A significant moment unfolded at the recent San Francisco City Council meeting as Kara Gurney was honored with the Johanna Wild Environmental Service Award, marking her impactful 14-year tenure with the city’s environmental department. Commissioner Hunter praised Gurney as an "icon" for her transformative work, which has helped thousands of businesses adopt sustainable practices and significantly contributed to the city’s climate action goals.

Gurney, who initially joined the department for a temporary position, expressed her gratitude and reflected on her journey, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made the Environment Now program a success. "I can't take full credit for it," she stated, emphasizing the teamwork that propelled the initiative from its early stages to a robust program that continues to evolve.

Commissioner Bermejo also commended Gurney for her community engagement, noting her innovative approaches to education, such as the popular Loteria game that teaches recycling and composting in a fun and interactive way.

As Gurney prepares for retirement, her legacy of fostering environmental awareness and community involvement leaves a lasting impact on San Francisco. The council's recognition of her contributions underscores the importance of dedicated public service in addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainability.