1. The 1901 California State Normal School (now San Jose State University) fire occurred on February 28, killing three students and one professor.

2. On February 28, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. It is a dark chapter in California history.

3. In 1978, Proposition 13, which drastically reduced property taxes in California, was placed on the ballot by petition on February 28.

4. On February 28, 1986, the world-famous Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred, killing all seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe.

5. In 1997, on February 28, rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, sparking controversy and speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death.