Beyond day-to-day animal control operations, the new vehicle’s configuration allows for dual use in disaster and emergency situations. With towing capacity for livestock evacuation and a double cab to accommodate additional staff when needed, the vehicle enhances the City's emergency response capabilities. Additionally, built-in scene lighting improves nighttime operational efficiency, further supporting animal rescue efforts in low-visibility conditions.
"The safety of our officers and the humane treatment of animals remain our top priorities,” said Officer Leila Henderson. “This new vehicle is a major step forward, providing a safer, more efficient, and more adaptable solution for animal control and emergency response.”
The City of Grand Terrace remains committed to ensuring the highest standards in public safety and animal welfare.
Rapid Law Enforcement Response Leads to Swift Arrest in Garage Trespassing Incident
Grand Terrace, CA- March 18, 2025 – On Monday, March 17, 2025, at approximately 9:15 PM, deputies responded an incident in the 22000 block of Pico. A resident confronted an unknown individual inside their detached garage and immediately called 911. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect gained entry through an unlocked door.
Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene within minutes and located the suspect attempting to exit the garage through a rear door. The suspect was promptly taken into custody without incident and was later booked at the Central Detention Center for trespassing.
This successful response was made possible through the coordinated efforts of deputies from Grand Terrace, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Loma Linda, San Manuel, and Aviation/40King all responded to assist, ensuring a rapid and effective resolution.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
City of Grand Terrace Secures Funding for Senior Nutrition Program Through CDBG
Grand Terrace, CA – March 12, 2025- The City of Grand Terrace remains committed to supporting its senior community by securing continued funding for the Senior Nutrition Program. As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility and enhance service delivery, the City Council has approved its funding recommendations for the FY 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.
The Senior Nutrition Program, which has been in place since 2017, provides daily hot meals for seniors, promoting both nutritional health and social engagement. This program is funded through the County of San Bernardino Community Development and Housing Department via CDBG allocations. For the upcoming fiscal year, the City will enter into an agreement with Family Services Association (FSA) for the provision of nutrition services.
An additional $10,000 funding for this agreement will be allocated in the FY 2025-26 budget. The program continues to make a positive difference in the lives of Grand Terrace seniors by ensuring access to nutritious meals and fostering a sense of community.
The City of Grand Terrace looks forward to continuing its partnership with Family Services Association and ensuring the well-being of its senior residents.
City of Grand Terrace Successfully Completes FY 2024-25 Street Rehabilitation Project
Grand Terrace, CA – March 12, 2025- The City of Grand Terrace has successfully completed the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Street Rehabilitation Project, marking another step in improving local road infrastructure. The project, which initially faced an unexpected conflict with an existing storm drain line on Mt. Vernon just north of Barton Road, was efficiently redesigned to ensure long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.
During pre-construction assessments, a storm drain line was found to interfere with the planned work. To avoid unnecessary repaving, City staff worked closely with the Design Engineer and contractor to adjust the project scope. The modified plan included the paving of Mt. Vernon from Barton Road to Main Street, shifting the original section of work south of Barton Road. This necessary adjustment required a change order and an additional appropriation of $19,500 to update the project plans.
Despite this modification, the project was completed on schedule in January 2025. City Council formally accepted the 2024-25 Street Rehabilitation Project as complete, approved the final payment and additional appropriations, and authorize the filing and recording of the Notice of Completion.
The 2024-25 Street Rehabilitation Project was carried out in compliance with all environmental regulations, incorporating sustainable construction practices to minimize environmental impact while enhancing road conditions.
The total cost of the project was $840,125, funded through a combination of Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds, Gas Tax revenues, Measure I allocations, and city reserves.
The City of Grand Terrace remains committed to maintaining and improving its infrastructure to enhance safety and accessibility for all residents.
City of Grand Terrace Approves Mandatory Microchipping for Dogs
Grand Terrace, CA – March 12, 2025 – The Grand Terrace City Council has approved a new ordinance requiring all dogs within the city limits to be microchipped as part of an effort to enhance pet safety, increase recovery rates, and reduce the burden on local animal control services.
The newly approved microchipping requirement strengthens these efforts by ensuring a reliable, permanent form of identification that remains with the pet for life, even if collars or tags are lost or removed.
Microchipping is a quick and safe procedure, similar to a routine vaccination. A small chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the pet’s skin using a tiny needle. The microchip is made of biocompatible materials, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. This method has been used safely in pets for decades and provides a lifelong means of identifying lost animals and reuniting them with their owners.
“In situations such as accidental escapes or natural disasters, microchipping is a crucial tool for quickly identifying and recovering lost pets,” said City Manager, Konrad Bolowich. “This initiative will significantly increase the likelihood of pets being safely returned home, reducing stress on both animals and owners while also decreasing sheltering costs for the City.”
