1. On June 24, 1846, the Bear Flag Revolt began in Sonoma, California. A group of American settlers, led by William B. Ide, declared California an independent republic from Mexico and raised a makeshift flag featuring a grizzly bear and a star. The revolt lasted only 25 days, but it helped pave the way for California's eventual statehood in 1850.

2. In 1901, the Pacific Electric Railway opened its first line in Los Angeles, connecting the downtown area with the city's western suburbs. Over the next few decades, the "Red Cars" became a beloved symbol of Southern California, and the system grew to become the largest interurban electric railway in the world.

3. On June 24, 1955, a wildfire swept through the San Gabriel Mountains above Los Angeles, destroying more than 300 homes and claiming the lives of two firefighters. The blaze, which came to be known as the "Baldy Fire," burned more than 11,000 acres and remains one of the most destructive wildfires in Southern California history.

4. In 1973, the San Francisco Giants traded future Hall of Fame slugger Willie Mays to the New York Mets for pitcher Charlie Williams and cash. The move marked the end of Mays' legendary career in San Francisco, where he had played since the team's arrival in 1958. Mays helped lead the Giants to three National League pennants and a World Series title in 1954.

5. On June 24, 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers won their second consecutive NBA championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in seven games. The series was notable for its physical play and intense rivalry between Lakers star Magic Johnson and Pistons guard Isiah Thomas. Johnson was named the Finals MVP for the second year in a row, and the Lakers went on to win three more championships in the 2000s.