1. California became a state in 1850, but it wasn't until January 3, 1870, that Governor Henry Huntly Haight delivered his State of the State address to a joint session of the California State Legislature. In his speech, Haight urged the legislature to address the state's growing debt and improve its infrastructure.

2. In 1893, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed a train ride from New Orleans to Los Angeles, known as the "Sunset Route". The journey took ten days, but it marked a significant milestone in the development of California's transportation infrastructure. The Sunset Route brought new opportunities for trade and travel to California and helped to stimulate economic growth in the region.

3. On January 3, 1933, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the Long Beach area of southern California. The earthquake caused widespread damage, with over 100 fatalities and $50 million in property damage. The disaster prompted new building codes and safety regulations that still guide construction in California today.

4. In 1961, California Governor Pat Brown signed a law creating the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. The commission was established to protect the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding wetlands from development and environmental damage. Today, the commission is responsible for managing the Bay Area's shoreline development and preserving the ecological health of the region.

5. On January 3, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown was inaugurated for his third non-consecutive term as the state's chief executive. Brown, who previously served as governor from 1975 to 1983, faced a budget crisis and a struggling economy during his third term. Yet, he managed to balance the budget and oversee the implementation of policies aimed at improving California's economic competitiveness.