Dear Friends,
Not sure what qualifies as a big day—but today certainly feels like one.
Twelve years ago, Louise and I stumbled upon a building in Downtown LA—the oldest synagogue in Los Angeles, once home to Sinai Temple. Coincidentally (or maybe not), it’s where I celebrated my Bar Mitzvah, got married, and launched Friday Night Live. We bought the building—not to start a nonprofit or change our lives—but it did.
Thanks to so many of you—friends, partners, neighbors, and visionaries—the Pico Union Project became something far bigger than we imagined: a community rooted in faith, art, service, and radical hospitality.
Which brings me to why today is big.
I’m thrilled to share that the Pico Union Project has hired Jackie Barrios as our very first Chief Operating Officer. It’s a major milestone for PUP. Over the past four months, our executive committee—Susie and Marty Goldberg, Richard Foos, Bonnie Levin, and Ben Jaffe—has worked closely with consultant Stephanie Paislee to guide this thoughtful and exciting transition. I’m deeply grateful for their leadership.
Jackie joins us from the Downtown Women’s Center, where she served as Director of Health and Wellness. She brings over a decade of nonprofit experience—including seven years in leadership—along with wisdom, warmth, and a collaborative spirit. She also plays seven instruments—so yes, she speaks our language.
Hiring Jackie allows us to strengthen what we’ve built, deepen our impact, and dream even bigger. It also means I’ll be focusing more on vision and creativity, and stepping back from daily operations.
One of my favorite Jewish rituals is the Shehecheyanu blessing. It’s a sacred pause—a chance to stop and acknowledge the gift of being here. Hiring Jackie is our Shehecheyanu moment.
Blessed are You…who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.
More soon. For now—thank you. Thank you for believing in this wild dream. Thank you for walking with us through every high, low, and unexpected turn. Please join us in giving a warm Pico Union welcome to Jackie!
With gratitude,
Craig
P.S. Sign up to meet Jackie in person at Pico De Mayo on May 30.
