About Us
Vida Sana
Every Thursday, we open our parking lot for a Vida Sana, a Farmers Market featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy living workshops to 500 neighborhood families.
Cultura: Weekly Free Classes at PUP
Every Wednesday we hold parenting, guitar, art and theater classes.
Arts and Cultural Events
Our 375 seat sanctuary/theater hosts music, theater, poetry, art and dance performances, featuring local artists and performers from around the world. More than a venue; we are a collaborative community that welcomes artists and nonprofits as well as film and TV productions.
Built in 1909 as the original location of Sinai Temple, the Pico Union Project is the oldest synagogue building in Los Angeles. When the Sinai community moved to Beverly Hills, the building became home to a Welsh Presbyterian congregation. By 2012, after lovingly maintaining the building for 88 years, the shrinking congregation approached the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California to return the building to the Jewish community. The Jewish Historical Society turned to Craig ‘N Co., a production company owned by prominent Jewish musician Craig Taubman, who purchased the building as a home for the Pico Union Project.
The Pico Union neighborhood is within the original boundary of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, founded in 1781. Originally a fashionable suburb known as the Westlake District, the area has been home to multiple immigrant communities throughout its history. Pico Union is now home to people hailing mainly from Central America, Mexico, Cuba, and Korea. In 2004, the Pico Union neighborhood became Los Angeles’ nineteenth Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. The Pico Union Project is honored to be a partner in preserving and advancing this notable and important community in our city.
The Pico Union Project is honored to be supported by contributions from generous individuals like you and partnerships with some of the most respected and innovative organizations in the country to create programs and produce events where we learn, share and love our neighbors, together. We couldn’t do it without you!
The Pico Union Project story began in 1909, when Sinai Temple, then known as Sinai Congregation, commissioned the construction of their first Synagogue building on the corner of Valencia and 12th. In 1926, the Welsh Presbyterian Church bought the building, leaving the Stars of David in the stained glass windows intact.
In the wake of dwindling membership, the church put the building up for sale in 2013. Steve Sass of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California, pushed Taubman to buy the building because of his personal and professional history at Sinai Temple.
Buying the church represented a milestone for Taubman, who began his career writing commercial jingles and children’s music for the Disney Channel and eventually became a central figure in the Jewish community of Los Angeles.
Soon after purchasing the building, Craig asked his daughter Abby what she thought of his idea to build the space as destination performing arts venue. She suggested it might be a better idea to ask the local community what it was that they were looking for. Six months later the community had spoken, communicating the need for access to housing, jobs and food. The vision creating a hip downtown club, was replaced with the seeds of the non-profit Pico Union Project.
“It’s a new story with a very long history” said Craig. Our work begins every day with a commitment to love our neighbors – by first taking the time to get to know our neighbors. As his daughter Abby shared, “the kind of societal changes the Pico Union Project is talking about, take lifetimes and lifetimes of work.”
The critical challenges facing our city cannot be addressed without breaking down the cultural and economic barriers that have plagued at-risk populations for generations. We believe change will only come when communities work together with government agencies and the private sector to build healthy, proud and just neighborhoods.
Craig Taubman
Founder
For over 40 years, Craig Taubman has established himself as a unique voice in family entertainment, earning the attention of critics and fans worldwide. Craig’s music has been described as spiritual, uplifting, and inspiring, and recognized with numerous honors, including the coveted Parents Choice Gold Award. He has performed in respected venues around the world, as well as three special engagements at the White House. Craig’s compositions have been featured in television and film composing music for Paramount, New Line Cinema, Showtime, HBO, Fox, PBS, and Disney.
A natural “connector”, Craig is passionate about building community by bringing diverse groups and people together in search of a common good. He is the force behind Hallelu and Big Jewish Tent and the producer of Jewels of Elul and the Celebrate Series – compilation projects that have featured the music and words of thousands of people in both print and music.
