Justin Pardee speaks to the Residents for Responsible Representation neighborhood group at the La Sierra Senior Center. (Clarissa Cervantes)
Thursday Gazette: August 28, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Since I launched The Gazette in January 2020, I’ve been fortunate to be invited to speak to countless different neighborhoods and community groups. Last week I spoke to Residents for Responsible Representation in La Sierra, and there was enough time for some really meaningful questions from the group. Their questions made me realize it’s time to retire my “Introducing the Raincross Gazette” talk now that we’re in our fifth year.
Over the past week I spent my early mornings developing a brand new talk unpacking the Gazette’s vision, strategy and roadmap, which I had the opportunity to share with the Riverside East Rotary yesterday morning. I had a blast sharing this publicly for the first time and drove away thinking how much I’d like to share it with all of you readers. Is that something you would be interested in?
I’m now considering booking a venue here in town to host a "State of the Raincross Gazette" evening where I go behind the scenes on our operation and plans, and then open up questions and connections. I'd love to know if you would be interested in a night like that – if you would attend, please hit reply and let me know to help me gauge interest in an event like this.
CBU Men’s Soccer starts strong and CIF Football features the cities oldest rivalries.
Dutch Senior Jan Quispel on the ball for the Lancers in their 3-2 win vs. American. (Ken Crawford)
The weekend ahead in Riverside sports is packed with action. The California Baptist Lancers men’s soccer team hosts the Cal Poly Mustangs in a marquee matchup at CBU Soccer Stadium, with fresh arrival Liam Jones already turning heads after earning WAC Player of the Week honors. On the high school gridiron, two classic RUSD rivalries take center stage as JW North meets Riverside Poly at RCC and Arlington squares off against Ramona at Ramona High. College fans won’t want to miss Riverside City College’s home opener against Long Beach City College at Wheelock Field, where the Tigers look to set the tone for their season. From soccer showdowns to football rivalries, Riverside sports has plenty to offer this weekend.
Zambian Psychedelic Rock Pioneers WITCH to Perform at Riverside Venue
The cult band's darker, stripped-down, ‘garagey’ sound has gained favor among rare groove collectors.
The most recent version of We Intend to Cause Havoc will perform at the Farmhouse on Sept. 3. (Courtesy of We Intend To Cause Havoc Facebook)
Zambian psychedelic rock pioneers WITCH will bring their unique sound to Farm House Collective in Riverside on Sept. 3. The band, which dominated Zambia's music scene in the 1970s, is experiencing a revival after being rediscovered by international audiences in 2012.
Driving the news: WITCH's performance marks a rare opportunity for local music fans to experience the band's blend of African rhythms and 1960s psychedelia in an intimate 500-capacity venue.
The band recently released their first studio album in 39 years, "Zango," followed by "Sogolo" in June 2023.
Why it matters: WITCH represents a unique chapter in music history, bridging African and Western rock influences during Zambia's post-independence era.
Their resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of authentic psychedelic rock and rare grooves from the 1970s.
The backstory: WITCH's original run ended in the late 1970s due to Zambia's economic collapse and the AIDS epidemic, which claimed the lives of all original members except frontman Emanuel Jagari Chanda.
What's next: The Sept. 3 show begins at 8 p.m. at Farm House Collective, with tickets ranging from $22 to $37 plus fees.
The venue, which opened in March, features local restaurants and retail shops in a converted 1953 motel.
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
Council subcommittee urges trust in Inspector General formation, international art exhibition opens at Immanuel Lutheran and Meliia’s Disneyland fundraiser grows.
City reviews downtown redevelopment and $4M road repair contract, Museum of Riverside explores Victorian medical quackery and Meliia’s GoFundMe update.
