<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 073408278
Report Date: 03/04/2025
Date Signed: 03/04/2025 12:13:27 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/21/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Mario Caro
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 02-CC-20250221085723
FACILITY NAME:SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEKFACILITY NUMBER:
073408278
ADMINISTRATOR:AUTUMN CAZENASFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2210 OAK GROVE RDTELEPHONE:
(925) 464-7663
CITY:WALNUT CREEKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94598
CAPACITY:75CENSUS: 64DATE:
03/04/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:48 AM
MET WITH:Cazenas, AutumnTIME COMPLETED:
12:27 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Children received unexplained injuries while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 03/04/25 at 10:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mario Caro conducted a Complaint Investigation and delivered findings. LPA met with Director Autumn Cazenas, and explained the purpose of today's inspection. Present during the visit were Director, 9 staff members, and 64 children in care. During the course of the investigation LPA toured the facility, obtained copies of relevant documents and conducted interviews with staff, children, and parents

An allegation was made that Children received unexplained injuries while in care. On 02/25/25 LPAs Caro, Indira Loza, and the director observed video footage of a staff member grabbing a preschooler by the arm pulling her to the staff and in another instance pulling the girl by the arm to sit her down. Interviews indicated there was another instance in which a child was injured and the staff couldn't see the full body of the child to identify they were bitten. Based on the interviews and information obtained throughout the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the allegation is SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulation 101223(a)(1), Title 22, Division 12 is being cited on 9099-D page.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/21/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Mario Caro
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 02-CC-20250221085723

FACILITY NAME:SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEKFACILITY NUMBER:
073408278
ADMINISTRATOR:AUTUMN CAZENASFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2210 OAK GROVE RDTELEPHONE:
(925) 464-7663
CITY:WALNUT CREEKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94598
CAPACITY:68CENSUS: 64DATE:
03/04/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:48 AM
MET WITH:Cazenas, AutumnTIME COMPLETED:
12:27 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Children are left unsupervised while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
"THIS IS AN AMENDED REPORT" On 03/04/25 at 10:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mario Caro conducted a Complaint Investigation and delivered findings. LPA met with director Autumn Cazenas, and explained the purpose of today's inspection. Present during the visit were Director, 9 staff members, and 64 children in care. During the course of the investigation LPA toured the facility, obtained copies of relevant documents and conducted interviews with staff, children, and parents

An allegation was made that Children are left unsupervised while in care. Based on the interviews and information obtained throughout the investigation, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED which means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. No Deficiency has been cited for this allegation. Report, Appeal Rights, and Notice of site visit provided.
Exit interview conducted

Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 02-CC-20250221085723
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEK
FACILITY NUMBER: 073408278
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Due to the issuance of a Type A Citation during today's inspection, a copy of this Licensing Report must be given to each existing parent by the end of today or next day child is in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians enrolled over the next 12 months from the date of this report. In addition, a copy of the LIC 9224 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports must be signed by each parent and kept in each child's file.

LPA informed director, that this report dated 03/04/25 shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Exit interview was conducted with assistant director Autumn Cazenas.
Report and Appeal Rights provided
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 02-CC-20250221085723
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612

FACILITY NAME: SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEK
FACILITY NUMBER: 073408278
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/21/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Mario Caro
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 02-CC-20250221085723

FACILITY NAME:SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEKFACILITY NUMBER:
073408278
ADMINISTRATOR:AUTUMN CAZENASFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2210 OAK GROVE RDTELEPHONE:
(925) 464-7663
CITY:WALNUT CREEKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94598
CAPACITY:68CENSUS: 64DATE:
03/04/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:48 AM
MET WITH:Cazenas, AutumnTIME COMPLETED:
12:27 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff do not report injuries to parents/guardians
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 03/04/25 at 10:30 am Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Mario Caro conducted a complaint investigation and delivered the findings. LPA met with Director Autumn Cazenas. Present during the visit were Director, 9 staff members, and 64 children in care. During the course of the investigation LPA toured the facility, obtained copies of relevant documents and conducted interviews with staff, children, and parents.

Interviews and observation indicated conflicting information therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED which means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. No Deficiency has been cited for this allegation. Exit interview conducted with Director. Appeal rights were provided.

A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND MUST BE POSTED FOR 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 02-CC-20250221085723
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEK
FACILITY NUMBER: 073408278
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Due to the issuance of a Type A Citation during today's inspection, a copy of this Licensing Report must be given to each existing parent by the end of today or next day child is in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians enrolled over the next 12 months from the date of this report. In addition, a copy of the LIC 9224 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports must be signed by each parent and kept in each child's file.

LPA informed director, that this report dated 03/04/25 shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Exit interview was conducted with director Autumn Cazenas.
Report and Appeal Rights provided
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 02-CC-20250221085723
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612

FACILITY NAME: SAFARI KID-WALNUT CREEK
FACILITY NUMBER: 073408278
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
03/05/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)(2)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Personal Rights:(a)The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (1)To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons. (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The center will plan to conduct an all staff training on personal rights, develop an agenda, and a plan to insure the incident wont reaccur. Plan and agenda will be sent to CCLD by POC date 03/5/25. POC cleared by visit.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
This requirement has not been met as evidenced by: staff grabbed a child by the arm pulling her and pulled the girl by the arm to sit her down. A child was injured and staff couldnt see the child to identify they were bitten. This poses an immediate threat to the health, safety and personal rights of children.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mario Caro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7