Los Angeles (KTLA) — Residents of a neighborhood in Trabuco Canyon are vowing to fight an official order instructing them to remove an interlocking display of Christmas lights that have been hung from house to house.
Some 15-20 homeowners in Wagon Wheel each reportedly received a letter from Orange County Public Works stating that the lights, which are anchored on multiple houses and suspended overhead, are an obstruction and a violation of the county code.
The intricate display of lights has been a tradition in the neighborhood for at least five years, residents said.
“We’re in violation of a county ordinance that we’re not quite sure of,” said Brian Kopiec, who lives in Wagon Wheel.
“When we bought the house, the people that sold it to us told us what a great neighborhood it was, and they actually warned us that this neighborhood goes great at Christmas,” he said.
Asked what he thought of the letter, which says the lights must be cleared by Dec. 4, he replied: “I’m not quite sure. I think it’s actually horrible, what they’re doing to us. All the poor kids — they love [the lighting display], and it really brings the neighborhood together.”
Calls to Orange County officials seeking comment were not immediately returned.