SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

California is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, with residents reflecting on the state's rich history and diverse culture. Attendees at the celebration expressed their admiration for the Golden State, with responses including "Beautiful," "Diverse," and bluntly, "Well, I can't think of one word, but I'll say the best," said Diane Kewin, an attendee.

The celebration featured live performances, family activities, and a rare public viewing of the state's original 1849 Constitution, displayed both in English and Spanish.

California's story began in the late 1840s, when the discovery of gold drew hundreds of thousands west, quickly transforming the region. By 1849, delegates gathered in Monterey to draft a state constitution, one outlawing slavery, and just a

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