1. In 1969, the infamous Manson Family murders took place on August 8th. Actress Sharon Tate and four others were killed in her Los Angeles home. The following night, the group killed two more people. These murders shocked the nation and resulted in the arrest and trial of cult leader Charles Manson and his followers.

2. August 8, 1974, marked the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Nixon addressed the nation on August 8th, announcing that he would step down from the presidency amid the Watergate scandal. This marked a pivotal moment in American political history.

3. In 1981, the Los Angeles Police Department made the largest drug seizure in California history on August 8th. The narcotics were found during a routine inspection of a shipping container at the Port of Los Angeles. The seizure included over 50,000 pounds of opium and heroin, worth over $160 million at the time.

4. August 8, 1961, marked the dedication of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The iconic Hollywood boulevard was originally envisioned as a way to recognize notable artists and celebrities in the entertainment industry. Since its inception, over 2,500 stars have been added to the Walk of Fame.

5. On August 8, 2020, a record-breaking heatwave swept through California. The high temperatures prompted rolling blackouts and strained the state's energy grid. Many cities recorded their hottest August day on record, with some areas reaching temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme weather event highlighted the ongoing impact of climate change in the region.