Today’s Forecast

52º | Partly cloudy | 7% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:23 a.m. | Sunset 5:01 p.m.

I’d walk 3,073 miles if I could just see you

Why do we have a road sign for Ocean City, MD?

Well I would walk 1,536.5 miles, and I would walk 1,536.5 more, just to be that man who walked 3,073 miles and fell down at your door. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Driving eastward into Sacramento, you’ve probably spotted a head-scratching sign along Highway 50. What’s odd is the mention of Ocean City, MD — separated from Sacramento by eleven states and 3,000+ miles.

Buckle up — we’re taking a road trip to explain the origins.

The History behind Sac’s Ocean City sign

Ocean City had its own sign pointing toward Sacramento first. The Maryland State Highway Administration explained to FOX40 that Ocean City leaders — including a man named Ed Buck — installed the Highway 50 sign on their side sometime between the 1970s and 1980s to denote the end of the highway as it reached the nation’s eastern shore.

SActoday_ocean_city_2 — The other end of Highway 50 in Ocean City, MD.
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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

According to a 2016 article from CapRadio, Caltrans’ head of California highway maintenance in the 1980s, John R. Cooper Jr., was inspired by Ed’s work to add a sign on the westernmost end of the roadway — albeit somewhat ironically.

“I can remember I got a lot of static from Caltrans people because I had been conducting a campaign to get rid of unnecessary signs — and this really was an unnecessary sign,” John told the NPR affiliate.

That “unnecessary sign” drivers see on the side of the road today isn’t actually the original — but a third iteration. The first two versions of the sign, which only listed the distance to Ocean City, were stolen in 1999 and again in 2001. Caltrans workers added the distances to Placerville and South Lake Tahoe during the third sign’s installment. This way, the sign would be larger and harder to steal (which seems to have worked so far).

Wow, we are overwhelmed by the responses we received from our readers about the Ocean City, MD sign on Highway 50, and thought we would share some of our favorite responses with you:

“Hi from a native Sacramento area resident living In Baltimore MD! I have pictures with both signs! The first time I went to Ocean City as a Maryland resident I had to see the sign! Growing up in Sacramento I never knew the ‘why’ until I looked it up and was living in Baltimore! I have had Sacramento friends question why I took a picture with a road sign we’ve seen since we were little.” — Erin N.

SACtoday_ocean_city_3 — Reader Erin sent us this photo of her with the Sacramento sign in Ocean City, MD.
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Photo via Erin N.

“I love that you highlighted the sign. I’m originally from MD and I love seeing that sign on my work commute between Sac and Davis. I knew the history but I didn’t know why MD’s sign was so small and ours was so much bigger. We made a point to see the other sign last summer when we went to Ocean City. There is no way theirs is getting stolen based on it’s [sic] location above the busy highway, we could barely take a photo of it.” — Courtney H.

“I didn’t drive there but, I grew up in Philadelphia and my Grandfather had a large Arcade on The Ocean City boardwalk, Marty’s Playland which is still operational. The family sold it in the 1990’s when we moved to Auburn in 1985. I was surprised to see the sign and I still smile when I see it on my way home from the Bay area.” — Merrill K.

SActoday_ocean_city_4 — Reader Merrill’s grandfather operated an arcade in Ocean City, MD.
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Photo via Merrill K.

“My friend, Kevin and his son, Thomas, rode their bicycles carrying all their gear from Sacramento to Ocean City, Maryland, inspired by this sign. I would love to hear what other fun adventures were inspired by this ‘unnecessary’ signage.” — Tyler L.

“I drove to Ocean City in May of 2019. I went with 3 of my girlfriends. What a great time we had!” — Princetta P.

We would love to know if the sign has inspired any adventures or trips of your own.

🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️

Friday, March 3

Tyre Nichols Balloon Release | Friday, Mar. 3 | 4 p.m. | State Capitol Park, 1300 L St., Sacramento | Free | Honor the life of the young Sacramento man recently killed in Memphis.
Adult Space: Knitting | Friday, Mar. 3 | 1-3 p.m. | Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Dr., Sacramento | Free | This group is perfect for all knitters, whether you love the hobby or are just getting started.
Network & Chill | Friday, Mar. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | 3408 Northgate Blvd., Ste. 4, Sacramento | $5-$100 | Connect with other local entrepreneurs and business owners in a relaxed environment.

Saturday, March 4

Kevin Kaarl | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7 p.m. | Ace Of Spades, 1417 R St., Sacramento | $140-$220 | The Mexican folk singer stops by on his “Paris Texas Tour.”
Brian Regan | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Live, 3317 Forty Mile Rd., Wheatland | $36-$66 | Laugh with this comedian whose career spans 30+ years.

Sunday, March 5

LOLGBT+ Presents: Queens and Comedy | Sunday, Mar. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Punch Line, 2100 Arden Way, Ste 225, Sacramento | $22 | You’ve seen a comedy show, you’ve seen a drag show, but have you ever seen both at the same time?*

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.

Click here to have your event featured.

EVERYBODY'S WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND

✏️NEWS NOTES ✏️

Weather

60º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
The National Weather Service reported that Sacramento has seen just over 10 inches of rain since the beginning of the year, with 7.54 falling in January. Sacramento typically sees 3.66 inches in January. (FOX40)

Pets

Is your child looking for a furry friend? You can now book a party package from the Sacramento SPCA. At a cost of $150-$250, attendees can meet some of the shelter animals, learn how to properly care for them, and even adopt one. (CBS 13)

Number

$16.6 million — that’s the amount of money the Army Corps of Engineers will spend to repair cracks in Folsom Dam’s auxiliary spillway. Construction on the project will not begin until 2025, however, with an estimated 2027 completion date. (Sac Bee)

Eat

Here’s a slice of good news. Local pizza chain Steve’s Pizza has opened its sixth location at 9385 Elk Grove Blvd. — the former home of It’s A Grind Coffee House. Find even more pizza joints. (Sac Biz Journal)

Job

Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.

Travel

Did you know? Going, the travel membership that saves you money on flights, offers veterans, teachers, and healthcare professionals special discounts. Get 25% off a premium membership and take that well-earned vacation with discounted flights to Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and more.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

SPORTS

So fresh and so clean

Sacramento Republic FC unveils new kit

We may prefer these over the traditional kits. | Photo provided by Republic FC

It’s a great time to be a Sac sports fan. The Kings are killing it, River Cats baseball returns at the end of the month, and Republic FC will take the pitch in El Paso, TX next week (Saturday, March 11) to open their season.

In anticipation, the Indomitable Club has rolled out a new kit (that’s soccer for uniforms) to celebrate 10 years in Sacramento. The kit is dripping with team history — from the black color representing the #5YearsOfGlory campaign, to the sash design taking inspiration from moments across Republic history. It is, in our humble opinion, a swag-tastic love letter to the City of Trees.

If you’re already itching for some action, grab tickets for tomorrow’s final preseason match against Monterey Bay FC, and stick around after the game for this year’s Fan Fest — an opportunity to meet the players.

👋 THE WRAP 👋

Today’s Edition By:
Jordan Radach

From the Editor

I can’t be the only one excited for the return of Capitol Beer Fest tomorrow — hope to see you there.

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Why do we have a road sign for Ocean City, MD?

The History behind Sac’s Ocean City sign

Sacramentans share their Ocean City stories

Sacramento Republic FC unveils new kit