Rainbow Grocery in SoMa is marking its 50th anniversary this weekend after first opening its doors in 1975.

Why it matters: In a neighborhood marked by change and the overwhelming presence of big-box chains, Rainbow has stayed true to its roots, rejecting corporate norms in favor of worker ownership and community-based values.

State of play: The store is hosting a block party this Sunday celebrating the milestone with festivities that include live music, giveaways and 25 vendor booths.

What they're saying: "Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years" Gordon Edgar, a 31-year employee who runs the cheese counter, told Axios.

Catch up quick: Rainbow Grocery was born out of a 1970s grassroots movement calling for access to nutritious and organic food.

• The store started as a volunteer-run program before becoming a co-op and buying its SoMa location in 1996, a move that's helped it dodge soaring rents and stay independent, Edgar said.

How it works: Rainbow's model operates outside of traditional hierarchies — employees co-own the store and vote equally on decisions.

Between the lines: The store sells a wide selection of homeopathic bath and beauty products, herbal medicines, organic produce, vegan and gluten-free options and environmentally-conscious goods.

• One feature that's come to define its appeal stems back to its roots as a bulk food buying program. Shoppers can avoid plastic packaging by buying various products in bulk.

The intrigue: Even through waves of change, Rainbow's bond with its community has stayed strong.

• Despite weathering rising competition, pandemic-era buying shifts and customer turnover driven by displacement, Edgar said it's been rewarding seeing decades of familiar faces return and watching families grow up in the store.

My thought bubble: Rainbow is a grocery store-lover's dream. It's what Whole Foods was before it became the corporate-owned Whole Foods we know today, except on steroids with an even wider array of curated and specialty brands.

Tell a foodie

More than 50,000 voters in District 4 are set to receive ballots for the Sept. 16 special election to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio.

Why it matters: The moderate Democrat's support for closing the Great Highway ignited a wave of backlash from his constituents, a majority of whom opposed the initiative over concerns about traffic and longer commutes.

• Though the measure passed with 55% of voters' approval citywide, only 36% of voters in District 4 agreed with Engardio.

How it works: The ballot will ask voters to vote "yes" or "no" on whether to remove Engardio from office.

• Once completed, voters can return them via mail or drop them off at City Hall's elections department office. Three official ballot drop boxes will also be stationed at the Ortega Branch Library, Parkside Branch Library and City Hall.

If voters oppose the measure, Engardio will remain in office and fight to retain his seat when he's up for reelection in November 2026.

• If they approve it, Mayor Daniel Lurie will appoint a replacement to serve until the June 2026 primary.

Go deeper

🚘 Prosectors filed three counts of vandalism charges against a man accused of damaging Waymos in four separate incidents this year. (SF Chronicle)

ICE agents detained seven people in Oakland on Tuesday, their family members and attorneys say. (KTVU)

👗 Union Square's Beacon Grand Hotel will host a fashion show on Aug. 27 to fundraise for George Mark Children's House, a nonprofit that cares for youth with serious medical conditions. (SF Examiner)

⚾️ The San Francisco Giants have lost 13 out of their last 14 games at Oracle Park. (The Athletic)

Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California leaders said yesterday that the California Legislature will introduce and approve the state's response to an escalating partisan redistricting arms race starting early next week.

Why it matters: Efforts in blue and red states to pick up seats through gerrymandering could determine control of Congress in next year's midterm election.

• California's play follows Texas Republicans' effort — instigated by President Trump — to redraw its congressional maps to help maintain control of the House of Representatives.

The intrigue: Newsom said California's legislation would be triggered by continued partisan redistricting efforts by not just Texas, but any Republican-controlled state.

• "There is still an off ramp," he said, if states like Missouri, Indiana and Florida opt not to pursue midterm redistricting.

The big picture: Newsom said the Legislature will approve a legislative package by the end of next week to schedule a November special election for California voters to weigh in on new congressional maps aiming to create five new Democratic seats.

• The action would require a constitutional amendment, which needs two-thirds approval from the Legislature.

Between the lines: The governor hopes and expects other blue states to follow California's lead.

What's next: In response to the Trump-led redistricting plans, about 200 "Fight the Trump Takeover" protests are taking place nationwide tomorrow, including across the Bay Area such as in Oakland between 12th Street and 1st Ave. near Lake Merritt Boulevard from 11am-12:30pm.

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Time to make the most of the weekend.

🌯 Check out food vendors, merchants and live entertainment at the Castro Night Market.

• 5-10pm Friday on 18th Street between Hartford and Collingwood streets.

🍕 Choose from one of 65 local pizzerias, bagel shops and breweries at a festival hosted by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani.

• Noon Saturday at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. Tickets start at $111.

💸 Learn new financial literacy skills at San Francisco's annual Family Wealth Conference, featuring one-on-one consultations and leading presentations on property taxes, estate transfers and assessment appeals.

• 10am-1pm Saturday at 55 Frida Kahlo Way.

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