Councilwoman Michelle Sabino, who has become a familiar face in the community since her appointment to the Grand Terrace City Council, has officially announced her candidacy for the upcoming election. With deep roots in the region and a strong commitment to public service, Sabino is eager to continue her work on the council and further serve the community she calls home.
Sabino's connection to the area runs deep. "I am native to San Bernardino County," she shared, reflecting on her family's long-standing presence in the region. "My family's been here, for over 130 years. My great-grandparents built their home on 9th Street." Sabino herself has been a resident of Grand Terrace for nearly five years, though her family's ties to the city span over three decades.
A graduate of Loma Linda University, Sabino brings a wealth of professional experience to her role as a councilwoman. She is a speech-language pathologist specializing in early intervention for nonverbal children with autism. Her work often involves helping companies develop or reorganize their speech therapy programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Since her appointment to the council, Sabino has been dedicated to engaging with the community and ensuring their voices are heard. "I always have my finger on the pulse of the city regarding what concerns are being raised," she explained. "But I believe those things should be brought to City Hall and that way, it's on record.” Directly involving our local government ensures that community concerns are addressed properly.
Sabino emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in local government. "I never want to assume that my knowledge of a situation is public knowledge," she said. "When we are voting on matters, I make sure we go on record to maintain that transparency and accountability."
Her approach to city governance is rooted in a commitment to listening and collaboration. "We have a great council. I serve with some great people who come with a wealth of knowledge," she noted. "The listening is always really important, and being able to take someone else's perspective, I feel that we're always able to meet in the middle."
For Sabino, public safety is a top priority. "Public safety has been a big deal," she stated, recalling her experience advocating for prevention programs in San Bernardino. "We're a small community, a family community. What impacts one person impacts someone else across the way."
In addition to public safety, Sabino is focused on responsible infrastructure development and business growth. "I'm careful to look at the projects that are coming in," she explained. "Understanding the financial impact with regard to revenue and profitability is very important."
Sabino's vision for Grand Terrace includes fostering a thriving small business community. "I love the entrepreneurship and the businesses that are thriving," she said, highlighting local establishments like Vegan Corner and Origins the new game store. "My vision is for our businesses that are here to thrive so that we don't have to travel and leave the city to find what we need."
Throughout her career, Sabino has been deeply involved in community work, which she sees as central to her role on the council. "I've always positioned myself to help people build and grow," she shared. "We could never have enough enrichment programs, especially for our youth and their needs."
As a mother, a dedicated community member and local business owner, Sabino brings a unique perspective to her work on the council. "I'm a mom, I understand what it's like to have to ensure the bills get paid, that things get done," she said. "Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have concerns. Those kitchen table concerns are my concerns too."
Sabino's commitment to accessibility and her willingness to engage with residents on a personal level have earned her widespread respect within the community. "I think that a good community works together," she said. "Your candidates should always be accessible to you."
As Sabino continues her campaign for election to the Grand Terrace City Council, she remains focused on the values that have guided her thus far—transparency, accountability, public safety, and a deep commitment to the community she serves.