Article written by Lokraine Bennett. Digital copy provided by proquest. Image of Rebecca Gomez provided by reelection website at https://beckiegomez.com. "Is Tustin City Council an ‘old boys’ club’? Depends whom you ask" article from Orange County Register written by Susan Christian Goulding. Rebecca Gomez's biography snipped from Orange County Department of Education website at https://ocde.us/Board/Pages/Gomez.aspx. Statistic of gender ratios in average city councils provided by the National League of Cities at https://www.nlc.org/city-councils. Quotes of Rebecca Gomez provided by the WPA project by the Center for Oral and Public History at CSU Fullerton http://www.fullerton.edu/wpaarchives/