California will mark its 175th year of statehood this week, and elected officials are commemorating the milestone by reflecting on the ways the state has historically churned out innovators and political mavericks.

The Golden State was admitted to the union on Sept. 9, 1850, becoming its 31st state . Elected officials with ties to The City who spoke with The Examiner called Tuesday’s anniversary a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the state’s past and its contributions to the nation, while also coming together to decide how their collective work can shape people’s futures.

“California is more than a state,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “It’s a community of people bound together by breathtaking landscapes and a spirit of innovation.”

“Californians have always drawn strength from th

See Full Page