Joe Gomez: Mr. Mayor

Mayor Joe Gomez was born and raised in Barstow. The eldest of six children born to Dennis and Frances Gomez of New Mexico. He attended Mt. St Joseph's for a few years and then the Barstow publics schools until graduating as a "Riffian" at Barstow High. He then attended Barstow Community College and transferred to Fullerton College majoring in business administration. He has been in the insurance business for 30 years.

Q: Describe a special memory you have in the High Desert.
A: Growing up on Barstow Road and Mt. View during the construction of St Joseph's Church until its completion.

Q: What will you remember most about serving as Mayor?
A: Keeping my promise to work with the city council by repairing the streets and infrastructure of Barstow. My quest to fight 'Childhood Obesity" by promoting running races and the Veteran's Home of California Mud Run.

Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I run to keep in shape and prepare for future races, along with spending time with our children and grandchildren.
Q: Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you.
A: That I was a dancer on Dick Clark's American Bandstand for a few years.

Q: If you could change one thing about the High Desert, what would it be?
A: I would like the High Desert cities to form their own Districts, rather then be part of San Bernardino County. With five board members consisting of Supervisors from Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia and Victorville.

Q: What person, living or from history, would you most like to have dinner with and why?
A: The person I would like to have dinner with is Napoleon Hill, best selling author of “Think and Grow Rich.” He also was known for his saying "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Q: Who is someone who had a big influence on your life?
A: Coach James Duarte, he was my track coach in high school. We soon became close friends and he is the Godfather to my daughter, Latecia. He put Barstow on the map by leading his cross-country teams to six state high school championships.

Q: What talent do you most wish you had?
A: I wish I had the talent of my son JJ, he is an talented artist and is working his passion as a tattoo artist at Addictive Arts.
Q: What is your favorite quotation?
A: "I yam what I yam" — Popeye

Q: What words of advice do you have for the next generation?
A: The advice that has been around for centuries. Honor thy father and thy mother.

Q: Tell us about the charities or causes that are close to your heart and why.
A: All of Veterans including those that live at the Veterans Home of Barstow. The patriotism they show for our country and the fact that all of them fought to give us our freedom in this country.

Q: What is something you are particularly proud of?
A: I am proud of being a single dad. I understand the needs of single parents and the challenges and rewards that come with raising my son, JJ, and two daughters, Latecia and Monica.

Q: What’s your favorite movie and why?
A: “Field of Dreams” is my favorite movie. Why? Makes me think of my dad. The catcher removes his mask and Ray recognizes his father as a young man. As his father heads toward the cornfield, Ray asks his "Dad" to play catch. I wish I had the same chance.

Q: Tell us about your favorite thing about living in the High Desert?
A: The climate, clean air along with the beautiful desert.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?
A: Helping people find a solution to their problems.

Q: What book had a significant impact on you?
A: “Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen.

Q: Of all the places you’ve been, what’s your favorite and why?
A: Honolulu Hawaii, just a beautiful place to visit.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: Rome to visit the Vatican.

Q: Tell us about one thing you want to accomplish in life.
A: The Ironman Triathlon.

Q: What’s your favorite place to eat in the High Desert?
A: Los Domingos.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Traveling across the United States in a Class A Motor Home.

Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
A: In and Out double cheeseburger.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
A: I just want to thank Margie, my friends and family for believing in me and being there when I needed them the most.