1. In 1901, the first tournament of roses football game was held in Pasadena, California. The game became a New Year's Day tradition and helped promote Pasadena as a travel destination.

2. In 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy visited Delano, California, to show his support for the United Farm Workers Union and its leader, Cesar Chavez, in their fight for labor rights.

3. In 2013, the Rim Fire broke out in Stanislaus National Forest in Yosemite, California, ultimately burning over 400 square miles of land and becoming one of the largest wildfires in California's history.

4. In 1992, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana led the team to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, beating the Buffalo Bills 24-14.

5. In 1861, Sacramento became the capital of California, replacing Benicia. The move was made in part due to Sacramento's more central location within the state.