within49miles - Latest Comments in General

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Thomas — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:26:33 -0000

I suggest you reread "The Tipping Point"- suggesting that Anthony is to blame for throwing on the last straw (in your opinion, at least, he threw a straw on the pile) while your husband was furiously unloading tractor trailer loads full of straw bales is absurd. If Anthony hadn't been there to act competently, professionally and exceedingly bravely, your husband wouldn't have lasted as long as he did and the zoo might already be closed, so I would argue that Anthony instead kept the tipping point from coming as quickly, unlike your husband who was never accused of acting competently, professionally or bravely by anyone at the zoo. Or at the LA Zoo either, for that matter. And I have both been management myself and seen many good managers, and your husband is very, very far from a good manager. He is in fact one of the worst, most unresponsive, incompetent managers I've ever had the misfortune to work with. It's too bad, because the zoo could have been a much better institution if it hadn't been saddled with such an albatross around its neck. And as for Anthony's big raise that he won't get again (which happened to be less that the rate of inflation), how are you enjoying the results of your husband's big raise? The raise which was more than most good zoo directors make in total, and is a large reason for why the zoo is in such poor financial shape now. Fortunately, Anthony, who is in the job for the animals and not the money, is the one of the two left at the zoo. Which, in the end is what matters: Anthony is the one who is still employed because he cares about the zoo and wants it to succeed. With enough people like him around and by clearing out enough people like the former director, we will hopefully push the zoo back to the other side of the tipping point. But if not, it will certainly not be Anthony that will either receive or deserve the blame for destroying the zoo out of ineptitude and apathy.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Drew W — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:36:04 -0000

I forgot to add that this "movement" was entirely sparked by the tiger incident...the proverbial tipping point. Once the spotlight was on the Zoo, the series of deaths that took place during the "Buzzkill Reign," which were caused by mismanagement at the very top, were looked at more closely

Let's be very clear...the current situation with the Zoo has little or nothing to do with any morale problem. The commission (finally) reviewed how the Zoo was being managed, which included scrutinizing how the money from the bond measure was spent (amongst other things). To even equate what is happening now to low morale, a condition that that many would argue has been prevalent at the Zoo for decades, borders on the delusional.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Drew W — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:26:03 -0000

As someone who has worked in corporate management, and who worked closely with senior management at the Zoo, I feel that I have a credible and experienced viewpoint to add to this thread. Bottom line is that the Executive Director of the Zoo lacked vision and refused to let the professionals that either he or the Board hired do their job, which was to serve well-intended mission of the Zoo. Instead, he chose narcissism and paranoia as the style of management to employ in his dominion over the Zoo which has resulted in legions of talented staff to depart for saner, more rewarding pastures (myself included). In my over 20 years of working in the corporate and non-profit world, I have *never* come across a more unlikable, disingenuous, and yes, incompetent manager as I did working under Manuel Mollinedo. I think the word "buzzkill" fits pretty well.

It's time to move away from the finger-pointing and sour grapes expressed through his mouthpiece and look at what the Zoo can do to remain open and, finally, make an honest and measurable contribution to wildlife conservation. The Board has taken a step in the right direction by removing a disrespected and inept executive director and they should be commended for that. This is the moment....I hope that everyone who remains will seize upon it.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Dani — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:22:40 -0000

Anthony, it's absurd that some one is blaming you for the lack of quality leadership at the SF Zoo. While, it is often the keepers wishes to be heard, understood and guided to higher levels of animal conservation efforts and forums the management road blocks have always restricted the forward movement. It is a shame and hopefully with the new leadership that exists, although temporary, things can progress the way all zoo staff hopes. This progression should be upwards and include all staff, even the lowly keepers with their 2 cent raise. Perhaps, one day keepers will be able to buy a house in SF, probably not St. Francis Wood, though.

The zoo has already seen some good things happen. Perhaps, even this Chris Daly ordinance can bring about some radical improvements. At bare minimum, it has made way for a new leader to shine; One that will not leave his team in the lurch; one that will lead by example, one that can inspire pride and hard work even when times are tough and it seems all may be loss. We are defined by the moments when we've been knocked down and all the odds are against. Like I tell the soccer girls I coach, "never stop dreaming, never stop working hard!" I don't want them to become bitter old ladies with nothing to do and all hope lost.

One of the ideas in "The Tipping Point" is how a measles virus can spread across a class room of kids leaving them all sick. But after all is said & done they are now immune from the virus, the way vaccines work. Perhaps the last leader for the zoo was like a virus and the zoo will be in a much better place after all is said and done...and the employees regain their faith allowing them to serve the community the way they should.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Marilyn — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 07:08:01 -0000

I suggest you read "The Tipping Point" to understand my reference to that meeting which has precipitated the chain of events that is playing out.

It is very easy to be critical of management when one has never been in that position and doesn't understand or have knowledge of all it entails. Far easier to sling criticism from below and feel self-righteous.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Ami — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:16:03 -0000

Anthony, you also failed to take credit for global warming and Jesus's death. Marilyn's comment is both fallacious and representative of a "management" style that is doomed to fail. Equating your concerns over zoo management and employee morale to this potential legislation is like saying the founding fathers of this country rebelling against England are to blame for the mess in Iraq. Marilyn's comment just strengthens the case that the issue with the zoo was mismanagement and not its fundamental mission. The zoo needs not only amazing animals but caring and responsible employees in order to function properly. That is why this legislation is so fundamentally wrong. If the United States elects a terrible president, the solution is not to throw out the constitution and replace it with a different one. But that is exactly what Daly and his supporters are trying to do. If management had stepped up and given the zoo the right direction, it wouldn't be in this mess in the first place and Anthony wouldn't have had anything to "bitch" about.

Re: Rescue Zoo Legislation - Rules Committee Meeting

Marilyn — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:40:07 -0000

Anthony, you failed to take credit for your role in getting the ball rolling on this legislation. If you and the Rons hadn't bitched and moaned about management at the zoo, staff wouldn't have leaked to the press about the "terrible morale problem",the animal rights folks wouldn't have seized the opportunity to make this move. As it is now, I doubt that zoo will even be open in a few years and you can enjoy working somewhere else for a lot less money than you're paid now. Oh, and I hope you enjoyed your raise last year and the free Christmas party. Probably isn't going to happen again.

Re: First Field Trip

rattitude — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:09:52 -0000

Vwry cute :)

Re: I Don’t Know Jack…But At Least I Still Have My Shares

andyswan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:34:53 -0000

Great blog

Re: Yikes! AAPL Down ~5% Today

anthonybrown — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:26:57 -0000

Yeah, I'm digging finviz's new forum. Hope more people start using it!

Re: Yikes! AAPL Down ~5% Today

Silverwoff — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:16:40 -0000

I'm feeling ya, got money stuck in siri like an idiot. :) thanks for the reply BTW.

shannon

Re: More Fun Zoo Videos

Amy — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:12:21 -0000

No..... not enough for a vomment. However, it is a nicely done video that highlights some positive attributes of the SF Zoo. Also, I can now put together some additional faces with the names I've heard you say, and......well, you know that I love to see you on video.
Other than that, keep trying for the vomment!

Re: The Story Behind The Battle At Kruger

Carl Leasenfeld — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:24:03 -0000

This is so awesome! Good for National Geographic! Another example of how new media is rapidly changing our world.

Re: This Is What I Do All Day

Amy — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:54:54 -0000

Mmmmm... I could just stare at that hottie zoo keeper all day long.