1. On February 1, 1848, John Sutter discovered gold in his sawmill in Coloma, California, sparking the California Gold Rush. This event attracted thousands of people to the state and led to significant economic growth.

2. February 1, 1960, marked the establishment of the California State Water Project, which helped to provide water to Southern California and reduce the state's dependence on the Colorado River.

3. On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, killing all seven crew members. This event had significant impact on California's space industry, as many of the crew members were associated with the state's NASA centers.

4. February 1, 1918, saw the birth of Mervyn LeRoy, a film director and producer who worked on several Hollywood classics, including The Wizard of Oz and Little Caesar.

5. In 1957, the famous Disneyland Monorail began operation in Anaheim, California. The monorail became a popular attraction at the theme park and helped to inspire transportation innovation throughout the state.