RecPark Commissioner's Meeting 7.17.25 - UnPacking

Thursday's Recreation and Park Full Commission Meeting Video is available here:

https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/50442?view_id=91&redirect=true

I don't always have comments about the Meetings, but this one struck some chords.  I think there might be stuff regularly going forward in regards to Management changes, and how that will pan-out versus everyone's hopes and expectations, that might prompt a reaction post.

The Zoo's current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeff Pace, gave this months report to the Commission.  My main points are regarding finances.  Admittedly, my reactions are based solely on what I think seems logical.  

First thing to note, Pace told the Commissioners that he would be Co-CEO (Chief Executive Officer) with Cassandra Costello, who has already been announced as a new hire position COO (Chief Operating Officer) who will start in August.  Now it appears she will be Co-CEO.  

It's a bit surprising to hear the word and implementation of the term "Co-" , the Zoo has not to my knowledge ever had a team leadership at the highest level, but this has been a major component of my thoughts on Restructuring Management.  I'm disappointed that someone within Animal Care is not half that team.  Pace mentioned the search for the next Director, but didn't say if he and Costello will maintain the shared CEO duties after a new Director is hired.

If the next Director is not someone with an Animal Care background, I am leaning towards doubting that there will be much change in the management structure.

This screencap from Pace's presentation of new Fiscal Year projections, broke down some numbers I have both long thought about, and one that I have newly thought was questionable.  

I have previous wrote in at least a couple posts wondering, Why no Director has sought to have the Management Fee renegotiated at any time since the Lease Agreement in 1993?

The Lease is a curious thing.  While I'm no fan of the Zoological Society because of their lack of involvement in managing Our Zoo which they sought to be tasked with, I have wondered Why the Zoological Society, is responsible to the City for Utilities at a City owned facility?  This curiosity came up many years ago when there was an article about a huge water bill the Zoo owed the City.

In more recent times, I was again a bit stunned when after years of being bothered by the sight of the perimeter fence, I happened upon a fence project the RecPark was doing.  Since they included the entire perimeter and some of the interior of the Botanical Gardens, a facility that like the Zoo is independently managed, I inquired about the Zoo.  The project manager asked his manager, who told him, "No, the Zoo needs to take of that themselves". 

Two weeks ago, I heard for the first time, that the Zoo is taxed on income from the Parking Lot!  I thought that was effing outrageous!  Yet, it was right there in print, during Pace's presentation.  He broke down the numbers from Utilities, Parking Lot, and Gifts to the City, which I don't know what that actually is, but assume possibility fall under my other curiosity, Grounds Upkeep?  Which seemingly should also be funded by The City, as the property/facility owner?   

Anyway, you can see from that video screencap, that the Zoo basically gives it's whole Management Fee from The City, back to The City.  That does not seem logical or right.

That all needs to be sorted and redefined better, or rather more logically.  Similar to the Bison Paddock, in which the Zoo takes care of the Animals and their needs, and the RecPark is responsible for the enclosure.  The RecPark is neglect in those duties, but still that is how it's laid out.

The Zoological Society, Fundraising, Attendance Revenue and other income should be what goes to caring for the Animals, building new enclosures, exhibits and other operating costs.  With all these paybacks and an no cost of living increase in the Management Fee since 1993, The City is making out.  That, together with the lack of Fundraising for seventeen years from Tanya Peterson, it's no wonder Our Zoo has struggled and is in the state it is.  

The City and the Zoological Society seemingly have some stuff to sort out.  Moving forward there are two major Financial hurdles for Our Zoo's immediate future, Funding basic neglected Upgrades, and their outrageous Panda want.  Now that Tanya Peterson won't be there to mismanage and misappropriate funds, The City needs to make some changes to the amount of the Management Fee, and re-examine the Utility charges and eliminate that ridiculous Parking Tax.  Likewise the Zoological Society needs to pony-up, as it was their neglect of duty that allowed Peterson to slack-off with fundraising.  

These two entities, need to figure out where funds are coming from to Fix Our Zoo.

A second breakdown of expenses, shows a projected Deficit of near $600,000, that is causing them to dip into their Reserves.

Pace's presentation mentioned, "being excited about Pandas", shown in the first screencap as arriving in 2026.  Commissioner Vanita Louie circled back at the end with an inquiries regarding Pandas.  Two statements of note by Pace have the Panda construction taking a year, and noting that, "They already have more than a Million".  Adding, "I think we can get there".  What?  They've only raised a Million?  Big Whoop!   They have a Deficit of over half a Million.  

It continues to be obvious the Panda Plan needs to be put on hold.  Bringing financial and construction chaos to Our Zoo at this time is irresponsible and insane.   

Related Links:

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part Two - Restructuring Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo_19.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-moral-crime-of-bringing-pandas-to.html

The Continuing Saga Of The Disgraceful Perimeter Fence

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-continuing-saga-of-disgraceful.html

Next Post:

*RecPark Meeting - Additional Notes - Staffing and New Exhibits

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/recpark-meeting-additional-notes.html

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#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

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