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By: Monica G. Munguia, M.A. – Community Engagement Program Manager

“This was certainly a Night of Inclusion, Resilience, and Community Giving”

Each holiday season, the California State Capitol becomes a place where tradition, community, and inclusion shine brightly together. On Wednesday, December 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., families, community members, and visitors gathered on the West Lawn of the State Capitol for a meaningful and festive evening celebrating the 94th Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony—a beloved tradition that reflects the heart of California’s values.

This year’s celebration was especially powerful, highlighting resilience, community connection, and the enduring importance of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A Tradition Rooted in Inclusion

Since 1983, the Capitol Tree has been displayed outdoors and decorated with handcrafted ornaments created by Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each ornament represents creativity, pride, and the voices of individuals whose contributions are central to our communities.

For the third consecutive year, all 21 of California’s nonprofit regional centers participated by displaying their own six-foot holiday trees, adding to the warmth, beauty, and inclusivity of the celebration. Together, these trees served as a visible reminder of California’s statewide commitment to supporting more than 480,000 children and adults who receive services through the regional center system under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.

Honoring Jude and Rebecca Kessler: A Story of Hope and Resilience

This year’s tree lighting ceremony featured Jude and Rebecca Kessler, five-year-old twins from Altadena, who joined Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the Capitol Tree.

Selected by the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC), Jude and Rebecca represented not only children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but also the strength of families who persevere through extraordinary challenges.

 

Diagnosed with autism, the twins began receiving Early Intervention Services through their regional center at the age of two. Earlier this year, their family experienced a devastating loss when their home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Throughout this crisis, SG/PRC provided ongoing support to help maintain stability, routine, and continued developmental progress for the twins.

Jude is known for his love of drawing, music, and trains—often proudly wearing his conductor’s hat at home. Rebecca is rarely without her favorite Santa hat and carries a stuffed reindeer year-round. Their joyful presence at the Capitol Tree Lighting underscored the importance of community-based supports, particularly during emergencies, and highlighted how regional centers are prepared to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.

As Pete Cervinka, Director of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), shared: “Jude and Rebecca embody the heart and hope of the holiday season. Despite facing challenges no child should encounter, their enthusiasm and curiosity shine through. We are proud to have them represent Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities at this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.”

A Holiday Celebration for the Whole Community

In addition to the tree lighting, the evening featured a Holiday Community Celebration and Food Drive, welcoming the public from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Families enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with activities designed to bring people together, including:

• A holiday train for children
• A cookie station for families to enjoy
• Music from a local DJ, leading a joyful countdown to the tree lighting

These elements created a welcoming, family-friendly environment that reflected the spirit of the season.

Giving Back Through the Holiday Food Drive

New this year, the celebration also included a Holiday Food Drive hosted by the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Engagement (GO-Serve) in partnership with Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

Community members were encouraged to donate much-needed food items, including:

• Peanut butter
• Canned tuna or chicken
• Beans
• Soups and stews
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit

Every contribution—large or small—helped support local families and reinforced the message that the holidays are a time for compassion, generosity, and collective care.

Sharing the Celebration Statewide

To ensure access for all, the Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony was live streamed on the Governor’s Office YouTube and Facebook channels, allowing families and community members across California to take part in the celebration.

A Lasting Message of Unity

The Holiday Community Celebration featuring the California State Capitol Tree was more than a seasonal event—it was a reflection of California’s commitment to inclusion, resilience, and service. From the handcrafted ornaments to the stories of strength and recovery, the evening reminded us that when communities come together, we create spaces where everyone belongs.

As we move through the holiday season, may this celebration continue to inspire connection, generosity, and hope throughout the year.

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Link to the Governor Newsom, First Partner Host 94th Annual Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/fBDkD9rQ8A8