The Grand Terrace community comes together to show their sincere appreciation of our local law enforcement the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
According to Johan Gallo “City Manager Konrad Bolowich and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bryan Lane worked together to identify opportunities to enhance the space that was repurposed for use as a Substation; however, neither had the budget to make improvements at that time.
As Coordinator of Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee (GT C&C), Gallo partnered with them to create a wish list and then reached out to GT C & C members and the local business community seeking donations to make the upgrades happen.
Cars and Coffee is an informal organization that has been in existence for six years. They are more than a bunch of people getting together around their vehicles. They want to give back to their community and they find different ways that they can help.
Johan Gallo the unofficial leader and Coordinator is a “can do” guy who follows a quote by Ronald Reagan… “there is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit”
Co-coordinator William (Chuck) Cecil immediately got onboard and stood ready to do "whatever it takes," as always. Initial contacts were made on July 5, 2024. While most of the project was completed by August 12, additional funds provided resources to add a few items to the initial wish list.
“By August 23, these items were purchased, assembled, and put into place, making the project complete. Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee members quickly responded to my request and contributed a total of $3,650 toward the Substation improvements.” Said Gallo
Working with local businesses, we were able to secure the following donations: a new microwave, coffeemaker, and supplies by Christy McGuire and her team at Get Loaded Guns and Ammo; new carpet and cove base by Kurt Ritz of Fair Price Carpets in Highgrove (donations from GT C & C covered installation); an arial wall map of the City, graphics, and door glass covering by Mr. Ohm Kongtang of GT Imprints; reflective tinting for the door by Rafael Bucio of MAX Window Tinting of Grand Terrace; and a very generous donation of beverages and snacks by Jeff Andrusak of GT Staters. City Council Member Michelle Sabino donated a Costway 120 beverage refrigerator on behalf of her family and City Manager Bolowich arranged for the city to provide a commercial-sized first aid kit. GT C & C member John Alonzo contributed a table and chairs for the breakroom. Additional enhancements included uniform and boot racks, four new folding chairs, an entry door mat, and four Duracell lanterns for emergency use.
Remaining funds were used to purchase items identified by Lieutenant Lane for teambuilding purposes, including a five-piece patio set with umbrella and a Nexgrill propane barbeque and accessories. Total expenses came to $9,016.
Local businesses provided materials, products, and services valued at $5,366 and Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee members and friends of our group, including the Grand Terrace City News, donated $3,650 towards the improvements.
Labor was completed by GT C & C Coordinator Johan Gallo, Co-coordinator William (Chuck) Cecil, and his grandson Alex Magana, with occasional help from Lieutenant Lane and his deputies.
An event to recognize everyone involved in the project is planned for a future date. Thanks to Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee Title Sponsor Michael Miller of Woody's Classic Grill, who will host this event to include a light buffet and a tour of the Substation.
The Sheriff's Substation is a great addition to Grand Terrace, and it was a pleasure for Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee to be part of the initiative to make the space comfortable, safe, and functional for the Deputies who will be using it to better serve our community.
Thank you to everyone who stepped up to participate!