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
Kumiko Morimoto, a calligraphy instructor, demonstrates the basic strokes of traditional Japanese calligraphy to create Kakizome for the new year. Kakizome is a traditional calligraphy writing that is practice during the new year season. "In the Bay Area, there are so many people who do Kakizome in their own homes with their own family," Morimoto said.
Japantown hosts kakizome calligraphy workshop to ring in the new year
Ami Dong, Staff Writer • January 14, 2025

In light of the new year, Japantown San Francisco hosted their first calligraphy writing workshop, where participants practiced kakizome. “Kakizome...

As of Jan. 1, 2025, vehicles can no longer park within 20 feet in front of a crosswalk and 15 feet in front of those with a curb extension, according to Assembly Bill 413. Law enforcement officers can cite and fine vehicles violating this law; however, due to the newness of the bill, cities like Belmont are providing the public with a citation-free adjustment period. "Right now, no citations have been issued. We are still in the warning phase of enforcement and will not transition to citing drivers for some time. If a driver is cited for parking in an illegal spot, they could be looking at a fine of $40," said Daniel Matthews, an Assistant Civil Engineer for Belmont.
New law aims to increase pedestrian safety 
Claire Kornberg, Staff Writer • January 13, 2025

To increase pedestrian safety around crosswalks, the City of Belmont implements Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) through social media outreach, strategizing...

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...

Features
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, J.K. Rowling, and Michael Jackson are celebrated artists for the work they have shared with the world, but their actions speak louder. Nowadays, people must make the distinction between art and artist, however, it's not as easy at seems.
Context matters: the complexities of separating the art from the artist
Audrey Navasca, Staff Writer • January 8, 2025

Blank stares, tilted heads, and confused looks scatter the room. Everyone is talking about their favorite artist, maybe the latest song they...

As artificial intelligence continuously advances, ideas of an 'AI takeover' flood news stories.
The future of careers in an AI-driven world
Gregoire Scherrer, Scot Scoop Editor • January 7, 2025

Eighty-five million jobs are expected to be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) across 15 industries and 26 economies by 2025, according...

The Carlmont varsity football team huddles for a talk after a game.
Behind the benches: the success of the Scots
Isabella Rice, Staff Writer • December 20, 2024

The success of sports teams falls far beyond the sole talent of the players. Behind the benches stand the contributions of coaches, athletic...

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
A viewer selects the second season of "Squid Game" to watch within Netflix's Squid Game Collection. The highly-anticipated second season has dominated Netflix's Top 10 charts since its release on Dec. 26. "Season 2 is a lot more unpredictable than Season 1," said Katelyn Yee, a sophomore at Carlmont. "Unlike the first season, you can't really tell who's going to die and who's going to survive."
‘Squid Game’ Season 2 tops charts with global impact
Chloe Chu, Staff Writer • January 13, 2025
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
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: Apps
Crossword: Apps
Jessica Li, Scot Scoop Editor • January 14, 2025
Trivia: Squid Game
January 13, 2025
Crossword: Yoga Wellness
January 10, 2025
Crossword: Child’s Play
January 9, 2025
Quiz: Which EGOT trophy will you take home?
January 8, 2025
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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

4
A Latina student proudly graduates high school with a sarapa sash hung around her neck as a representation of a her culture. The importance of working hard and gaining an education are core values within the Latino community.

Bridging the gap: Latinos rise to make change

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Social activist Ron Blake struggles with suicidal thoughts after experiencing sexual trauma and feelings of abandonment by society that offered him no closure. “For some reason, I looked at the TV and it was this late-night comedy show called The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and something made me laugh. That was the moment I said, ‘I'm going to get on this show,’” Blake said.

Toxic masculinity: Poisoning the minds of generations

Campus
Micheal O'Neall lights soapy water with gas on fire for a demonstration. He uses water on his hand to ensure that he does not burn himself.
Staff Profile: Michael O’Neall lights up the new semester
Hunter Prince, Staff Writer • January 13, 2025
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
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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

Scots Media (@scot.scoop) • Instagram photos and videos

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