Supposedly this idea came from people wanting to "save" the Guild. Well I do want to save the Guild, and this proposed development obviously destroys it. what exactly is being saved? The marquee?
We have a perfectly fine movie theater that shows artistic, foreign and other high-quality films, and this proposal would destroy our theater.
There's no way a live-performance venue in that space can compete with Palo Alto's Lucie Stern, Redwood City's Fox Theater and Little Fox, or with our own Menlo Atherton Center for the Performing Arts, a mere 10 minutes away! Or has everyone forgotten we already have a venue for live performances in Menlo Park?

People come from all around to enjoy movies at the Guild, which many of us prefer to the renovated "upscaled" Aquarius. And many people prefer a small local movie house to the huge complexes.

Recall also that our city paid $2 million of our taxpayer money to help fund the MA Center for the Performing Arts, so we could use that facility for our community events, etc.

Recall also that we had a venue with terrific live music and a full bar in downtown Menlo Park, and it closed after only a year or two, due to lack of support. Remember Marq's? Jazz combos, food and full bar. Great place that provided nightlife, but the community didn't keep it going.

Let's keep the Guild as our one and only movie theater, and patronize it! If what these folks want is alcohol, why not put a bar in the Guild's lobby and let people buy a glass of wine or a cocktail to sip while they watch a movie?
The Guild is open 7 nights a week, not just two, and it provides a great cultural service to our community.
Let's save the Guild!

I recently read a story about how Menlo Park was looking to revitalize the downtown area. Well, as an out-of-towner, I'll let you know, the only reason I used to go to downtown Menlo Park in the past was to have dinner and see a movie at the guild. Afterwards maybe a drink or dessert. Since the the theater has closed we have not been in the area once except for a doctor's appointment.