I find it ridiculous that city officials have the power to micromanage a business to this extent. They own the building, and as long as they're not causing trouble, why limit days and hours?

When there is alcohol involved and the history of some scummy patrons that come to this place from San Jose, Gilroy and Oakland(from police reports) in order to assault and rob others after they leave mandates it be tightly regulated.
With the well documented history of this dust bin they are lucky to have an operating permit at all.

Note to the Monte Carlo ownership: You DO NOT want the everyday citizenry of MV getting involved with reviewing your permits...you should keep your head down, hush up and continue to count yourself lucky you have a business here at all.

Unfortunately the patrons of the club do cause trouble. So it is a VERY good thing that the city officials are involved. As a resident that lives close by Castro I unfortunately live through it. These are the following regular problems that occur-
1.) The clubs clientele play loud music from their cars regularly in the downtown parking garages. There is nothing more frustrating than being woken up at late and early morning hours time and time again.
2.) The club patrons come into our community with such disrespect. I have observed urination on Castro street in hidden corners. If you go into the parking garage you can regularly smell urine in the stairwells.
3.) The club's clientele loiters drinking alcohol in the street and in the garage while they play their loud music before going to the club and after.
4.) When they are done they toss their bottles and garbage on the ground on our streets.

Both Logging Complaints & Concerned Resident are correct. There are crime/violence issues with the Monte Carlo Club in particular and to a lesser extent with other late night establishments.

There is misuse of public property, not just enclosed multi-level parking garages, but also city streets, sidewalks and open city parking lots. I always see a fair amount of trash in the city parking lots when I come downtown on Sunday mornings for the farmers market.

The club's clientele affect all Mountain View residents as a whole because the town's image and public safety is marred by fighting, urination, and trash from some of the less desirable patrons.

It is very much in the city's interest to assert some control over businesses in the form of use permits when it is TAXPAYER DOLLARS that pay for city maintenance workers to pick up trash on Sundays at 9am (they start at Evelyn Street).

Don't blame Monte Carlo. Where is there a public restroom in downtown MV? If you gotta go, you gotta go.

> as long as they're not causing trouble

Pretty much the only place that has significant trouble on Castro

There should be no permit approval for any more hours of operation. Just read the Mountain View Voice and you almost always read about disturbances, assaults, etc. in the 200 block of Castro Street. I wonder where that started? Yes, we do know! No more hours of operation.

Agreed. There should be a 24 hr bathroom built into the parking garage, and Monte Carlo should be the onees to keep it clean, while monitoring noise levels.

Next coffee meetup with MVPD can give you a lot of info if you don't talk to them when they are on patrol... Some of the officers are pretty candid. You can get a full rundown of their experiences. They won't always say a place is bad...but they will tell you "I wouldn't eat/stay/go/shop/etc there."

I am still shocked this place is even allowed to be in business here. We have a bunch of great places to go in downtown for drinks and food. This place attracts scum and hopefully if their hours are limited they will go out of business and go to San Jose or somewhere else that already has these problems. It is the only remaining "problem business" in downtown. I agree with no more hours and start billing the owners for police, fire and ems resources that have to used as well as clean up costs every Monday. I agree on that parking garage, I avoid parking there now, it is truly disgusting the smells.

I'm happy to use my name and not a made up name.
There is trouble, sometimes, caused by patrons of clubs downtown. Most of the patrons are well behaved. We cannot blame Monte Carlo for all incidents of trouble. I've seen first hand the security of Monte Carlo assisting the other bars and clubs. Yes there will always be trouble makers but lets not be elitists and call them 'Scum' or Scummy Patrons'; I thought Mountain View residents had more humanity in them. Monte Carlo caters to the Latino community and its great to show the diversity in Mountain View through venues such as Mountain View. (On a side note. I applaud the school district board for naming a minority on its board).
Monte Carlo contributes to the tax base of the city and we should give them an extra day and allow the capacity of 600. I wonder what the capacity was whn the building was the Castro Theatre.
Residents should visit Monte Carlo and see for themselves.
As per hygiene the city should install the self washing bathrooms downtown that will be paid for by the companies that manufacture them. Mountain View is a city of tolerance, diversity, meritocracy and fairnes afterall.

