If you want to know the history of the San Fernando Valley, read the street signs. Bill Robertson, Director of L.A.'s Bureau of Street Services, says that in 1831, when Pio Pico became the first Californio governor of Alta California, he pretty much took control of the entire Valley. Robertson says Pico leased the land to his brother Andres, who used it to graze longhorn cattle.

"And then with the potential for war with the U.S. in 1846, Pio Pico decided it was a good time to sell the Valley, fearing naturally that the U.S. government would just seize it if they won the war. Well, he sold it to a Spaniard living in Los Angeles whose name was De Celis. De Celis Place out in the Valley."

Not much is known about De Celis, whose family sold the property in 1874. But there's a new tract of homes in Van Nuys near Lake Balboa called De Celis Court.

(Airdate: 10/26/2008)