California: Governor Newsom, First Partner join Central Valley child for 93rd annual Capitol Tree lighting ceremony
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Dec 11, 2024

Governor Newsom, First Partner join Central Valley child for 93rd annual Capitol Tree lighting ceremony

What you need to know: Carter Morris, a nine-year-old from Merced, joined Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the California State Capitol Tree. This is part of the State's broader efforts to highlight and support kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sacramento, California – A cherished holiday tradition, this year marked the 41st consecutive year that California's Governor and First Partner have hosted a child receiving support from one of California's 21 nonprofit regional centers to light the California State Capitol Christmas Tree. Nine-year-old Carter Morris from Merced was selected by Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) to represent the more than 450,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who receive services.

"Happy holidays, California! It was an honor to stand with Carter in solidarity with all of California's kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to light the Capitol Tree this year. The holiday season is about gratitude, being together with loved ones, and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves, and I am so pleased to usher in this time of joy with Carter and his family."

Governor Gavin Newsom

"The holidays are a powerful reminder to lead with empathy and compassion, spreading joy and kindness to those around us. This year's California State Capitol Tree Lighting was especially meaningful as we joined Carter and his family for this beautiful tradition. Standing with them, we were reminded of the strength and resilience of our communities and the importance of coming together to celebrate hope and connection during this season."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Meet Carter Morris
Carter was born in 2014 as one of six and began receiving services from CVRC in 2018. He and his family have accessed essential supports to help him thrive in and out of school. Carter is a bright and active elementary school student who enjoys learning about outer space and math. His participation in this year's tree lighting underscores the importance of celebrating each Californian's unique contributions to their communities.

Carla Casteñeda, Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS): "Carter exemplifies the warmth and compassion of the holiday season and we are thrilled to see him representing Californians at this year's tree-lighting. His curiosity, kindness, and determination embody the incredible potential of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to thrive in California."

Expanding on four decades of tradition

Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities created festive ornaments that will adorn the 60-foot red fir tree, an important Capitol tradition since 1983. This is the second year the 21 regional centers each have their own 6-foot trees set up in the Capitol rotunda to add holiday sparkle.

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B-roll from the Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony can be found HERE. B-roll of Carter and his family can be found HERE. Sound bites from Carter and his mother, Lynne Morris, on being selected can be found HERE.



Serving Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Governor Newsom has made historic investments in and reforms to the system of community-based services and supports for the 450,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in California:
  • Services backed by $15.9 billion annually through the only life-long entitlement to services in the nation – including an additional $2.2 billion in rate increases for care providers implementing January 1, 2025 – so people with I/DD have the support they need to live and thrive in the community.
  • Reforms for accountability and outcomes, including the Master Plan for Developmental Disabilities launched in 2024, legislation providing new transparency (AB 1147), and new data dashboards.
  • Strong career pathways for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an additional $3.5 billion investment in special education, new laws to encourage earlier career planning (AB 438), more inclusive higher education (AB 447), and the end to a sub-minimum wage starting on January 1, 2025 (SB 639).
  • Safety in the community through new bills training law enforcement on wandering (AB 2541) and other best practices for interactions with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (SB 882).

CA Department of Developmental Services

DDS is responsible for overseeing the coordination and delivery of services and supports to over 450,000 Californians with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and related conditions. The state's developmental services are designed to meet the needs and choices of individuals at each stage of their lives, and, to the extent possible, support them in their home communities, providing choices that are reflective of lifestyle, cultural and linguistic preferences.

Central Valley Regional Center

CVRC is part of California's regional center network providing essential services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It is a private, nonprofit corporation, funded by the State of California. CVRC's mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children at risk, to reach their goals by coordinating resources and collaborating with other agencies to develop the best services for clients and families; valuing diversity; respecting individual rights and choices; committing to excellence, honesty and cost effectiveness in service delivery.

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