Longtime Burton Valley homeowner Larry Cody is famous for his messages on the sign in front of his home on Glenside Drive. Just a few days before Jan. 1, he painted his wish for a happy new year to his neighbors. Cody's family has a long history in the area; many acres in what is now Burton Valley were purchased by his grandfather Augustine Lobo. Lobo crossed the Atlantic coming from Portugal, first landing in Boston to find work in a shoe factory. Later, in the 1920s he came west, purchased the land, made improvements and planted pears and walnuts. The family eventually subdivided the land in the 1950s. Cody is well known in the neighborhood for his signs, changing them from time to time with the seasons or for holidays. Some of messages recollect fond memories of past loves or his affinity for race horses. On a recent Saturday he was heading out to Golden Gate Fields to try his luck. C. Tyson
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA