The first annual Santa Cruz Mini Maker Faire will be hosted on Saturday, April 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gateway School, 126 Eucalyptus Ave., Santa Cruz. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community. The call for Makers, Artists, Performers, and Crafters is open now through March 15. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. Any groups or individuals interested in presenting their project, activity, or performance in this event should complete the application at makerfairesantacruz.com/makers.

The Scotts Valley Firefighters Local Union 3577 will award a scholarship of $500.00 to a ScottsValleyHigh School student who is interested in establishing a career in the fire service or emergency medical service.

 Boys’ Varsity Soccer:

Starting February 1, all Chihuahuas living in Santa CruzCounty are eligible for a free spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination and microchip identification by Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. This offer is limited to the first 100 Chihuahua owners that sign up, first come, and first served.

Everyone has at one time or another experienced a common cold manifested by such symptoms as nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, mild sore throat and cough. This common infection may last from a few days to one to two weeks. It is always caused by a virus and therefore patience, and not antibiotics, is the main treatment.

Submit Datebook items to [email protected] Deadline is 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Entries are subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed. Please send your information in the format shown below.

 As a landscape designer I try to stay abreast of the latest plant introductions and trends in garden design. Many of these new plants work well with our backdrop of mountains and naturalistic settings. Some new trends will appeal to those who grow edibles while some will appeal to the gardener who loves their garden but doesn’t have time to do a lot of maintenance. What’s new this year is a return to some old fashioned ideas.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) today announced five naturalist-led backpacking trips will be offered in four State Parks in the Santa CruzMountains during summer 2016.