Honestly. Whew. I was beginning to think it would never happen with these two. My parentals usually have me exactly where I want them— wrapped around my tiny paw— but when it came time to choose a cover image, they somehow seemed oblivious to the fact that yours truly is the hottest thing going in South County. Thankfully, sanity prevailed.

I mean, am I right? You’ ve seen me out on the streets of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and beyond. I’ m out there strutting my 2¼-pound self like the princess – superstar – icon I am, and I can’ t make it halfway down the block without getting stopped by an adoring fan or an old friend. Selfies are implied. Compliments are required. This girl has got it going on.

Speaking of going on, I have been busy. I’ ve racked up some serious frequent flyer miles lately, heading east to visit the grand-parentals and friends. Big shout-out to my gal pals at Southwest Airlines— I travel well, thank you very much. When I’ m back in the hood, you’ ll find me popping in and out of local favs like Fifth Street Coffee just about every day. Have you been to Garlic City Mercantile downtown? Fabulous. You must go. And Ashford’ s Heirlooms? Total treasure hunt energy. Love it.

I haven’ t been bowling yet, but I adore Gilroy Bowl. I did try to join the big dogs league, but apparently there’ s a height requirement. Rude. Still, Salo rocks the bar, and Tiffer handles my needs like a champ, so I forgive them. Closer to home, Alehouse Bistro is just a short walk from the puppy pad. You have to try the pork belly appetizer. When I see that plate heading to the patio, I can barely keep it together. So good.

And let’ s talk carnitas. I am a carnitas girl. My girlfriend Ashley over at Carnitas Michoacán has me completely dialed in. If you haven’ t been, where have you been? Everything is amazing— but those carnitas? Dangerous. If I’ m not careful, I’ ll be three pounds by New Year’ s.

Major love to Garlic City Café. Breakfast and lunch are always on point. I’ m dreaming of pancakes and bacon right now. And I’ m overdue for another patio date at Old City Hall Restaurant, where Fran leads with a heart of gold for the community— and Bobby … well, he’ s got a very nice cowboy hat.

Next month, I’ m taking the parentals to Morgan Hill. We’ ll be checking in at MOHI Farm, saying hey to my crew at Craft Roots, and poking around the downtown shops. It’ s a busy life being this fabulous— but at least I’ m getting my steps in. Until next month, stay amazing!

54 WINTER 2026 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com