Families who were planning Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s and weddings said a Southern California party venue abruptly shut down before their events, leaving them scrambling to salvage milestone celebrations.
Evelyn Guzman said she spent three years preparing for her daughter’s Sweet 16, making monthly payments to The Rustic and Chic Co. to secure its South El Monte venue.
“My heart sank,” Guzman said after arriving to see the property vacant and overgrown. She had scheduled the celebration for June 20. “I cried. I’ve been crying for like the last weeks.”…