Kids with Iphones need a wakeup call
OPINION Athena Barefoot, Staff Writer OPINION Athena Barefoot, Staff Writer

Kids with Iphones need a wakeup call

A child getting their first phone has become a modern-day rite of passage, sparking debates at the dinner table, stirring up opinions in the classroom and leaving parents wondering if they're handing over a lifeline or a pandora’s box of problems. While the convenience and safety offered by smartphones are undeniable, there are significant developmental concerns that come with giving children access to these devices at a young age. 

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Coconut trees, chartreuse green and 'Brat' politics
CENTERSPREAD Eugene Naruse CENTERSPREAD Eugene Naruse

Coconut trees, chartreuse green and 'Brat' politics

Since the start of an unprecedented presidential campaign in late July, Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris has repeatedly gone viral online. Kickstarted by British singer Charli XCX's tweet "kamala IS brat," and now with over 4 million followers on Tiktok, Harris' campaign platform is utilizing social media trends to reach out to the crucial 41 million Gen Z voters across the country. 

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samo’s fashionistas stitch it to fast fashion
STUDENT LIFE Addy Fiore, Staff Writer STUDENT LIFE Addy Fiore, Staff Writer

samo’s fashionistas stitch it to fast fashion

In a world dominated by fast fashion, a growing number of Samo students are taking matters into their own hands - literally. Whether it's driven by a desire for sustainability, personalized style or creative expression, these students are joining a movement that values individuality and mindful consumption. Beyond creating handmade pieces it can also foster a deeper connection with both the clothes they craft as well as purchase, it makes them think about the longevity of their clothes and quality. 

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What’s going on around Samo?
NEWS Arata Sakamoto, Staff Writer NEWS Arata Sakamoto, Staff Writer

What’s going on around Samo?

Santa Monica Fire Department welcomes new chief, 2024 Club Row introduces new clubs to Samo, Samo brothers make scientific strides, PBL holds their student government elections, and Waymo: Is the future in safer "hands?"

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Samo focuses on building a healthier coastal environment
STUDENT LIFE Laurel Cohn STUDENT LIFE Laurel Cohn

Samo focuses on building a healthier coastal environment

Heal the Bay had its 35th yearly coastal cleanup on Sept. 21 in recognition of the international holiday, Annual Coastal Cleanup Day. Heal the Bay will also be trying to raise $35,000 to provide these kinds of cleanups year-round. With over 60 different cleanup sites to choose from, everyone can help remove 2 million pounds of trash from LA County waterways. With numerous other programs and activities to get involved with, there’s something for everyone.

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Are second-hand prices going first class?
OPINION Laurel Cohn OPINION Laurel Cohn

Are second-hand prices going first class?

From vintage shirts to denim skirts, the rise in popularity of thrift stores is undeniable. For many, thrifting has become a hobby, serving as a unique alternative to the mall. However, prior to this trend, the majority of thrift stores’ customers shopped not for the perfect baby tee, but out of necessity.

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HOTLB: Samo’s favorite paris 2024 moments
SPORTS Yaretzi Presa, Staff Writer SPORTS Yaretzi Presa, Staff Writer

HOTLB: Samo’s favorite paris 2024 moments

The 2024 Olympics happened this past summer, from July 26 to Aug. 11, in Paris, France. The Olympic games brought people together, uniting them behind their TV screens while they supported their nation’s leading athletes in search of a gold medal.


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Project 2025’s proposed educational changes
CENTERSPREAD Koi Lerner, Staff Writer CENTERSPREAD Koi Lerner, Staff Writer

Project 2025’s proposed educational changes

Project 2025 is a political initiative published by the Heritage Foundation, a playbook for the first 180 days of the next president's administration. One of the many changes outlined in the document is a shift towards more conservative processes within the education system. If passed, the Samo community and their families may feel the effects of many of these policies.

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Samo teachers begin to crack down on phones
NEWS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer NEWS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer

Samo teachers begin to crack down on phones

Students may have noticed that more of their Samo teachers have implemented cell phone pockets in their classrooms this school year. This practice is one way that teachers can uphold the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s (SMMUSD) electronics policy that students may only use their devices for academic purposes during class. 

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Smmusd and Malibu finalize school separation agreement
NEWS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer NEWS Koi Lerner, Staff Writer

Smmusd and Malibu finalize school separation agreement

On Sept. 12, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the City of Malibu announced they would finally separate, allowing Malibu to become an independent district. The current separation package is ready for public review.

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LA 2028’s compounding impact on surrounding homeless community
SPORTS Arata Sakamoto, Staff Writer SPORTS Arata Sakamoto, Staff Writer

LA 2028’s compounding impact on surrounding homeless community

In preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, local citizens have already noticed the changes in the city with the biggest ones being the renovations to Los Angeles International Airport, the expansion of the Metro system and most significantly the “cleansing” of the homeless community.

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Girls’ golf has put in the work: Ready to shine
SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer SPORTS Hope Wang, Staff Writer

Girls’ golf has put in the work: Ready to shine

Last year, the Samo girl's varsity golf team faced various challenges that impacted their performance. Despite the best efforts of the players and their coach, Roshni Mejia, the team often found themselves forfeiting matches due to insufficient team members. This persistent issue overshadowed their potential on the course and the team only managed to get one win last year, against Redondo Union. However, the team still made a huge accomplishment last year, with the current team captain Cash Henton (’25) making League Finals

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