The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News
News
This year, a widespread outbreak of foodborne illness, including Salmonella—a bacterial infection—has been linked to recalled cucumbers. "Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data showed that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick," said the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Silent threat on the plate: foodborne illnesses pose large-scale impacts
Rachel Hong, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024

Salmonella infections linked to recalled cucumbers caused a recent outbreak, reigniting food safety concerns in the U.S. Sixty-eight cases spanning...

The SMC Fire Toy Program is a chance for the community and firefighters to support those who cannot afford gifts for their children during the holiday season. SMC Fire ensures that, through its toy drive, everyone can experience the magic of the holidays, no matter their financial situation. “You take for granted that you have a roof over your head, food to eat, and can buy toys all the time. We’re there to help people out in their worst times, but especially during this time of the year. I just think it’s so important to always give back to the community, and there’s no better time than during the holidays,” Lavezzo said.
Local toy drive brings joy to the community
Claire Kornberg, Staff Writer • December 13, 2024

With the goal of providing toys for children who otherwise wouldn’t receive any, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire) organizes...

Senior instructor Herb Patten teaches the Weather Services Workshop at the San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC). The seminar provides valuable resources and practical tips for weather safety. "I love sharing information. Helping people understand things about aviation, it gives me satisfaction to see people learn things," Patton said.
San Carlos Flight Center helps aspiring pilots soar
Wesley Kron, Staff Writer • December 13, 2024

The San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) held its annual Weather Services Workshop as part of its ground school program on Dec. 7.  The seminar...

Features
Kyunghee Kim is a Korean American immigrant who works as a creative writing teacher and school success coach. Through her work, Kim focuses on building community through storytelling and exploring themes of love and loss.
Found in translation: child language brokers give a voice to a generation
Naomi Hsu, Scot Scoop Editor • December 16, 2024

A pregnancy test showing a negative result, or not pregnant. People who struggle with infertility, such as Elizabeth Thompson, became accustomed to seeing this result. "Every month it would be the same thing. One line, a sad face, not pregnant," Thompson said.
Plummeting California birth rates raise infertility concerns
Chloe Taylor, Staff Writer • December 13, 2024

Birth rates in California are drastically plunging. Infertility caused by poor diet and stress-related factors, coupled with decisions to have...

The once futuristic possibility of high-speed rail in the United States is becoming reality. California and Nevada will be the first states to have this new technology operating for customers. The successes of this project are large steps toward the country reimagining its travel.
On track for innovation: high-speed rail developments in the West
Alyssa Bish, Scot Scoop Photo Editor • December 13, 2024

At 4:45 a.m., Dylan Liddiard arrived at San Jose Mineta International Airport for his 5:45 a.m. flight to Los Angeles. After making his way through...

