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
Erik Cheng

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor

Erik Cheng (Class of 2024) enjoys camping, backpacking, cooking, and photography. He currently serves as Managing Editor of Scot Scoop but continues to explore his passion for discovering local stories and investigation. You can find him discovering new communities in the area, hiking up mountains, desperately trying not to burn down his parents’ kitchen, working at REI, or taking photos of the local flora and fauna. View his portfolio here.

All content by Erik Cheng
During the 2019 investigation into Belmont resident Paul Farmer's disappearance, Belmont Police Department officers such as Corporal Brian Vogel, coordinated with the Belmont community to assist with the search. "So when we get a missing persons case it's going to take high priority. We're going to take all of our available officers and as many community members as possible to get into the area and start looking for that person," Vogel said. "That's where social media has been great. Being able to use platforms like Twitter and Next Door, those are our two primary uses of social media to be able to get that person's picture out, be able to get their description out, because that really helped in terms of us getting a lead on where he may be."

Gone but not forgotten

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • November 14, 2023

One out of 26 in San Mateo County. Yet one of very few in Belmont. An evening stroll turned sour as Paul Farmer left his home in 2019 and vanished, spawning a citywide search and a collaboration to ensure...

Teachers waste time telling a classroom full of children or adults that certain behavior is "disrespectful" or "awful." Shouldn't this be common sense already? We are perfect in every shape and form and we never do anything to harm each other.

Satire: Ethics education is useless

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • May 31, 2023

Corporations have implemented mandatory “workplace etiquette” and behavioral training for years. Employees, managers, directors, and executives alike share their sheer excitement for the hour-long...

Artificial intelligence has developed, not only to mimic human speech, but art as well, creating a large debate over the value of essays and artwork. "Stack of paper on desk" / Erik Cheng / Canva Text to Image AI generator / Originally Created with AI.

Opinion: ChatGPT makes English class useless

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • April 29, 2023

Using ChatGPT to write essays destroys academic development.  Released in Nov. 2022, the artificial intelligence chatbot known as ChatGPT has taken center stage for its limitless capabilities.  Artificial...

Drummer Alex Maurry and guitarist Jaden Simon groove together in a song.

Two-Man Band: Alex Maurry and Jaden Simon rock ‘n’ roll in the quad

Lucille Sanders and Erik Cheng • April 14, 2023

This local Scouts BSA troop meets weekly but with a noticeable drop in membership because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it needs to find new ways to recruit new scouts to keep themselves active.

Column: Scouts BSA needs better integration for girls

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • April 7, 2023

Scouts BSA needs to integrate girls into its programs better.  Since its inception, the organization Scouts BSA, formerly named The Boy Scouts of America, has enticed millions to join its ranks. The...

To support the vast and varied communities across the San Francisco Bay, the nonprofit organization, My New Red Shoes, takes donations of shoes and clothing to send out via partnerships with other organizations.

My New Red Shoes lace up to alleviate Bay Area financial stress

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • February 1, 2023

Volunteers and employees of the local non-profit organization, My New Red Shoes intertwine outreach, volunteering, and shoes.  Founded in 2006 by Menlo Park Entrepreneur Heather Hopkins, My New Red...

Museum Education Intern Carrie Welters teaches visitors about Shogatsu Japanese New Year, and how to make materials for Hanetsuki, a racquet ball game played by Japanese children during New Year’s celebrations.

San Mateo County History Museum celebrates worldwide holidays

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • December 14, 2022

Visitors of the San Mateo County History Museum will be able to explore the holidays at "Holiday Traditions from Around the World." Opening on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event is located in...

The job of a criminalist is not as glorified as modern media has portrayed it, but is just as important for solving crimes.

The science behind the law

Evan Leong and Erik Cheng • December 1, 2022

Modern dramas such as the NCIS franchise, One Chicago, and Hawaii Five-O glorify the police department and tell thrilling stories about catching criminals. However, behind the high-octane chase scenes...

Unveiling the jigsaw puzzle

Evan Leong and Erik Cheng • December 1, 2022

Forensic scientists, or criminalists, are scientists that apply their expertise and knowledge to law enforcement. According to the United States Justice Department, the role of a forensic scientist...

Cold cases: how forensic science was used to catch notorious criminals in the past

Evan Leong and Erik Cheng • December 1, 2022

There have been cases where a criminal can evade the authorities for many years. As they adapt, they become increasingly notorious in the public's view for their tactics that stun forensic scientists.  “Criminals...

‘It’s simple science’

Evan Leong and Erik Cheng • December 1, 2022

Forensic science covers the use of a variety of scientific methods or disciplines to assist law enforcement in solving crimes.  However, this only scratches the industry's surface, as the amount of...

Skaters are given a unique chance to experience the rink either in daylight and during the night as the Christmas lights turn on as the guests skate under the stars.

