Asm. Luz Rivas and her staff for their “ugly sweater contest”

‘Tis the season for hot cocoa, twinkling lights and ugly sweater contests. During their lunch break on Friday, Asm. Luz Rivas and her Capitol and district office staff gathered via Zoom for a friendly virtual competition to show off their homemade ugly sweaters. “I didn’t give any specific criteria other than ‘ugliest sweater,’ and use what they had at home because I didn’t want anyone to spend money,” Rivas said. “I thought everyone’s sweater was creative and I loved all of them.” Rivas’ mother, Esthela Perez, served as the judge. The winner was Rivas’ Senior Legislative Assistant Judy Yee, who wore a bright red sweater that was hand painted to say: “COVID was ugly this year but no one is ugly here” and “we spread Christmas cheer.” The “COVID-themed” sweater featured a green Christmas tree festooned with a string of battery-operated lights and decorated with photos of her coworkers as well as a mini face mask and tiny Clorox antibacterial wipes container that Yee crafted. “It took three evenings to make and a lot of hot glue to keep everything together,” Yee said. She says she really liked everyone’s sweaters and thought the contest was a fun way to celebrate the holiday season, even while apart. “Even though we can’t physically be present together, this virtual ugly sweater contest was a good way to do something fun as a team,” Yee said. Rivas, who wore a red and green sweater with a large gold bow in the middle, hoped the contest got everyone in the holiday spirit. “This has been an unusual and challenging year for all of us,” Rivas said. “I don’t think anyone expected us to work remotely, especially for this long, but my team continues to work hard every day to serve the communities I represent. Hosting a virtual ugly sweater contest during our lunch break is a great way to bring my team together, show my appreciation and to spread the holiday cheer.” Contact: Yee, judy.yee@asm.ca.gov.