THE HEART OF THE BLOCK: JANIE KNOWLES INSPIRES A NEIGHBORHOOD TO CONNECT

By Brittany Hart Scholten

Photos by Monique Kuhlman

Long Beach native and retired LBUSD teacher Janie Knowles is affectionately known as the “mayor” of her street in East LB. A true connector, Janie fosters neighborhood camaraderie by hosting front yard parties, Christmas caroling, and initiating food drives for those in need at the holidays.

When I moved to our street in March 2020, she was the first to welcome my family and me warmly – yet from a careful six foot distance. At the height of the pandemic, she introduced “Front Yard Fridays,” a new tradition that practiced social distancing and encouraged neighbors to hang out on their front lawns with their families, and stroll around to greet one another safely.

Full Circle

Growing up, Janie lived just two streets away from where she lives now, at her late grandmother’s home. After her grandmother passed in the mid-1980s, Janie bought her house where she already knew was a tight-knit neighborhood. This block gave her grandmother a sense of security and companionship. Janie fondly remembers the neighbors bringing her grandmother pie and helping to take care of her when she fell ill.

“When we moved in, there weren’t any young families. The neighbors were in their 60’s, like I am now, and they helped me take care of my four young children,” Janie stated. She shared that her neighbors graciously welcomed her children into their homes and entertained them when she needed a break as a busy working mom.

Janie and her husband, Kurt, developed close relationships with these neighbors and helped them as they aged. “When Joe [their neighbor] took ill, my husband and boys would walk over to their house every night and put him to bed,” she recalled.

Welcome To The Neighborhood

Kelly Cano, Janie’s former student and current neighbor, recalled, “I was pregnant when we moved in and Janie intentionally introduced me to other moms on the street, having us exchange phone numbers, and planned neighborhood events.”

Janie warmly welcomes new neighbors by personally knocking on their doors and introducing herself. Through a GroupMe channel intended to foster community connection, Janie invites new residents to join, keeps neighbors updated on recent move-ins, and organizes gatherings to help neighbors get to know one another. The chat serves as a hub for sharing—whether it’s offering free lemons, coordinating neighborhood events, or looking out for one another.

Last year, Janie and the neighbors collaborated to host their first official block party on Halloween, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for the community. The block provided different food and drink stations to about 120 neighbors.

“The Halloween event started a new level of energy in our neighborhood. Everyone contributed food, talent, or space to make it a huge success,” Janie explained.

Inspiring Others

Next door neighbor, Rachel Fadden, felt inspired by Janie to offer front yard crafts and activities to local children during the holidays. Rachel wants to follow Janie’s example and contribute to the neighborhood. “It's like a ripple effect. We will keep community building because it's so important,” she commented.

“Opening up human interaction on the block is really important. It makes people feel comfortable and get to know one another,” Janie added. She hopes to see community building thrive for future generations and is already witnessing the impact of her efforts extend beyond Rachel’s example. The connections she has fostered inspire others to continue the tradition, strengthening the neighborhood for years to come.

Janie was especially touched when two young girls went door to door during the holidays, handing out homemade potpourri to their neighbors. Reflecting on the moment, she shared, “When I saw that I thought, ‘They got it.’ Their parents see this neighborhood is important and the younger kids are getting it, too.”

Janie’s selflessness, warmth, and dedication to building community exemplify the very best qualities of a great neighbor. Her efforts remind us of the power of connection and kindness in creating a welcoming neighborhood and making Long Beach an even better place to call home.