Happy 158th birthday, California!

SACRAMENTO -- They're gearing up for a little party today in the state Capitol here in Sacramento, the kickoff of this year's Admission Day festival. Ladies in 1850s costumes are wandering the halls along with the usual suspects -- legislators, lobbyists and a sprinkling of tourists.

On the north lawn, a favorite among protesters, there's a pile of birthday cakes, served up by members of the California State Capitol Museum. "None of this is at taxpayers' expense," one of the museum members said. "We've paid for all of it."

California was the 31st state admitted to the Union 158 years ago today. It took a while for the word to get out, but a month later, residents held some wild celebrations.

Today's ceremony is more modest and more restrained, with a barbershop quartet warbling away, the aforementioned costumed ladies adding a dash of atmosphere, and cake and ice cream for all comers.  Can't help wonder what the  Chumash or Miwok or Yurok or any of the state's original occupants think.

--Veronique de Turenne

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[bill]

The Capitol Museum Volunteer staff served up well over 700 servings of Birthday cake and ice cream to visitors and legislative staff. School children visiting the Capitol got an extra treat as they topped their visit with desert. The Capitol Volunteer Museum Association hosts several events at the Capitol each year, in addition to manning the information desk and providing interpretations to the historical rooms inside the Capitol. The next time you are in Sacramento please stop by and take a tour of your Capitol.