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vol . 4, no. 49 : august 6-12, 2025 : losgatan.com
police transparency update p4 : jazz on the plazz preview p6 : police blotter p9 : solar power record p11 Courtesy of Peter Song
WORK IS NOW IN SESSION FOR LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS Youth shape their futures by starting businesses, juggling jobs and interning Caleb Marks, Contributor
Once finals end and college students are freed from attending class and studying, often, another challenge awaits: the summer job. Here’s how a few local postsecondary pupils are making it work. Starting a business from scratch is never easy. Getting started, spreading the word and building connec tions can be a tough slog. For Carter Williams, a 2024 Leigh High School graduate attending Chapman University, and Grant Ryder, who completed classes at the same school the prior year and now attends Santa Barbara City College, that challenge has grown into a summer business What started as a way to help people in their neighborhood put up Christmas lights in late 2021 has evolved into a service for things like yard work, garage organization and furniture assembly. Promoting their services through platforms like Nextdoor, Williams and Ryder have built up a solid reputation amongst clients. However, Williams admits the road hasn’t always been smooth, as he offers a piece of advice to those looking to start their own business. “Never be afraid to put yourself out there. The worst they can say is no. And trying costs nothing,” he said. “Even if no one responds at first, that first connection can make it all worth it.” ➝ Student Jobs, 12
FISHEYE IN THE SKY Song in flight in Italy during a training run. Originally from Los Gatos, he made his mark recently as the first American to win a world championship hang gliding event in the history of the sport.
LOCAL PILOT SOARS TO VICTORY IN WORLD FLIGHT EVENT Song becomes first American to win global hang gliding championship Staff Report
Californian Peter Song made history last month as the first American to win a world championship hang gliding event since the sport took off over 50 years ago.
Song competed against top pilots from around the globe in the World Hang Gliding Class 1 Sport Championship in June. And when it was owner, he was crowned the sport-class hang gliding world champion after only his sixth hang gliding competition. The 2025 hang gliding world championship series concluded in Spain with the second and final competition.
Song’s historic win in Italy is unprecedented not only because it represents the first-ever world championship victory for the US, but because of Song’s status as a relative newcomer to the sport. Song represents a growing generation of younger hang glider pilots in a sport where most pilots are age 55 and above. ➝ Glider, 8
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