198601429-6-25-2025-11-AS-JHAD-DJ7W5V-20250702165946

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198601429
Report Date: 06/25/2025
Date Signed: 06/25/2025 03:03:20 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/17/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Zina Brown

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 11-AS-20250617113630

FACILITY NAME:	CHOICES R US - WARD		FACILITY NUMBER:	198601429
ADMINISTRATOR:	GILBERT CARDENAS		FACILITY TYPE:	735
ADDRESS:	2100 WARD AVE		TELEPHONE:	(562) 445-3009
CITY:	COMPTON	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90221
CAPACITY:	3	CENSUS: 3	DATE:	06/25/2025
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	02:30 PM
MET WITH:	Mateo Lopez, DSP		TIME COMPLETED:	03:15 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff speak inappropriately to residents.
Staff do not ensure residents are served food of good quality.
Staff do not ensure facility is stocked adequately with food and supplies.
Staff do not follow proper food handling practices.
Staff are not ensuring that the facility is being adequately cleaned.
Staff do not ensure the facility is free of pests.
Staff do not ensure the facility vehicle is in good repair.
Staff did not prevent resident from smoking inside the facility.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 06/25/2025 at 2:30 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Zina Brown conducted a subsequent visit at this facility to deliver the complaint findings. During today's visit, LPA met with Mateo Lopez (DSP), and explained the purpose of the visit.

The investigation consisted of the following: On 06/18/2025, LPA interviewed Administrator (A1), Staff #1 - Staff #3 (S1 - S3) and Client #1- #3 (C1 – C3). LPA requested copies of the staff roster and resident roster, car insurance, DMV car registration, food menu, house rules, staff training for: housekeeping, food preparation and personal rights, facesheet for Client #1- #3 (C1 – C3), IPPs for Client #1- #3 (C1 – C3), and cleaning schedule. LPA received all requested documentation from A1 by 06/19/2025.

Report continues on LIC 9099-C.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

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 6

Control Number 11-AS-20250617113630

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - WARD	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601429
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2025

NARRATIVE

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On 06/19/2025, LPA received the additional requested documents via email such as: LIC 500: Personnel Report, IPP for C1, C2, C3, Weekly Menu (June 2025), In-Service Training, 7-Step Cleaning Process, Staff Food Preparation Guidelines & Maintaining & Emergency Food Supplies, Rights of Individuals with Development Disabilities, Abuse Reporting & Mandate Reports, Lesson Plan" Abuse Reporting & Mandated Reporters (Zero Tolerance), Weekly Cleaning Log (May 2025 - June 2025), Administrative Policies and Procedures, DMV Registration Card from 10/28/2023 - 10/28/2024, Notice of Incomplete Renewal, Vehicle Needs Smog Check, California Insurance Identification Card, (Effective Date 11/15/2024 - Expiration Date 11/15/2025), California Driver Licenses (for 4 staff) and Invoice Pest Control (dated April 8, 2025 & June 19, 2025)

The investigation revealed the following:

Allegation 1: Staff speak inappropriately to residents.
It was alleged that staff, including the administrator, speak to residents using profane or disrespectful language. On 06/18/2025, between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and stated that staff are expected to speak to residents respectfully and professionally. Between the hours of 1:58pm - 3:01 pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff regarding the allegation: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25 PM - 3:52 PM, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA reviewed records and did not observe any documentation to support the allegation.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Report continues on LIC 9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 6

Control Number 11-AS-20250617113630

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - WARD	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601429
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2025

