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
Kiana Chen

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor

Kiana is a senior (class of 2026) in her third year of journalism and is a Managing Editor for the Highlander. She enjoys taking pictures and connecting with others in her community. Other than researching for her next news beat, Kiana can be found running circles for Carlmont’s track and field team. Outside of school, she also relishes binge-watching TV shows and consuming odd amounts of Menchies froyo. Check out her portfolio here.

All content by Kiana Chen
Two girls who share a balloon smile and laugh as they jump around to the taiko drums in the background. The September Arts and Culture Fest was a free event for those of all ages to enjoy. Different groups of performers and bands took the stage throughout the day at the two outdoor venues.

September Arts and Culture Fest celebrates diversity in full color

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • October 5, 2025

San Mateo’s September Arts and Culture Fest brought together local art, music, dance, and more, celebrating the Bay Area's diverse cultural landscape.  The festival was held this past Sunday along...

Co-owners Courtney Tomioka and Michele DeSmet cut the opening ribbon alongside Belmont Mayor Julia Mates to celebrate the grand opening of The Local Spot. The new space is a permanent home for their bakery, Made Out Of Dough, and offers room for local vendors to sell crafts, food, and more.

Belmont’s new spot shines light on local vendors

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • September 6, 2025

The grand opening of The Local Spot in Belmont has brought over 20 small businesses to one place, allowing customers to shop for all kinds of crafts and goods while supporting local works.  Created...

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[Photo] The Local Spot vendors as of September 2025

September 4, 2025

The Redwood LIFE sign displays its goals of a lab and innovation-focused environment. Redwood LIFE was originally started in the 1990s and is now undergoing remodels by the developer Longfellow in order to create a more life science-focused campus. Its new plan is now under debate as the community voices its concerns.

Redwood LIFE redesign calls for a compromise between residential and economic growth

Isabelle Ling and Kiana Chen • June 2, 2025

Redwood Shores historically is a more residential and community-focused area, but as business opportunities such as the Redwood Lab and Innovation Focused Environment (LIFE) project start to grow, expanding...

The annual game of "Senior Assassin" has started again on Carlmont's campus. While many students see it as an exciting tradition to mark the end of their final year, some administrators and school officials have expressed concerns about potential safety risks to students and their communities. "The incidences of extreme violence in public and private high school settings change the conversation about what's now considered appropriate. I would argue that this is no longer appropriate because of the reality of the world that we're living in," said Principal Gay Buckland-Murray.

Water guns and restrictions: ‘Senior Assassin’ sparks debate off school grounds

Shiori Chen, Kiana Chen, and Isabelle Ling • March 31, 2025

Water guns in hand, seniors across the nation — including those at Carlmont High School — are joining “Senior Assassin,” a multi-week game that marks the countdown to summer. The thrilling,...

A young visitor blows a large bubble using a string wand provided by the Hiller Aviation Museum. Families were able to spend time together and meet new friends while enjoying the simplicity of the bubbles. The Bubble Bonanza also allowed for the youth to learn about the scientific properties of bubbles, such as surface tension.

Bubble Bonanza brings a pop of joy

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • March 28, 2025

Mixing bubbly fun and hands-on learning, Hiller Aviation Museum’s Bubble Bonanza in San Carlos brought together families and friends to create bubbles of all sizes this past weekend.  This event...

The Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) campus is located on Ralston Avenue in Belmont. Since 2021, it has been working on selling its campus to Stanford University, but this project has recently been overturned. "NDNU's leadership has expressed its gratitude for the working relationship with Stanford to develop their plans for the Belmont campus, and for their interest in the property," said Lizbeth Martin, the president of NDNU.

Stanford drops Notre Dame de Namur campus purchase

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • March 7, 2025

Stanford University has decided not to proceed with the purchase of the Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) campus in Belmont. According to the Stanford Report, the university had been undergoing...

A bulldozer clears the land to expand infrastructure for a nearby city. With Donald Trump ending the Justice40 initiative, federal funds that were meant for marginalized communities are now redirected to projects benefiting already well-developed areas.

End of Justice40 sparks concerns of environmental justice

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • February 7, 2025

The recent repeal of the Biden Administration's Justice40 initiative shifts the prioritization of environmental federal funding away from underprivileged communities.  Declared initially in a 2021...

A customer grabs the last carton of eggs in the store. With a shortage of eggs, some supermarkets, such as Safeway, are limiting the amount of eggs you can buy at one time. “I feel like we’re back in the pandemic, and eggs are toilet paper. And even though we have eggs at home, we still need to buy eggs anytime we see eggs now,” said Kristin Behling, a customer at Mollie Stones. 

Scrambling for eggs

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • January 18, 2025

Egg prices have increased significantly throughout the 2024-25 winter due to the soaring cases of Avian flu, leaving shelves bare and customers seeking affordable prices.  Rising cases of Avian influenza...

Jerri Scaife helps a customer try on one of her scarves. Scaife is the owner of JerrisCreations and has been designing since the age of 12, creating textiles from scarves to wraps to dresses.

ART on the Square crafts art for all

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • December 4, 2024

Amid the gift-giving season, artists in the Bay Area came together at Redwood City’s annual holiday show, ART on the Square, showcasing local talent with a diverse range of arts and crafts, from intricate...

A wheelchair sits before a big staircase. While helpful for most, stairs make moving up and down hard for those with mobility issues.

Obstacles in plain sight: navigating accessibility issues at Carlmont

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • December 4, 2024

Fighting quiet battles Stairs. For most, each step doesn’t take a second thought. However, for others, those same steps can be a barrier and source of frustration.   According to the Sequoia...

An incarcerated person mops the floor while looking outside of their cell and sees a desk and lightbulb. Many people in prison are unable to prioritize rehabilitation and education due to prisons having them work instead.

