Christmas in California

Fountain Valley Christmas Lights House


FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF.--When Larry Stewart passed away last year his wife and friends honored him in a very unique way. Larry had always loved Youtube videos of Christmas lights displays. So Jan Stewart went into action with the help of computer whiz Damion Rodgriguez to create an amazing light show in memory of her late spouse. 65,558 computerized, synchronized lights that change colors, form patterns (such as a picture of Larry's face) and dance to music, have treated thousands of people in Southern California to a free Christmas show like no other. Los Angeles weatherman Fritz Coleman featured it on December 28, 2012, in his 2013 TV countdown, but he missed the grand finale, the Real 2013 New Year's Countdown of songs, lights, and hurrays! We captured some of the pre-2013 display on video for you to see.

Fountain Valley, CA
fountainvalley.org

Will it be back? If the public has a say, it will likely return again next year. However, some neighbors want it gone and have complained to Fountain Valley city council in Orange County, asking council members to create an ordinance so the display won't return again. Whether the show goes on in 2013-2014 is up in the air--not far from where Larry Stewart's smiling face is painted on the rooftop in pixel patterns of Christmas lights--a fitting tribute and honor to the man who loved the joy of Christmas. Happy New Year and many thanks to good people who created a magical holiday to share with others!

Hundreds of Orange County residents walk and drive by a Fountain Valley home known for its elaborate holiday light show every year, but some neighbors in the Greenbrook neighborhood tract are saying the house has gone too far.

Homeowner Jan Stewart first enlisted the help of friend Damion Rodriguez to install a Christmas light show using  LEDs last year in memory of her husband Larry, who loved watching similar shows on YouTube.

In 2012 the display added 2,000 feet of Ethernet cable, 10,000 more LEDs, multiple lasers, 16 lighted arches nearly 6 feet tall and a fog machine.

Next door neighbors complained of loud music and lights streaming directly into their bedroom.

The police department has responded to complaints on a nightly basis and cited Stewart for violating a loud noise ordinance. Visitors can now watch from their cars to an FM station and play music designed for the show.

"We're just trying to bring happiness to the city," Rodriguez said. "It brings a lot of joy to a lot of people."

NBC4's "Fritz's Holiday Lights" called featured the house as part of the grand finale of the series on Dec. 28, 2012.

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