1. In 1854, the first institution of higher education in Southern California, San Diego College, was founded on March 29.

2. On March 29, 1934, the first ski lift in California was opened in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway took skiers up to the top of Mount San Jacinto, which had enough snow for skiing during the winter season.

3. In 1973, the last Volkswagen Beetle was produced at the automaker's factory in San Jose, California, on March 29. The car had been in production at the plant since 1951.

4. On March 29, 1936, the Golden Gate International Exposition opened on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. The exposition was held to celebrate the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

5. In 1999, the first game was played at the new Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco on March 29. The stadium, which is now known as Oracle Park, is home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team.