California: Governor Newsom, First Partner join LA fire survivors Jude and Rebecca Kessler for 94th annual Capitol Tree lighting ceremony

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Dec 10, 2025

Governor Newsom, First Partner join LA fire survivors Jude and Rebecca Kessler for 94th annual Capitol Tree lighting ceremony

What you need to know: Rebecca and Jude Kessler, five-year-old twins who lost their home in the Eaton Fire, joined Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the California State Capitol Tree.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom hosted the 94th Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony alongside special guests five-year-old twins Rebecca and Jude Kessler from Altadena – marking the 42nd year children from a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regional center has helped light the State Capitol tree. The twins and their family are survivors of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed their Altadena home.

Rebecca and Jude represent the very best of California – resilience, joy and a reminder that even in our toughest moments, our communities show up for one another. As families across the state join together for the holiday season, tonight's ceremony is a celebration of generosity and the power of community.

Governor Gavin Newsom

What holds us together as Californians is the strength and community we find in each other. It was an honor to host Rebecca, Jude, and their parents at our annual tree lighting to ring in the holiday season and celebrate the resilience of the entire Los Angeles community.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Five-year-old twins Rebecca and Jude Kessler from Altadena receive services through the San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC), which supported the family before and after the fire. Approximately 480,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive services from the state's 21 regional centers, marking the 42nd consecutive year a regional center child has taken part in this cherished tradition.

Meet Jude and Rebecca Kessler

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 twins' participation in this year's tree lighting highlights the importance of community support 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 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 support and services to the twins during the crisis which have helped to bring routine, continued growth, and community.

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"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 60-foot tree provided by Cal Fire once again stands near the west steps of the State Capitol, continuing a tradition that began in 1983. The Capitol Tree, adorned with vibrant, hand-crafted ornaments made by Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honors the creativity and contributions of communities served by the state's 21 regional centers.

New this year, the Governor's Office of Community Service and Engagement (GO-Serve) hosted a holiday food drive with the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services to support local families. California Service Corps members were joined by GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday and DDS Director Pete Cervinka to support the distribution of items to community members.

The festivities continued throughout the night with a holiday train for kids to enjoy, a cookie station and music from a local DJ to emcee the tree lighting countdown.

Complementing the main display, each regional center showcased its own six-foot tree, creating a festive forest that celebrates inclusion and statewide unity.

California Department of Developmental Services

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is responsible for overseeing the coordination and delivery of services and supports to over 480,000 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.

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) is one of 21 regional centers in California that provide essential services and support 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.

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