In 2013, Craig and his wife Louise purchased the original home of Sinai Temple in the Pico Union neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. Inspired by the history, location, and spiritual energy of the historic building, together they created the non-profit Pico Union Project, a community center dedicated to doing good and being a force of goodness.
Louise Taubman
Co-Founder
Louise Brent Taubman is a woman of many colors. Born to a family of creative educators and humanists, Louise developed a life long interest in art, teaching and doing good in the world. LBT went to graduate school at UCLA and obtained her teaching credential. She then went on to teach and open an early childhood center in Santa Monica. After Louise married and had a family, she always kept her fingers in education, parenting classes, intergeneration art groups, opening an early childhood teacher center and working in the community with children and women. In the last 10 years Louise had focused her energy on caring for her aging parents and then working alongside her husband, the illustrious Craig Taubman, at the Pico Union Project. She has also delved deeply into her art practice of painting which always provided an insight into the everyday life of people as an observer and illustrator. She believes in changing the world one person at a time.
Louise lives with her husband Craig the love of her life, her dog Theo and enjoys her time with her children who are her greatest achievement and her granddog Frank.
Serena Oberstein
Interim Executive Director
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Serena Oberstein is recognized for her transformative work as a public servant, nonprofit executive, and strategic advisor. She operates at the critical intersection of policy, purpose, and public service, grounded in the conviction that strategic philanthropy, driven by community voice and a systemic understanding, is the key to meaningful change.
Throughout her career, Serena has demonstrated an ability to build diverse coalitions to drive systemic change in government, on campaigns, and within the nonprofit world. Her professional focus has been a consistent commitment to civil and human rights, including equitable education, healthcare access, and upward mobility.
Most recently, as Executive Director of Jewish World Watch, she successfully championed policy at all levels of government by uniting diverse organizations to address genocide and mass atrocities globally. She also maximized the organization’s giving and impact by connecting philanthropists with direct-service organizations on the ground.
Prior to this, Serena was the COO of Vision to Learn, a national nonprofit where she helped lead the delivery of free eye exams and glasses to students in low-income communities. She began her career in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office as a policy analyst and neighborhood liaison.
Her commitment to civic leadership includes serving on the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission (2014-2018), where she held the roles of President and Vice President, and her 2025 appointment to the LA County Commission on Human Relations.
Serena holds a Master of Public Administration from NYU Wagner and a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego.
Jenyffer Duarte De La Mora
Program and Operations Manager
Jenyffer Duarte De La Mora is the daughter of immigrant parents, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Deeply rooted in values of inclusion, community, and opportunity, she is dedicated to fostering environments where people feel supported and empowered to grow. Through training, leadership development, and equitable access to resources, she helps individuals build confidence and capability while strengthening the communities she serves.
With over a decade of experience in business administration, property management, and organizational operations, she brings a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and process improvement. Her academic journey began at Los Angeles Valley College, where she earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration, an Associate of Arts in Economics, and a Certificate in Business Essentials. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior at California State University, East Bay.
Eli Cruz
Program Coordinator
Eli Cruz is the third of four children raised by a hardworking single mother. He attended West Adams Preparatory High School, where he developed a passion for media studies, film, and art.
His journey has been shaped by hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to personal growth. After graduating, he built a successful career in retail, working his way up to store manager at a sporting goods store. During those years, he discovered a love for customer service, connecting with people, and developing strong leadership and communication skills.
Like many, life brought unexpected challenges that tested his resilience. With the unwavering support of his family, determination, and a desire to create a better future, he was able to turn his life around. Along the way, he found peace through gardening and a renewed sense of purpose through serving others. What started as a way to cope became a form of therapy that taught him patience, resilience, and the importance of nurturing growth—not only in the garden but within himself.
His path eventually led him to Pico Union Project, where he first connected with the organization through one of its community events and was introduced to valuable resources. Inspired by the organization’s mission, he began volunteering and quickly discovered a passion for giving back to the same community that helped shape him. Being able to support people in need and make a positive difference in their lives has become a personal mission.
