Jun-04
From Our Minister:
Here are excerpts from my annual report, delivered May 16:
This year brought us dramatic events, some long-awaited and others sudden.The Santa Monica Planning Commission meeting went better than we could havehoped, a friend of the church left us a generous bequest, and we bought thehouse next door. Though I can take no credit for any of these windfalls of goodwill and opportunity, they have absorbed my share of attention.
They have also deepened my appreciation for the good leadership that has guidedus through these eventful times. Barbara Kernochan, Building Committee chair,and Carol Kerr, president, deserve our gratitude and praise. And, without ourcapital campaign team, including Jim Cadwell, chair, Ofelia Lachtman, many volunteers,and all of you donors, none of these happy developments could have ever takenplace.
It has helped, during transition times, that our staff has grown so strong.The arrival of our full-time Director of Religious Education, Catherine Farmer,has brought a new dimension of skill and collegiality to our team. Finally ourRE program is getting the guidance it deserves.
Our experience of ministry grew this year, as Intern Minister Stefanie Etzbach-Dalecame to work with us for nine months. Stefanie has contributed greatly to thelife of our church. She has brought to us her spirituality, her pastoral sensitivity,and her enthusiasm for Unitarian Universalism, as well as her experience incovenant groups, among her many gifts.
This year I made a few additions to my practice of ministry. I began meetingindividually with our new members (51 of you), time well spent. I held severalcommunity dialogues to invite discussion about spirituality. I accepted an opportunityto serve our larger community as a member of the Fund for Unitarian Universalism,a grant-making panel that meets twice a year in Boston.
Here are the names of members and friends of our church who have died in thepast year. With each name is a lifetime of remembrances and gratitude for thetime they were among us:
George Kashmer, Member
Susan Benne, Earl Morgan, and William Passera, Friends
May the spirit of these companions live on in us, as we carry forward our commoncommitment to a Unitarian Universalist way of life, faithful to the words ofour covenant: love is the doctrine of this church.
-- Judith Meyer
Featured Articles:
Building Committee Provides Building Options Overview
The recent purchase of the property at 1248 18th Street, adjacent to the existingsanctuary, has opened up new and exciting possibilities for expanding and upgradingour facilities. Unfortunately, at a cost of $1.265 million, it has also absorbedmost of the capital improvement fund which had been built up to begin constructionof new religious education classrooms on the 17th Street lot, to expand thesanctuary, and to make access and code-related improvements to Forbes Hall.
Ironically, the purchase of the new parcel could move us further away fromurgently needed improvements to our facilities, unless we move quickly to makesome key choices and find a substantial amount of additional money to fund construction.This article summarizes the major options, provides preliminary cost comparisons,and explores the advantages and disadvantages of the options to be discussedat upcoming meetings June 2 and 19.
Options based on March meeting explored
Since the church closed escrow on March 31, the Building Committee has beenstudying options for use of the newly acquired property, upgrading the sanctuaryand Forbes Hall, and use or sale of 17th Street lot. The tour of the house andtown hall meeting held March 21 generated a wealth of ideas; more ideas haveemerged as members explore the back yard now accessible from Forbes Hall andpost their ideas on the alcove bulletin board. Building Committee members areconsidering these suggestions and drawing on their collective expertise in realestate, development, planning, and landscape and architectural design, as theyexplore options for all of the church properties with our architect, Ralph Mechur.
Building program priorities defined
Over the past four years, the congregation has defined three major prioritiesbuilding priorities. All three remain urgent:
1) Expand the sanctuary to provide less crowded seating for Sunday servicesby relocating the administrative offices and nursery space.
2) Address accessibility and other code issues in Forbes Hall by providingwheelchair accessible restrooms, elevators, and fire exits.
3) Provide adequate classroom space for the religious education program, includingnursery facilities, outdoor play space, and appropriately-sized classrooms notprovided in the current cramped second-floor facilities above Forbes Hall.
