City's Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners Announced

The crowned the Holiday Home Decorating Contest winners on Monday.

Pam Valenzuela, whose Corte Renada home earned Most Festive title, was one of the winners.

"It’s nice to be recognized,” said Valenzuela, who enlisted her neighbors to get in on the fun. “[We] don’t really see too many blocks decorated anymore, so we wanted to decorate the block.”

For their efforts, they were awarded best block. Neighbors appreciate it too. 

Cindy Espinoza and her three young sons recently had a life lesson in giving.

“We just came home from delivering presents,” said Espinoza.  “Our family has been very fortunate in our lives and we wanted to give back; we want our children to learn it’s about giving too.”

The family adopted 150 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County and couldn’t help but stop to look at the lights.

Neighbor Barbara Nugent was also sightseeing on the block.

“Every night I notice something different,” Nugent said.

 “I just love it."

Judging took place over the weekend and winners were announced early Monday on the City's Website.

Judges' criteria was based on several categories: Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Best Block, Most Festive, Best Holiday Spirit and Judges' Prize.

"The judges try not to award the same people every year," said Laura Frasso, a former judge and special events coordinator for the Community Services Department.

“The City of Murrieta loves the holiday spirit that comes with our residents decorating their homes for the holidays."

Spreading the holiday magic is the reason one of this year’s honorable mentions, Vicki Lazoff, decorates.

Lazoff’s college-age daughter and husband get in on the action as well.

“My husband is Jewish and doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but he still gets on the roof and strings the lights,” said Lazoff. Also displayed is a Menorah for those who celebrate Hanukkah but like to look at the lights.

Many of this year's winners agreed about why they decorate.

"Tis’ the season,” said Valenzuela.

Honorable mentions were awarded to the Lawson Family, Cabrera family, Lazoff family, Henrick-Sybrandy Family and the Damato family.

For addresses and maps to the winning homes, click here.