I think the above posters are forgetting that Monte Carlos is not the only nightclub in the 200 Block of Castro. It is rather judgmental to say the "scum" is coming from Monte Carlo. When there is plenty of "scum" in any & all nightclubs not just Monte Carlo.

I applaud you Kal for your rational comments and willingness to stand behind what you say. The loudest critics in this forum are always from the ones that cower behind snarky pseudonyms. As far as I am concerned, comments from non-registered user are meaningless.

Yes, the Monte Carlo does have some issues now and then, but that is part of any business district that fosters a vibrant nightlife. The management has worked very hard to reign in their patrons outside the club and employs a HUGE security staff. When an incident occurs, they neutralize it immediately.

As for trash and urine, garbage cans and bathrooms are the answer. With the number of patrons downtown these day, the city really should look into a couple self cleaning public toilets. They sure spend money readily on lesser things.

I do not understand why this club is being frownd upon. I have frequent all clubs in the downtown area and I have to say I did not have the necessity to urinate on a public side walk.. EVER. I was provided with a bathroom. I was never intoxicated nor anything like that and the one time a guy tried to do something to me it was across the street outside the Irish bar. I yelled for helped and guess what? Monte Carlo security helped me out. Then the pub reacted... Much slower... So before we point fingers at this one club I will like to suggest all residents to take a look and see that this place is not all bad... It is quite beneficial to you: it brings money to your town and the owners take responsibility to keep the area safe and clean. So please, use some common sense, you are being a little racist.

Are you kidding. People leave Mervyns and urinate in the back, just give OPAL time they will have their issues, fights, and problems. Please don't close Monte Carlo we have enough one hit wonder restaurants with outrageous rents that close month after month at least they thrive, pay their rent and bring hot chicks to downtownQ

St. Stephens Green, Molly MaGees, and Monte Carlo together form the source of the problem. I say shut them all down. And for that matter, all those bubble tea places cause a lot of trouble too, to say nothing of those sinister coffee shops.

While we are at it, let's just outlaw all places of fun. I mean, think of the inconvenience to the gentrified people of downtown who are displacing these revelers.

Hello neighbors.
It is true we have a very busy down town, but I do not belive Monte Carlo is the main problem here.
I believe the city has the responsibility to adress all the neighbors concerns and came with a solution rather than us judging the Monte Carlo Business.
Not allowing Monte Carlo or any of the down town businesses to extend their business hours, ocapacity or any other change related to their business, does not resolve the topic, it makes us look unqualifed to resolve a what are you guys are calling "big problem".
Lets resolve the issue rather than undervalue the Monte Carlo patrons.
I am a Monte Carlo customer and I love the music. The staff is very competent and attentive, I always have a good time. I can see other etnicities when im at the monte carlo not just latin people. Perhaps thats the reason why they are a successful business.
I really feel safe coming to The Monte Carlo. I can see the Security staff been pronpt to any issue, and occasionaly have witness the monte carlo security helping out to their neighbor bars.
I believe a solution would benefit the city, instead of denying the Monte Carlo business.

I encorage the Monte Carlo owners, to keep up the good work with their business.

hi,
What is bad to have a busy down town?!
I love to see all business busy,that was not the case ten years ago when i moved to down town!
I never felt in danger to take my family out for a walk down town even for late icream.
Sure where you have alcohol problems can happen (remember your college days )but to blame one business just because they bring latin people and calling them scum that person has some racial issues.
Im happy to live in mountain view i think that the city is finally managed well!
And one more thing i would love to know how is the editor of this article?
Mr editor be more objective pro business!

I think the key is for people to be respectful of Mt View when they visit our neighborhood. With all due respect it is not a random coincidence that the parking garages on Bryant Street play loud Latino music at 2 am on nights that the Monte Carlo was open. To extend that to another night would be unfortunate to the neighbors that live close by.

Let's not have Downtown Mt View become like downtown San Jose. We should have a higher standard. We don't need the Monte Carlo anymore. That they are actually wanting to expand is comical. They should just be happy that they are still here.