Planning Commission approved 17th Street
We currently have Planning Commission approval to expand the sanctuary, toremodel into administrative offices the space upstairs from Forbes Hall, andto build a new RE facility on 17th Street. Commission approval includes measuresto reduce church impacts on street parking. To actually build upon the 17thStreet lot and make the changes to Forbes and the sanctuary we would have toobtain Architectural Review Board approval, prepare construction drawings, developa parking management plan, and obtain building permits.
The church could decide to launch a new capital campaign to proceed with theapproved 17th Street RE building project and essentially "land bank" 1248 18thStreet until additional capital funding makes development on that site possible.In the interim, we can enjoy the open space behind the house and repair thehouse for storage or offices. The approved RE facilities on 17th Street posesafety issues and logistical challenges. The acquisition of the new parcel opensthe opportunity of locating the RE classrooms next door to the sanctuary, avoidingthe need for children to cross the alley, and creating a more compact campusthat will be easier to operate.
Estimated cost: $1,258,640.
Options for 18th Street properties are studied
In addition to the "17th Street option" approved by the Planning Commissionon March 3, the committee has developed three basic options focusing primarilyon the two 18th Street properties, to see how our current space needs can beaccommodated without using the 17th Street property. Each of these options wouldallow the 17th Street property to be sold or leased to help finance constructionand upgrade on the 18th Street properties.
While elements of these options can be combined or modified in many ways, thecommittee feels these three options represent a range of basic choices. Optionsare intended to explore a range of construction costs and physical changes.We have provided general "order of magnitude" cost estimates for renovationand new construction. These estimates are very preliminary and do not reflectdetailed estimates of the cost of renovating the house or major alteration ofForbes Hall, which will require further study once a preferred option is identified.
Options for reusing the 1248 18th Street house
There are two basic building options for the newly acquired lot: keep it tobe reused as offices or classrooms, or remove it to be replaced by new construction.In order to maximize the area behind the house for use as open space and REclassroom space, the committee recommends that if the house is retained, itbe moved about fourteen feet toward 18th Street. Renovating the house may costalmost as much as building new space, and will limit options for new construction.But preserving the house would win support from both neighbors and city officials,and might allow us to obtain some flexibility on other requirements.
If the old house were removed, more extensive new construction would be possible,including the possibility of both new RE facilities and even a new social hall,along with up to 17 spaces per level in an underground parking garage. Removingthe house would require approval from the Landmarks Commission, which may findthe house eligible for protection as a historic resource, making removal difficult.It may be possible to donate the house to be moved to another site, or to sellits architectural features for reuse.
The floor plans on the following pages illustrate three land use options forthe campus. The text below summarizes the major options, their advantages, disadvantages,and cost estimates. These costs do not purport to show what the actual costswill be. They serve as a basis of comparing the various options.
Option M-1:Use house for offices
Phase 1: Move bungalow closer to 18th Street and renovate for administrativeoffices.
Phase 2: Renovate and expand first floor of Forbes to the north, adding a newkitchen. Build a two story, L-shaped building containing RE classrooms aboveparking and ground floor nursery, classrooms, and play area
Phase 3: Renovate second floor of Forbes Hall for RE classrooms and other uses,and connect to new RE classrooms to the north.
Phase 4: Expand sanctuary seating area, relocating nursery and offices.
Advantages: Seven new RE classrooms built behind house in early phases.Good outdoor access for RE classrooms. Some of Forbes Hall converted to musicroom. Administrative offices in house provide homelike setting and provide securityto campus.
Disadvantages: Only three parking spaces provided, one accessible.Three classrooms above Forbes remain very small and narrow.
Estimated cost: $1,814,000.
Option M-2:Use house for RE classrooms
Phase 1: Move house toward 18th Street and renovate for use as RE classrooms.Build single-story nursery and two classrooms with adjacent play yards, plustwo parking spaces.
Phase 2: Renovate and expand Forbes Hall, including the kitchen. Renovate secondfloor above Forbes for administrative offices.
Phase 3: Expand sanctuary seating area, relocating nursery and offices.
Advantages: Fewest construction phases, minimal relocation of uses.Three classrooms open directly to play yards. Lower construction cost for one-storyRE facilities. Lower costs for minor remodel of second floor above Forbes.