By implementing this measure, Grand Terrace joins a growing number of communities nationwide that recognize the benefits of microchipping in ensuring responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of lost or abandoned animals in shelters.
Law Enforcement Investigating Two Separate Burglaries in Grand Terrace
Grand Terrace, CA – March 10, 2025- The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating two separate burglaries that occurred in the city on Sunday, March 9, 2025. While both incidents involved forced entry into businesses, there is no evidence at this time to suggest that they are related. Law enforcement is working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible.
The first incident took place at approximately 12:34 a.m. at AutoZone in Grand Terrace. Deputies responded within three minutes to a glass break sensor activation and discovered that the front glass door had been smashed. Deputies made contact with store management to retrieve surveillance footage and gather additional information. The investigation remains ongoing.
The following evening, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an unknown suspect broke the glass door of Vegan Korner and entered the business. The suspect stole multiple items before fleeing the scene. Deputies recovered video surveillance footage from inside the business and collected multiple latent fingerprints, which will be sent to a lab for analysis. Unlike the AutoZone burglary, no alarm activation was received by law enforcement, delaying the response time.
Deputies responded quickly to both incidents and are actively pursuing leads, including forensic analysis of fingerprints and video surveillance footage. The Grand Terrace community is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement to aid in the investigation.
To help local businesses enhance security and prevent similar crimes, the Sheriff’s Department offers the following recommendations:
- Ensure alarm systems are properly functioning and that keyholders are readily available for emergency contact.
- Install and regularly maintain high-quality surveillance cameras with clear visibility of entry points and interior spaces.
- Utilize reinforced glass or security film to make forced entry more difficult.
- Keep valuable items secured and out of immediate sight from windows and doors.
- Improve exterior lighting and install motion sensors to deter criminal activity.
- Conduct routine security assessments and consider working with local law enforcement for additional crime prevention tips.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to protecting businesses and residents in Grand Terrace. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the department at 909-387-8313. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME
For full details, view this message on the web.
City of Grand Terrace Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Housing Element Update
Grand Terrace, CA- March 5, 2025 – On February 27th, the City of Grand Terrace Planning Commission has voted to recommend approval of the City’s Housing Element update, forwarding its recommendation to the City Council for final consideration. This critical step ensures that Grand Terrace remains compliant with state housing laws while proactively addressing local housing needs.
The Housing Element serves as a key component of the City’s General Plan, outlining strategies to accommodate residential growth, promote affordability, and support sustainable development. It also ensures the City meets its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) through proper land use planning and zoning updates.
Following an extensive public review process and collaboration with planning consultants, the updated Housing Element identifies 20 opportunity sites for future residential development, encompassing approximately 97.3 acres proposed for rezoning to allow for high-density housing. By strategically upzoning these areas, the City aims to expand housing opportunities, encourage smart growth, and maintain compliance with state-mandated housing requirements.
In addition to zoning updates, the Housing Element introduces a range of initiatives, including incentives for affordable and special-needs housing, streamlined approval processes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and expanded fair housing outreach efforts. The plan also emphasizes infrastructure improvements to enhance community livability.
With the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the Housing Element will now move to the City Council for final approval. Adoption of the plan and completion of the proposed rezonings will secure the City’s standing with state housing authorities and position Grand Terrace for future growth and development.
The City Council is expected to review the Housing Element update at an upcoming meeting. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the discussion and stay informed about how these efforts will shape the future of housing in Grand Terrace.
Springtime Brings Increased Wildlife Activity: Understanding and Coexisting with Urban Wildlife
Grand Terrace, CA – March 5, 2025- As spring arrives, residents may notice an increase in wildlife activity throughout the community. Due to urbanization, land development, and climate change, many native species have adapted to living near humans. In the coming months, sightings of opossums, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and various bird species may become more frequent.
While some wildlife may seem like a nuisance, many species provide valuable benefits to the local ecosystem. Opossums are nocturnal marsupials which help keep environments clean by consuming decaying matter, ticks, slugs, snails, and even venomous snakes. They are non-aggressive and play a vital role in controlling insect and pest populations. Despite their reputation, skunks offer natural pest control by feeding on rodents, black widow spiders, scorpions, and other harmful insects. Raccoons are highly intelligent and adaptable and help control populations of small rodents and insects. They also aid in seed dispersal, contributing to plant growth and biodiversity. As natural predators, coyotes help regulate populations of rodents and other small mammals, maintaining ecological balance. They also help control populations of feral cats and other species that can negatively impact local wildlife. Birds of Prey (Hawks, Owls) play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, helping to naturally manage pests that could otherwise become problematic. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
To promote peaceful coexistence with local wildlife, residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Close off potential den sites under decks, porches, and sheds.
- Avoid using rodenticides, as they can poison these natural predators.
- Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding can make animals dependent on humans and increase conflicts.
- Secure Food Sources: Store pet food, birdseed, and garbage in animal-proof containers.
- Protect Pets: Keep small pets indoors, especially at night, to prevent encounters with predators.
- Seal off access points to attics, basements, or crawl spaces where animals may seek shelter.
- Respect Their Space: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid handling them.
- Use Humane Deterrents: Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can discourage wildlife from entering unwanted areas.
By taking these precautions, Grand Terrace residents can foster a balanced and harmonious environment where humans and wildlife coexist safely.
City of Grand Terrace Hosts 18th Annual Blue Mountain Hike
Grand Terrace, CA- March 3, 2025 – The City of Grand Terrace proudly hosted the 18th Annual Blue Mountain Hike on Saturday, March 1, 2025, providing community members with a unique opportunity to explore the city's iconic peak. This highly anticipated event is the only day each year when hiking is permitted on Blue Mountain, drawing hundreds of participants eager to experience its breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
Hikers gathered at the starting point at Palm Ave & Honey Hill Dr., with the event officially beginning at 8:00 AM. The last check-in was at 10:45 AM, and the return trek commenced at 12:00 PM. This year’s hike saw an impressive turnout of over 600 participants, all of whom enjoyed the picturesque landscapes and camaraderie that make this event a cherished tradition.
The Blue Mountain Trail is a 4.1-mile out-and-back route that is generally considered moderately challenging, with an average completion time of approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. The hike offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding region, making it a must-attend event for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The success of this event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Grand Terrace City staff, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Search and Rescue, San Bernardino County Fire, the Grand Terrace CERT team, and the Boy Scouts. Their dedication ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
For more details about the annual Blue Mountain Hike and other community events, visit the City of Grand Terrace's official events page at www.grandterrace-ca.gov.
City of Grand Terrace Supports Local Soccer Club During Richard Rollins Park Field Repairs
Grand Terrace, CA - February 26, 2025 – The City of Grand Terrace is dedicated to fostering community engagement and supporting local sports activities. In light of the essential turf renovations at Richard Rollins Community Park, the City has collaborated with the Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club to ensure their programs continue seamlessly. As a result, TJ Austin Park will temporarily host the soccer club's activities from February 24 through May 4, 2025.
During this period, the fields at TJ Austin Park will be available for the soccer club's use on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The City acknowledges that this adjustment may lead to increased traffic on Robin Way and Raven Way and appreciates residents' patience and understanding during this time. This temporary arrangement underscores the City's commitment to supporting local youth sports and ensuring uninterrupted practice and game schedules.
To accommodate evening practices, the City has installed portable light towers at TJ Austin Park. Residents who observe the lights remaining on after scheduled activities are encouraged to contact the City at (909) 954-5200 and select option #1 for assistance.
The City of Grand Terrace remains steadfast in promoting recreational opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We value the community's cooperation as we undertake these improvements to our park facilities, ensuring they serve our residents effectively for years to come.
City of Grand Terrace Moves Forward with Playground Improvements at Richard Rollins Park
Grand Terrace, CA - February 21, 2025 – The City of Grand Terrace is enhancing park safety and aesthetics with planned improvements at Richard Rollins Park. In September 2019, the City was awarded a $19,000 grant through a specified grant from the Department of State Parks and Recreation, dedicated to enhancing playground facilities.
In February 2025, the funds were designated for the installation of 11 solar-powered light bollards around the larger playground area, along with the trimming of four trees above the playground to improve safety and visibility. The bollards are scheduled for installation during the last week of February.
Well-lit park areas are essential for community safety and enhancing the overall aesthetics of public spaces. The addition of solar-powered light bollards will extend the park’s usability into the early evening hours, creating a safer environment for families and visitors while enhancing the beauty of the area. Improved lighting also helps deter potential safety concerns and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for recreation and leisure activities.
These actions are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to quality parks. The City continues to seek financing opportunities through grants and other funding sources to improve and maintain park facilities. This dedication reflects the City’s commitment to providing high-quality parks that enhance the quality of life for residents and increase the overall desirability of living in Grand Terrace.
City Announces Turf Fertilization and Reseeding in Parks and Sports Fields
Grand Terrace, CA - February 21, 2025 – The City of Grand Terrace is committed to maintaining high-quality parks and sports fields for residents and visitors. As part of our ongoing turf maintenance program, the City is currently fertilizing and reseeding various turf areas to ensure healthy, durable, and safe playing surfaces. Regular fertilization and reseeding are essential for maintaining dense grass coverage, strong root growth, and resistance to wear and disease. Fertilization provides essential nutrients that enhance the turf’s appearance and functionality, while reseeding fills in bare or thinning areas, ensuring a consistent playing surface and preventing soil erosion. To allow for proper absorption of nutrients and establishment of new grass, certain fields and park areas will be temporarily closed during maintenance.