Just what we need more liquor bottles and trash thrown to the curb in Mountain View each night due to the increased volume of the “lovely respectful” clientele of this "classy" business.

Why the need to use real names? Do we need to provide addresses and telephone numbers as well so that our identity can be verified? That's silly. A comment is just as valid/invalid coming from someone using a supposed real name or a pseudonym.

I liked the four comments supporting the Monte Carlo all coming in at the same time. Completely random and coincidental I'm sure.

Mt View does not need a business like the Monte Carlo anymore. Maybe in the past it needed this establishment for tax revenue. But times have changed as Mt View is much more in demand and can be way more picky with who has the honor of operating a respectable business in our community. To put things in perspective could you imagine Palo Alto having a club like the Monte Carlo on University Ave. I think not.

I would like members-only restaurants on Castro. We need to close down the bars, as I hear that under-40 people use them.

Regardless, every business must close by 7pm. Then we will be truly respectable.

I wonder if the people bashing Monte Carlo actually spend time on Castro St. Business is booming. Many people who go to Monte Carlo or Stephens green or Molly's go out to eat in the restaurants first. It's simple....more nights of Monte, more people to dine in your restaurants and visit your shops. Take away Monte, Castro as a whole will take a hit. Yes, there some issues but that can be said about any of the bars and night clubs on Castro. Difference is, Monte's Security stops the issues. Not just at their place but any issue. (Parking lot, garage, Stephens, Molly's) anywhere. They provide a safe environment inside and out. More business is better for Mountain View!

The Monte Carlo is the specific reason I do not take my family downtown after 8pm.
Don't tell me about how nice it is. I know better first hand. about 8 months ago I was pushed and taunted by 4 guys who had just walked out of the place looking to mess with someone and decided the guy walking with his 10 yr old son probably won't fight back. I was glad I wasn't carrying a firearm. They are too but they're too stupid to know.
Sorry, this place is bad news.

In Response to Wigham: I replied earlier. More is not always better. To answer your question YES I visit many of the restaurants. I would imagine so do the other people that posted since they are also passionate about this otherwise we would not take the time to provide feedback. I am not bashing. I am providing constructive honest feedback. I have never seen Monte security going into the parking garages asking people to lower the Latino music they are playing at 2 am. I would truly appreciate and value that if they are signing up to do that each night. I see most of the Monte customers arrive and roll into the garages around 10 to 11 pm or so. Restaurant time is over by then. They really do not look like the dining type crowd if we are being honest. Maybe a few are but a vast majority are not there to enjoy fine dining. Lastly, the idea that we even have to talk about an establishment’s security regardless of how "great" they are is not comforting. I do not want businesses on Castro that have to have a security force.

Wow I am shocked to see this article. Seriously? I think the conversation should really be around what Mt View residents can do to close this business down. Does anyone know if there is anything residents can do to push to have this place closed down?

The "Security" force that this place puts out reminds me of the security guards that are on the street corners of Market St in SF where the theaters are. The difference is that the SF guards are there to protect the theater customers from the more unsavory people on the street.
The Monte Carlo security guards are there to protect the people on the street MV from more unsavory crowd from the MC!

I know a better way to not only feel safer, but to actually BE safer downtown after dark: Close the Monte Carlo!!!

So much for the veiled racism on this thread.

"They really do not look like the dining type crowd if we are being honest."

I'm glad you're being honest. Any thoughts as to where THEY typically eat?

Racists suck, no doubt about it, but their ugly thoughts do not negate the history of violence the MC has rung up over the years.

Yes, some people are racists, yes the MC is a public nuisance, as chronicled over the years right here in this paper.
Yes, some people will use racism to play the victim and try to get people looking the other way, distracted from the main issue of the problem over the years with the MC, both inside as well as outside it's walls.
Yes, all this is true.

And some people will use racism to insist that there are problems that aren't really there. Then they'll say "pulling the race card" if anyone objects to their faulty reasoning. "a public nuisance"??? Please.