Disadvantages: Classrooms in house and back of lot are very small.Administrative offices on second floor are hard to find, don
News & Announcements:
Summer Vacation
Minister Judith Meyer will beon vacation during July.
Summer services in July and August will take place at 10:00 a.m. (one serviceonly).
Calling All Food Sorters: You're Needed June 3
The Westside Food Bank again needs our help for a food sort on Thursday, June3, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Food Bank, 1710 22nd Street, Santa Monica. LastDecember, 26 people from our church broke the food bank's record for sorting- filling 29 pallets with food weighing 16,800 pounds. We also had a good timeorganizing the food so that those who need it can receive it. The groceriesgo to 70 local social services agencies feeding more than 50,000 people everymonth.
If you can join the food sorters, please contact Paula Bernstein.
Directions to the food bank: From the Cloverfield exit of the westbound SantaMonica Freeway 10, exit onto Cloverfield, and immediately enter the left laneheading north. After one block on Cloverfield, turn left on Michigan St. Goone block on Michigan to 22nd Street; turn right on 22nd. Follow 22nd St. nearlyto the end of the block. Westside Food Bank is on the left. Park on the street.
Join the Newsletter Staff
Would you like to write, edit, take pictures or do layout? Please contact CarolAgate or e-mail newsletter@uusm.org.
Coming Soon: A Bigger Kitchen
With the wonderful acquisition of the property next door, eventually we'llget a bigger kitchen, and all of us who use it will celebrate.
In the meantime, we have a very limited storage space. If you or your groupneeds food supplies, please contact me. Sometimes we have enough stored in anotherspace or are changing brands. I appreciate your cooperation.
- Ellen Boag
Introducing the Pulpit Committee
The Pulpit Committee works with the minister on theSunday services and helps recruit guest speakers and pulpithosts. The members of the Pulpit Committee are KathleenCook, Alison Chipman, Vilma Ortiz, Susan Bickford,and Phillip Bonacich. Please talk with them if you havesuggestions about the service or possible guest speakersor themes to recommend.
Building News:
Building Committee Provides Building Options Overview
The recent purchase of the property at 1248 18th Street, adjacent to the existingsanctuary, has opened up new and exciting possibilities for expanding and upgradingour facilities. Unfortunately, at a cost of $1.265 million, it has also absorbedmost of the capital improvement fund which had been built up to begin constructionof new religious education classrooms on the 17th Street lot, to expand thesanctuary, and to make access and code-related improvements to Forbes Hall.
Ironically, the purchase of the new parcel could move us further away fromurgently needed improvements to our facilities, unless we move quickly to makesome key choices and find a substantial amount of additional money to fund construction.This article summarizes the major options, provides preliminary cost comparisons,and explores the advantages and disadvantages of the options to be discussedat upcoming meetings June 2 and 19.
Options based on March meeting explored
Since the church closed escrow on March 31, the Building Committee has beenstudying options for use of the newly acquired property, upgrading the sanctuaryand Forbes Hall, and use or sale of 17th Street lot. The tour of the house andtown hall meeting held March 21 generated a wealth of ideas; more ideas haveemerged as members explore the back yard now accessible from Forbes Hall andpost their ideas on the alcove bulletin board. Building Committee members areconsidering these suggestions and drawing on their collective expertise in realestate, development, planning, and landscape and architectural design, as theyexplore options for all of the church properties with our architect, Ralph Mechur.
Building program priorities defined
Over the past four years, the congregation has defined three major prioritiesbuilding priorities. All three remain urgent:
1) Expand the sanctuary to provide less crowded seating for Sunday servicesby relocating the administrative offices and nursery space.
2) Address accessibility and other code issues in Forbes Hall by providingwheelchair accessible restrooms, elevators, and fire exits.
3) Provide adequate classroom space for the religious education program, includingnursery facilities, outdoor play space, and appropriately-sized classrooms notprovided in the current cramped second-floor facilities above Forbes Hall.
