by Breeanna Jent on 2013-12-23
Bedecked in lights, Colton resident Juan Gutierrez drives arguably the most festive vehicle in town.
Each of the 1,800 colored Christmas lights that bedazzle his Ford Expedition are individually taped — in some cases, even stapled onto plastic, creating a merry and portable Christmas ornament that Gutierrez says catches the attention of all who see it.
"Everybody comes out to see it. They love it," Gutierrez said. "You're never going to see another car like this in California."
Gutierrez has been decorating his car for a few years now, adding to it each Christmas. This year's 1,800 lights rival last year's 1,600; he added lights to decorate the vehicles side mirrors, gas tank cover, along the door handles, in the center of each tire and decorating the chrome license plate cover. There's even a string of lights underneath the car. The lights run off an electrical generator in the vehicle and are easily turned off and on.
It took Gutierrez a week and three tries to get the lights situated in a pattern he liked, he said. The twinkling car is how he contributes to spreading holiday cheer to the community — one known for going all out on Christmas: the city hosts several holiday-themed activities during the season, from a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 each year to an annual Christmas parade and festival in the park.
"When I was little, we didn't get a lot of toys being in a family of 12 brothers and sisters," Gutierrez said. "So I wanted to do this not only for the kids but for everybody. I want to see the smiles on their faces."
Gutierrez has also made a point of driving the Christmas car to the homes of friends and others who are unable to travel to his home to see it.
"I have been bringing it to friends who are disabled, who aren’t able to travel to see it and they can take pictures with it," he said.
When asked if he is ever stopped by police, Gutierrez replied: "I was last year but that was (so they could) take pictures."