InterView
By Chris Murphy
Mani Grewal
November and Thanksgiving are really all about family. We live in a community that is great for families and a great place to grow up. We are fortunate that we live in a really diverse community, rich with different cultures, traditions, foods, music and so much more. It is with this that we work hard to try to find our common issues to make our community better.
Manmeet “Mani” Grewal was born and raised in Modesto and is a product of Modesto Junior College and UOP’s School of Management. Mani became familiar with local government as a member of the Planning Commission and served as Modesto City Councilperson. He was appointed to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors in November 2020. Mani and his wife Jas farm in the community and own and operate dental offices throughout Stanislaus County. In addition, they are very active in the Sikh community and are raising four children in Modesto. This is truly an active and involved family and I have been proud to work with Mani on many local issues and projects like the 911 Remembrance events, the Graffiti Cruise Walk of Fame and appreciate his support for the Graffiti USA Museum project that will drive a big boost in tourism in our area. Let’s get to know Mani.
ModestoView: What do you love most about living in the Central Valley?
Mani Grewal: Firstly, I truly believe that this is a great place to raise a family. There is great education, and many things to do in the area. In addition, I love the people of the Central Valley— they are direct and honest. The Central Valley is also a very diverse region with many people from different backgrounds.
MV: When did your family move to the Modesto area?
MG: My parents came to Modesto in 1972, and I was born at Memorial and never left the area! I went to the Sipherd Elementary and Johansen High School and completed my schooling at MJC and UOP. I am proud to call Modesto my only home!
MV: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
MG: When I was younger my choices of profession were business, practicing law, or be an elementary yard duty— the yard duty was always cutting my recess time short!
MV: How did you and your wife Jas meet?
MG: I met my wife in college while we were students at the University of Pacific.
MV: What was it that made you want to stay in Modesto after college?
MG: Modesto is my home. My family, friends, and community all reside here. I knew that I wanted to start my career and family in Modesto.
MV: What made you want to go into public service?
MG: Public service is a way to give back to the community. My parents always told me that the community has given us so much, and this is just one way to give back to it. I think so much can be accomplished when you have people who look to work together. I want to emulate that through my public service.
MV: You see both sides of our economy, as a government leader as well as a developer; what do you think we need to do to improve our planning and development?
MG: We need to act to bring good paying jobs to Modesto. No one will do this for us. The County and City must lead in creating an environment that attracts good businesses and jobs to our region. The bureaucracy should be a partner to our business community, not an obstacle.
MV: Our region has a very active Sikh community and you and your family is very active, is there anything that you would want people to understand about Sikhism?
MG: Although the attire may be different, the values are the same. Hardworking, law-abiding, good neighbors and sharing our blessings are the cornerstone of the religion.
MV: What would you say the biggest obstacle that our community needs to tackle in the next 12 months?
MG: We need action, not words, on addressing our housing shortage, good paying jobs, public safety, and COVID-19 recovery. I believe that if we come together and work as a community we can make progress on these issues that have plagued us for too long.
MV: If budget were unlimited, what would you implement in our community to accelerate our economic development.
MG: If I had an unlimited budget I would bring more attractions, like the Graffiti Museum and Children’s Museum. In addition I would work to beautify our county and cities— especially when it comes to parks and trees!
MV: Thinking about the future, what are you the most excited about
MG: Opportunity in Stanislaus County outpaces our challenges. I am confident that we can work together to take advantage of all of these opportunities by coming to the table and taking action.
MV: Describe your ideal day in Modesto
MG: I would start my day by taking a walk on Virginia corridor or Dry Creek Trail. I then would have breakfast at My Garden Cafe and then play basketball with my kids. For lunch I would have a home cooked meal with my wife Jas and family. I would then catch a movie at Brenden Theatre and have dinner at a downtown restaurant!
MV: Beatles or Stones?
MG: Beatles for sure!
Reach out to Mani here: GrewalM@stancounty.com<mailto:GrewalM@stancounty.com> Office number: 209-525-4445
