Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, June 29 at 12:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Please join us as we elect leadership and vote on the budget for the coming year — and on adopting our proposed Mission & Vision statements.
The Board of Directors hopes all Congregation members will share in the participatory democracy of this Congregation. A quorum for all Church business meetings consists of not less than 25% of the voting members. Amendments shall be adopted if they receive a two-thirds majority of the total votes cast (including absentee ballots).
Non-members are welcome to attend, but cannot vote. Childcare will be available. Lunch will be served prior to the meeting.
The meeting agenda, including the text of resolutions that will be considered, is available here.
Bios for Candidates for the Board of Directors and Leadership Development and Nominating Committee
President – Vilma Ortiz
I am honored to serve the UUSM community. I came to UUSM several decades ago with my young family. Over time, I developed a deep love for the values that make us Unitarian Universalists. These values resonate with the life lessons that my family and church community taught me as a child and with the service that I provide to students at UCLA. Church became a place where I recharged spiritually as I faced daily challenges of single parenting and demanding work.
I have been honored to provide service to the UUSM community in various capacities. I served as Treasurer of the congregation from 2019-2023, during a period where we worked to move out of deficit budgets and weathered the devastating effects of the global COVID pandemic. It was an honor to work closely with many church leaders to as us moved toward financial health. Previously I co-led the right relations effort (2016-2020) which produced the congregational Covenant of Right Relations. Every time we affirm our covenant in congregational gatherings, I am filled with gratitude for being part of this.
We are now embarking on the exciting challenge of searching for a settled minister. My commitment to you is to listen carefully and work collectively to move forward. It is only through our collective efforts that we can build our beloved community.
Vice President – Sue Bickford
I have been a member of the UUSM congregation since my now 35-year-old daughter asked if she could go to Catholic catechism with a friend in second grade. In that time, I have been an Religious Education teacher, Our Whole Lives (OWL) teacher, member of the Nominating Committee, Board member and Board President, Dining 4 Dollars committee member and host, member and chair of the Worship Associates, and longtime Choir member.
Treasurer – Rebecca Crawford
Rebecca Crawford grew up at UUCCSM, went to Throop Memorial UU Church for many years, and returned in 2001. Since that time she has been on the Board for several years, including as Treasurer – the first to serve in that position after Warren Mathews’ long-term stint. She is an emerita professor at Loyola Marymount University, where she taught biochemistry, food chemistry and toxicology. Rebecca is at ease with numbers and data, so she has been looking at and analyzing our budget regularly. She has served on the Personnel and Music Committees and was one of the data people for Dining 4 Dollars. She is the organizer of the Science Nonfiction book group.
Member at Large – Anne Bridgins
Following my graduation from Rhode Island School of Design, my professional endeavors have been dedicated to the field of visual communication, encompassing package, graphic, and book design.
My engagement and commitment to the Unitarian Universalist community have developed over many years. Raised in a family with both Protestant and Christian Science influences, I found my spiritual home within the UU tradition at the age of eighteen. I was married by Reverend Ishmael Ford, who has spoken here at UUSM twice recently. My children attended RE in Redwood City and in Fort Collins. Over the years, I participated in various initiatives, including an interfaith right to marry movement in Colorado, marching in solidarity with Black Lives Matter in Denver, cooking and serving shelters in both Colorado and New York, and serving as chair of “Neighborhood Connectors” at Boulder Valley UU, a role that integrates aspects of pastoral care and membership engagement. More recently, I have had the privilege of co-chairing the Membership Committee with Norm Richey and the Chalice Circles with Bettye Barclay here at UUSM. My efforts have been particularly focused on communicating clear paths for new members to connect and deepen their involvement at UUSM.
I hope to learn and expand my service here at UUSM as we honor our current minister and move into our next chapter. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Member at Large – Jila Tayefehnowrooz
My name is Jila Tayefehnowrooz; I was born in Iran. I first arrived in this country in 1975, nearly 50 years ago. I went to Peabody College for teachers in Nashville, Tennessee. I transferred to the University of Minnesota and studied child psychology, and received my BA degree in psychology and social welfare. I attended the New School for Social Research in New York City, where I studied anthropology. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish, as I had to move to Los Angeles to care for a family member. I worked as a preschool teacher at Play Mountain Place, a humanistic alternative school, and also worked at UCLA with children with disabilities. I am married to a kind man, and I have a great son. I began attending UU when my son started high school, about 15 years ago, as I thought it would be beneficial to him. He did come to church and participate in some meaningful projects, but not as often as I wished him to. However, I felt at home and developed a strong sense of admiration and enthusiasm for the church’s fundamental principles, as well as the community and music.
Member at Large – Jef Travis
I’ve been a member of the Santa Monica Unitarian Universalist Congregation since September 2023, but I’ve been a Unitarian Universalist since 2015. The first congregation I joined was in Montclair, California, and it was there that I began to feel truly at home in a spiritual community. I had been searching for a place where I could connect with others in a meaningful way—where diversity, inclusion, and compassion weren’t just ideals but daily practices. I found that in Unitarian Universalism.
As a California native, I’ve lived in several other states over the years, but I’ve always carried my values with me. Wherever I’ve lived, the UU commitment to equity, justice, and spiritual freedom has remained a grounding force. I’m especially drawn to our First Principle: “We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every creature.” That phrase resonates deeply with me—it reflects not only how I strive to treat others but also my belief in the sacredness of all life, human and non-human alike.
At UUSM, I am a proud member of the Animal Ministry. This role grants me opportunities to give back to a community that continually inspires me and challenges me to grow. I’m passionate about creating spaces that are welcoming, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in love and justice.
Being part of this congregation has deepened my spiritual journey, and I’m grateful every day to walk this path with others who are committed to building a more compassionate and connected world.
Leadership Development & Nominating Committee – Wendi Gladstone
My affiliation with the Santa Monica UU Church began 2009. I love our Community and the wonderful people I have gotten to know over the years. There are many more folks yet to meet, and I look forward to that time.
I have had the pleasure of serving at the Church in several ways over the past 15 years. For many years I co-led Chalice Circles/Small Group Ministry, as well as previously served on the Nominating Committee, the Membership Committee and assisted the Greeting & Welcome Table team. It has been a pleasure to serve in the kitchen at the Christmas Eve Services and various other events over the years.
I rejoined the Leadership Development & Nominating Committee three years ago and am happy to serve the second three-year term.
No vote is required for Linda Van Ligten, serving the second year of her first 2-year term as Board Secretary. No vote is required for Larry Weiner, entering the second year of his second 2-year term on the Board, or for Cassie Winters, entering the second year of her first 2-year term, a member-at-large seat on the expanded Board, which expires in June 2026. Rebecca Avery was appointed by the Board to replace Shana Shaked for the second year of the 2-year term of the other member-at-large seat of the expanded Board.
No vote is required for Erik Paesel, Robbert Schalekamp, John Zinner, or Haygo Salibian, who are continuing their terms on the Leadership Development & Nominating Committee.
