The why, what, when and where of Prop 50
On Nov. 4, registered voters will go to the polls and vote on Proposition 50 (Prop. 50), formed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Prop. 50 temporarily redistricts the state of California, switching five Republican districts Democratic. This was done in response to House Bill 4 (HB 4) in Texas, which flipped five Democratic districts Republican.
Ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took place on Friday, Oct. 10, marking the first sustained pause in fighting after two years of conflict in Gaza.
Congress yet to agree on new budget plan as shutdown continues
The government shutdown is set to enter its fifth week following Congress’s failure to enact a budget plan for October and beyond. While Republicans hold a majority in both chambers of Congress, the party lacks the needed 60 votes for any bill to pass through the Senate, giving Democrats some negotiating power during the shutdown. Democrats and Republicans blame each other for the current government shutdown, with stalled talks and no plans for compromise in sight.
Gov. Newsom signs new housing laws for California
Gov. Gavin Newsom this month signed Assembly Bill (AB) 628 as well as Senate Bill (SB) 79. The bills are part of housing laws that Gov. Gavin Newsom has passed in an effort to provide more housing, lessen homelessness and create more affordable housing for the state.
Ocean ave. mental health facility cancelled after backlash
On Nov. 4, registered voters will go to the polls and vote on Proposition 50 (Prop. 50), formed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Prop. 50 temporarily redistricts the state of California, switching five Republican districts Democratic. This was done in response to House Bill 4 (HB 4) in Texas, which flipped five Democratic districts Republican.
Flag football; three years three league titles
With a flawless 7-0 league record, the Samo girls’ flag football team emerged victorious from their game against Inglewood High School, crowning them Ocean League champions for the third year in a row. The game was full of energy with fast-paced runs and throws, showing the team's chemistry on the field.
California tightens plastic bag ban
On Aug. 30, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1053, a law that will ban all plastic bags at convenience and grocery stores starting Jan. 1, 2026. After years of failed attempts to mitigate plastic pollution, the new law closes the 2014 bag ban’s loophole to finally eliminate plastic bags in California.
What’s going on around samo?
On Oct. 16, the annual Great ShakeOut drill was held at Samo at 10:16 a.m. The Great ShakeOut drill is a statewide drill done to prepare students and school staff for any potential earthquake. Earthquakes are common in California, with southern California experiencing about ten thousand earthquakes a year, according to the United States Geological Survey.
In an article published in the Seismological Research Letters by scientists at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, professor of Earth Sciences Yeduha Ben-Zion proposes that preparing for supershear earthquakes has been neglected.
Beach within 100 feet of Santa Monica Pier hits unhealthy levels
In a study conducted by Heal The Bay on May 22, the beach within 100 feet of the Santa Monica Pier was ranked the second most polluted beach on the west coast and an F on their grading scale.
What’s going on around samo?
On Aug. 26, the 15-year-old Nordstrom location at Santa Monica Place closed down. Part of an ongoing trend of closures around the Downtown Santa Monica area in recent years, the promenade faces high vacancy rates- some reaching upwards of 22 percent in July 2025. The emptiness of the promenade has been caused by multiple components, including the high rent and lingering effects of COVID-19. Due to this, the promenade has lost many visitors. As a result, the promenade has been passing policies in an attempt to revitalize the area, part of the city’s larger goal to guide the promenade back to its past state.
University tuition rising amid policy changes
Samo seniors, alongside their peers at other Californian high schools, face major changes in in-state higher education as the Cal State system’s budget deficit continues to grow, alongside recently announced tuition hikes by the UC system. For students, this also comes at a time when the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, signed on July 4 by President Donald Trump, has made it increasingly harder to borrow, repay and qualify for federal student loans.
Local Policy: Crime and Homelessness in Santa Monica
Crime and homelessness in Santa Monica remain relevant topics for the community.
Executive orders that may impact Samo students
An infographic explaining five executive orders and their effects.
Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah Valley University during debate
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 12:23 p.m., Charlie Kirk was shot while debating college students at Utah Valley University. Kirk was pronounced dead by President Donald Trump at 2:40 p.m. on Truth Social.
ICE presence continues around Santa Monica
On Monday, Sept. 8, the Supreme Court voted to uphold roving patrols for immigration stops in Los Angeles. With immigrants making up roughly 23.3% percent of Santa Monica’s population, the impact of such policies is significant.