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More About BKCF

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history

Bixby Knolls Community Foundation was established in 2019 as a philanthropic effort to address community needs and strengthen the neighborhood for its residents, artists, families, businesses, and visitors. While closely connected to the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, BKCF operates as a separate nonprofit focused on community programming, connection, quality of life, and supporting the economic vitality of the greater Bixby Knolls area through partnerships and initiatives that benefit both businesses and the community.

Mission

Bixby Knolls Community Foundation strengthens the Bixby Knolls neighborhood through arts, culture, and community connection. We foster a vibrant and inclusive district by producing engaging events and creative programs that unite local businesses, residents, and visitors.

vision

Bixby Knolls vision is to be the hometown within the city. We create, live, and work in a place where historic roots meet modern creativity and quality of life is achieved. We are proud to nurture a community where residents and visitors feel welcome and at home.

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Your donations matter.

With your generous contributions to our 2025 Long Beach Gives Campaign, Bixby Knolls Community Foundation was able to fund the following:

400+

PAID INTERN

HOURS

60+

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

800+

CLEAN STREET

HOURS

What we've been up to lately–

BKCF Staff

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Blair Cohn

Executive Director


blair@bixbyknollsinfo.com

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Myra Pimentel

Development & Operations Manager

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Alana Salas-Yoshii

Community Engagement Manager

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Dodie Reddington

Operations & Admin Coordinator

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Joel Garcia

Marketing & Events Intern

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Tom Underhill

Clean Team Lead

Board of Directors

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President

Pending

   

     

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VICE President

Cynthia Moore

Business Owner, Long Beach Clothing Co.

Moore and her husband are proud owners of Long Beach Clothing Co., a locally owned retail store dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Long Beach through apparel and accessories. What began as a passion for our city has grown into a business that connects residents and visitors with designs that showcase local pride.

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Secretary

Evelyn Avila

Founder of Long Beach Walking Club

Evelyn is a Long Beach native, born and raised in North Long Beach, with deep roots in the city she has always called home. After several years living in Downtown Long Beach, she returned to the Bixby Knolls area two years ago, where she feels especially connected to the neighborhood and its strong sense of community. With a background in marketing, events, and community engagement, Evelyn is passionate about bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection. She is also the founder of the Long Beach Walking Club, a women’s community focused on wellness, connection, and service. Evelyn is proud to serve on the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation Board and contribute to a community that truly feels like home.

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Treasurer

Anthony Wingfield

Business Owner, UPS Store

         
 

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Board Member

James Tir

@LBFoodComa, Content Creator

       
 

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Board Member

Jane Nadeau

Community Member

A 27 year resident of Bixby Knolls, Jane retired from aerospace in 2012. She is a strong supporter of small businesses and the Bixby Knolls community. Jane enjoys First Fridays, especially the vendors inside the Expo and is particularly fond of the variety of live music played along Atlantic.

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Board Member

Curt Coutin

Community Member

Curt Coutin is a 25 year long resident of California Heights and has taught elementary school for 42 years so far.  He enjoys engaging in and attending creative and recreational events and to discuss collaborative problem solving strategies. 

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Board Member

Marni Farmer

Business Owner, F/8 Studios

Marni Farmer holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and dual master's degrees in Theatre Management (MFA) and Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Long Beach. After a successful career in nonprofit arts management and marketing, she founded So Smitten Events in 2014, an award-winning event planning company recognized by The Knot Hall of Fame. In 2018, she and her husband, award-winning photographer Michael Farmer, opened f/8 Studios in Long Beach. Marni also serves on the Remembering Sam Ford Foundation board and helps produce beloved community events, including the annual Cal Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony.

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Board Member

Holly Unruh

Community Member

     
 

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Board Member

Leslie Garretson

Community Member

Leslie brings 35 years of Fortune 50 executive management experience to her role on the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation Board. A dedicated community leader and advocate, she also serves as President of the Los Cerritos Neighborhood Association (LCNA) and the Riverpark Coalition, working hands-on through initiatives like LC/BK Clean Streets, neighborhood watch programs, organizing/ hosting neighborhood events and local green space advocacy. Inspired by her small-town roots, Leslie is passionate about creating connected communities, environmental stewardship, and inspiring volunteerism across Long Beach—where she lives with her husband Steve, their rescue dogs, and a certified wildlife habitat in her own backyard.

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Board Member

Nicolette Rhodes

Community Member

Nicolette is a small business owner and personal stylist who helps women create wardrobes they love and a style that lasts. Before starting her business, she spent over 10 years as an art teacher, where her love for creativity truly grew. Nicolette is passionate about art, human connection, community, diversity, and inclusion. She enjoys exploring museums, hiking, discovering great food, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite role is being a wife and first-time mom. Nothing brings her more joy than long walks, music class, and making memories with her son.

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