1) California did not become a state until 1850, over 70 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, the state played a significant role in the American Revolution as it served as a refuge for loyalists who fled from the thirteen colonies during the war.

2) The first Independence Day celebration in California took place on July 4, 1849, in Coloma, a small town in El Dorado County. The town's residents celebrated the day with a parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and fireworks.

3) The Golden Gate Park Band has been performing free concerts on July 4 every year since 1882. The band's debut performance marked the opening of Golden Gate Park, a popular San Francisco landmark.

4) The Hollywood Bowl, an amphitheater in Los Angeles, has been hosting July 4 concerts since 1922. The tradition continues today, with notable performers such as Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Elton John taking the stage over the years.

5) In 1776, American soldiers fought the British in the Battle of Long Island on July 4, giving the day added significance for those in California. The state boasts several national parks and historic sites related to the Revolutionary War, including the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego.