Alfonso Cisneros retired full-time in October 2018 after 28 years of service. After retiring, he became a reserve officer at Central Area, now Transit Bureau.
In April 2020, he planned to open his restaurant, Garcia’s South of the Border Cantina and Grill in downtown Fullerton. He writes: “Due to the [COVID-19] pandemic, we were unable to open. We decided to give back to the community. We decided to provide meals to our local first responders. We provided more than 13,000 meals to police, fire, medical providers and hospital staff. We also fed more than 2,000 of our community families. We were finally able to open on May 1 for takeout orders only. We felt blessed to be able to do this.”
The reviews have been coming in: “I tried this restaurant after my friend posted about it on her Facebook. I’ve been trying to help family-owned businesses during the pandemic. This experience was a 10 [out of] 10! I had to take the order to-go, and it was fast and easy. Friendly staff and very nice interior design. The food was great. I recommend the shrimp enchiladas. I’ll be back when the bar is re-opened for sure!” Another review: “Asada seems to be marinated in lime! So bomb! Wet burrito was half green and red and it hit the spot! Nachos had all the fixings! I can’t wait for COVID to be done and bring my fam there!” (Yelp reviews)
Reserve Officer Cisneros tells The Rotator: “I am very proud to say that I am still a member of the LAPD family.”
Editor’s Note: Garcia’s South of the Border Cantina and Grill is located at 136 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832. You can reach them at (714) 519-3906.