Event to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7:00 pm
SACRAMENTO, CA – Jude and Rebecca Kessler, five-year-old twins from Altadena, will be joining Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the California State Capitol Tree this year.
This is the 42nd consecutive year that the ceremony will feature a child with an intellectual or developmental disability receiving support from one of California’s 21 nonprofit regional centers. Jude and Rebecca were selected by San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) for this cherished holiday tradition to represent the more than 480,000 Californians who receive these services.
Meet Jude and Rebecca Kessler
Jude and Rebecca began receiving Early Intervention Services through the regional center at age two. Diagnosed with autism, they became eligible for support provided through the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. This past January, their Altadena family home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. SG/PRC has provided ongoing supports and services to the twins during the crisis which have helped to bring routine, continued growth, and community.
Jude loves drawing, listening to music, and trains. At home he wears his conductor hat. Rebecca chooses her preferred Santa hat and carries around a stuffed reindeer year-round. The twin’s participation in this year’s tree lighting highlights the importance of community supports during emergencies. And for families that include individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, California’s regional centers are prepared to anticipate and meet their specific needs.
“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,” said Pete Cervinka, Director of DDS. “We are proud to have them represent Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities at this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.”
A Holiday Community Celebration
The public is invited to join a Holiday Food Drive featuring the Capitol Tree on December 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. Pacific Time on the West Lawn of the State Capitol. Following a tradition that began in 1983, the Capitol Tree is displayed outdoors and decorated with festive ornaments created by Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the third year in a row, 21 regional centers will add to the festive display with their own six-foot trees, bringing more holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy. New this year, the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Engagement (GO-Serve) will host a holiday food drive benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Every donation – big or small – helps local families get the food they need. Most-needed items include peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, beans, soups, stews, canned veggies, and canned fruit.
In addition to the food donation station and lighting of the Capitol Tree, there will be a holiday train for kids to enjoy as well as a cookie station – with music from a local disc jockey to help countdown to the lighting.
This year’s Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony will be live streamed on the Governor’s Office YouTube and Facebook channels.
Available Media
About DDS
DDS is responsible for overseeing the coordination and delivery of services and supports to over 480,000 Californians with, or at risk for, intellectual and developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy and related conditions. The State’s developmental disability services are designed to meet the needs and choices of individuals at each stage of their lives, and support them in their home communities, providing choices that are reflective of lifestyle, cultural and linguistic preferences.
California is unique among states in guaranteeing regional center services to all residents of the State who have qualifying intellectual and developmental disabilities, after other sources have been exhausted. The Department, regional centers, and community partners are working on several initiatives to deliver on the promise of the Lanterman Act, including the LOIS project, rate reform, multiple information and standardization efforts, enhanced transparency, and Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce development.
About SGP/RC
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) is one of 21 regional centers in California that provide essential services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It is a private, nonprofit corporation, funded by the State of California. SG/PRC’s mission is to collaborate, advocate, and support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, so that every person enjoys a life of meaningful opportunities and inclusion.