Latest News

Giltcomplex Antiques
Brent Baden
4270 Atlantic Ave.
562-427-2299
www.giltcomplexantiques.com

How long have you been in business?  15 years  In Bixby Knolls?  Since February 2010.

What prompted you to open your business in BK?  
I live in the area and it is an up-and-coming, good area.

What realizations have you made regarding your customers/clients and their affect on your business?  People are excited to see a new store with quality items in Bixby Knolls.

What makes your business different from others similar to your in the area?
There are no other stores in the area.  Giltcomplex carries higher quality items and is a single-owner store, not an antique mall.

What role in the community does your business fill?
Giltcomplex carries high quality, unique merchandise, at fair prices.  A reputable dealer to sell valuable items to.

Summarize what your business is all about.
Giltcomplex provides unusual and unique antique items at fair prices, customer service and personal attention.  Always looking to buy wonderful items!

May 2010 Selection:

In Cold Blood 
by
Truman Capote

Next Society Meeting:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 7:00pm
Gallery Expo
4321 Atlantic Avenue

Parking available along Atlantic and on Burlinghall

Refreshments will be provided

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JUNE:

We are thrilled to announce that critically acclaimed author, James Ellroy, will be our special guest on June 9 to discuss his novel L.A. Confidential.

Learn more about James Ellroy:

http://www.ellroy.com/

A new business in Bixby Knolls is holding its grand opening and you’re invited!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
at 
GiltComplex Antiques
4270 Atlantic Avenue
Bixby Knolls
562 427-2299
www.giltcomplextantiques.com

The business environment continues to improve in the Knolls area, particularly along the Atlantic Avenue corridor.  Giltcomplex Antiques has recently opened at 4270 Atlantic Avenue and presents an opportunity for those who love all things old to see a wide variety of select pieces from the 16th through the early 20th centuries.  Owner Brent Baden has a true passion for such things and has put his best foot forward for the community in which he lives.  ”I’ve always loved antiques.  Fifteen years ago I asked myself what I really wanted to do with my life.  I’d been a teacher and Principal for twelve years and needed a change.  So I went for it.  I never looked back.”

A local resident for the past seven years, Baden felt that a store close by would be wonderful and that the Bixby Knolls area was perfect for a store of this type. ”Not just antiques, but great antiques, things that you don’t usually see. I’m betting that the Bixby area is on the move and that residents here appreciate the chance to shop for truly wonderful pieces.” Items on the showroom floor include an English harp from 1822, a circa 1910 30-inch world globe from Greene and Greene designed house in Pasadena, and a good assortment of antique Persian rugs. Silver, jewelry and a collection of antique smoking pipes fill the showcases.

Reptiles Unlimited
Rare & Exotic Pets
4218 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90807
562-426-1090
www.reptilesunlimited.com

Reptiles Unlimited is proud to have been in business for 15 years, informing and serving the community on the experience of ownership in the world of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. Reptiles make excellent pets, they are housed in their habitats designed to mimic their natural environment, requiring only a little attention. However, if you need extra time with the animals, they are happy to oblige.

It is our goal to offer the highest quality of animals, supplies and services. We pride ourselves on the products we sell to maintain a quality environment for your animal, which includes terrariums, cages, substrates, decorations, and the all important lighting options. You can come to us for all your food needs as well.

We are home to Adventures with Reptiles, our party division. We bring 13 to 15 of our friends to share at your child’s birthday party, event, or school presentation. The children are able to touch the animals with a two finger touch as we strive to impart knowledge about the animal. We encourage photo opportunities.

We have participated in many city and community events in which we have brought some of our reptile friends, including BIA Car Shows, Miller Children’s Hospital, El Dorado Nature Center, as well as participating with some of the local PTA’s at their carnivals.

Reptiles Unlimited hopes you will come and check out our store and see our friends from the reptile world.

We look forward to seeing you at First Fridays, April 2.

It’s all Good on First Fridays on April 2.  Enjoy a full spectrum of art and entertainment, featuring: Family nights at the local restaurants, “green artists”, bluegrass, muscle cars, improv comedy, 1940s fun with Swing Dolls, music student performances, the Knolls Ranger, Timstrument, and as always the unexpected.  Baja Sonora is hosting Hughes Middle School’s Family Night and Arnold’s will host Longfellow Elementary. Car muscles will be flexed at Melinda McCoy’s Flowers and Georgie’s Place. Also, catch Swoop’s World broadcasting live from The Mirage.

ArtistsAsArt return to host the live model drawing at Expo. Everyone is invited to bring a sketchpad and/or camera and join fellow artists in immortalizing supporters of the Arts: John Royce, Alex Slato, Craig Watson, Mayor Foster.  Come visit or participate between 7pm-10pm at Expo, 4321 Atlantic, to see these community figures model for the artists.  Musical entertainment and light refreshments will also be provided. 

When the businesses start to close, after hours begins at Nino’s Italian Restaurant for community eats, drinks and merriment. Dine on Art-Lantic Avenue at one of our tasty restaurants then grab the Big Red Bus that will transport you venue to venue from designated stops at the participating businesses.

The mission of First Fridays is to promote and support local artists, musicians and by providing them with an outlet in a local business to showcase their work.  Every first Friday night of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will unite to promote local artists and musicians through extended operating hours. In doing so we hope to encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community.  For complete information regarding the different venues, check the First Fridays website www.firstfridayslongbeach.com

A fun time was had by all at the 80′s Dance Party on Friday, March 26, 2010.  Check out the photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/BixbyKnollsBIA/80sNightGallery?feat=directlink

Each year the BKBIA issues awards as special recognition to those that have supported the association and helped with the continued improvements to the area.

SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR
City of Long Beach Redevelopment Agency 

SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR 
It’s a Grind Coffee House

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 
Kim Peterson

ORCHID AWARD
This is the first year of this award given to a business who has made a significant impact to the physical improvement of the district. This year’s winner has raised the bar and set a high standard by almost single-handedly giving Long Beach Blvd a facelift, including: 3777, 3745, 3747, 320-324 Bixby Rd, 3744 (DaVita Dialysis), and 3918 (medical bldg)

A big THANK YOU and Orchid Award goes to:  Howard CDM 

SPIRIT AWARD  
Stacey Morrison

SPIRIT AWARD
Victoria Wells

A litter-free community increases property values, helps reduce crime, and attracts tourists and business.
Join the Cal Heights Clean Streets team on Thursdays to create a cleaner, healthier and safer Bixby Knolls and Cal Heights neighborhood.
Bags and plastic gloves will be supplied.  Clean-ups are every Thursday morning at 8:30 am and usually last until 10 am. The group picks up trash along the corridors.

If you are interested please email: cleanstreets@calheights.org.

Hosted by the 7th District Council Office and the Long Beach Police Department
Wednesday, February 24th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Long Beach Police North Division Substation
4891 Atlantic Ave, at Del Amo

Learn about the most effective way residents can help fight crime – before it begins. Please join neighbors for a discussion about:
- Why Neighborhood Watch?
- Reorganization Meetings
- Maintaining a Schedule of Meetings
Learn how to help our police department help us to keep our community safe and secure.

For more information, contact Ricardo Linarez, 562.570.6597 or ricardo.linarez@longbeach.gov