Dawn Hough Sebaugh’s “Wear Art, Live Art” fashion show at Wieghorst Museum features modern art styles with Western vibe
Printer-friendly versionThe show featured clothing created from paintings, illustrating the power of art in fashion Story and photos by Heidi Hope November 23, 2025 (El Cajon) — Boots and Belles, a fashion show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon on Nov.8, showcased creative fashions by designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, owner of Wear Art, Live Art (WALA). The dresses and other colorful designs stem from her original abstract paintings, displaying a compelling connection between art and fashion—transforming art into stylish outfits through creativity and uniqueness. Given the venue, a museum displaying paintings and sculptures by the renown Western artist Olaf Wieghorst, Sebaugh’s styles used cowboy hats, boots and buckles to accessorize WALA dresses and other clothing items for a contemporary Western vibe. Guests strolled through the museum to admire artwork, savored wine and cocktail treats, and bid on silent auction items in addition to enjoying the afternoon fashion show in the courtyard outside. WALA aimed to fundraise for the charity cause to keep the Wieghorst Museum thriving. The show was set out to make a difference along with spreading artistic fashion to inspire others. “When we do fashion shows,” Sebaugh said,” I only do these for charity events. I don’t do this to get money in my pocket. I did this for the Wieghorst Museum because I know they would like to have more people to know about them and they need to raise money. I do things for all kinds of charities, so you very seldom will see me doing anything unless it’s charity related.” Wieghorst was known as the dean of Western art for his lifelike paintings and sculptures depicting cowboys, Native Americans, and other aspects of Western life which he experienced as a working cowboy before settling in El Cajon. His work has been displayed in the White House Oval Office by four American Presidents. The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center preserves and promotes the work of Olaf Wieghorst and celebrates the art, culture, and history of the American West. For more information on the museum, visit https://wieghorstmuseum.org/. Sebaugh shared her career as a painter and how it led her to become a fashion designer, which was through the idea of exploring a new endeavor and still incorporating painting into her new path. “Well, it’s really strange because I have been painting for so long, I can’t have my paintings all over the world, and honestly, I got a little tired of it and was trying to come up with something to do that was a little bit different.” Sebaugh said. “Then I thought, I could actually put my paintings onto all sorts of things” She considered putting paintings on cups and glasses, but later realized fashion was her niche. Through this thought process, Sebaugh discovered that most women do not like to wear the same thing other people have, which led her to the idea of printing her art onto fabric, so that she could still commit to painting while bringing fashion into the world through her artistry. Sebaugh gathered ideas for her creations through paintings. “I do abstracts only and with abstracts, they’re about color, and I take photos of paintings and that’s what I turn onto the fabric. There’s no way that can be copied.” How difficult is this? “I have a lot of crazy things in my head, and it’s very easy. Just sit down with a blank canvas,” the designer explained. “I choose the colors I want to use, because the abstract will get muddy and ugly if you don’t know what others go in.” Sebaugh shared her creation process, which includes doing the paintings, designing the clothes and choosing the fabric to be placed on the clothes. “I do everything except sewing the clothing.” Sebaugh said. Sebaugh’s charity-oriented mindset empowered her models to volunteer their own times for an important cause. “A lot of my models are professional models and they (usually) get paid a lot of money to walk on the runways,” Sebaugh shared.” All these beautiful girls were donating their time for something they thought was important.” Most importantly, Sebaugh emphasized the originality and power of her clothing line, which is the guarantee that whatever outfit coming from Sebaugh to her client will surely be a good fit and not have to be returned. “I don’t want you wearing my clothes unless I know that you look good in them. What I do a lot of times is I have people come to my house and try on any and all that they want to, or every once in a while I’ll have somebody have a little party if they want to, with their friends….Then I will bring the clothes to them, because I’m not taking anything back. If you’re going to wear mine, we’re going to make sure you like it and look good in it and it fits. I’m not a retail store.” Sebaugh explained. Through her fashion show, Sebaugh aspired to make everyone happy and have a good time. “I hope they smile, and I hope that what we do makes them happy and makes them think that the world is not such a terrible place.” Sebaugh shared. “We have fun, we smile, we have live music. It’s always wonderful when people want to buy something.” State Senator Brian Jones’ office presented resolutions honoring Sebaugh and the museum. Sebaugh’s next plans are to create new designs for spring, in addition to helping families in need have an enjoyable holiday season filled with nice clothing and good food. Sebaugh’s new fashion creations will be ready within the new year. You can explore and connect with Sebaugh on Facebook and Instagram. She also has her website for Wear Art Live Art, which is https://wearartliveart.com/. Printer-friendly version
Our Regions: Maps and Details
