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SFPUC and Sheriff’s Department praise Earth Stewards job and restoration program as Sheriff Hennessy retires
Summary
Commissioners and community partners recognized Sheriff Michael Hennessy and the Earth Stewards/Garden Project for decades of watershed and public‑lands restoration work and for training apprentices and interns; participants called for continued SFPUC support of training and educational programs such as 5 Keys Charter High School outreach.
At the start of the December meeting the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and community partners recognized Sheriff Michael Hennessy and the Earth Stewards / Garden Project for long‑standing partnerships that combine watershed restoration, fire‑break work and vocational training. Ed Harrington, SFPUC general manager, introduced Sheriff Hennessy and acknowledged the program’s work on SFPUC properties and in watersheds including Hetch Hetchy. Sheriff Hennessy, joined by program director Catherine Snead and program manager Carol Eisen, thanked the commission and public for supporting the program’s job training mission.
Speakers highlighted that Earth Stewards has employed several hundred apprentices and interns over decades (Carol Eisen referenced “over 350 Earth Stewards apprentices and interns”), works with the Garden Project to grow native plants in SFPUC greenhouses, and supports summer programs that involve formerly incarcerated and community youth with opportunities for GED and high‑school programs (the 5 Keys Charter High School partnership was noted). Commissioners and staff presented thanks and a small ceremonial recognition.
The commission heard public appreciation for the program’s role in watershed maintenance and community workforce development and encouraged ongoing SFPUC support for job‑training, education and program expansion where feasible.
