Lookout PM: New Abbott Square kiosks, a big lineup of local events, Ami Chen Mills’ bid for mayor, and public defenders join statewide protest

Weekender: Ducky Derby, Oaxacan extravaganza and Perfect Pair highlight packed local calendar

Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County this weekend.

Abbott Square adds Indian food, Puerto Rican flavors with two new kiosks

By Lily Belli

Two new vendors are joining Abbott Square Market, with longstanding farmers market stall India Gourmet opening a permanent kiosk and Luna’s Borikén Bites preparing to debut Puerto Rican dishes in the Octagon. The additions expand the downtown Santa Cruz food hall’s lineup with globally inspired menus.

Ami Chen Mills envisions a mayorship with more community conversations, leading to more people engaged in politics

By Max Chun

Ami Chen Mills, an educator, writer and activist, aims to bring more community involvement to city government should she become Santa Cruz’s next mayor. She aspires to be an educator in office, too, with the hope of getting more people excited about and engaged in politics.

Santa Cruz County public defenders join statewide protest demanding more funding, lighter workloads

By Hillary Ojeda

The Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender is joining a statewide protest Thursday calling for dedicated state funding. Citing workload studies and funding disparities with other agencies, Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers said systemic changes are needed to prevent burnout.

Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81

By Ronald Blum / Associated Press

Michael Tilson Thomas, a leading American conductor for a half-century who headed orchestras in San Francisco, Buffalo, Miami and London while also composing, died Wednesday. He was 81.

OPINION: We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of 2009: California must protect Medi-Cal dental benefits

By Laura Marcus

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to cut Medi-Cal dental benefits risks repeating California’s costly 2009 mistake, when preventable issues turned into medical emergencies, writes Laura Marcus, CEO of Dientes Community Dental Care. Marcus argues that the proposed budget savings would actually shift higher costs onto hospitals and vulnerable communities. Expanded dental coverage has improved health outcomes and access to care for thousands, she writes, but that progress is now at risk. She says lawmakers face a clear choice: protect preventive care or pay more later for crisis-driven treatment. The vote will happen by June 15.