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County’s inland region is home to beautiful mountains, deserts, rural regions, historic highways, rivers and lakes, cities with cultural attractions, and Native American tribal lands. Our Visit East County section is your source for info and tips on each region, plus our guides to activities such as adventures, dining, live entertainment and more. The map on the left shows eight of the nine regions. The ninth, tribal lands, includes Native American reservations scattered across East County; shown on the second map. Scroll down to view guides to each of our regions. For activites guides to experiences across our region such as adventures, golf, museums, wineries, restaurants and more, click here. City Scenes Desert Destinations Mountains and Gold Rush Region Northeast Neighborhoods Ramona Wine Region Rivers and Lakes Region Rural and Railway Region SDSU College Communities Tribal Lands Printer-friendly version
La Mesa Chamber bringing cheer to homebound seniors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Servie Nov. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) – The spirit of giving is starting already in East County with the launch of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Homebound Seniors Holiday Project 2025. The community initiative aims to bring comfort and joy to some of the region’s most isolated residents, providing festive gift baskets filled with essential needs plus holiday treats. Following the great success of the program previously, the Chamber, along with the La Mesa Police Department and the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, will collect, prepare and hand deliver gifts to homebound seniors across La Mesa. The project is a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring that no senior is forgotten during the holiday season, says La Mesa Chamber president and CEO Mary England. Heartfelt community effort The project relies entirely on the generosity of local residents, businesses and organizations. The Chamber is currently collecting donations to assemble the personalized gift baskets, which are carefully wrapped to maximize the festive flair. Suggested items for donation include pantry staples such as canned soups, canned vegetables, canned fruits, crackers, pasta, macaroni & cheese and other non-perishable items. (Donors are kindly asked to double-check expiration dates.) Also needed are personal care items, including bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste, packs of tissues and bottles of both hand soaps and hand sanitizers. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce encourages the public to contribute any items they believe would bring a smile to a senior’s face, including filling the basket with items that give comfort and are for utility, including socks, pens and pads of paper, as well as gift cards in any denomination from stores like Walmart, Target or local grocery stores like Sprouts. The deadline to donate is Nov. 28, to allow adequate time for assembling, wrapping and distribution. To contribute or coordinate an item drop-off, community members are encouraged to contact the La Mesa Chamber directly. For more details on the drive, you can typically find information on the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce website. England said that the Homebound Seniors Holiday Project is a vital connection that reminds seniors they are valued members of the La Mesa family. For more information, call (619) 465-7700 or call England at (619) 251-7730 to coordinate pick-ups. You can also email the La Mesa Chamber at chamber@lamesachamber.com or visit the website here. Donations can be left at the La Mesa Chamber’s office from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Chamber’s location is 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214, La Mesa. The Chamber office is upstairs without an elevator so if dropping off heavy items like canned goods, call England at (619) 251-7730 to arrange for a curbside transfer or pick-up. Printer-friendly version
Our guide to discovering Northeast San Diego County’s hidden charms
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery Overview: For many San Diegans, Interstate 15 heading into North County is the proverbial dividing line that separates popular coastal communities from the far less hectic but equally captivating inland areas. Yes, venturing east of the 15 takes you away from the Pacific Ocean and all of its tidal pulls. But what it brings is the opportunity to discover a region that sheds that California beach vibe in favor of towering mountains, historic towns, resorts, flourishing wine country and a surprising abundance of world-class attractions. Northeast San Diego County is a place where the landscape changes from suburban valleys to rugged peaks, yet still incorporates a modern, dynamic economic core. This inland corridor is defined by its diverse offerings., anchored by cities such as Escondido and Poway, while also encompassing Palomar Mountain State Park, small towns such as Valley Center, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Here, you can stand face-to-face with a giraffe in an 1,800-acre natural setting, visit the historic Palomar observatory, or take in a concert at one of the region’s two performing arts centers. You can hike to one of the county’s most iconic viewpoints, then retreat to a luxurious spa or a bustling casino floor. Northeast County is a mix of rural serenity and sophisticated culture, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway that feels a world away from the city bustle. