From BootUp's marketing brochure, accessed just now:

"The Patio. Outdoor Dining and Open Space. Our outdoor courtyard can accommodate up to 200 guests. The upper-deck portion features a waterfall, fire pits and a casual dining area for up to 80 guests. Adjacent to our upper-deck is an 8600 square foot garden area with seating inter-mixed among Redwood tress [sic] with a removable outdoor stage.

"Other amenities include seating for up to 50 with tables, 5 fire pits, 4 heat lamps and a fountain."
[ source: Web Link ]

This article omits much of the sordid history of this 68 Willow enterprise, which has gone by different names. Most notably, the "gentlemen's club," Cuckoos' Nest, that they attempted to launch a few years ago, halted only because one of the partners embezzled. The city seemed to have no problem allowing such a club in a residential neighborhood. Google "Cuckoos Nest Menlo Park" for all the background, including an article in Forbes.

Also note a few current council members promoting this private venture on a video posted by the City of Menlo Park: Web Link

Can we see another article that includes a real investigation? I'd like to understand why the city has been so unwilling to put the brakes on this disruptive organization. Is someone profiting? Or is there merely an unfounded fear that all the venture capitalists will pick up and leave Menlo Park if anyone says no to them?

The article says the City is forcing Bootup to apply for a new permit? What am I missing?

The libelous accusations that people write on this town hall sometimes are ridiculous.

"The article says the City is forcing Bootup to apply for a new permit? What am I missing?"

uh, it took years for the city to do this? That's what your missing Mr Bootup.

Why anyone volunteers for public service in Menlo Park is puzzling to me? Ribbon cuttings and promotional videos for local businesses on the City website are evidence of bribery and illegal activity? That’s pretty standard fare in the rest of the world.

Maybe those videos get posted regularly on sites belong to "another community," but this is the only video promoting a private business on our city's YouTube page: Web Link

There's doubtlessly a legitimate reason for boosting this business and not others. Why not share that reason with us? Along with explaining why it's taken so long for the city to act on the many complaints.

I guess we'll see whether the recent handslap has any effect, or whether the city decides not to follow up and let the events continue because "we sent them a letter."