1. In 1890, the California state legislature approved the creation of Yosemite National Park, which is now one of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States.

2. On January 17, 1913, a massive earthquake struck the city of San Francisco, causing widespread destruction and leading to the development of seismic building codes that are still in use today.

3. California's first female governor, Dianne Feinstein, was inaugurated on January 17, 1975, paving the way for more women to enter into politics in the state.

4. One of the largest and most destructive wildfires in California history, the Thomas Fire, began on January 17, 2018 in Ventura County, burning over 280,000 acres and destroying almost 2,000 structures.

5. January 17 is also the birthday of legendary California surfer, filmmaker, and environmentalist Bruce Brown, who helped popularize surfing culture in the 1960s through his seminal documentary "The Endless Summer."