The Committee of 300 Connects with the Community at Bixby Knolls First Fridays

The Committee of 300 (C300) participated in the October 2 Bixby Knolls First Fridays celebration, joining local artists, businesses, and community organizations for an evening celebrating Arts Month and the vibrant spirit of Long Beach. The event brought together residents and visitors to discover local artwork for sale, enjoy live music, learn about community resources, and connect with neighborhood businesses.

Led by Membership Director Jesse Padilla, six dedicated C300 members hosted a Membership Pop-Up to introduce visitors to the organization and its volunteer opportunities. Joining Jesse were Kiran Gidwani, Jeremiah Snyder, Gary Breaux, Ken Reider, and Betty Reider. The team welcomed visitors, answered questions, and shared information about C300's mission and its connection to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

We were also honored to welcome Congressman Robert Garcia, who stopped by our booth during the evening.

Celebrating Local Artists and Live Music in Bixby Knolls

Bixby Knolls First Fridays provides a welcoming setting for residents to explore local creativity, support artists, and enjoy the neighborhood's cultural offerings. During the October 2 celebration, artists showcased and sold their artwork, giving visitors an opportunity to discover original pieces and directly support Long Beach's creative community.

Participating artists included Natawut Hopkins, Jennifer McMahon, Amalia Karapetyan, Michael Sedano, and Andrew "Ari" Jurado, along with artists featuring graffiti-style artwork and other distinctive visual styles.

Live music inside the community center added to the festive atmosphere, with Slivka providing musical entertainment. The Long Beach Film Festival was also represented, highlighting a future film project lead by seniors film students at Cal State Long Beach

Together, the artwork and live entertainment created an engaging experience for visitors while giving artists opportunities to share their work and connect with potential buyers.

Community Organizations and Businesses Raise Awareness

In addition to the artists selling their work, Bixby Knolls First Fridays provided a platform for community organizations and businesses to host informational tables, introduce their services, and raise awareness about their missions and offerings.

Participating organizations and businesses included the Women's Shelter of Long Beach, Little Owl School, Little Owl Foundation, Radiance Infrared Sauna, and the Ceja Firm. The Office of Councilmember Megan Kerr and Friends of the Long Beach Public Library also participated, providing opportunities for attendees to learn about local civic initiatives, community resources, and library support.

These informational tables helped connect residents with organizations and businesses serving different needs throughout Long Beach. From education and community support to wellness, professional services, public resources, and literacy, their participation demonstrated the value of bringing local resources directly to the community.

We appreciate all the organizations, businesses, artists, musicians, and event organizers who contributed to the evening and helped create an environment centered on discovery, awareness, and neighborhood connection.

If your business, organization, or artistic group was featured in this article, we encourage you to share it with your network and help celebrate the people and organizations that make Long Beach special.

About the Committee of 300

Founded in 1975, the Committee of 300 of Long Beach, Inc. (C300) is a nonprofit membership organization and the official volunteer organization and promotional arm of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (AGPLB). Known for their distinctive red jackets and shirts, C300 members help promote the annual AGPLB, support race-related activities, and welcome visitors to one of Long Beach's signature events.

Our commitment extends beyond race weekend. Through community service, membership outreach, and local partnerships, we connect with residents and organizations throughout the year.

Membership offers opportunities to support the AGPLB, meet fellow volunteers, develop professional relationships, and participate in community outreach. We welcome motorsports enthusiasts, business professionals, young adults, and community-minded residents who want to contribute their time and talents.

Our Membership Pop-Up will continue at Bixby Knolls First Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each month, except when members are supporting Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach activities and outreach.

Ready to make a difference in Long Beach? Visit committeeof300.com to explore membership opportunities and discover how you can become part of our volunteer community.