1. In 1850, August 14 marked California's admission as the 31st state of the United States. Prior to statehood, California had been a territory of the U.S. since 1848 due to the Mexican-American War.

2. In 1911, the Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed on August 14. The aqueduct brought water from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles and surrounding areas, providing a reliable source of water for the growing city.

3. In 1945, August 14 was the date when the news of Japan's surrender in World War II reached California. Celebrations erupted throughout the state and across the country, marking the end of the war.

4. In 1971, August 14 was the date of a major earthquake in Southern California. The magnitude 6.4 quake struck near San Fernando, resulting in 64 deaths and significant damage in the region.

5. In 2003, August 14 marked the start of the largest wildfire in California history at the time. The Cedar Fire started in San Diego County and burned for over a month, destroying more than 2,800 structures and claiming 15 lives.