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, a taste of local history or a fun-filled cultural experience, Northeast County San Diego provides an unforgettable itinerary. Grab your hiking boots, pack your appetite and prepare to explore the area’s distinct, special neighborhoods. The Call of the Wild and the Cosmos The landscape east of I-15 is a playground for nature enthusiasts and science lovers. No list of regional attractions is complete without the internationally famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where open-air tram tours bring you up close to exotic animals roaming vast, natural habitats. You can also walk to view animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and other distant places or take a photo tour in an open-sided truck. The park also offers special events, such as roar and snore camp overs and holiday festivities. Higher up in the mountains, Palomar Mountain State Park offers a slice of unspoiled nature with its large cedar, fir and pine forests — a rare alpine setting in Southern California. At more than 5,000 feet elevation, the park gets snow in wintertime and is a great destination for family fun such as sledding and building a snowman. You can also fish for trout at Doane Pond. Watch for wildlife—there have even been black bears sighted here in recent years. Nearby stands the formidable dome of Palomar Observatory, home to the 200-inch Hale Telescope and a monument to astronomical discovery. The Hale telescope is in active use with a diverse suite of instruments, conducting studies ranging from probing distant galaxies to looking at stellar populations, and has been crucial in discoveries such as the cosmological measurement of the Hubble flow and helping to determine the nature of quasars. It also houses the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope and others. Daytime tours are available, but do not include viewing the Hale telescope. For those closer to the valley floor, the region is ripe with hiking opportunities. The arduous climb up Mount Woodson in Poway is rewarded with a quintessential photo opportunity atop the famed Potato Chip Rock outcropping. For a gentler experience, Poway offers Lake Poway, perfect for fishing, boating and family picnics, as well as the tranquil trails of the Blue Sky Ecological Preserve, Poway. For a dose of warmth and compassion, visit the Happy Heart Sanctuary for farm animals in Valley Center. Fore-tunate for Tee Times Northeast County provides a treasure trove of challenging and scenic golf destinations, attracting players to the rolling hills of Poway, Escondido and more. Leading the private and high-end semi-private scene are Maderas Golf Club in Poway, renowned for its challenging course design, and exclusive venues like The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo and The Heights Golf Club (formerly Bernardo Heights Country Club). The resort circuit is anchored by the beautiful course at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort. The popular Oaks North Golf Course is also a key option in the Rancho Bernardo area. Further inland, Escondido offers a variety of play styles, from the unique setting of The Vineyard at Escondido and the multiple layouts at Welk Resorts San Diego (The Oaks and The Fountains Courses), to more rugged terrain at Boulder Oaks Golf Club, Castle Creek Country Club and Dos Osos Golf Club, which was formerly Eagle Crest. The shorter, fun Reidy Creek Golf Course is also in Escondido. The far northern and eastern reaches of the county boast quality courses like the resort-based Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course near Fallbrook and the challenging layouts at The Golf Club of California and Native Oaks Golf Club in Valley Center. The private Pauma Valley Country Club and The Havens Country Club and the senior community course at Skyline Ranch Country Club ensure diverse options for any player seeking an inland North County round. Find more information on these and other golf courses in our East County Golf Guide. Arts, Culture, and Historic Charm The cultural heart of the area lies largely in Escondido and Poway, two communities that remain dedicated to preserving history and promoting the arts. In Escondido, the firth largest incorporated city in San Diego County, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido https://artcenter.org stands as a regional powerhouse, hosting concerts, theater productions, and visual arts exhibits. Just a short trip away is the fantastical Queen Califia’s Magic Circle Garden (Escondido) https://visitescondido.com/queen-califias-magical-circle-escondido, an extraordinary sculpture garden by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. You can explore the city’s roots by strolling through Historic downtown Escondido https://visitescondido.com/to-do/historic-downtown, a bustling area that hosts major annual events like the “For The Love of Chocolate” festival. The downtown calendar is also packed with recurring favorites like the
Elderly man who died in custody had urinary tract infection, high blood pressure and heart disease
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 22, 2025 (San Diego) – The Medical Examiner has concluded that 82-year-old Karim Talib died of natural causes in the San Diego Central Jail on July 28. The autopsy determined that the cause of death was high blood pressure and heart disease complicated by acute kidney disease due to a urinary tract infection. ECM has emailed the Sheriff’s department to learn whether Talib had previously been diagnosed with these conditions and if he was receiving medication for them at the time of his death. The San Diego Union-Tribune interviewed inmates who said they repeatedly asked for help for Talib, who showed clear signs of mental confusion and decline, with his meal trays stacking up uneaten, medication not taken, and a diaper overflowing. Untreated urinary tract infections can cause dementia-like symptoms in the elderly. He had been in custody since May 27, two months, when he was found unresponsive in his cell by Sheriff’s deputies and a facilities nurse distributing mediation. Deputies immediately called 9-1-1, began CPR and asked for help from the jail’s medical staff. Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival. Despite their efforts, Talib was pronounced deceased at the detention facility at about 9:10 a.m. He was facing charges for mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse. He was pending a court hearing related to his mental competency. “The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the Talib family and all those affected by Mr. Talib’s passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family as they navigate through this difficult time,” Lieutenant Juan Marquez states in a press release. The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was notified regarding the incident and as is protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating. Printer-friendly version
