SACRAMENTO, CA – Carter Morris, a nine-year-old from Merced, will be joining Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to light the California State Capitol Tree this year. A cherished holiday tradition, this year marks the 41st consecutive year that the ceremony will feature a child with developmental or intellectual disability receiving support from one of California’s 21 nonprofit regional centers. Carter was selected by Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) to represent the more than 450,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive these services.

Meet Carter Morris

Carter was born in 2014 as one of six siblings 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. “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,” said Carla Castañeda, Chief Deputy Director of DDS. “His curiosity, kindness, and determination embody the incredible potential of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.”

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 will have their own 6-foot trees set up in the Capitol rotunda to add holiday sparkle. This year’s Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony will be live streamed on the Governor’s Office YouTube, X, and Facebook channels.

Available Media

About DDS

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 cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, autism, 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 support them in their home communities, providing choices that are reflective of lifestyle, cultural and linguistic preferences. The Department is working closely with regional centers and community partners on several initiatives to further streamline and enhance developmental services and supports statewide, including rate reform, multiple information and standardization efforts, enhanced transparency Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce development, and the Master Plan for Developmental Services.

About CVRC

The 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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