Inside San Diego’s secret to happiness
How a unique New York event brought San Diego’s optimistic culture to life through art, cuisine, and community.
In a vibrant Manhattan venue transformed to mirror San Diego’s warmth and energy, the film, Portraits of San Diego: A Culture of Happiness, unveiled what makes this southern California 'beach city' a beacon of optimism. The event on May 19, hosted at Chelsea's Lavan 541, drew an exclusive audience including VIP guests, travel and lifestyle media, editors, prominent social media influencers, and valued travel industry partners—all immersed in an authentic San Diego experience blending innovative culinary delights, stunning imagery by National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan, and insightful conversations.
The evening opened with Chef Tara Monsod’s inspired menu, celebrating San Diego’s multicultural heritage and coastal freshness. Dishes like the "Point Loma Ponzu" and "La Jolla Lobster Palabok" and San Diego local beers offered guests a flavorful journey through iconic neighborhoods. As attendees mingled, sunset-inspired lighting and music from DJ Color infused the atmosphere with the city's relaxed, yet spirited ambiance.
The highlight of the evening was the premiere of Portraits of San Diego: A Culture of Happiness. Projected onto immersive walls, the film captured San Diego’s thriving communities, abundant green and blue spaces, and breathtaking coastal scenes. Following the screening, National Geographic Photographer Kiliii Yüyan moderated an intimate panel featuring Director Paul Pryor and San Diego tastemakers, National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin, environmentalist and pro-surfer Rob Machado, and Chef Tara Monsod.
The discussion took a cinematic talk-back format, with panelists reflecting personally on filming experiences. Machado spoke passionately about his deep connection to the ocean and how the surf community is ingrained in San Diego culture. Lin shared profound insights about San Diego’s landscapes and historical ties to indigenous cultures, while Monsod highlighted how San Diego’s rich diversity continually inspires her culinary creations. Director Pryor discussed power of getting a peek behind the scenes when doing interviews to pull out authentic moments for a film.
Guests continued to engage post-panel amidst captivating visual displays and a remarkable sand sculpture of San Diego’s iconic California Tower by artist Matt Long. Before leaving, guests customized a leather luggage tag, embossed with the San Diego logo and a personalized name or initials.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated clearly: San Diego’s culture of happiness isn’t just a concept—it's a vibrant, lived reality, warmly inviting exploration and connection.
