Sal Aliotti is the owner of Lighthouse Lighting and Lamps, and if you’ve stopped by his store at 652 Lighthouse Avenue, it’s likely that you’ve met Sal and his two furry friends, Fifi and Jacques. While Sal is helping customers select a lamp from his showroom, handling lighting design orders, or restoring antique lamps and chandeliers, Jacques and Fifi sit behind the desk, happily watching all the activity. But what’s the story behind these two sweet dogs?

In 2004, Fifi and Jacques were found in the fields of Salinas, having roamed the countryside together for about a month without anyone to care for them. When they were brought by a good Samaritan to Salinas Animal Services, the little dogs were sick, dehydrated, dirty, skinny, and had no ID.

Sal’s daughter became attached to them as soon as she saw them at the shelter and she wanted to adopt them both immediately, but the dogs were so ill she had to wait until they could be nursed back to health. During that time, she and a friend went to visit them at the shelter almost every day. A month later, when Jacques and Fifi were finally well enough to leave the shelter, Sal’s daughter brought them home to her mom and dad.

At that time, Sal didn’t like dogs…and now he had not one, but two of them in his house! He was reluctant to allow them to stay. But he grew to love Fifi and Jacques; the dogs’ unconditional love touched him, and soon enough, he couldn’t imagine life without them. When Sal’s daughter got married years later and moved to Illinois, she said she was taking the dogs with her…but Sal said no. The dogs had to stay in Monterey with him and his wife.

Sal brings Jacques and Fifi to Lighthouse Lighting and Lamps every day. He says they get sad if they don’t come to work with him. You might see the three of them walking around the neighborhood during a break, or you can stop by the shop and meet all three of them in person.

Ma's Green Living is hosting a silent auction from Monday, January 25 through Saturday, January 30 to raise funds to help cover medical and living expenses for Phil Hellyer, a member of the Ma's family. We have some wonderful art pieces as well as crystals and jewelry - come on down during business hours and make a bid!

Phil Hellyer is the owner and sole employee of Phil's Auto Repair at the Defense Language Institute. He is also the stepdad of Nicole Martin (owner of Ma's Green Living) and the husband of Linda Hellyer (co-owner of Gypsea). On the morning of Tuesday, January 19, Phil suffered a major seizure. When he arrived at the hospital, doctors determined he had a brain mass that required surgery, which was conducted on January 21. Phil is now home and beginning the process of recovery.

Phil's Auto Repair is closed indefinitely, which puts a great financial strain on him and his wife, Linda, who is caring for him. With the loss of Phil’s income and the increasing medical expenses, meeting medical bills and day-to-day expenses is extremely daunting. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a contribution online, Nicole Martin has set up a GoFundMe account here.

Fashion Trade is offering 30% off all sweaters and outerwear January 25-30 only. Stop by and see us, ladies!

Snap Fitness in Monterey invites you to check out our new group classes beginning January 18, 2016! Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30pm, we're offering TRX Group Training; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30am we're offering High Intensity Interval Training.

TRX Class: This is a fast-paced 30 minute workout with the TRX. We will combine both strength and aerobic exercises for a full-body workout that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): The title says it all. This is a high intensity 30 minute class that will keep your heart rate up and burn calories better than any other workout out there.

Integrity Bookkeeping is busy helping clients close out their 2015 books and prepare for the tax season. We are offering a FREE initial consultation and a 20% DISCOUNT off the first month of service for new clients. This special offer is good until March 31, 2016. Call us today at (831) 884-5107, or email us at info.integritybk@gmail.com.