NARRATIVE

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Allegation 2: Staff do not ensure residents are served food of good quality.
It was alleged that residents were being served frozen or low-quality food. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and stated that meals follow a four-week rotation and include balanced options like fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Between 1:58pm - 3:01pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA reviewed menus and did not observe any documentation to support the allegation. On 06/18/2025, LPA checked the refrigerator and observed none of the food was spoiled, rotten nor expired.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Allegation 3: Staff do not ensure facility is stocked adequately with food and supplies.
It was alleged that the facility lacked adequate supplies like food, paper towels, and cleaning products. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and explained that supplies are stocked weekly and staff can make requests. Between 1:58pm - 3:01pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. The staff stated the facility always has food and supplies on hand. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. On 06/18/2025, LPA checked the food supply, and there was 7 day of nonperishable food and two day perishable food supply as well as household supplies. LPA observed household supplies being delivery at the facility during the investigation. LPA reviewed supply logs and did not observe any documentation to support the allegation.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Report continues on LIC 9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 6

Control Number 11-AS-20250617113630

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - WARD	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601429
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2025

NARRATIVE

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Allegation 4: Staff do not follow proper food handling practices.
It was alleged that staff were not following proper food handling practices. On 06/18/2025 at between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and explained that while gloves are not required, staff must wash hands and complete annual food safety training. Between 1:58pm - 3:01pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA conducted a records review and all staff responsible for food preparation received food preparation training on 04/02/2025 and it is not required for the staff to wear gloves while preparation meals but it is required for staff to take universal precautions such as washing their hands thoroughly. LPA reviewed food preparation guidelines and did not observe any documentation to support the allegation.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Allegation 5: Staff are not ensuring that the facility is being adequately cleaned.
It was alleged that the facility was not being cleaned in weeks. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and explained that staff clean daily, and clients are encouraged to help. Between 1:58pm - 3:01pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA reviewed cleaning logs for the month of May - June 2025. LPA also conducted a tour of the facility and observed the facility to be clean and sanitized. Based on interviews, observation and records reviewed conducted

Report continues on LIC 9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 6

Control Number 11-AS-20250617113630

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - WARD	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601429
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2025

NARRATIVE

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Allegation 6: Staff do not ensure the facility is free of pests.
It was alleged that the facility had pest issues. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and stated that pest control was done two months ago. Between 1:58pm - 3:01 pm, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 1 out of 3 clients confirmed the allegation. 2 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA reviewed pest control documentation (invoices dated April 8, 2025 & June 19, 2025) and did not observe any records to support ongoing pest activity.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Allegation 7: Staff do not ensure the facility vehicle is in good repair.
It was alleged that the facility vehicle has been unregistered since October 2024 and has not been maintained for months. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and stated that staff inspect the vehicle and maintenance is performed as needed. Between 1:58 PM - 3:01 PM, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 3 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA reviewed DMV and insurance documentation and did not observe any indication of disrepair. LPA conducted an inspection of the facility vehicle and observed the vehicle be in good condition. LPA conducted a records reviewed and observed the facility had valid car insurance, vehicle registration and also 4 staff have valid driver license.
Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Report continues on LIC 9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 6

Control Number 11-AS-20250617113630

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO ASC, 400 CONTINENTAL BLVD, STE 340
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - WARD	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601429
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2025

NARRATIVE

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Allegation 8: Staff did not prevent resident from smoking inside the facility.
It was alleged that residents were allowed to smoke inside the home. On 06/18/2025 between the hours of 3:03pm - 3:22pm, LPA interviewed A1 who denied the allegation and explained that smoking is only permitted outside. Between 1:58 PM - 3:01 PM, LPA interviewed 3 staff: 3 of 3 staff denied the allegation. Between 3:25pm - 3:52pm, LPA interviewed 3 clients: 1 out of 3 clients confirmed the allegation. 1 out of 3 clients were unsure or unaware of the situation. 1 out of 3 clients denied the allegation. LPA conducted a tour of the facility and did not observe any of the clients smoking inside of the facility nor did not smell cigarette smoke throughout the inside of the facility. LPA reviewed house rules which states 20. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area. Smoking is not allowed inside the facility.

Based on the information gathered, interviews, and record reviews, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. 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, therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Exit interview conducted with Mateo Lopez, DSP & copy of the report was provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Janae Hammond
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Zina Brown
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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