Boys’ soccer makes deep postseason run
On Feb. 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the sports world after landing Slovenian Superstar Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks which sent all-star forward Anthony Davis the other way. Mavericks general manager (GM) Nico Harrison, amidst immense backlash from fans after trading their franchise cornerstone, believes that bringing in a top-tier rim protector in Davis is a win-now move. For the Lakers, GM Rob Pelinka took a gamble on a generational talent that will alter the outlook of the franchise for years to come.
New branch of Din Tai Fung opens in Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica’s own branch of the beloved restaurant Din Tai Fung had its grand opening on Feb. 28 on the third floor of the Santa Monica Place next to the 3rd Street Promenade.
California beaches threatened by fire pollution
The Palisades and Eaton fires, which occurred in January, have significantly impacted California’s marine ecosystem. With a large amount of debris contaminating the ocean, there is potential for an ecological crisis. Approximately 4.5 million tons of toxic waste were generated from the fires, some of which is now being washed up on the Los Angeles Coast. This includes harmful pollutants and carcinogenic [cancer-causing] chemicals. With this, the Los Angeles County Department of Health prohibited swimming at beaches, with undisclosed dates of when they are going to be opened back up to the public.
March madness
68 teams, six rounds, one winner. This year’s March Madness begins on March 18 and will crown a champion on April 7. The single-elimination college basketball tournament is an American establishment and has acted as the national championship for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 College Basketball since 1939. Last year, a combined nearly 34 million viewers tuned in to the finals of the men’s and women’s tournament.
Tentative peace talks begin Between Russia and Ukraine
After over eleven years of conflict, world leaders have met to discuss a resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian war. President Donald Trump, who made promises to end the conflict in his first 24 hours in office, has been in negotiation talks with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since mid-February.
The vital careers within national parks
National parks aren't just places to visit—they’re national treasures that hold the majority of California's history. Yosemite and Sequoia have played vital roles in environmental conservation, showcasing the diverse natural beauty and biodiversity of California. These parks have conserved ancient ecosystems and indigenous history, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Native American tribes that have inhabited these lands for centuries.
ASB elections bring new leadership
The results of the 2025-2026 school year’s Associated Student Body (ASB) elections came out on Feb. 18, and with them, a shift in school leadership will shape the direction of student life and planned events for the upcoming school year. After many weeks of campaigning, speeches and unique media pushes, such as specialized campaign videos and posters, the new ASB board is now in place, ready to take on the newfound responsibilities of properly and effectively representing their peers.
Samo Girls’ beach volleyball set for comback season
The Samo girls’ beach volleyball team has kicked off the season 1-0 with a 5-0 win against Beverly Hills. After failing to qualify for CIF playoffs last season, the team is back for redemption.
Senior Assassin Brings Eliminations and Entertainment
On Feb. 17, the seniors began their game of senior assassin- attempting to spray each other with water to “assassinate” a target given.
Club Day funds clubs one bite at a time
On Feb. 19, Samo hosted its second club day of the year to support students who need fundraising for their clubs.
HOTLB: Why do teachers decorate their rooms?
Every day, going to school can seem like a chore. Still, with the help of teachers decorating their rooms to make them more vibrant and unique, students enjoy seeing every decoration, from old photographs to freshly new student paintings around the classroom. Having creativity displayed all over campus, Samo’s teachers hold some of the most expressive classrooms, embellished with their authenticity. Looking at various classrooms scattered across campus, Samo teachers said they enjoy bringing life into their classrooms to make students’ days better.
Love letters to my niche interest…Dear Invincible
My dearest Invincible, as I write to you I cannot stop thinking about the new season. As every Thursday rolls along, I can no longer contain my excitement, my heart racing and my stomach filled with butterflies. With another long week of school work and assessments, I finally get that moment of rest, to set up my iPad and click that Prime Video logo icon.
Love letters to my niche interest…Dear Souplantation
Dearly beloved, I never thought I’d write an obituary at 18, but here I am. Now that you’re really gone, I guess it’s time for me to confess my love. My dad told me it was infatuation when I was younger—that you were just a guilty pleasure I’d see when my mom was on business trips, but I knew otherwise; my love for you is deep-rooted.
ASB ballot mishap; candidate disqualification
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, Samo’s Associated Student Body (ASB) held their annual election for the upcoming school year’s Executive Board. Unlike years prior, this year, the presidential candidate listed ran unopposed, with no option for an alternative candidate.
ASB leadership chaos: Are we really a STUDENT body?
From the change in advisor leadership, to the questionable election mishaps, the Samo Associative Student Body (ASB) has suffered from much internal turmoil. This has prompted many questions about the leadership in the class and transparency within the association itself.
Dončić to Lakers in blockbuster
On Feb. 2, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the sports world after landing Slovenian Superstar Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks which sent all-star forward Anthony Davis the other way. Mavericks general manager (GM) Nico Harrison, amidst immense backlash from fans after trading their franchise cornerstone, believes that bringing in a top-tier rim protector in Davis is a win-now move. For the Lakers, GM Rob Pelinka took a gamble on a generational talent that will alter the outlook of the franchise for years to come.