Planning Commission approved 17th Street
We currently have Planning Commission approval to expand the sanctuary, toremodel into administrative offices the space upstairs from Forbes Hall, andto build a new RE facility on 17th Street. Commission approval includes measuresto reduce church impacts on street parking. To actually build upon the 17thStreet lot and make the changes to Forbes and the sanctuary we would have toobtain Architectural Review Board approval, prepare construction drawings, developa parking management plan, and obtain building permits.
The church could decide to launch a new capital campaign to proceed with theapproved 17th Street RE building project and essentially "land bank" 1248 18thStreet until additional capital funding makes development on that site possible.In the interim, we can enjoy the open space behind the house and repair thehouse for storage or offices. The approved RE facilities on 17th Street posesafety issues and logistical challenges. The acquisition of the new parcel opensthe opportunity of locating the RE classrooms next door to the sanctuary, avoidingthe need for children to cross the alley, and creating a more compact campusthat will be easier to operate.
Estimated cost: $1,258,640.
Options for 18th Street properties are studied
In addition to the "17th Street option" approved by the Planning Commissionon March 3, the committee has developed three basic options focusing primarilyon the two 18th Street properties, to see how our current space needs can beaccommodated without using the 17th Street property. Each of these options wouldallow the 17th Street property to be sold or leased to help finance constructionand upgrade on the 18th Street properties.
While elements of these options can be combined or modified in many ways, thecommittee feels these three options represent a range of basic choices. Optionsare intended to explore a range of construction costs and physical changes.We have provided general "order of magnitude" cost estimates for renovationand new construction. These estimates are very preliminary and do not reflectdetailed estimates of the cost of renovating the house or major alteration ofForbes Hall, which will require further study once a preferred option is identified.
Options for reusing the 1248 18th Street house
There are two basic buildingoptions for the newly acquired lot: keep it to be reused as offices or classrooms,or remove it to be replaced by new construction. In order to maximize the areabehind the house for use as open space and RE classroom space, the committeerecommends that if the house is retained, it be moved about fourteen feet toward18th Street. Renovating the house may cost almost as much as building new space,and will limit options for new construction. But preserving the house wouldwin support from both neighbors and city officials, and might allow us to obtainsome flexibility on other requirements.
If the old house were removed, more extensive new construction would be possible,including the possibility of both new RE facilities and even a new social hall,along with up to 17 spaces per level in an underground parking garage. Removingthe house would require approval from the Landmarks Commission, which may findthe house eligible for protection as a historic resource, making removal difficult.It may be possible to donate the house to be moved to another site, or to sellits architectural features for reuse.
The floor plans on the following pages illustrate three land use options forthe campus. The text below summarizes the major options, their advantages, disadvantages,and cost estimates. These costs do not purport to show what the actual costswill be. They serve as a basis of comparing the various options.
Option M-1:Use house for offices
Phase 1: Move bungalowcloser to 18th Street and renovate for administrative offices.
Phase 2: Renovate and expand first floor of Forbes to the north, adding a newkitchen. Build a two story, L-shaped building containing RE classrooms aboveparking and ground floor nursery, classrooms, and play area
Phase 3: Renovate second floor of Forbes Hall for RE classrooms and other uses,and connect to new RE classrooms to the north.
Phase 4: Expand sanctuary seating area, relocating nursery and offices.
Advantages: Seven new RE classrooms built behind house in early phases.Good outdoor access for RE classrooms. Some of Forbes Hall converted to musicroom. Administrative offices in house provide homelike setting and provide securityto campus.
Disadvantages: Only three parking spaces provided, one accessible.Three classrooms above Forbes remain very small and narrow.
Estimated cost: $1,814,000.
Option M-2:Use house for RE classrooms
Phase 1: Move housetoward 18th Street and renovate for use as RE classrooms. Build single-storynursery and two classrooms with adjacent play yards, plus two parking spaces.
Phase 2: Renovate and expand Forbes Hall, including the kitchen. Renovate secondfloor above Forbes for administrative offices.
Phase 3: Expand sanctuary seating area, relocating nursery and offices.
Advantages: Fewest construction phases, minimal relocation of uses.Three classrooms open directly to play yards. Lower construction cost for one-storyRE facilities. Lower costs for minor remodel of second floor above Forbes.
