"Pro-Palestinian Protests Force Cancellation of Tree Lighting Ceremonies in California"

California Governor Gavin Newsom canceled an in-person tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol due to safety concerns amid pro-Palestinian protests. The cancellation comes after pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted the California Democratic Convention last month. Local Palestinian rights groups had planned to march on the ceremony, calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will hold a virtual ceremony instead. The Israel-Hamas conflict has caused divisions within the Democratic party, with progressives advocating for resolutions in support of Palestinians.