1. In 1846, the California Republic was officially declared by American settlers in Sonoma, marking the start of the brief California Republic era. This event ultimately led to the annexation of California as a U.S. state a few years later.

2. On July 6, 1923, the famous Hollywood sign officially debuted as the "Hollywoodland" sign to promote a real estate development. Over time, the last four letters were eventually removed, making it the iconic symbol of the movie industry that it is today.

3. The prominent San Francisco television station KRON-TV began broadcasting on July 6, 1949, becoming the first independent television station in the Western U.S. and paving the way for its eventual acquisition by NBC.

4. In 1984, the Olympic Torch Relay for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics passed through California, including stops in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara. This event drew in large crowds and helped solidify the state's reputation as a hub for international sporting events.

5. On July 6, 1998, California became the first state in the U.S. to require vehicle manufacturers to sell a minimum number of electric, fuel cell, or hybrid vehicles each year as part of its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program. This established California as a leader in green technology and sustainable transportation practices.