Gov. Newsom called former President Obama before launching his aggressive Proposition 50 redistricting push, expecting a warning to play it safe. Instead, he was told to push ahead.

State of play: Newsom said during an interview on "The Axios Show" that he went into the call "very nervous," not to secure Obama's endorsement but to get a gut check on a strategy he knew could divide Democrats.

• He expected Obama — long associated with the party's "when they go low, we go high" ethos — to urge caution rather than provide the encouragement that helped catapult the campaign.

"I didn't even get into the conversation and he says, 'I just want to let you know I like what you're saying and I hope you do this,'" Newsom said on the show's latest episode. "It just sort of moved us into a different gear."

The big picture: The exchange signals a broader Democratic shift toward a more confrontational approach to political power and norms amid fears that Republicans are no longer playing by the same rules.

• Newsom framed Prop 50 as a willingness to engage more directly in partisan redistricting battles in response to what he views as Republican efforts to rig the system.
• "(Obama) gave us the cover and the moral authority despite all of his work that he did around independent redistricting," Newsom said. "Because I'll remind you that Prop 50 was about fighting fire with fire."

Catch up quick: California voters approved Prop 50 — dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act — in November with nearly 65% support.

• The measure was a direct response to Texas Republicans' move to redraw congressional maps to gain seats. It gave California lawmakers the authority to redraw their own map, flipping five GOP-held districts into Democrat-leaning territory.
• Supporters have described it as a temporary countermeasure, given that the map will only be in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections.

The other side: Opponents warned it would undo voter-approved reforms, politicize mapmaking and set a dangerous precedent.

Between the lines: The governor cast the initiative as a defensive response to what he sees as growing efforts by Trump and his allies to tilt future elections.

The bottom line: "The Trump presidency is trying to rig the election before one vote is cast this November — that's how serious this moment is," he said.

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Seolleongtang, a milky ox bone soup, delivers the slow, enveloping comfort soup lovers chase — the kind of nourishment that warms you from the inside out.

• While this labor of love takes 24+ hours to make, I could personally eat it all year long. No wonder it's a Korean classic.

I use a combination of marrow, leg and knuckle bones, which I simmer in three separate batches for about five to six hours each, combining the stocks at the end for a fuller, more complex base.

• Soak the bones overnight and then parboil them for about 10-20 minutes before beginning the simmering process.
• Add brisket in the last few hours of the final batch of broth so it's ready upon serving.
• Once plated, season with salt. I add somyeon (thin wheat-flour noodles), the sliced brisket and tons of scallions. Pair it with a side of white rice and kkakdugi (homemade pickled radish) to balance out the richness.
• There are a few more steps involved, but for that you'll have to look at one of these recipes.

Does it take up two full days? Yes. Is it worth it? A definitive yes.

Palestinian teen rapper Mc Abdul takes over the Tenderloin tomorrow for a block party celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Driving the news: The free event will feature a vibrant bazaar with goods and pop-up food stalls from neighborhood businesses, as well as a bounce house and other kids' activities.

• Vendors to spend on include the shawarma restaurant Fanoos Grills, "MexiTerranean" eatery Habibi's Birria, the Arabian Nights perfume brand, Farah Hijab House and Palestine Imports.

The celebration started a few years ago at the parks and recreation center but quickly became an official city event under Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, whose district includes the Tenderloin. (He's also the city's first Muslim American supervisor.)

• Last year's street fair drew thousands to the neighborhood.

Stop by: 11am-4pm tomorrow on Golden Gate Avenue between Jones and Larkin.

📊 San Francisco public schools will reinstate access to Algebra 1 for eighth graders by offering it alongside regular math or as an elective. The Board of Education also approved extending the current school year by five days. (SF Standard)

A woman was rescued from a cliff at Ocean Beach this week after getting stuck on the rocks near the waves. (ABC7)

The victim who died in a shooting this week in the Sunset was identified as 22-year-old SFSU graduate Samantha Katherine Emge. (Mission Local)

⚠️ San Francisco is expanding its street ambassador program to Powell Street. The initiative is credited with cutting the number of safety-related 911 calls in half. (SF Standard)

President Trump said he's considering once again sending federal agents to tackle crime in San Francisco, despite saying Mayor Lurie is "trying very hard." (ABC7)

Our inaugural Friday news quiz drew almost 350 responses — though some of the questions were definitely harder than others. (Looking at you, Giants season opener tribute.)

• Shoutout to Howard S. (who signed off as "proud Mission resident"), Vivian G. and Marina C. for being the first to submit perfect scores!

💡 Click here to take this week's SF news roundup quiz.

• Let's see how well you do this time around.

💯 Hit reply with a screenshot of your perfect score (or send it to [email protected]) for the glory of a shoutout next week!

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