Michelle Sabino, appointed to the Grand Terrace City Council, is becoming an active figure in the community honoring her commitment as a councilmember to the city. Since stepping into the role following Sylvia Robles resignation, Sabino has hoped to distinguish herself as a beacon of city involvement and inspire residents with her dedication to transparency, thoughtful leadership, and active participation in local events.
Her journey to Grand Terrace is a testament to her passion for serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of its residents is her goal. "I am native to San Bernardino county," Sabino shared, reflecting on her deep roots in the area. "My family's been here for over 130 years. I grew up on the North End [of San Bernardino] and have been residing in Grand Terrace for almost five years."
A graduate of Loma Linda University, a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in early intervention for nonverbal children with autism. Her professional expertise extends to helping companies start and/or reorganize their therapy programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Sabino has taken what she considers an active role in engaging with the community, both in her private work and on the City Council. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing community concerns within the legal parameters of city governance.
"I always have my finger on the pulse regarding where, what, and when concerns are being raised," she explained. "It's important to bring those concerns to City Hall so they are on record and can be addressed properly."
Sabino's approach to city politics involves fostering transparency and accountability. She prides herself in ensuring that the public understands the issues being voted on, providing clear explanations and seeking responses from relevant departments in answer to constituents’ queries. “I am committed to putting residents and families first. Our community is the heart and soul of this city, and it deserves dedicated representation that understands and addresses the unique needs of every individual and family, “reflects Sabino.
Sabino's motivation to serve on the City Council stems from following State legislation on education. "It started with education, for my daughter, and then looking at how that impacted us as a county," she said. "It became an issue of public safety and a multitude of things that impact our daily lives." Her focus on accountability and to make a lasting impact on Grand Terrace's future led her to City Council meetings. ”I've been present when the entire City Hall chambers were filled! I sat and I observed and at the end of the day I feel that the council was able to come to an agreement even under those stressful circumstances. I have a lot of respect for those sitting on the dais now because you remember their leadership has done so well to represent the community. We see in other cities where you know for hours on end you have people standing in opposition and then you watch the council vote in opposition of the very people they are supposed to be representing. I've seen it happen... and it’s disheartening. I don't believe that we have those same issues, not in Grand Terrace. Everybody might not agree but at the end of the day I feel that the majority is represented."
Michelle shared her vision for Grand Terrace including improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. She emphasizes the importance of careful planning and responsible budgeting to meet the city's needs without compromising essential services. Sabino envisions a thriving Grand Terrace with a vibrant small business community. She aims for the city to be self-sufficient, where residents have access to essential services without needing to leave town. Highlighting successful local new businesses like Vegan Corner, the new game store, and Grocery Outlet, Sabino sees these establishments as integral to the city’s growth and self-sufficiency.
Public safety is a top priority for Sabino. Drawing from her experiences in San Bernardino, she understands the importance of proactive measures to prevent crime and ensure community safety. "We're not immune to it, and public safety must be a priority," she stated. "
In terms of infrastructure and business growth, Sabino advocates for responsible development and careful analysis of potential impacts on the city. She highlights the importance of traffic studies and budgeting for necessary improvements to support the city's growth. “I appreciate the work of our department heads, under the leadership of Konrad Bolowich, our City Manager, who ensures that we have those policies and procedures in place.” As improvements in the city continue, “We want to make sure at the end of the day that the concerns of the residents are being taken care of,” Michelle emphasized.
As a new council member, Sabino tries to remain accessible and engaged with the residents of Grand Terrace. "I'm no different than any resident here in Grand Terrace," she said. "If you have concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always available, and if I don't have the answers, I will find them for you."
Sabino's interest in community work, including youth mentorship programs and collaboration with local organizations, showcases her dedication to building a stronger, more united community. "We could never have enough programs, especially for our youth and their needs," she affirmed.
With her background, experience, and commitment, Sabino aims to guide Grand Terrace into a thriving future. Her vision includes fostering a self-sufficient community where residents can find everything they need within the city.
"I would love to see us thrive, bringing a different spirit to Grand Terrace," she concluded. "A self-sufficiency where we don't have to travel to find what we need because it's right here."
Sabino invites you to engage with her and view her experience and commitment to community service on her website at MichelleSabino.com.