Bixby Knolls Community Foundation

BKCF was founded in 2019 as an independent philanthropic entity that is linked to the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. While the Business Improvement Association focuses on commerce, BKCF operates as a separate entity that serves the Bixby Knolls neighborhood through programming that finds the intersection between business and community needs. BKCF is a valuable community resource that promotes the arts and quality of life for Bixby Knolls residents and visitors to the Bixby Knolls neighborhood.

History

Because BKCF was founded in late 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 crisis and related lockdowns, our first programs were designed to alleviate the pandemic's profound impact on the health and wellbeing of the Bixby Knolls neighborhood.

As a result of this focused response, we launched a series of programs that were designed to simultaneously assist both our community members and our local businesses. For example, we purchased items from local businesses, and then offered those items for free to the community, while supplies lasted. This activity provided local businesses with a badly-needed cash flow while also providing residents with free merchandise at a time when many people had been abruptly laid off and were struggling financially.

We also helped local restaurants and residents by creating The Allery, an outdoor space that allowed four restaurants to contactlessly provide residents with take-out food from a central location. 

Additionally, we helped our community’s businesses to reopen by providing items that were difficult to obtain at the time, such as disinfecting implements, masks, and hand sanitizer. We further provided plexiglass partitions at counters, and signage required for safe reopenings so that the restaurants could continue to serve the community. 

Since the pandemic-related restrictions were lifted, we have continued to improve the quality of life of our unique neighborhood through arts and social programming.

Programming

First Fridays

This monthly themed art walk showcases local art, food, and entertainment. This popular event highlights the cultures and businesses that make our neighborhood vibrant and unique. The program is described in more detail below.

Concerts in the Park(ing Lot)

This four-concert series takes place in parking lots of businesses in Bixby Knolls on Monday nights throughout the summer. Concerts feature local artists, with food and drink available from Bixby Knolls restaurants. 

Kidical Mass Bike Ride

Kidical Mass is a monthly, family-friendly community bike ride through Bixby Knolls. These 4 to 4.5 mile rides for kids of all ages encourage participants to interact and visit places of interest in our neighborhood. 

Food Insecurity Program Benefiting CSULB & LBCC Students

Each Wednesday throughout the year, we distribute 40 hot meals to students experiencing food insecurity on two college campuses: Long Beach City College (LBCC) and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). 

Knights of the Round (Turn)Table

Each month, a different Bixby Knolls restaurant hosts Knights of the Round (Turn)Table. The format is simple: One classic album is played as people listen. The host shares details and background about the album. 

EXPO Art Center

EXPO Art Center is an arts and performance space in Bixby Knolls that has become an important gathering place for artists in our neighborhood.