THEY'RE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT—Members of the Calabasas Environmental Commission and winners of the Carl Gibbs Environmental Excellence Award gather at city hall. The Calabasas Environmental Commission has named five recipients of the Carl Gibbs Environmental Excellence Award.

The award was named after the late environmental commissioner who served at city hall for 15 years.

"Carl Gibbs dedicated his life to the environment and to educating people," said Stuart Cohen, chair of the environmental commission. Cohen said the award is given to "people who really have exhibited going beyond what is expected, beyond just the standard of recycling and things like that."

The Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley were recognized for their commitment to protecting the environment, preserving wildlife, recycling solid waste and cleaning up creeks, which they've shown by participating in a variety of community events.

The California Wildlife Center in Calabasas received an award for its work protecting wildlife by rescuing and treating injured animals and reintroducing them into the wild, and its work educating the public about the risks animals face in an urban environment.

Cindy Kamin-Brenek was honored for promoting resource conservation and recycling at Castlebay Lane Elementary School in Porter Ranch.

The Aerospace Cancer Museum of Education in Chatsworth was spotlighted for raising awareness about impacts to the environment and public health from nuclear and aerospace operations.

"They've really taken their effort nationally," said Cohen, who added that the museum has been in contact with NASA. "They've been focused on making known the problems that have developed in the Santa Susana Pass because of all the testing of shuttle engines."

A representative from the office of state Sen. Fran Pavely (DL.A.) also presented a certificate of recognition to the museum.

The Cornell Preservation Organization was recognized for the work it has done to restore and clean up creeks and canyons.

The Carl Gibbs awards can be given to individuals, businesses, municipalities, government agencies, organizations or institutions working to benefit the environment. This year, there were five categories, including adult, young children, government agency and nonprofit organization.

The award is a symbol of commitment to California's environment, said Alex Farassati, Calabasas' environmental services supervisor.