Disadvantages: Classrooms in house and back of lot are very small.Administrative offices on second floor are hard to find, don
Faith in Action News:
As the chair of the Peace and Civil Liberties Committee, I'd like to weighin on some of the issues that were brought up during the congregational meetingof May 16 regarding the display of a banner saying "Civil Marriage Is a CivilRight."
To bring non-attenders up to speed, this debate took place near the end ofthe meeting, immediately following the unanimous vote putting UUCCSM on recordas favoring same sex marriage rights. A second Interweave proposal authorizinga banner outside of the church was then discussed and ultimately tabled untilthe issue could be more fully aired at meetings this summer.
I will begin by stating my forthright support for the banner. I am led to thisposition by the basic tenants of our denomination, my activism as part of Faithin Action, and the courageous lead that UUA has shown in displaying an identicalbanner in Boston across from the Massachusetts State House.
What I would now like to do is discuss each of the counter arguments that wereraised, the first being that those who do not agree with same sex marriage willbe disinclined from visiting our church. The rejoinder to this is why wouldsomeone who opposes civil rights for marriage want to attend a UU church? Ibelieve that such a banner could actually spur attendance. Could there be amore public way of demonstrating that we are indeed a welcoming congregation?
Another more activist argument was Why this issue? and Why not a banner favoringwomen's reproductive rights? I, for one, would support that banner as well.A year ago I would have welcomed a banner opposing the Iraqi war. The issueis that civil rights for marriage is a battle being fought today. Many stateswill have referenda this year seeking to ban same-sex marriage. If George Bushwere to propose an anti-abortion activist for the Supreme Court, then obviouslythis struggle would require both our vocal and public support.
Finally, fears were voiced that a "Civil Marriage is a Civil Right" bannercould inspire vandalism. My answer to this is twofold. One, our church is locatedin what is frequently called the Peoples' Republic of Santa Monica, and two,if we can not display our support for marriage equality now, then when shallwe do so?
Should we display a banner once an issue has been settled, perhaps one callingfor voting rights regardless of sex or racial equality? Our role is, I believe,to lead. Of what value is our unanimous vote in favor of marriage equality ifit is to remain unspoken for fear of reprisal? Our church's history of activismbeginning with Thoreau and continuing through our support of Martin Luther Kingcompels us to publicly proclaim a unanimously held stance on what has becomea critical civil rights issue of our time.
- S. J. Guidotti
Splinters from the Board:
Board Sets Meetings on Our Building Plans; Decision on Options MayCome in September
Should we sell the 17th Street property for cash to begin building on our newly-acquiredadjacent 18th Street property? This question and others will probably be decidedby the congregation in September, after three meetings to discuss all the issuesand alternatives.
At its May 11 meeting, the church's board of directors decided to scheduletown hall forums about building options on Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. in thesanctuary, on Saturday, June 19, at 1 p.m. at de Benneville Pines, and on Sunday,July 25, at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary - all to prepare for a decision at aspecial congregational meeting on September 19. Barbara Kernochan and the BuildingCommittee recommended that the board of directors schedule the town hall forumsand the special congregational meeting on September 19. In other action at theboard meeting, the Rev. Judith Meyer reported that the Committee on Ministryhas three new members: Judy Federick, Anne Gustafson, and Shawn Kerr.
At the suggestion of Carol Agate, the board agreed that those wishing to addressthe annual meeting assembly must use a microphone.
The treasurer's report, in a new format generated by the Church Windows program,noted in particular a $6,000 expense for security cameras. Ten persons havesigned up for automatic check debit service to pay their pledges, and afterthe church is on this program for three months, we will no longer have to paythe small service charge for each enrollee, allowing us to manage the transactionsourselves online.
Current membership totals 472, with pledges from new members during the pastmonth an aggregated $2,700.
The board approved the donation of all the May 16 non-pledge collection toMeadville Theological Seminary in honor of nine months of service of our internminister, Stefanie Etzbach-Dale, who received her pastoral training there.
Pat Wright, first vice president, conducted the meeting in the absence of CarolKerr, president.
-Melinda Ewen and Paula Bernstein