California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will advance a plan to draw new congressional maps — a move he claims will "end the Trump presidency" and flip the U.S. House to Democrats.

Why it matters: Newsom's gambit escalates a red-versus-blue-state standoff ahead of the 2026 midterms — a fight that could decide control of Congress.

Driving the news: The Golden State governor mocked the president's bombastic style in a Tuesday-evening post on X, referring to President Trump in all caps as "Donald 'Taco' Trump" before declaring that California would draw "historic" and "more 'beautiful maps'" to have Trump removed from office and help Democrats "take back the House."

What he's saying: "BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM — YOUR FAVORITE GOVERNOR — THAT WILL BE DEVASTATING FOR 'MAGA'," he wrote.

Catch up quick: After Texas Republicans pushed ahead with off‑cycle congressional redistricting under pressure from Trump, Newsom proposed a "trigger" ballot measure: California would redraw its own electoral maps if Texas proceeded with its plan.

• Newsom said he intends to hold a special election on Nov. 4 for voters to approve a yet-to-be-drawn map aimed at increasing Democratic seats.
• "We'll assert ourselves, and we'll punch above our weight, and it will have profound impacts on the national outcome, not just here in the state of California," Newsom said late last week.
• The Legislature would need to vote to send the measure to a special election before voters could weigh in.

Context: Trump ignited the redistricting arms race last month by urging Texas Republicans to redraw their maps to gain seats, with Missouri and Ohio following suit.

• New York and California quickly promised to answer in kind.
• The U.S. Supreme Court unleashed the partisan gerrymandering floodgates in 2019, when it ruled federal courts had no right to rein in the practice.

Between the lines: California's initiative would amend a 2008 voter-approved measure that created an independent redistricting commission to do the job every decade after a new census.

• The new maps would be in place for 2026, 2028 and 2030 — with authority then reverting to the redistricting commission.

What's next

We got Bay FC in 2023 and the Golden State Valkyries in 2024. In two more years, northern California will add another pro women's sports team to its roster — this time, in volleyball.

Why it matters: As viewership and attendance for women's sporting events skyrocket, a growing number of professional women's leagues are rapidly adding teams across the country.

Driving the news: This week, the Pro Volleyball Federation announced a league restructuring and rebranding to become Major League Volleyball (MLV).

• It will start with eight teams and expand to northern California in 2027.
• "We have a unique opportunity to build something special," entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé, majority owner of the northern California team, said in a press release.

Caveat: MLV spokesperson Rob Carolla told Axios the team has not yet confirmed its new home location.

• Ranadivé is the owner of the Sacramento Kings, but also served as co-owner and vice chair of the Golden State Warriors from 2010 to 2013, so it might come down to a Bay Area face-off against California's capital.

The big picture: Dozens of women's pro teams have played inaugural seasons over the past two years as new leagues for soccer, hockey, rugby and lacrosse launch.

Go deeper

🚗 Video surveillance from earlier this week shows a pedestrian jumping on a Waymo in SoMa, beating it with his belt and smashing the windshield. The driverless car had a passenger inside. (SFist)

One person is dead and another is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a Monday night shooting in Hunters Point. (NBC Bay Area)

⛔ Collective Impact, the nonprofit accused of bribing a city official, says it plans to shut down all programs by October. (KQED)

The Golden State Valkyries' new mascot was unveiled this week — and she's a cutie (to me, at least).

Driving the news: Violet, easily identifiable by her round glasses and big grin, is a raven who knows how to break it down on the dance floor. Our Instagram followers responded with divided fervor.

What they're saying: "Instantly iconic," @anoyes commented, while @shaketini said, "I like her glasses!!"

• One of our readers, Margaret R., also wrote in enthusiastically: "I am OBSESSED with Violet. Liberty can't take up all the mascot rizz." (The New York Liberty's mascot is Ellie the Elephant.)

Yes, but: Not everyone reacted with cheer.

• "Why is she portrayed as SEXY? ... It's just not right for our team of strong, capable women," @goldenstatehaze commented.

Where do you stand on Violet? Hit reply to share your thoughts!

The first brick-and-mortar Hello Kitty Cafe to grace the Bay Area opened to much fanfare last month at Santa Clara's Westfield Valley Fair Mall.

Why it matters: The cafe marks owner Sanrio's growing push into immersive food experiences.

State of play: When walking around the mall, it's hard to miss the cafe, decked out in bright pink Hello Kitty decor. There's usually a line out the door, but it moves fast.

• I ordered the strawberry matcha mini donuts ($11), supercute dream drink ($9.50) and a sugar cookie ($5.50).

Zoom in: The donuts were freshly made and perfectly fluffy, powdered with matcha and laced with a strawberry drizzle.

• The sugar cookie — in the shape of a 10 to honor the franchise's 10-year anniversary — was also sweet and buttery.
• My favorite was the drink, made with raspberry, milk, whipped cream and marshmallow paste. It was tart but balanced, with a smooth, creamy consistency.

Stop by: 10am-9pm Monday through Sunday at 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. Suite 2280 in Santa Clara.

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