I would like to make my annual plea for everyone to get a flu shot.

- 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.

Our Western culture tends to idealize youth, while showing little respect or courtesy for our aging, mature population. However, many countries in the world honor their elder citizens. Age, in those societies, is symbolic of experience, wisdom and knowledge, which is shared with the younger generations.

After dropping from 2006 to 2011, home prices in Santa Cruz County have jumped 17 percent in the past year as bargain-hunting investors find that rising rents and rock-bottom interest rates are again making it profitable to be a landlord.

- 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.

Above the clear, turquoise water of the Big Sur coastline, wildflowers still bloom in October.

Clarification: Dr. Terry Hollenbeck’s column on Page 15 of the Oct. 5 Press-Banner, titled “Celiac disease, gluten-free diets explained,” stated that people with celiac disease should avoid oats unless they are marked as gluten free. According to the doctor, celiac patients may eat oats that are identified as gluten free, but they should be wary, because oats are frequently contaminated with wheat and other gluten-containing products. Many authorities still think oats should be avoided.

The seasons are changing, and so are fishing regulations. The first large groundswell rolled through the bay and slowed the ground fish bite. Salmon season will close south of Pigeon Point this weekend as anglers start to gear up for Dungeness crabs.

Jackson Robert Massey was born to Cristina (Castellani) and James Hetzler Massey of Ben Lomond at 8:40 a.m. Sept. 19, 2012, at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center of Santa Cruz. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

There is much talk these days about gluten-free food and gluten-free diets. I’d like to explain what this is all about.