Marilyn Denise Harvey, a college dean, educator, business owner and resident of Valencia Park wants the public to know that Southeastern San Diego is a diverse community with several neighborhoods and a mix of people that should not be lumped into one district or area that is all the same.
We are made up of communities of neighborhoods and people, and I think people should know that,” Harvey said. “Like, if you go to Valencia Park, it’s a different experience than if you go to Encanto. If you go over to Mountain View, it’s another experience, and there can be rich and beautiful experiences in all these communities, and I don’t want the newspapers to call us Southeast anymore. I want them to name us.”
Valencia Park, Encanto, Webster, Ridgeview, Emerald Hills, Mountain View, Lincoln Park, Chollas View, Skyline and Alta Vista are all neighborhoods in the region Harvey is describing and in the city of San Diego’s District 4.
“It is not a result of being ashamed of being from Southeast San Diego,” Harvey said. “I’m a proud Southeast San Diego resident, but we are made up of various communities; that’s the difference.”
Harvey was born in Chicago, but moved to San Diego as a child. She graduated from Lincoln High School and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University. Harvey later went to the University of Southern California to get her doctorate.
She has worked for San Diego City College as an adjunct professor, counselor and director of development. Harvey was also the dean of academic affairs at the California Community College Online Education Initiative and the dean of career education at Mt. San Jacinto College.
Now Harvey is taking on a new role: business owner. She plans to open up Mvinyo Book Bar, a place where the public can meet over books and wine.
“For me, it’s about more than a business,” Harvey said about Mvinyo, which means wine in Swahili. “It’s about giving people a space to gather, to share stories, to learn and to enjoy the beauty and creativity that’s always been a part of this community.”
Harvey is also on the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District’s advisory committee. It was created almost three years ago to suggest arts and cultural activities for the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art.
Harvey chose to highlight places in and around Encanto for dining, artwork and entertainment options because she said, “it’s where the vibrancy and history of San Diego’s Black community come alive through culture, creativity and connection.”
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: Caribbean Taste. It’s one of those down-home locals’ favorites where the food just hits. Even as a vegetarian, I’ve got plenty to love: their veggie plates, rice and peas (and) plantains all seasoned like somebody’s grandma is in the back cooking. And when I’m there, people are hanging out, chatting: It’s more than a restaurant, it’s a whole cultural vibe. It feels like a little slice of the islands right here in Encanto. You go once, and you’re already planning your next visit before you leave.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: The Mental Bar. I love it because it’s so much more than just great coffee or food; it’s the vibe. The atmosphere is warm, creative and intentionally rooted in community and culture. Every detail, from the décor to the playlist, makes it feel like a space designed for connection. The menu features high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and the drinks taste like they’re crafted with both passion and precision. My personal favorite is the Blueberry Lavender Lemonade; it’s refreshing, unique, and delicious. What makes The Mental Bar even more special is how often it highlights local artists, musicians and entrepreneurs. Every visit feels like you’re supporting something bigger than a cafe: It’s a cultural hub where you can meet friends, get some work done or simply enjoy the energy of the space.
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: Marie Widman Park, named for civic leader Marie C. Widman. This Southeast San Diego landmark is the heartbeat of the Black Arts & Culture District. Once home to countless cultural celebrations, the park embodies Widman’s legacy of arts, equity and community pride. Today, it hosts family events, live music and gatherings that keep her vision alive—making it a must-visit spot for history, culture, and connection.
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: That is a difficult question. Encanto is home to a significant piece of public art by internationally known artist Therman Statom. He created the iconic bus stop on Imperial Avenue at Valencia Parkway. Stratom is a sculptor, glass artist and painter. We also have 24 art panels by the artist/muralist Late Eddie Edwards. The panels were installed as a concept from the community requesting that the artist depict the history of San Diego. Most recently is the addition of the artist Maxx Moses and his Graffiti Gardens studio.
For me, Maxx Moses Studio is where art, culture, and community collide. Maxx’s murals don’t just bring color to walls—they tell our stories, our history, our dreams. It’s also just a cool space to hang out. He’s hosted all kinds of fun gatherings, like Black Art Friday, where artists can sell their work and reimagine Black Friday as a celebration of creativity and culture. Every visit feels like stepping into the creative heartbeat of Encanto, where art isn’t just seen, it’s felt.
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: Ringer’s Roller Rink, do I even need to explain why? It’s a roller rink, first! Music, skating, hanging out, it doesn’t get better than that. And this isn’t just any roller rink; it’s outdoors with the best vibes all around. They offer open skating, lessons, private parties and family fun nights. Fridays are all about ’90s throwback jams, while Saturdays bring hip-hop nights, turning the whole rink into a party on wheels. Oh, and did I mention they have a women’s roller derby? Seriously, what more could you ask for?