The city of Santa Maria recently announced its 2008 winners for the annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights contest.
Grand prize winners were divided into several groups, including a Best Residence for each quadrant of the city. The North West winner is at 207 Sycamore St.; the North East winner is at 1749 Vine St.; the South West winner is at 2423 Wailea Ct.; and the South East winner is at 670 E. Newlove Dr.
The Best Business winner is Michael B. Clayton and Associates, Attorney at Law, located at 400 E. Orange. The Most Inspirational winner is Marian Medical Center, located at 1400 E. Church St. The Neighborhood Spirit award went to 1719 La Salle Dr., while Most Nostalgic went to 400 Pam Ct., and Most Energy Efficient went to 330 S. Scott Dr.
This year, a new honor—the Lifetime Achievement award—went to Larry and Michelle Illis of 917 N. Beth Ct.
Yvette Fuentes of the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department said the city wanted to recognize the Illises, who have won Best Residence several times in the past, with a special award for their masterful holiday decorating skills.
“They have their own radio station and the music synchronizes with the lights,” Fuentes said.
Grand prize winners received an official yard sign and plaque from the city. A dozen households also received “Awards of Excellence” from the city as honorable mentions.
In Orcutt, Best Residence went to 4421 St. Ives Ct., Neighborhood Spirit went to 3477 Satinwood Dr., Most Inspirational went to 968 Via Esmeralda, and Most Nostalgic went to 4211 Shady Glade Dr.
Crystal Dr. won Best Block, and Best Craftsmanship went to 4380 Lynhurst Circle.
The Orcutt contest was sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Lions Club, with support from the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department.
—Amy Asman
This article appears in Dec 18-25, 2008.
