Santa Barbara Business Gone. Many Upset People Looking For Their Money

The operators of a Santa Barbara business site in the popular “Funk Zone” have disappeared and those who have booked events are upset about losing the site and apparently their down payment money.

The Santa Barbara Art Foundry (Frogman foundry, LLC) went away abruptly earlier this year. It was located at 120 Santa Barbara Street.

Many people including young couples hoping to have their weddings there, had booked the site – in two cases – for events next year. Down payments of up to $1700. were given to the owners and staff.

The operator Ian McTavish is no longer around, and those he worked with are out too.

Miramar management, representing the building owner said, the Art Foundry owners left with a big debt. They were thousands of dollars behind in rent, they reportedly took down payments from many customers scheduling future events – and that cash is gone too.

Sarah Johnson of Culver City made her deposit after seeing what looked to be the perfect site in the vibrant district near the beach. On a recent visit she was told no one she worked with is around and the sign board out front was gone.

Johnson said, “we were reserving that location. He was saving it for me. He said he would email me an agreement, and he never did. “I know I’m not the only bride this happened to because he said he was booked for the rest of the year.”

This comes after many positive memories about trips to Santa Barbara. “It was so horrible going in, after being so excited about a venue and realizing I was totally tricked and lied to.”

“I love Santa Barbara. It’s my favorite city in California. That’s where we got engaged. We have good memories there,” said Johnson.

Now she says she is ” thinking of venue searching in a different city now which breaks my heart because I love Santa Barbara.”

The issue is expected to go before possibly two judges.

One, in small claims court where Michael Crawford of Ventura filed paperwork. He put a $1000. down on his wedding and was actively making plans. “This is a lot of money for my fiance ‘ and I. We can’t afford to lose it.”

He said at the court clerks counter, the person in front of him was also filing a claim against the operators of the Art Foundry.

Besides McTavish, there is another event business in the mix known as “Warehouse 120 events.” That business is also no longer around.

Miramar Management handles clients at three addresses in the block and says the owner has taken a large financial hit on this situation. The representative, Joseph Corazza is working with those who lost their money and also a new tenant in the space to see if any of the previous plans can be worked out. Miramar is also directing them to a bankruptcy attorney Christopher Gautschi. He says for now he has the task of working with McTavish, finding assets and trying to see who is owed money from their down payments.

He expects a bankruptcy hearing in June.

Besides weddings the Gin, Jazz, and Juleps event fundraiser for the Community Arts Music Association set for last month was also cancelled.

The location is not completely empty. A tasting room is still open daily.

Blair Fox Wines has a site for samples and also sells merchandise at the location.