It’s more than a passion project for restaurant owner Geraldine Gilliland. It’s a heartfelt commitment. In 2011, Geraldine started the nonprofit rescue mission called Chiquita’s Friends. Many of the dogs that she rescues are from south of the border.

“I saw the disaster of the Mexican street dog population. So, I actually started going down to Mexico – Tijuana in particular – just picking dogs up off the street,” explains Geraldine, “bringing them over to the U.S.A., getting them vetted and to really good homes.”

Many need food, shelter, or medical attention. Some are strays, or were neglected. A while back, Geraldine organized a spay and neuter event for local pet owners, and it was so impactful, it was captured on camera by a Hollywood filmmaker.

“The film crew followed me down to “cartalandia,” which is basically the land of cardboard. It’s a really bad area, and it’s also the land of cartels. We spayed that day, 120 dogs and cats.”

The documentary, called “Some Dogs Go To Heaven,” premieres in September.

When rescued dogs arrive in Southern California, they are cared for at two large properties where they can rehab, run and just be happy dogs, ready for a forever home! And, it’s not just rescues. Geraldine’s non-profit Chiquita’s Friends also helps local pet owners.

“I do take old and sick dogs that are in a hospice situation. And, I will help people, if they have an unexpected surgery.”

Geraldine does all of this while running a popular restaurant, Lula Cocina Mexicana in Santa Monica.

“We’re turning 30 years-old, July 1st!” exclaims Geraldine. “I did not think we were going to make it through the pandemic. I thought the last closure was going to put me out of business. But, we’ve made it, and we are open!”

Both require non-stop dedication. Geraldine was back down in Mexico this past week, “to look for another property, to see if I can start something, like an orphanage, down there.”

She’s a restaurateur, an author, and she has saved hundreds of dogs! Geraldine Gilliland of Malibu is our KNX Hero of the Week!

KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Go to https://www.crc.com/ for more information.

To get connected with Geraldine and Chiquita’s Friends, go to https://chiquitasfriends.org/

You can also check out her restaurant by clicking:  https://lulacocinamexicana.com/

Find out what your Helpful SoCal Honda Dealers are up to this month, by heading to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SoCalHondaDealers/

To nominate a future KNX Hero of the Week, fill out a form at https://www.audacy.com/knx1070/nominate