Centuries before Californians slashed and burned the natural treasures of Fall Creek to make lime, Aztecs were mining limestone on a large scale to create roads and buildings in Mexico. Scientists, like Santa Cruz geologist Frank Perry, say that is what led to the downfall of their civilization.

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected], or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

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Snacking can be one of the most effective ways to rev up your metabolism and slim your waistline.

- Naomi Corinne Adams was born at 12:27 p.m. April 25, 2012, to Ingrid Corinne and Zachary Michael Adams of Scotts Valley. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Carmella Blu Iles was born to Jessica Nichole and Matthew William Iles of Scotts Valley at 7:12 p.m. April 4, 2012, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. She weighed 8 pounds.

I don't have room for any new plants. Really, I don't — but come spring, I just can't help myself.