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6AM City In-house

A team that left its pawprint on the city 🐾

The story of the Sacramento Mountain Lions football team
SACtoday_mountain_lions
Mountain Lions players take the field. | Photo by Daren Hall via United Football League
Super Bowl LVII kicks off this Sunday, but we’re really excited about pro football’s return to Sacramento with Major League Football.

The new, 22-team pro league doesn’t start until the fall — and Sacramento’s club doesn’t have a name yet. But with hype already in full force, let’s look back at Sacramento’s last gridiron squad — the Sacramento Mountain Lions (cue the copyright-free NFL Films-esque music).

🏈 The story

As part of the second launch of the United Football League, the Mountain Lions began their life as the California Redwoods (oh snap!) in the fall of 2009, putting together a 2-4 record in the inaugural season, where home games were played in San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

Under an ownership group that included Paul Pelosi and George Zimmer (you know, the Men’s Warehouse guy), the team permanently relocated to Sacramento the following season and adopted the Mountain Lions moniker — promptly mustering up a meager 4-4 campaign in 2010.

The team was unable to find a high level of success, ending the truncated 2011 season at 2-3. Legal and financial problems plagued the league, forcing its unceremonious end before the 2012 season could kick off.

🏈 The stars

Some of the team’s notable personnel include (nicknames our own):
While we’re sad the team never saw the on-field success that some of our city’s other football teams have enjoyed, the fact that the team played its first home game in front of a reported 20,000 fans excites us for what the future of football may look like in the City of Trees.

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Friday, Feb. 10
  • Mike Henderson: “Before the Fire, 1965-1985" | Friday, Feb. 10-Sunday, June 25 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, 254 Old Davis Rd., Davis | Free | Peruse paintings and film created by the UC Davis professor.
  • Direct from Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys | Friday, Feb. 10-Sunday, March 5 | 8 p.m. | The Guild Theater, 2828 35th St., Sacramento | $15-$23 | Witness this “vaudeville” retelling of historical events.
Saturday, Feb. 11
  • 34th Annual Sweet Potato Festival | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sam and Bonnie Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento | Free | Music, activities, and definitely food are all available.
  • Kings Watch Party | Saturday, Feb. 11-Sunday, April 9 | 6 p.m. | Flatstick Pub, 630 K St., Ste. 120, Sacramento | $9.16-$99 | Can’t make it to see your team in-person? You can still snack on unlimited pretzels and mustard during every game.
Sunday, Feb. 12
  • The Emo Night Tour | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 7 p.m. | Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento | $15-$25 | Straighten those bangs and draw on your winged eyeliner for a night of your favorite emo jams.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor
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Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
GET YOUR FREE MATCHES

Weather
  • 62º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Community
  • Starting tomorrow, the Taxpayers Assistance Center (4330 Watt Ave.) will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on select Saturdays. Sacramentans who need help with their taxes can drop by Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13, no appointment necessary. 📝 (FOX40)
Development
  • Earlier this week, the city approved a plan to commit more than $3 million to convert a motel into affordable housing. The plan would transform the Rodeway Inn at 25 Watt Ave. into a 70-unit apartment complex for residents recently experiencing homelessness. 🏗️ (Sac Biz Journal)
Biz
  • If you’re Valentine’s Day shopping this weekend, snag a Shop 916 gift card and get a bonus one for free. The cards can be used at 100+ retail stores and restaurants throughout the city. The only catch? Bonus gift cards must be used by Tuesday, Feb. 28. 💳 (Sacramento City Express)
Sports
  • Can’t decide who to root for during Sunday’s Big Game? Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and third-string quarterback Ian Book are locals — both graduated from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills. 🏈 (FOX40)
Eat
  • Here’s a sweet way to support the Kings — Sac’s NBA squad and Oreo have teamed up on some branded cookies. The snack-maker has 12-packs of specially decorated treats for each of the league’s 30 teams and a special All-Star set. 🍪
Seasonal
  • Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *
Stat
  • 59% of our readers recently told us they plan on traveling to Europe in 2023. Babbel’s user-friendly app gets readers speaking one of 14 different languages in as little as three weeks. Want to try it out? Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *
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Bloody delicious

Fall in love Get a taste of There and Back Cafe’s new drink
SACtoday_sanguine_bond
Blood is thicker than water so maybe don’t bake with it. | Photo by Heidi Rojek
If there’s a nerd in your life you love, consider treating them to There and Back Cafe’s newest drink: The Sanguine Bond.

Named after one of the cards from the game Magic the Gathering, this strawberry white mocha isn’t actually made with blood (as far as we know), but does have a delightfully-seasonal pink hue to it. The drink probably would’ve sent our Twilight-obsessed teenage selves over the edge with joy back in the day, if we’re being honest.

The cafe recommends pairing it with either a crème fraîche shortbread strawberry bar or a dark cherry pink breakfast roll. Yum.

Looking for other ways to celebrate your loved one around the River City? Check out our Valentine’s Day guide.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Jordan.

Editor’s pick: Plant-based food truck Rabbit Food Revolution is back under new ownership. Stop by Conscious Creamery (3400 Broadway) this Sunday 12-4 p.m. for its soft opening.

Missed Wednesday’s newsletter? We satisfied your late-night hunger.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Jordan Radach, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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