Make a blog-San Diego, it’s time to find ourselves

On April 7, the New York Times published a travel story called “36 Hours in San Diego.” New York-based freelance writer Freda Moon observed, “If San Diego has a cohesive identity at all, it’s a shared embrace of an easy, breezy Southern California casualness.” She went on to describe us as a “Pleasantville—a bland, happy place….” What-ever. Still, we might take this as a cue to think a little harder about our identity. To get the conversation started, we asked noted San Diegans to describe our city in three (or six) words. Tweet us yours @SanDiegoMag!

How would you describe San Diego’s identity?

“Cultured. Relaxed. Layered.” —Yuseff Cherney, chief operating officer and head brewer/distiller, Ballast Point

“Inspirational. Innovative. Naturally climatized!” —Iris Engstrand, professor of history, University of San Diego

“Dynamic. Diverse. Athletic.” —Taylor Knox, professional surfer (retired)

“Sun. Surf. Serenity.”—Mark Kotsay, Padres outfielder

“Perfect weather. Perfect people. Perfectly exciting.” —Former mayor Jerry Sanders