Assemblymember Robert Rivas is the 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Congratulations go out to Operation Freedom Paws and its founder Mary Cortani who were honored at halftime of the Nov. 13 San Francisco 49ers vs. L.A. Chargers Sunday night game. Cortani was surprised when the 49ers and U.S. Bank made a donation of $20,000 to the nonprofit with OFP veteran client Morfett Flores and his service dog Loki by her side.

“It’s not often that people can surprise me, but the 49ers and U.S. Bank certainly did when they presented me with that check in front of 70,000 people cheering on our organization,” she said. “I was so deeply grateful to receive such an incredible gift and to share in that experience with my veteran clients, staff, and the community.”

The 49ers also invited 16 veteran clients and their families to a “Practice Day Visit” as part of their “Salute to Service” weekend. The day included a visit to their practice facility where the clients were thanked by General Manager John Lynch, treated to breakfast, and watched the 49ers practice plays and engage in a meet and greet with them. All the veteran clients were given customized jerseys for themselves and their service dogs as well as goodie bags.

“The 49ers afforded OFP clients and their families a once in a lifetime experience that could have never happened without their efforts and generosity,” Cortani said. “It was an example of community at its very best and a beautiful way to honor these veterans.”

Assemblymember Robert Rivas is the 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly and will assume the role of the Speaker’s office June 30, 2023.

“I am honored that my Democratic colleagues have instilled their trust in me to lead the Assembly,” said Rivas, who represents South County. “I am humbled by this opportunity. As the grandson of immigrant farmworkers, I hope to ensure the door of opportunity that was available to my family remains open for future generations. I look forward to ensuring this is a seamless and productive transition. The 40 million California residents we represent deserve nothing less.”

Looking for a job? The city of Morgan Hill’s Recreation Division is looking to fill positions for year-round lifeguards and swim instructors. While many people think of lifeguard positions and swim instructor roles as summer jobs, the city offers aquatic programming year-round, enhancing the need for aquatics professionals.

“Working in aquatics is rewarding because you help the community by teaching lifesaving skills and supporting a safe and supervised swimming environment for our entire community to enjoy,” said Molly Fittro, aquatics supervisor for the city of Morgan Hill. “It’s a great opportunity to learn leadership and safety skills that will help prepare you for future career opportunities.”

The city manages the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center and the indoor aquatic facility at the Centennial Recreation Center. There are often opening and mid-day shifts available when school is typically in session. Pay rates range from $16.50 to $19 an hour. Anyone interested in an aquatics position should apply online.

Positions are available for ages 15 and older, providing opportunities for high school students through active retired adults looking to enjoy a fun job. Shifts are flexible and available for six to twenty hours per week.

For those not yet certified as lifeguards, the city offers a lifeguard certification course, which can be reimbursed after working 10 shifts. Swim instructors can be hired and trained within a few weeks. Apply at www.morganhill.ca.gov/jobs or contact Molly Fittro at (408) 310- 4301 for additional information. For more information about aquatics programming, please visit www.mhcrc.com.

Check out Camille Bounds’ review of South Valley Civic Theatre’s “A Christmas Story” online at www.morganhill.life.com. The play ends Saturday Dec. 10 at the Community Playhouse in downtown Morgan Hill.