See Newsom family join boy from Central Valley to light Capitol tree, a Sacramento tradition
Sacramento Bee staff
With the help of Carter Morris, 9, from Merced, the California Capitol Christmas tree(s) shine once more in Sacramento.
Morris joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his family for the 93rd ceremonial tree lighting, in the Capitol rotunda on Wednesday night. With the push of a button, the tree was lit inside the building — as was the 60-foot red fir that stands outside on the Capitol grounds.
“Whether we are facing challenges or celebrating victories, we come together in recognition of our shared humanity to support one another and create a brighter future for all Californians,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom as she introduced Morris and his family.
Carter was selected as part of a more than 40-year tradition that brings children with intellectual and developmental disabilities from around the state to help in the tree lighting ceremony. He represents more than 450,000 Californians who receive services through the California Department of Developmental Services.
Carter Morris, 9, from Merced pushes the button to light the California Capitol tree with Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and their children during a ceremony at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Carter, joined at left by parents Lynne and Karl Morris and sister Samira, was selected by the Central Valley Regional Center to light the tree and represent the more than 450,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive services through the California Department of Developmental Services. Paul Kitagaki Jr. The Sacramento Bee
Carter Morris, 9, from Merced high-fives First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom after lighting the California Capitol tree with Gov. Gavin Newsom Newsom and their children during a ceremony at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. At left stand Carter’s parents Lynne and Karl Morris and sister Samira. Paul Kitagaki Jr. The Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom talk with Carter Morris, 9, from Merced after lighting the 93rd annual California Capitol tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Carter is joined at left by his parents Lynne and Karl Morris and sister Samira. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom addresses the crowd at the 93rd annual California Capitol tree lighting ceremony inside the state Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom stand with their children before the 93rd annual lighting of the state Capitol Christmas tree on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr. The Sacramento Bee
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sings “Oh Happy Day” during the 93rd annual California Capitol tree lighting ceremony inside the state Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
Carter Morris, 9, with his parents Lynne and Karl Morris and sister Samira, listen to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir with Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and their children during the 93rd annual California Capitol tree lighting ceremony inside the state Capitol on Wednesday. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
Carter Morris, 9, with his parents Lynne and Karl Morri and sister Samira, listen to the song “Oh Happy Day” sung by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, with Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and their children, during the 93rd annual California Capitol tree lighting in the rotunda of the state Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Carter Morris was selected by Central Valley Regional Center to light the tree and represent the more than 450,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive services through the California Department of Developmental Services. Paul Kitagaki Jr. pkitagaki@sacbee.com
This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 7:00 AM.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
