What started out as a father's project to connect with his two boys has now become a holiday tradition for a neighborhood in Tierrasanta.
Randy Schimka started Belardo Lights five years ago as a way to bond with his two autistic sons, Stephen and Brandon. This year there are 86,000 computer-controlled lights on the home and a real life image of Santa Clause in the bedroom window.
"That's my favorite part," said one neighbor.
Schimka works all year long to create and design the displays. His garage is lined with wires and a radio transmitter allows him to broadcast music that's synchronized to the lights.
"It makes me happy," said Schimka. "We are completely devoted to them (Brandon and Stephen) and hope that their issues will lessen with time."
It takes the family about two weeks to set up the display, which goes until Dec. 27. This year the family added LED lights which add brightness to the display.
"It feels like a big show," said one little girl visiting the display.
Belardo Lights is located at 5306 Belardo Drive in Tierrasanta. The display is lit from 5:30 until 10:00 every night.
