Writing
News, Opinions, Features
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2024 - 2026
The impact of the Artemis program
May 2026
"The impact of the Artemis program" explores the impacts of current space exploration and opportunities for future generations. Compared to the Apollo missions, the potential influence and inspiration the Artemis program holds are unmatched. With higher levels of female representation and stronger goals regarding diversity, the Artemis missions hold the ability to inspire a whole new class of individuals.
Belmont Earth Day celebration promotes environmental awareness
April 2026
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"Belmont Earth Day celebration promotes environmental awareness" is a community news piece that explores a local event aimed at increasing knowledge of and promoting conservation efforts. With in-depth features on the companies that tabled at the celebration, readers can learn not only about the event itself but also about the missions of different conservation groups.
Solar panel campaign creates affordable opportunities for a cleaner future
March 2026
"Solar panel campaign creates affordable opportunities for a cleaner future" discusses the benefits residents can obtain by purchasing solar panels through a promotional event, as well as the positive environmental impacts these energy-saving devices have for consumers. With climate change being such a pressing matter in recent years, solar panels are a great way for households to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, among other benefits.
Landmark social media addiction trial raises questions over online safety
March 2026
This article, "Landmark social media addiction trial raises questions over online safety," discusses a national news event: the lawsuit against Meta and Google, in which thousands of plaintiffs accused them of designing their apps to prioritize engagement over safety. With features such as instant gratification, infinite scroll, and personalized algorithms, social media companies can keep users on their apps longer, which may cause potential harm to their mental health.
Highway 1 reopening brings relief to Big Sur businesses
February 2026
This article, "Highway 1 reopening brings relief to Big Sur businesses," explores the benefits of the reopening of one of the country's most recognizable roads. Traditionally bringing immense numbers of tourists to the area, the closure of this highway, which was due to a landslide, left the community separated and forced many businesses to depend on themselves and each other. This article, which features images of the highway and surrounding areas and a deep dive into a small business's past struggles and hopes for the future, allows readers to fully picture this scenic area.
California plastic bag ban brings hope of a cleaner future
January 2026
"California plastic bag ban brings hope of a cleaner future" discusses California Senate Bill 1053, which bans non-reusable plastic bags from being sold at grocery-store checkouts in California. Over the past few years, California has seen a massive increase in plastic bags in landfills, causing their degradation into microplastics and potential harm to both animals and humans.
A flutter of hope
December 2025
"A flutter of hope" explores the many challenges and dangers monarch butterflies face in their everyday lives, ranging from environmental issues to pesticide usage. With this destruction, however, comes life, as monarchs have learned to adapt and evolve over the years, making changes to survive. From interviews with the leading pioneers in western monarch conservation to learning how to photograph the species, this article captures the essence of this insect's fight for survival.
Over 230 years of tradition come to an end following the suspension of penny production
November 2025
"Over 230 years of tradition come to an end following suspension of penny production" is a deep dive into the penny, discussing how its removal from the economy will impact small businesses, banks, and credit unions alike. The penny, although small, is mighty, and its removal will leave a lasting, ambivalent impact on the community, no matter who you are.
Food bank demand soars as delays to SNAP benefits leave millions without aid
November 2025
"Food bank demand soars as delays to SNAP benefits leave millions without aid" was an article of incredible timeliness, as it discusses the lasting impact of the government shutdown on food-insecure individuals and food banks across the state of California. Reaching new heights, this article includes interviews with two CEOs and dives deep into how the record-breaking shutdown and halt of SNAP benefits affected everyone within our community.
October 2025
"Proposition 50 authorizes changes to California’s congressional maps" is a non-partisan article, discussing the impact of the proposition and the opinions of both political parties. This article was particularly challenging, as it introduced me to the realm of political news writing and how to approach excluding personal biases while accurately including the drastically different opinions from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
San Carlos mural celebrates 100 years of history
September 2025
"San Carlos mural celebrates 100 years of history" is a local, heartfelt article that explores how the city of San Carlos chose to honor its centennial birthday — with a mural. This article, which features vibrant photography and brief bios of each of the three artists, demonstrates not only the community impact of the mural but also the months of preparation spent in planning, designing, and painting the masterpiece.
Grocery stores brace for impact as tariffs are imposed
March 2025
"Grocery stores brace for impact as tariffs are imposed" explores how local supermarkets, such as Lundardi's Markets, prepare for the impact tariffs will cause them regarding vendors and food prices. This article demonstrates how supermarkets are working to maintain the same shopping experience for their customers. Although this article explores the reactive measures businesses are taking, I did encounter setbacks during the interview process, as countless businesses refused to comment.
Opinion: AI is the future of education
March 2025
"Opinion: AI is the future of education" explores how artificial intelligence should be used as a tool in a classroom setting, rather than an object harmful to learning and a facilitator of cheating. This article was my first opinion piece and taught me the complexities of successfully conveying my opinion while supporting my thoughts with research.
Executive order targets historic San Francisco landmark
March 2025
"Executive order targets historic San Francisco landmark" highlights the impacts of Trump's budget cuts on the Presidio. Although he wanted to remove all unnecessary personnel, the Presidio considered every employee necessary, assuring many during the struggling time. One of the most challenging aspects of this article was finding interviews, as many workers were advised not to talk about the matter.
Fighting food insecurity differently
Februrary 2025
"Fighting food insecurity differently" was my first feature, highlighting how one food bank in the Bay Area had a different approach to food insecurity. This article, which performs a deep dive into the issue, explains how inflation has affected food insecurity and how the option of choice is beneficial in these settings. Although this was not my first article, "Fighting food insecurity differently" taught me how to contact expert sources and conduct meaningful interviews by asking the right questions.
New law aims to increase pedestrian safety
January 2025
"New law aims to increase pedestrian safety" explores how the City of Belmont planned to implement the law of Daylighting at the beginning of 2025. Daylighting prevents cars from parking within 20 feet on the approach side of a crosswalk or within 15 feet of one with a curb extension. Belmont planned on issuing warnings for the first few months, transitioning to tickets later in 2025.
Local toy drive brings joy to the community
December 2024
"Local toy drive brings joy to the community" explores the inner workings of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department's annual toy drive. Beginning in 1973, this tradition has helped many kids receive toys on Christmas no matter their family's financial situation. Firefighters also share how this tradition has not only brought joy to the community, but also joy to themselves.
Belmont’s Veterans Day celebration honors living heroes
November 2024
"Belmont’s Veterans Day celebration honors living heroes" explores how the City of Belmont recognizes individuals who served within the community. While writing this article, I learned the importance of following up on emails and conducting in-person interviews, as without this skill, there may be no article.
Establishments prioritize community safety amidst food recalls
November 2024
"Establishments prioritize community safety amidst food recalls" explores how local grocery stores stayed on top of the Listeria outbreak, ensuring complete safety for their customers. Being my first article, it came with a sharp learning curve. I had to learn to conduct interviews after multiple refusals, embed infographics, and effectively utilize quotes. This article taught me the reigns of journalism and sprouted my addiction to the craft.