Listen to Michelle Sabino's speech at the Grand View Baptist Church
Michelle Sabino, a dedicated resident and speech-language pathologist, has lived in Grand Terrace for five years, but her deep family roots in the San Bernardino region date back over 130 years. With a strong passion for community welfare, and driven by her desire to bring sustainable growth and enhanced safety to the city she loves.
Michelle's professional background as a small business owner and speech therapist, specializing in children with autism, has provided her with the tools to navigate complex healthcare systems. She has helped businesses across counties open departments and practices to offer essential services, often working with government-funded healthcare to reach underserved communities. Her experience with county systems positions her uniquely to tackle local challenges in Grand Terrace.
In addition to her professional work, Michelle is a co-founder of two youth-focused nonprofits in the region. Aware of the changing social landscape, she has developed mentorship programs aimed at helping youth navigate the challenges of the digital age while fostering resilience and goal-setting. Her efforts are particularly crucial in San Bernardino County, where many residents face poverty, food insecurity, and disability.
Michelle's commitment to legislation began in 2019, when she started analyzing state bills that affect local governance. As she shared these insights with community leaders, she was encouraged to run for city council by Mayor Bill Hussey. Since her appointment to the council in April 2024, Michelle has taken a hands-on approach to addressing key issues in Grand Terrace, particularly around public safety.
One of her primary concerns is the shortage of law enforcement resources in the city. With only one officer on duty at times, residents have been left vulnerable in emergencies. Michelle’s personal experiences, including witnessing incidents involving unhoused individuals with mental health issues, have fueled her determination to increase police presence and ensure that no resident is left unprotected.
Her focus on safety extends to her approach to the city's unhoused population. While she advocates for compassionate responses, such as wellness checks and connecting individuals with resources like the HOPE team, she also recognizes the need for swift action to protect the community. Michelle has supported ordinances that allow for the removal of encampments within 24 hours and measures that prevent other jurisdictions from moving unhoused individuals into Grand Terrace.
Beyond safety, Michelle is passionate about sustainable business development. She understands that Grand Terrace cannot rely solely on taxpayer dollars and that attracting responsible businesses is essential for the city's future. She has worked closely with the community and city administrators to ensure that new developments are aligned with residents' concerns and long-term goals.
In her candidacy for city council, Michelle Sabino is committed to preserving the unique character of Grand Terrace while fostering growth and safety for all residents. Her background in working with county systems, combined with her deep understanding of local governance, positions her as a leader ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.