Zoo lease (Item S400)

A five-year zoo volunteer and multi-generation San Diegan said programs like Kids Free October make a real difference for families.

A zoo volunteer of nearly 1,500 hours last year described the worldwide respect the zoo commands and urged support.

A District 2 resident and zoo volunteer said the zoo inspires people of all ages and S400 lets it keep setting the bar.

A public advocate who didn't take sides but said the public deserves confidence that terms on a 52-year lease of a major public asset fully reflect taxpayer value.

Compared the zoo lease to the Torrey Pines Gliderport dispute and argued a shorter lease wouldn't stop the zoo's good work.

Asked about zoo workforce data and labor standards, and suggested returning the item to staff for review.