Eli does not believe that our past defines us—it prepares us for who we can become. As the Program Coordinator at Pico Union Project, he is dedicated to empowering others, building meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for community members to thrive.
Jorge Alvarez
Caretaker
My name is Jorge Alvarez, and I am the caretaker here at the Pico Union Project. I like drawing, trees, my family, the community here, and most of all I love God. I’m here to plant trees and take care of the building; making sure everything is working in order, and that everything’s in place. I follow the rule to “love your neighbor as you wish to be loved” and do whatever is necessary to keep the PUP in beautiful and in shape.
Rick Lupert
Website and Email Person / Graphic Designer / Poet
Rick Lupert has been lucky enough to be on board with the Pico Union Project since its beginning. He designed the PUP logo and continues to work with staff on the website and emails. His son, Jude, had his Bar Mitzvah in the sanctuary at PUP. He is also one of the talented folks occasionally referred to as the poet-laureate of Pico Union Project, offering poems and spoken word created at least an hour and a half before the events they are meant for. Rick has authored 30 collections of poems, including God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion, and most recently High Moose Alert. Visit him on the web at PoetrySuperHighway.com and JewishPoetry.net
Bonnie Levin
Board Chair
Bonnie worked in Food Service Sales and Hospitality for over forty years where she travelled throughout Southern California selling to top restaurants, country clubs, hotels and universities in her vast territory. Since her recent retirement in 2020, Bonnie is now enjoying giving back to community through volunteering. Besides adoring her growing family she is passionate about collecting art, competitive tennis, travel and spending time with friends. Joining the Board of Pico Union is a privilege and a meaningful honor and responsibility.
Ben Jaffe
Benjamin Jaffe is a touring and recording musician with a deep curiosity and respect for the City of Los Angeles. Ben kickstarted his career as a solo artist. Originally from Massachusetts he now lives in Los Angeles. He believes that music has powerful lessons to teach in social and civic relationships and especially in creating harmony between diverse groups. In addition to serving on the board, Ben has led High Holiday services at Pico Union Project and developed songs that align with our mission to open doors, welcome people from all backgrounds into our lives and strengthen our communities. He hopes to deepen that work and understanding through his time at the Pico Union Project.
Richard Foos
Richard Foos is the founding partner/co-chief executive advisor, Shout! Factory. He began his career in entertainment with a small record store named Rhino Records, and eventually grew it into the well-known audio label which was sold to Time Warner in 1998. In 2003, Foos and his partners started another company, Shout! Factory–a diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Foos is on the Board of many non-profits and strongly believes in merging one’s social values with business and has installed a strong sense of purpose and giving back in all his business concerns.
Kathy Finn
Before she even stepped out of law school, Kathy Finn began fighting for the rights of working people. Since 1990, she’s brought that grit and dedication to UFCW 770 workers. With a passion for protecting the health and pension benefits of our members, she currently serves as a trustee on the Southern California UFCW Health & Welfare Fund and the Pension Fund. For 20 years as Director of Collective Bargaining, Kathy sat at the bargaining table during contract negotiations to ensure our members get the benefits we deserve. As Secretary-Treasurer for the last 5 years, Kathy has worked side by side with recently retired John Grant to strengthen our union and make it more democratic. Kathy was recently appointed President of UFCW 770.
Keren Goldberg
Keren M. Goldberg feels honored to have enjoyed a career in public service that spans decades. A native of Los Angeles, and a graduate of UCLA, she was a Student Ambassador to Mexico and since then has been fluent in Spanish.
She started her career at the Los Angeles County in the Department of Social Services in South Los Angeles, and the Department of Mental Health in East Los Angeles, beginning her lifetime work in community outreach and organizing.