Sports
Opinion
A heart connects to chains and money, representing how the high costs in today's healthcare system result in less people accessing the treatments they need. Between 47.5 and 51.6 million Americans cannot afford healthcare, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Opinion: Health insurance and medical services should be integrated
Lara Ibasco, Staff Writer • December 14, 2024
Opinion: We should cultivate healthy exercise habits from a young age
December 2, 2024
Opinion: Chegg’s decline serves as a warning for future companies
November 20, 2024
Opinion: California needs to prioritize rehabilitation in its prisons
November 16, 2024
Opinion: Grade inflation is harmful in the long term
November 4, 2024
Entertainment
Students showcase their 2024 Spotify Wrapped, comparing vibrant visuals and personalized summaries. This year’s AI-driven features sparked mixed reactions, fueling conversations about music trends and listening habits.
Students share their take on this year’s Spotify Wrapped
Shreya Parmar, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
The original cover of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" depicts the Grinch stealing a Christmas tree. "I grew up on the original," Oey said.
Childhood Christmas movies make an impact on generations
Piper Nguyen, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
Drinks stand at the online orders section at the Carlmont Shopping Center Starbucks. "This is nothing compared to a weekday after school," said Kaylie Cobric, a barista.
Starbucks shifts toward a teen-centric image
Olivia Barton, Staff Writer • December 14, 2024
Cartoons
A study done by Pew Research shows that across most ages, races, and genders, people are more likely to learn about personal finances from their family and friends than they are from school. This creates a problem, because it means that children who come from families with poor income and poor financial knowledge will grow up with the same tendencies when it comes to money and pass them on to their own children. It's important for schools to do their part to ensure that everyone gets the financial education they need.
Cartoon: Money cycle
Keira Sarmiento, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
President Joe Biden has faced a lot of backlash for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, from his convictions on felony tax offenses as well as misdemeanor tax offenses. According to a study by NORC at the University of Chicago, 51% of adults disapprove of Biden's decision. A poll by Monmouth University confirms this trend, stating 58% percent of Americans disapprove. This situation is complicated because back in June of this year, Biden swore that he would not pardon him. However, Biden claims that the justice system has failed his son and treated him harshly because of his ties to the president. While, Biden's actions does make him less trustworthy, he did the right thing because at the end of the day, it is family who matters the most. Biden said in a statement on December 1, "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision."
Cartoon: A father first
Keira Sarmiento, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
After the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a range of reactions swept the nation. Some saw the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, as a heartless assassin. In contrast, others praised his actions, turning the murder into a symbol of the struggle against power-hungry corporations. Those who have been denied healthcare in the past might find themselves more sympathetic to Mangione, given the high costs and limited access to basic healthcare in the United States. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of respecting the boundaries of these opinions and the need for considerate actions based on them.
Cartoon: Moral maze
Grace Stiefel, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
Games
Crossword: Winter Wonderland
Crossword: Winter Wonderland
Wesley Kron, Staff Writer • December 13, 2024
Crossword: Red and Green Icons
December 12, 2024
Quiz: Naughty or Nice?
December 11, 2024
Crossword: Legendary Philosophers
December 10, 2024
Trivia: Christmas Movies
December 9, 2024
Trending Stories
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Quiz: Are you more of a Glinda or an Elphaba?

Quiz: Are you more of a Glinda or an Elphaba?

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Costco opens its second new location this fall in Pleasanton. "This will definitely change shopping for Pleasanton citizens," said Yashvi Shah, a sophomore at Carlmont High School who often visits family in Pleasanton.

New Pleasanton Costco draws crowds on opening day

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Crossword: Legendary Philosophers

Crossword: Legendary Philosophers

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Kyunghee Kim is a Korean American immigrant who works as a creative writing teacher and school success coach. Through her work, Kim focuses on building community through storytelling and exploring themes of love and loss.

Found in translation: child language brokers give a voice to a generation

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Mother and writer Claire Seda and another mom discuss their writing during one of Seda's monthly writing club meetings. Seda's writing club is aimed towards mothers who wish to recover passions that have been pushed aside due to other maternal duties and working life. "With writing, whether you’re writing about a fantasy world, or writing your personal memoir, writing can be relaxing," Seda said.

Moms in action: striking a balance between worlds

Campus
French Club leaders serve students crepes in the quad. "During the club fair, we had a crepe station where people go to decorate their crepes," Skaf said.
French Club fosters culture and connections
Olivia Wang, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024
Senior Zoe Banner-Haimes interrupts a group member by belting out a note. Banner-Haimes is a member of the a cappella group “Fine Tuning.” They performed a rendition of “Twelve Days of Christmas” that got the audience laughing.
In Photos: Carlmont Choir celebrates winter spirit
Alyssa Bish, Scot Scoop Photo Editor • December 15, 2024
Politics
The state capitol in Sacramento stands as the heart of state-level decision-making, where lawmakers make policies affecting local economies, communities, and education systems. Much of California's legislation passes through committees and debates in this building.
California shifts slightly right in 2024 elections
Everett Keninger, Staff Writer • November 22, 2024
The Kennedy family crest replaces the stars on the canton of the American flag. Much of American politics is dominated by a select group of families, including the Kennedys.
Opinion: How select families run American politics
Chloe Taylor, Staff Writer • November 19, 2024
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Podcasts
The Highlander
Editorials
The practice of students focusing their college essays on personal trauma has been referred to as “trauma dumping.” As college admissions continue to become more competitive, the pressure to trauma dump rises, for students feel the need to offer a narrative that is dramatic and evocative to admissions officers.
Editorial: Students need to stop exploiting their trauma in college applications
Editorial Staff • December 11, 2024
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