Meet the artist Sept. 28

September 6, 2011 (La Mesa) -- AbEx invades La Mesa Village! Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel is bringing a selection of larger oil and acrylic paintings to East County for his exciting show September 7 – October 9 at O’Dunn Fine Art.  Art lovers are also invited to meet this talented artist at a reception on Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 p.m.

Influenced by the 20th century San Francisco abstract expressionist movement, Krempel references the beauty of both natural and man-made landscapes in his work. He has been featured in dozens of bay area shows, and is the founder of the Temporary Artists Group (TAG), which brings emerging artists to the community. With degrees in both the arts and psychology, John's paintings dance at the interface of the physical and psychological worlds.

September 1, 2011 (Valley Center)--English high teas have become among the most popular events served up at Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center. Savor refreshing teas and delicacies such as tea sandwiches, chicken herbs de Provence, Devonshire cream, fresh fruit, lavender scones and more at an English-style high tea on September 17 at 2 p.m.

September 15, 2011 (Alpine) – Alpine Kiwanis will host a Chili Cook-Off, along with the Show & Shine Car Show, at the Alpine Community Park this Saturday, September 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy music by the Legends, crafters, vendors, bratwurst, ice cream and more at the festivities.

The event will be held at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

September 12, 2011 (Escondido) – Get a close-up look at what fresh and local agriculture is all about from those who know it best: San Diego farmers! On Saturday, Oct. 15, six local growers will open their farms to the public for San Diego County Farm Bureau’s second annual Farm Tour Day, with guided walking tours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

September 16, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will host the 10th annual Kids Care Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event features free health care screenings at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.

Musical continues this weekend and next at Encore! Theatre in Spring Valley

by Elena Peña

September 4, 2011 (San Diego) – From classical chamber music to jazz pianos, a free concert series offered by San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance has appeal to a wide range of music lovers. The concerts are free and open to the public, as well as to students, faculty and staff.

September 3, 2011 (San Pasqual) –Orfila Vineyards will host a Hawaiian-style luau in its Rose Park at 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido on September 11 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

September 2, 2011 (Lakeside)-- Lakeside's River Park Conservancy will unveil a new trail as it celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Once in a Blue Moon Gala, including dinner plus live and silent auctions at twilight along the banks of the San Diego River on Saturday, September 10th.

August 30, 2011 (Julian) -- Every September, the Julian Chamber of Commerce celebrates the harvest of the town’s grapes with a real, Old World-style grape stomp and festa at the Menghini Winery September 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This grape stomp provides two barrels for stomping--one for adults and one for children.

 August 24, 2011 (San Diego) -- The Little Saigon Foundation, a local non-profit, hosts its second annual San Diego Lantern Festival and Street Fair August 26-28. Attendance is expected to be 20,000 – 30,000 guests.  This year’s theme is “Light Up San Diego” and will feature nearly 6,000 traditional silk lanterns.

August 27, 2011 (Allied Gardens) – The public is invited to bring your blankets and low-backed chairs to enjoy a free showing of “Iron Man 2.” The “Movie at the Park” event will be held tonight starting at dusk at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., in the Allied Gardens area of San Diego.

Brain injuries affect more than 11,000 local families each year; local foundation “struggling” for funds to continue helping patients and families, including wounded veterans

August 26, 2011 (San Diego)--"When a person suffers a traumatic brain injury, it’s like a bomb explodes in the middle of the family," a release from San Diego Brain Injury Foundation observes. "Everyone is thrown into an emotional crisis and immersed in a medical emergency. Their lives are changed forever."