Opinion: California needs to prioritize rehabilitation in its prisons

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • November 16, 2024

It has been 159 years since the 13th Amendment was passed to end slavery. Yet, here in California, prisons are still exploiting the work of people who would much more benefit from rehabilitation, training,...

A hand attached to a chain is bound by a paintbrush drawing "Prop 6," signifying the restrictions of the current California amendment. With California Proposition 6, people who are incarcerated will be able to choose what work or programs they would like to be in rather than be forced to work on jobs assigned to them.

Proposition 6’s failure prevents ending involuntary servitude in California prisons

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • November 12, 2024

California's Proposition 6 was one of 10 statewide ballot propositions included on the 2024 election ballot. Proposition 6 would amend the California Constitution to prohibit both slavery and involuntary...

Different people voting for change at Carlmont. "I don't think education is a Republican or Democrat issue. I'm taking time out of my life, out of my retirement, because I want to invest in our next generation of students," said Daniel Torunian, one of the candidates running in the local election.

Local elections: SUHSD board election holds power to drive change

Isabelle Ling and Kiana Chen • October 18, 2024

Local elections trudge along as presidential elections steal the spotlight with all the glitz and glamour.  With the election season underway, local elections are often overlooked under the craze of...

Gov. Gavin Newsom cuts a legacy tree down symbolizing the signing of AB 1780 into law. This bill will ban legacy and donor preferences in California college applications starting in 2025.

Gov. Gavin Newsom chops college legacy admissions with new bill 

Kiana Chen and Isabelle Ling • October 16, 2024

California officially banned legacy and donor preferences in private college admissions with the new Assembly Bill (AB) 1780. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Sept. 30, making it effective...

Caltrain's new electric train stops at the Belmont Station and picks up passengers. Since its first study looking into a possibility of electric trains in 1992, Caltrain's newest fleet allow for trains that are faster, more frequent, and better for the environment. Along with their new fares, these trains are connecting commuters from San Francisco to Gilroy.

Next stop: electrifying the future of Caltrain

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • September 25, 2024

Public transportation in the Bay Area reached an exciting milestone with Caltrain’s new fleet of 23 electric trains, promising bigger, faster, and more frequent trains while reducing its carbon footprint. A...

Actor Chris Charonis entertains the audience in a Greek mythology play produced by youth members of the Holy Cross Church titled "Echoes of Gold." This play follows the journey of greedy King Midas, who wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, accidentally turning his daughter into gold, emphasizing the importance of family and friends over earthly possessions. "I love performing for my church in the festival and entertaining the people going," said Jared So'oto, the actor for King Midas.

Belmont Greek Festival shares a taste of Greece

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • September 3, 2024

The 52nd annual Belmont Greek Festival celebrated Greek culture with traditional dances, songs, food, and more.  The event was held on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the Greek Orthodox...

Middle ground: Reconciling free speech and university response to pro-Palestinian protests

Middle ground: Reconciling free speech and university response to pro-Palestinian protests

Elaine Jiang, Isabelle Ling, Kiana Chen, Isabella Zarzar, and Franklin Kuo • May 31, 2024

Junior Monika Mukerji and other members of the Indian Club stage choreography for a popular Bollywood song named "What Jhumka?" The performers wore colorful and intricate traditional Indian dresses that added to the expressional mood. The use of emotion, movement, and hand gestures made this performance energetic and happy.

Embracing diversity: Heritage Fair 2024

Isabella Rice, Elaine Jiang, Rachel Alcazar, Kiana Chen, and Jackson Sneeringer • March 19, 2024

Senator Josh Becker speaks at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center. His donation at the beginning of February provides a permanent home for the museum, allowing it to be open year-round.

Sen. Josh Becker funds local Black History museum

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • February 29, 2024

California State Sen. Josh Becker of District 13 spoke at a press conference at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center. Becker's messages during the conference took place after his...

The Hayden apartment complex, proposed in 2020, is nearing the end of construction, providing 177 new apartments on Old County Road where the former Belmont Iceland was located.

High-density housing raises concerns in Belmont neighborhoods

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • February 1, 2024

Multiple new housing development proposals on properties east of El Camino Real have been completed or are under review by the City of Belmont, causing numerous concerns, particularly from residents of...

'Offsetting the green': companies avoid path to sustainability

‘Offsetting the green’: companies avoid path to sustainability

Kiana Chen and Reina Subramanian • January 10, 2024

It’s a Sunday at 2 p.m.-- Jenny clicks the buy button on her computer to get the new skirt from Amazon that she’s had her eye on. After Jenny clicks buy, the fulfillment center employees get to work. They...

Christmas trees of all sizes are lined up to be sold for the holidays at ABC Tree Farms in San Carlos.

Christmas shoppers tackle the tree question

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • December 5, 2023

As the first week of December unfolds, families celebrating Christmas put up their lights and decorate their real or fake trees. For Christmas tree shoppers, a big question remains whether buying a...

As part of Samaritan House’s holiday toy distribution, toys are kept unwrapped and unopened so that children may choose their own toys. (Courtesy of Samaritan House)

Food and toy drives enable holiday festivities for all

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • November 7, 2023

The ending of Halloween marks the start of the next holiday craze. And while most families welcome the season with big gatherings full of food and toys, others find themselves having a more challenging...

Travis Gienger stands proudly alongside his world record pumpkin at the 50th annual Safeway World Championship Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay championship weigh-off crowns new world record pumpkin champion

Kiana Chen, Highlander Managing Editor • October 12, 2023

Travis Gienger set a new world record with his 2,749-pound pumpkin called “Michael Jordan.” Gienger took home the crown at Half Moon Bay’s 50th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off...

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