🍊 Thursday Gazette: August 28, 2025

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.

SPORTS

Games of the Week: August 29-30, 2025

CBU Men’s Soccer starts strong and CIF Football features the cities oldest rivalries.

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.

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

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.

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.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Adult Ballet Classes all levels at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25- $144)
• Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation & Visitor Center ($21.20)
• Find Your Voice in Picture Books at Inlandia Institute ($150- $350)
• Paint and Sip Night at Tacos al Fuego Riverside
• Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
• PANTEON ROCOCO\ FABULOSOS CADILLACS \ MALDITA VECINDAD.. Live Tribute Night at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge

Tomorrow

• Tech Assistance for Seniors at Arlington Library
• Bridge Card Game at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($8- $9)
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Grab and Go Craft: Zines at Arlington Library

Save the Date

• September 8: Icons in Transformation Ribbon Cutting and Gala at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Victoria Country Club ($75)
• September 10: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center ($5- $7)
• September 13: 21st Annual Burnt Offerings BBQ at Magnolia Church
• October 6: Moon Festival at Heritage House
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

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