1. In 1858, a massive earthquake rocked the city of San Jose, California on January 9th. Known as the "Fort Tejon earthquake," it was one of the largest earthquakes to ever hit California, and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the region.

2. On January 9, 1913, aviation pioneer Orville Wright set a new world record for altitude, reaching a height of over 9,000 feet during a flight in northern California. Wright's historic flight paved the way for future advancements in aviation technology and exploration.

3. California's iconic Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to the public on January 9, 1937. The bridge, which spans 1.7 miles over the San Francisco Bay and connects San Francisco to Marin County, has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

4. In 2007, California's Whittier Narrows earthquake was remembered on its 25th anniversary on January 9th. The earthquake, which measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and killed 8 people, is considered one of the most significant seismic events in California's history.

5. Tennis superstar Serena Williams was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 9th, 1981, but has called California home for much of her life. Williams has won a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.