Freedom of Speech Lives in GT

The Grand Terrace council chambers were packed with concerned and frustrated citizens this week, as the community gathered to address the fallout of a week-long power outage. Residents shared stories of losing food, wages, and patience, while some voiced a growing lack of confidence in local systems. The mood in the room was charged as citizens aired their grievances and demanded answers. Among those speaking was Johan Gallo, who emphasized the need for better preparedness and communication in future emergencies. Many residents echoed his concerns. In response, Mayor Bill Hussey and council members Jeff Allen, Doug Wilson, Michelle Sabino, and Matt Brown highlighted their ongoing efforts during the outage. They actively reached out to residents, making welfare checks and providing reassurance. The council also took a proactive approach by contacting Edison leadership and other government agencies, seeking immediate and long-term solutions to serve the community better. City staff were commended for their tireless work, but the crisis illuminated several shortcomings in Grand Terrace’s infrastructure and emergency response. While the outage tested the city in many ways, it also highlighted the resilience of its citizens and the dedication of its leaders. Moving forward, the community hopes to see lessons learned from this event lead to stronger systems and greater preparedness.