198600539-9-17-2024-28-AS-LHIS-D9HL5C-20240927082654

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198600539
Report Date: 09/17/2024
Date Signed: 09/17/2024 04:48:22 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. ST 500
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/22/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Noemi Galarza

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 28-AS-20240122093556

FACILITY NAME:	PICO RIVERA GARDENS		FACILITY NUMBER:	198600539
ADMINISTRATOR:	MEIR SHAUL YITZI TEICHMAN		FACILITY TYPE:	735
ADDRESS:	6525 ROSEMEAD BLVD.		TELEPHONE:	(562) 949-8489
CITY:	PICO RIVERA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90660
CAPACITY:	185	CENSUS: 143	DATE:	09/17/2024
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	02:53 PM
MET WITH:	Joyce Garcia, Administrator		TIME COMPLETED:	03:25 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Residents are using illegal drugs in the facility.
Residents are selling illegal drugs in the facility.
Staff are not reporting residents' drug use to appropriate authorities.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Galarza & Mayra Cota conducted a subsequent complaint visit to deliver findings on the above allegations. Department of Social Services/CCLD Investigations Branch (IB) Investigator Christine Ferris investigated allegations number 1 & 2. The purpose of the visit was explained to Administrator Joyce Garcia.

The investigation consisted of: On 1/23/2024, LPA conducted a health and safety check, toured the 1st floor common areas and interviewed staff (S1). File documents were collected for residents (R1- R6), as well as copies of LIC 500 Personnel Report, resident roster, Admission Agreement, facility sketch, and House Rules. LPA was unable to conduct room inspections because a resident was experiencing psychiatric distress and agitation during the visit. DSS Investigator interviewed, staff (S2- S5) and residents (R1-R3). LPA interviewed staff (S1, S2, and S6) regarding allegation #3.

***Narrative summary continues next page.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lisa Hicks
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Noemi Galarza
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2024

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2024

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 28-AS-20240122093556

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. ST 500
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PICO RIVERA GARDENS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198600539
	VISIT DATE: 09/17/2024

NARRATIVE

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Allegation: Residents are using illegal drugs in the facility. It is alleged there are at least six (6) residents allegedly using illegal drugs i.e., crystal methamphetamine and marijuana in the facility premises and Assistant Administrator/Staff (S2) is aware but fails to acknowledge the severity of the problem. It was reported that resident (R1's) room brings individuals that do not live in the facility into their room during shift change times, and other residents are often seen going in and out of R1's room. DSS Investigator interviewed four (4) staff and three (3) residents. The findings indicate that the facility has an "open door" policy where the residents have unrestricted access to "come and go". There are residents on active parole and probation, as well as residents with history of mental health issues and substance abuse. Staff stated that upon suspicion of illegal drug use and/or illegal drug possession, room checks are conducted. If suspicions are confirmed, the resident is given a 3-day eviction notice and appropriate authorities and personnel are notified. In addition, random room checks are conducted on a weekly basis to check for prohibited items. Residents interviewed denied seeing clients use illegal drugs and had no concerns regarding the level of care provided. The investigation did not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Allegation: Residents are selling illegal drugs in the facility. It is alleged that there are six (6) residents selling crystal methamphetamine and marijuana inside the facility. According to the report, residents (R1- R6) sell drugs out of their rooms to other residents and outsiders from the community. It is was reported that resident (R1) was overheard talking about the amount the resident sells the "meth" drugs for, and when residents report to Administration staff, residents are told to "mind their own business". DSS Investigator interviewed four (4) staff and three (3) residents. Staff and clients interviewed denied knowledge of clients selling illegal drugs on facility premises. Investigator findings indicate staff are providing an adequate level
of care by responding appropriately to concerns about illegal drug possession on premises
and residents interviewed had no concerns regarding the level of care provided. There is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lisa Hicks
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Noemi Galarza
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2024

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 28-AS-20240122093556

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. ST 500
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PICO RIVERA GARDENS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198600539
	VISIT DATE: 09/17/2024

NARRATIVE

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Allegation: Staff are not reporting residents' drug use to appropriate authorities. It is alleged that Administrator Santos Dominguez confiscates drugs but does not surrender the drugs to the LA County Sheriff's Department. Three (3) Administration staff were interviewed. Administrator/Staff (S6) denied the allegation, and stated that after Administrator Yitzi Teichman left, Mr. Dominguez resumed consultant Administrator duties that entailed reporting to law enforcement, CCL, FSP, and conservators drug use. Administrator stated that when drugs are found they are dropped off at the Sheriff's Department. Staff (S1 & S3) reported that a lot of residents go to the office to report suspected illegal drug use and Assistant Administrator follows up. It was reported that all staff can go into the rooms to check for drugs. Sheriff's Department was obtained, the majority of the incidents pertained to aggravated assault. Based on record review and interviews conducted, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated.

Exit interview conducted with Administrator Joyce Garcia. A copy of the report was issued.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lisa Hicks
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Noemi Galarza
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2024

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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