Contest spurs homeowners to decorate

Two addresses to drive by: Cheryl Wheeler's house at 268 Crown Court in Long Canyon Estates, where the homeowners association holds a Christmas decorating contest.

Wheeler said "the homes this year are turning out to be just wonderful. My husband has put in many hours and put thousands of lights up and I thought it would be a fun piece to showcase some of the truly beautiful and festive houses of this year. Come take a look at ours."

Danielle Earl also has a Christmas light display she'd like Simi Valley neighbors to share.

Her home is at 5893 Mustang Drive (at the corner of Evening Sky Drive and Mustang, off Yosemite Avenue).

Earl's house has more than 15,000 lights that "dance to music" broadcast on 97.7 FM.

The display, Earl said, was created using LED lights almost exclusively, so "although very bright, it uses very little energy."