Correct me if my memory falters, but I remember that when the private company took the reigns of the zoo, an incredibly large amount of amount was spent towards.. the food service center there. I believe this was covered by the Guardian was it not?

This is just a little more proof that the private sector does not do it better. Oh yes, perhaps the agency that ok the grotto was State run and there lies the real problem!

Yeah, we wrote about it. Here's one link

http://www.sfbg.com/37/32/news_zoo.html

Thank you.

Since we are on the topic of the drawbacks of privatization, I had some thoughts on an idea that Matt Gonzalez proposed during his run for mayor -- a municipally-owned and operated bank. I think that the advantages of this type of organization would be particularly relevent now that the housing market is tanking. Because making money wouldn't be the sole purpose of such an organization, this bank could offer low-interest loans for people struggling to pay their mortgage bills or to disadvantaged families (economically and socially) who are leaving The City in droves because they can't find affordable housing.

In addition, perhaps the bank could offer a check-cashing and money-transfer scheme in which undocumented immigrants can cash their checks and transfer money without having to get ripped-off in the process. There could be seven Directors of the Board -- four appointed by the Supervisors and three appointed by the mayor. Such a bank could also finance municipal basic infrastructure projects. Some other basic advantages would be that customers of the bank wouldn't be charged outrageous fees for such things as withdrawing cash, writing checks, and they could receive a higher rate of interest on their savings.

Another advantage that a municipal bank could offer is that it could give out low-interest loans for local entrepreneurs who want to start a business or to expand their current business, albeit with certain strings attached. For example, such entrepreneurs would have to pay their workers a minimum wage that is higher than the current local ordinance and such businesses would have to purchase fair-trade products (i.e. coffee shops would have to purchase equitably-produced organic coffee beans, clothing stores would have to purchase equitably-produced fabric, etc).

I am a Licensed Animal Health Technician...I am a former Chair & Member of the Animal Control Welfare Commission for San Francisco...I am a former USDA Inspector for Animal Welfare for Northern California...I did inspect the S F Zoo...You did one or more interviews with me being quoted about the S F Zoo before 2000...All involved with the current tragic situation should be removed from their jobs because safety and health issues are the number one concern when you deal with any animals especially in captivity...San Francisco has a history of not correcting serious conditions that have allowed the situation to only get worse...The S F Zoo should be closed until all safety and health issues are proven to be okay...This is not a circus and does not have that type of classification...This is when the people must speak out and the Zoo Management is not doing what they should be doing which is to talk with all and reduce incidents not increase them and not make it less safe for the patrons and less safe for the animals in a prison which might be their last chance for life...San Francisco must do better, now...

A number of times over 60 years escapes and near escapes from the grotto were reported (and spiked). Tatiana was a Denver Zoo reject and arrived in 2005. In 2006, she attacked a zoo keeper and nearly tore her arm off. The grotto was then closed for 10 months, only reopening in Sept 2007. With felines and canines, we of course know that some are born bad. These generally cause trouble and are either put down or sent to a sanctuary. I suggest Tatiana was a bad cat and should have been either put down or sent away after the '06 attack. A-ha, but for one thing ... oh, what a crowd attractor! Well, there you have it. And now, instead of seeing the zoo's leaders arrested and tried for multiple charges ranging from governance violations to murder, we have the media, and masses, forming up into a lunch mob to go after two young men who were probably simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. No surprise, but it is nauseating nonetheless.

predictabledisaster, you should check your facts before posting info in error along with your stupid
comments about felines and canines....the grotto wasn't closed the lion house was. AND if we are to go by your rule of putting down bad animals, i vote to put down bad humans as well...regarding this particular situation, those two boys silence screams it was more that wrong place wrong time...nauseating was reading your comments.