Did you know that some man got punched in the face outside of The Patio bar in Palo Alto late last year and died from the injuries he sustained at the start of this year? And get this, the bar is still open! They didn't even close it down because of all the "scum" or "Latino music".

No, we're just focusing on the issue at and: A club with a vast history of problems inside and out,looking to expand.
They should only be judged by their record, which is terrible by the way.
Palo Alto makes its own rules for Palo Alto businesses, but did the bar have a history of problems as long as the Monte Carlo?

We need to look at the full history, not just cherry pick "one offs"
The MC had plenty of "one offs" early on and were given some leeway to improve, but so many incidences occurred that now it has a history of problems tied to the club...and they want to expand their hours. Hmm, OK, lets look at the big picture, the history, then and take things into consideration.

Stop using charges of racism to excuse the trouble that has been caused by SOME patrons of the Monte Carlo over the years. Regardless of the race of those patrons, the problems are real. The place has been bad news since day one. It doesn't take much to see that and be honest about it.

FWIW I called in a battery I saw outside Molly McGees...white woman came out and started yelling at a man (Ok...early 20s, both of them) then started hitting him with fists.

But I find it hard to believe that all the people so shocked that anyone would have anything but glowing praise for MC have ever walked by it at after 10pm.
Everyone is safe at home watching Antiques Roadshow reruns when Castro St changes personality.

Not quite as funny as the Palo Alto residents who have OBVIOUSLY never been on University Ave after 9pm in at least a decade...but pretty close.

"Did you know that some man got punched in the face outside of The Patio bar in Palo Alto late last year and died from the injuries he sustained at the start of this year? "

Some of us know he died from injuries sustained when he hit his head on the concrete. Those people being everyone who has read/heard/seen it in the news.

So..any more trouble with the Patio? One fight AWAY from the club and it should be closed?

Here's one for you. This club had many many "incidents." Not just one. Right in front. Not blocks away.

Take a look at the picture. Should be easy to tell what street it is...and where on that street this is. It's a good learning moment... just because the guy is shorter than you...doesn't mean he isn't a boxer....This guy found out the hard way in only 7 or 8 seconds.

Web Link

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SPARTY: Any proactive suggestions on how the MC can prevent it's customers from playing loud music and yelling in the parking garages at 2 am? The neighbors are tired of being woken up. And please do not tell me it is not MC customers.

Jack in the Box has signs along their drive thru... "please be quiet our neighbors are sleeping and stuff"

Downtown San Jose the police and bouncers push everyone down the street when clubs close...patron or not. Technically...you could tell the bouncers to GtH.....but then the police would also tell you to move. Technically ...you could tell the police to GtH since if you weren't in the club, and were just being a citizen on the street...they have no reason to tell you to move along.

Good luck with that though.

So the choice is for police only to respond to "problems," or to violate people's rights.

"I find it ridiculous that city officials have the power to micromanage a business to this extent."

Individuals and business should operate without undue government regulation. However, liberty, like all other rights, comes with responsibilities. If individuals or business continually demonstrate that they are unwilling to live up to those responsibilities then government agencies do need to step in for the public good.

Search for "Monte Carlo" on the Mountain View Voice website. You will see a history of violent crime. The Monte Carlo brings in hoodlums from other communities and serves them alcohol with all too predictable results.

If you don't like the noise, move to a better place. If you don't like the trains, move to a better place.

I'm not racists, I hate everyone equally.

Yes noise comes with the territory. I totally understand living in downtown Mt View comes with more noise. The argument here is that we do not want guests in our neighborhood that are not respectful. No one wants someone yelling outside their window, playing loud music, and urinating on walls at 2 am. That is just not respectful and it unfortunately happens too often. That is why we do not want the city to approve additional hours for the MC. If the customers were more respectful I think the story would be different here. Let's not lower the bar. By the way the trains do not run at 2 am in the morning. The only noise at that time is when the MC closes it doors and everyone exits.

It's true.. the clubs hurt the city, and the peace of those who live close to this establishments .. they should shut them down. They cause more harm than good. And here is the truth .... ITS ALL NIGHT CLUBS NOT JUST MONTE CARLO!

Gots ta git to da club and get my drank on.