San Mateo On Ice welcomes winter holiday cheer

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • November 25, 2022

On Ice Rinks unfurls an 11,000-square-foot ice skating rink in San Mateo's Central Park to celebrate the holidays.  Opening on Nov. 11, On Ice Rinks opens its rink for visitors to skate from 12 p.m....

The Bay Area can be defined by the nine counties that form it. Each surrounds the San Francisco Bay and adds to the character of the Bay Area.

Ex-Bay Area residents break the Bay’s bubble of desirability

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • November 10, 2022

Former Bay Area residents relocate across the country to escape pressure and stress. The San Francisco Bay Area, internationally renowned as a hotspot for jobs, money, and success, has attracted immigrants...

The Gentleman's Orchard provides a selection of delectable treats and refreshing drinks for guests to enjoy.

October opens orchards at Filoli Gardens

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • October 10, 2022

The Filoli Gardens learning team unlocks an exclusive part of the property for October's Orchard Days event.  Filoli Gardens has opened its orchard for the public's enjoyment every October weekend...

Each Green Corner volunteer, Sonya Rowen, goes above and beyond her job, maintaining the local plants at Mariposa campus not cultivated by her organization.

Each Green Corner combats world hunger one garden at a time

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • September 22, 2022

A local non-profit organization, Each Green Corner, educates the community on hunger through gardening and volunteer work.   Founded in 2018, Each Green Corner brings vibrance and conjoined purpose...

Every year, the Carlmont administration decides the allocation of funds between programs and departments to best support their staff and students.

Secrets of Scots’ spending

Evan Wang and Erik Cheng • May 24, 2022

Books, sports, computers, and art supplies are just some of Carlmont’s expenses that the administration team must account for when deciding department budgets at the beginning of the year.  The Sequoia...

Large crowds gather to watch Carlmont students and other local schools perform at Celebrate the Music.

Celebrate the Music promotes community

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • May 12, 2022

A large audience crowded Twin Pines Park to witness the 18th annual Celebrate the Music Festival, formerly known as Save the Music. The festival took place on April 24, when school music programs and...

Celebrate the Music

Celebrate the Music

Marrisa Chow, Sophie Gurdus, Audrey Burnley, Annabel Chia, Erik Cheng, and Sydney Tao • May 10, 2022

ASB uses the resources of the digital media classroom to promote clubs through the Carlmont Newscast. “I would like to see more clubs be aware of the announcements. If they have something that they want to share, they can reach out to us. But I don't think it’s widely known amongst the students,” said Nathan Hsich, a senior. 

ASB televises announcements with Carlmont Newscast

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • April 17, 2022

The Associated Student Body (ASB) has taken a new approach to publicizing campus developments. The student-led organization recently began expanding its outreach through videos to better interact with...

Carlmont administrators try to make their processes as efficient as possible to address the daily vandalization and closure of bathrooms.

Closed bathrooms lead to clogged halls

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • March 12, 2022

The recent increase in the vandalization and closure of Carlmont bathrooms has inconvenienced students and the custodial staff. When visiting one of the seven campus bathrooms during or between classes,...

The Super Smash Bros Club repurposes the class SMART Board to serve as the main display for their gaming.

Smash Club struggles to stay in fight with attendance dropping

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • February 12, 2022

Carlmont’s Super Smash Bros Club remains hopeful as attendance shortages and classroom restrictions impede club activities.  Super Smash Bros Club, more commonly known as Smash Club, has been a staple...

Along with the larger decorations such as lights and ornaments, the pier is decorated with small bows and details that add to the festive feeling.

HapPIER Holidays lights up SF with cheer

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • December 2, 2021

Planned and executed by Pier 39, San Francisco's waterfront is decorated with lights and houses multiple tourist attractions.  In addition to the usual holiday decorations, the pier specially ordered...

The trail sign at the Fassler parking lot proudly displays the new name.

Ahni Trail welcomes guests to Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Hike

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • November 11, 2021

The Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Hike is an annual event held by the Pacifica Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate Ohlone heritage. This year's, in particular, was to spotlight a new initiative: honoring...

The annual fall festival attracts a large and diverse crowd and further promotes San Mateo.

San Mateo Fall Festival opens for all to enjoy

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • October 21, 2021

Laughter and loud music filled the air as families gathered at a local park for San Mateo's Fall Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 16, the San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department hosted the Fall Festival...

SPHE volunteers work at the glow copter station to help visitors assemble miniature paper copters with LEDs to teach basic electrical engineering.

Local organizations promote STEM with ‘Latinx Engineering Day’

Erik Cheng, Scot Scoop Managing Editor • September 27, 2021

Thousands spent their Sunday at San Francisco's Exploratorium to learn from exhibits and hear from experts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Latinx Engineering Day is hosted yearly...

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