The Fresno Zoo, once a treasure in the community, is now leading the news on a daily basis around here. Talk shows are overheated with opinions, local TV news is leading with the story, and tempers are flaring. You see, for years and years and years the Fresno Zoo (known as the Chafee 
Zoo locally), has been run by the City of Fresno. As such, and in common with most enterprises run by government, this has resulted in millions of dollars in deferred maintenance, an institutional culture of mediocrity, financial problems and finally, a very poor Zoo.
In 2004 a local measure was qualified for the ballot, Measure Z, which would increase sales taxes in the County and direct the money to the Zoo, under a new organizational structure. Expected to provide over $100 million in funding over eight years, the Zoo would presumably be upgraded and operated more efficiently, thus becoming a centerpiece of learning and entertainment in the region. Measure Z passed overwhelmingly, facing no real opposition (the Lincoln Club quietly recommended a "No" vote, to no avail).
Well, guess what? The City Council and County Supervisors are now taking a very keen interest in the Zoo after 30 years of absolute neglect and mismanagement. Why? There are now a 100 million reasons why. My point is this: nobody but a few dedicated local citizens ever gave a damn about this place until tax revenue became the issue. Let me tell you what I see in the future: politicians fighting; cost overruns on the planned projects to upgrade the zoo, financial mismanagement, and a new culture of mediocrity brewing. We are getting what we deserved. Instead of a quietly deteriorating Zoo in South Fresno turning to local crown jewel, we have a battle royal fight over tax dollars and control. Somebody please beam me up.