more About the people

The Gomez homestead has existed in Rociada for more than 200 years. Their original ancestors were sheep farmers from Española who settled in the area after being trapped by a winter storm. Before the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, the Gomez family property included seven homes. Three were completely lost in the fire, including the original homestead and the homes of Jerry Gomez and Ty Archuleta.

Today, the Gomez family remains a strong unit, helping neighbors and communities recover from the disaster.

Jerry Gomez was a firefighter for more than 20 years, and he is currently rebuilding his home with his nephew, Dillon Archuleta, an equine dentist.

Silviano Gomez, a construction worker most of his life, is now retired and still lives and works on the property with his wife.

Veronica Serna has lived in Mora County her entire life, and in 2018, voters elected her to serve as County Commissioner At Large – Position 1. During the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires, she was instrumental in helping coordinate disaster response efforts with local, county, state, and federal officials. In November 2022 Commissioner Serna was reelected with 62 percent of the vote to serve another 4 year term. She has been married to Michael Serna for 34 years; together, they have 2 sons who now live in Albuquerque. Commissioner Serna is grateful for the support she has received from her friends and family, including her parents who live next door. She is also thankful to San Miguel County and City of Las Vegas officials for the partnerships they have created, and for all the community members who have volunteered to help in the recovery process.