The Republic of California

On this day in 1846, the Republic of California declared its independence from Mexico. Tensions between new immigrants from the United States and the Mexican governors in California had been running high for a few months. The folks who had settled in California from the east favored annexation by the US. The Mexican government didn't especially like that idea.

Onto the scene came General John C. Fremont, sent by the US Army on what was ostensibly a reconnaissance mission but really was intended to bolster the nascent rebellion. So a bunch of angry citizens -- with the Army looking on -- marched to the governor's house in Sonoma.  They told him he wasn't in charge anymore and raised a crude hand-drawn flag that featured a bear, a star, and the inscription "Republic of California."

The event became known as the Bear Flag Rebellion. Three weeks later, the US congress passed a resolution annexing the territory.

Fremont, California, is named for the general. The Fremont Bridge in Seattle (home to the famous Fremont Troll) is not. Well, not exactly.  The Fremont Bridge and Fremont Avenue in Seattle are named for Fremont, Nebraska.  Apparently, a number of early settlers came from Fremont, Nebraska and, not being very clever or creative, named their little settlement -- now a Seattle neighborhood -- after the town they came from.  Ah, but the Nebraska town is indeed named for General John C. Fremont.

Also on this date (1989), also in California, Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested. She was pulled over by a Beverly Hills cop because her license plates had expired. She didn't like that and slapped the officer in the face. He didn't like that and arrested her. Despite having excellent lawyers, she was convicted of assault.

All of which leads, inevitably it seems, to this very strange number by Weezer (also from California). Enjoy!

Presumably, the leaders of the Bear Flag Rebellion would be pleased to know they had laid the groundwork for Zsa Zsa Gabor and Weezer.