Fields receiving chemical fertilization will be closed for 24 to 48 hours to prevent contact with fertilizers, which can be harmful if tracked into waterways or ingested by pets. Fields receiving organic fertilization will be closed for different durations based on use, with non-sports areas closed for 3 to 7 days and sports fields or high-use areas remaining closed for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper decomposition and microbial activity. After reseeding, fields will remain closed for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the grass type, weather conditions, and germination rates, ensuring young seedlings establish properly before heavy use.
The City carefully selects grass seed mixtures tailored to different playing surfaces. Play areas and recreational turf receive a blend of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, providing a soft, durable surface with good drought resistance. Soccer fields are seeded with a combination of bermudagrass and perennial ryegrass, ensuring a smooth, firm surface with high wear tolerance and fast recovery from cleat damage. Baseball fields use a mix of bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass to provide a firm and even playing surface, while the outfield turf remains soft and durable, and ryegrass ensures winter coverage.
To maintain the integrity of different turf varieties, the City will begin using separate contractors for maintaining different field types to prevent cross-seeding. Additionally, mowing equipment will be thoroughly cleaned after use on different turf areas to prevent the spread of turf diseases and invasive weeds.
Current Field Closure Schedule:
Richard Rollins Park: Field rebuild, closed February 10 to May 29
Veterans Park: Fertilization, closed February 14 to February 28
Dog Park: Fertilization and reseeding, closed March 3 to April 17
The City is committed to providing high-quality turf for the community to enjoy. Through proper fertilization, strategic reseeding, and responsible maintenance practices, we are ensuring safe, high-performing, and long-lasting turf surfaces for all types of recreation and competitive play. We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve our parks and sports fields.
Grand Terrace Honors the Legacy of Angeline Petta
Grand Terrace, CA – February 19, 2025 – The Grand Terrace City Council has unanimously approved a measure to waive all fees associated with the use of Susan Petta Park for the memorial service of Angeline “Ann” Petta, a beloved founding member of the community.
Angeline Petta passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 97. Ann’s legacy in Grand Terrace is immeasurable, as she dedicated her life to the betterment of the city through volunteer work, advocacy for education, and community service. She was instrumental in the success of Grand Terrace Community Art Shows, the City Historical Committees, and the Friends of the Library, where she championed literacy and education for local children.
Ann’s passion for education was lifelong. After earning her degree from the University of Chicago, she became an elementary school teacher, taking great pride in shaping the futures of her students, some of whom achieved national recognition.
Ann and her husband, Anthony (Tony) Petta, moved to Southern California with a shared dream of building a thriving community. Together, they established TP Real Estate and played a pivotal role in the incorporation of Grand Terrace in 1978, with Tony serving as the city’s charter mayor. Their unwavering commitment to community development helped lay the foundation for the city's growth and unity.
In a final act of generosity, Ann donated a valuable parcel of land to the City of Grand Terrace to be developed into a community library in honor of her husband, ensuring that future generations will benefit from her dedication to education and civic service.
The City Council’s decision to waive the fees for the family’s use of Susan Petta Park for Ann’s memorial is a small but meaningful tribute to a woman who gave so much to Grand Terrace. Ann’s contributions will be felt for generations, and the community is deeply grateful for her lifelong commitment.
Details regarding Ann’s memorial service will be shared with the public as they become available.
City of Grand Terrace Implements Official Incident Reporting Protocol
Grand Terrace, CA – February 19, 2025 – The City of Grand Terrace is implementing a new incident reporting protocol to improve response efficiency and ensure all community concerns requiring law enforcement intervention or staff response are properly documented and addressed.
Due to a significant increase in communications through social media, texting, and direct contacts, city staff have faced challenges in effectively managing and responding to community reports. As a result, the City is reinforcing the use of official reporting channels to ensure timely and appropriate action.
Key Points of the Program:
- City staff do not monitor social media platforms for incident reports. Any reports made via these channels will not receive a response or be considered for future action.
- Alternative reporting methods, such as social media posts or direct messages, can delay critical responses and hinder the City’s ability to maintain accurate records of service calls.
- Properly documented reports allow for more effective resource allocation and ensure that best practices are applied in managing community concerns.
- For non-emergency situations requiring law enforcement intervention, residents should call the San Bernardino County Sheriff's dispatch at (909) 884-0156. This line is available 24/7 and allows dispatchers to prioritize responses, accurately record incidents, and coordinate resources effectively.
- Alternatively, dispatch services can be accessed by calling the main City Hall number at 909-354-5200 and selecting option #1
- The initiative is aimed at improving response efficiency and ensuring that all reports are handled through the proper channels. By utilizing the designated reporting methods, the City can provide better service and maintain a complete record of community concerns.