Her 20 years at the Mental Health Department until her retirement in August of 2019, involved a team participation in the County’s innovative Wraparound program based at Maclaren Children’s Center in El Monte, and the department’s Juvenile Justice Administration program. In the last ten years she directed the formation of a Countywide partnership that became known as the Faith-Based Advocacy Council.
She has served on two Los Angeles County Commissions appointed by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, from 2017 until 2022; the Sybil Brand Commission to inspect the jails, and the Beaches and Harbors Commission to protect the beaches and monitor the effects of rising sea levels.
Ms. Goldberg has been an instructor in the Administration of Justice Program for law enforcement at Glendale Community College and conducted a Crisis Intervention Workshop for the Glendale Police Department. She was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley for program innovation and a Scroll from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2012, for Exemplary Service. She is the creator and host of the podcast, COMMENTARIES FROM THE EDGE, now in its fifth season with over 90 episodes.
Rob Lovelace
Robert E. Lovelace is a global public policy and advocacy leader with decades of experience shaping international agendas in global health, governance, human rights, labor rights, and sustainable development. He is recognized for building and leading cross-cultural coalitions, influencing multilateral processes, and translating complex political and policy landscapes into actionable advocacy strategies. He applies a deep understanding of organizational systems—their cultures, behaviors, and processes—to find synergies in partnerships that drive measurable impact.
Lovelace relocated from Washington, DC to Los Angeles in 2018, where until recently he represented the Carpenters Union in interactions with Los Angeles County and City governments, LAUSD, LACCD, METRO, and AQMD. Previously, he was a Senior Fellow with the Trade Union Sustainable Development Unit, leading efforts to advance human rights, worker rights, accountability, and global health. He has successfully directed major global campaigns, including securing the creation of the first-ever G8 accountability mechanism. He also chaired the U.S. G7/G20 Advocacy Alliance’s Accountability Task Force and the International G7/G20 Network. As a global health and international organizations policy consultant, Lovelace has advised UNAIDS, WHO, ILO, the World AIDS Campaign, TUAC-OECD, and global union federations.
Previously, he served as Senior Advisor to the Campaigns & Advocacy Unit of the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS, where he mainstreamed labor issues across the global AIDS response. While working with the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Center, he ran the Samuel Gompers Labor Fellows Program to assist the democratic transition in Central and Eastern Europe and later mounted the trade union response to the Global AIDS pandemic in close cooperation with the White House Office of National AIDS Policy.
Lovelace began his career in the U.S. Congress, serving with Representatives Tom Lantos and Martha Keys. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washburn University.
Jeff Newman
Jeff Newman worked for the State of California for 31 years in a variety of capacities, constructing innovative, sustainable policies, programs, and partnerships within the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors. Prior to retiring in 2025, Jeff was Chief of Staff to Caltrans District 7 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Jeff also managed four technology-based economic development grant programs for the California Trade and Commerce Agency and architected the California Broadband Taskforce. As a Pico Union Project Board member, Jeff continues his life work assisting in the creation of sustained partnerships that serve the public good and develop community. Jeff finds joy in writing poetry and listening to people’s stories and experiences.
Juan Saravia
Click on article title to read.
Metro Art turns the spotlight on Pico-Union, the newest Through the Eyes of Artists poster! (Metro: The Source, December 2025)
How a Pico Union nonprofit is helping families put food on the table amid uncertainty (LA Local, November 2025)
Nonprofit volunteers, whose mission is to clean and beautify LA streets, surprised with new truck (ABC7 News, September 2022)
Want to save the world? Do your homework first (Los Angeles Times, June 2020)
The Pico Union Project seeks to make a healthy change in the lives of those who have least (LaOpinión, April 2019)
Returning Home: Pico Union Project Bears Fruit in Central L.A. (Jewish Journal, October 2018)
How a Church in Pico-Union Became a Symbol of Religious Peace (Los Angeles Magazine, May 2015)
At historic L.A. synagogue, songwriter pushes interfaith harmony and urban renewalt (Jewish Telehraphic Agency, April 1. 2015)