San Diego River Park Foundation takes action to protect homeless; hundreds in jeopardy from storms
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 22, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego River Park Foundation is leading efforts to help 323 people living along the San Diego River who are at risk from flooding in upcoming storms. In addition to checking on homeless camps and getting warnings out ahead of storms, the nonprofit holding a care package drive and seeking volunteers to help out, as well as donated items for these packages to help vulnerable unhoused people. “We all know that when it rains the river can rise quickly. Often this means that roads are closed and it can be a challenge to get around communities where the river floods,” an email from the foundation states. “Sadly, our recent census documented more than 300 people living in and along the riverbed. Many are at-risk due to rising floodwaters.” There has been a lot of progress recently helping people to find better living conditions, but new people continue moving into these areas. “Anyone that hasn’t lived in the riverbed before may not know how quickly the river can rise. Soon places where people are living are underwater. Often personal items are washed away. Swift water rescues become normal,” the nonprofit’s email explains. The River Park Foundation sends teams twice per week documenting where people are living and shares this information with local agencies and social service providers. “When it is predicted the river will flood, we go to areas where people are living. These are often hard to reach areas on private and public property. We let people know of what is to come,” the nonprofit’s email states. “ We often partner with PATH San Diego or another entity who can work with people we encounter to connect them with resources they need. Then after the water recedes we go back to the areas and check on people. Once again trying to connected them with available resources, providing a few essential items. We check on their pets, too.” If you want to be part of this effort, here is how. TAKE ACTION Volunteer create care packages, check on the encampments, and post flood warning signs. Sign-up Donate items for care packages. Wish List Inform elected officials that you are concerned about people living in the riverbed. Organize a group or business to create care packages. For details scroll down on this page. Bring items to a Care Package Drive December 6: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. an annual Care Package Drive will be held at Grant Park, 2310 Camino del Rio North in Mission Valley. Items most needed are soft energy bars, toothpaste, toothbrushes and biodegradable wipes. Printer-friendly version
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Thanksgiving safety tips with a side of manners
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Many will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays. On any given day, firefighters respond to reports of a kitchen fire. Often, it is “food on the stove” and we cancel incoming resources. However, on Thanksgiving Day, kitchen fires increase over fifty percent compared to any other day, often working structure fires. So let’s start serving up those cooking safety tips. Cooking Safety: Be careful wearing loose clothing around open flames on the stove Use a timer and use “post it’s” to remind yourself of cooking times in the oven Be careful using candles at the dinner table (especially if toddlers are present) Use oven and mitts when handling hot pots and pans Do not cool hot pans with water if grease is in them Have a fire extinguisher near-by and know how to use it. Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or stove top. Is that smoke detector properly working? Contact Your Local Fire Department for Additional Information on Thanksgiving Safety. Nothing goes better with turkey than manners! Whether with the family at home or at the fire station kitchen, bad manners can make a delicious meal bad. Here are some things to help maintain civility: Don’ts Do not talk politics or bring up other “hot topics.” Often the urge is to help family members “understand” your position or understand why their position is irrational and wrong. Too often, this ends with slamming doors and someone crying in the car. Do not be sarcastic, critical or give subtle jabs. These can cause emotions to escalate quickly, and feelings can get hurt. Do not try to fix each other’s problems over one meal. Also, do not discuss the problems of other family/department members who are not there. The Thanksgiving meal is not the time to suggest someone get out of a relationship, sell a house, move to a different station, be a better parent, firefighter, or start exercising. Do not take things personally. Some family members are “pricklier” than others but choose not to get defensive. If someone does start fishing for a reaction, do not take the hook. Do Take charge of seating. Set the table for success by separating conflicting personalities. Set the conspirators near you so you can put out fires and guide the conversation. Ask others about their lives. Do not talk about yourself extensively. Give kids responsibilities but then turn them loose. Kids simply are not going to enjoy being trapped at a table for long periods of time. They often get restless and whiny. It is OK if they run off after trying most of the foods. Do not turn it into a battle. Have something for them to do after the meal. Most importantly, remind yourself why you are doing this. You love your community and the members of your organization. These safety tips and manners apply to both you and your community. Remember with manners: “people are more important than problems!” *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions. Printer-friendly version