Returning to North County San Diego—the place I grew up—I wasn’t sure what I would find. The last time I truly lived here, I was a teenager: swimming at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, going to school in Escondido, and growing up in Valley Center.
It was a beautiful place to be a kid. But I had never experienced it as an adult.
After my father passed in 2020, and with my mother needing more of me, Los Angeles no longer felt like home. Post-pandemic, the city had lost its rhythm for me. I was ready for something different—something grounded.
So I came back.
From the moment I returned, I felt a sense of belonging I hadn’t expected. While I still produce SITA Couture in Los Angeles, San Diego has completely redefined my day-to-day life—and my creative perspective.
Beyond its coastline and thriving wellness culture, what surprised me most is the depth of its creative scene. The art, music, fashion, and dance communities here are vibrant, expressive, and refreshingly grounded.
There’s also an undeniable cultural energy—being so close to Mexico, the Latin influence infuses everything with warmth, rhythm, and style. These coastal towns carry a unique duality: relaxed yet refined, effortless yet intentional.
A perfect day here might begin with a sun-soaked afternoon at the beach, followed by a ride through Torrey Pines. And as the evening unfolds, it’s about stepping into your favorite elevated attire—an intimate farm-to-table dinner in Oceanside, then heading to Café Sevilla in the Gaslamp Quarter, where Andalusian guitar and flamenco carry you late into the night.
Special thanks to the exceptionally talentel Bruno Serrano, music and dance coordinator at Cafe Sevilla, for taking us on a journey that elevated our hearts and reminded us of the power of community and culture…
This his is my San Diego: grounded, vibrant, and unexpectedly inspiring.
@sophiaLynnUribe
@CafeSevillaSanDiego
@sita_thompson
@sitacouture
Special thanks to Bruno Serrano
