347001766-6-2-2026-59-AS-LMUZ-DVHN8W-20260629101500

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 347001766
Report Date: 06/02/2026
Date Signed: 06/02/2026 05:03:46 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO NORTH ASC, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/04/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Sabrina Calzada

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 59-AS-20260504130214

FACILITY NAME:	JOWELLA CHICO'S CARE HOME		FACILITY NUMBER:	347001766
ADMINISTRATOR:	CRISTINA CHICO		FACILITY TYPE:	735
ADDRESS:	8442 SUNRISE BOULEVARD		TELEPHONE:	(916) 726-7283
CITY:	CITRUS HEIGHTS	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	95610
CAPACITY:	6	CENSUS: 2	DATE:	06/02/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	03:30 PM
MET WITH:	Jowella Chico, Licensee/Administrator Designee		TIME COMPLETED:	05:00 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff did not ensure resident was safe from other resident.
Resident sustained injury due to staff neglect or physical abuse.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sabrina Calzada arrived unannounced to deliver investigative findings to a complaint received on May 4, 2026, and met with Michelle Escobar. LPA stated the reason for the insepction. Also present were staff Maria Lina Santa Ana. Jowella Chico, Licensee/Administrator Designee, arrived around 4:15 pm. Client (C2) is currently out of the facility for a short period.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed the Licensee, (1) Ombudsman, (3) Regional Center staff, (2) Adult Day Program staff, and (3) clients. LPA reviewed pertinent documentation including (R1's) Physician's Report (dated 6/24/2025), Individual Program Plan (IPP), charting notes, and other documentation. The results of the investigation are as follows:

Client (C1) moved to the facility on/around 2021 with a primary diagnosis of Prader Willi Syndrome. The physician's report notes (C1) has occasional depression related to seasonal behaviors, is ambulatory and requires asistance with medication administration. The report notes (C1) is unable to leave the facility unassisted and must be supervised all of the time, due to their primary diagnosis. *cont on 9099C-1..

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Lauren Crocker
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sabrina Calzada
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/02/2026

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 59-AS-20260504130214

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO NORTH ASC, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: JOWELLA CHICO'S CARE HOME	FACILITY NUMBER: 347001766
	VISIT DATE: 06/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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9099C-1.. Allegation: Staff did not ensure resident was safe from other resident. The allegation notes that on May 1, 2026 (8:40 am), client (C1) became very upset upon hearing clients (C2/C3) having a private conversation behind (C1), while being transported to day program. (C1) became upset due to believing (C2/C3) were talking about (C1), who then began yelling and trying to strike (C2) from the front seat.

Both day program staff, including the driver of the van during the incident on May 1, 2026, stated that they have never observed (C1) to become physically aggressive with anyone, but only previously observed (C1) to be verbally aggressive/yelling at another day program participant. The drive confirmed he previously met all (3) clients (C1/C2/C3) at day program and May 1, 2026 was the first time he transported these clients. The driver stated to LPA, "when (C1) started getting upset, I attempted to redirect (C1) but (C1) did not listen". The driver also stated he immediately called his boss on the bus radio when (C1) started hitting (C2) while seated in front of (C2/C3). The driver stated he could hear (C2/C3's) conversation and there "nothing slanderous or rude regarding (C1)- they were exchanging stories about their week, but it's set in (C1's) mind that they were gossiping about (C1), and it was impossible to redirect (C1)".

Clients (C2/C3) stated that (C1) has never shown physical aggression before and this year has been the worst ever. The Ombudsman also interviewed clients (C2/C3) who indicated "(C1) has never been physical before the May 1, 2026 bus incident". (C1's) IPP, dated November 26, 2025, notes (C1) participates in behavioral consultation due to self-injurious behaviors and inappropriate social behaviors that may result in emotional outbursts and fights that occur weekly and require staff intervention. The IPP also states that (C1) has an increase in anxiety and depression and will call 9-1-1 during the springtime.

The Licensee stated that during every spring season (C1) exhibits various behaviors, including arguing with house mates and calling 9-1-1 to go to the hospital. (C1's) charting notes and incident reports submitted to the department, starting on/around March 2026, reflect multiple incidences. (C1) has continued to attend medical appointments with their care provider and Advanced Psychiatrist for monitoring and medication changes. The Licensee stated (C1) has shown "verbally aggressive behavior a number of times before" but never any physical aggression. The driver of the van stated, "I made every attempt to de-escalate and re-direct, but it didn't work- I had to make an emergency stop."

Based on information obtained, and that this incident occurred while (C1/C2/C3) were being transported by day program staff, and not at the facility, the allegation is found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED- A finding that the complaint is Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Lauren Crocker
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sabrina Calzada
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 4

Control Number 59-AS-20260504130214

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO NORTH ASC, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: JOWELLA CHICO'S CARE HOME	FACILITY NUMBER: 347001766
	VISIT DATE: 06/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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9099C-2.. Allegation: Resident sustained injury due to staff neglect or physical abuse. The allegation states that while transporting clients (C1/C2/C3) to day program, on May 1, 2026, the driver continued to try to redirect (C1), including at the point (C1) unbuckled their seat belt and moved next to (C2's) seat and began striking (C2) in the face.

The driver of the van confirmed that while driving the clients to day program on May 1, 2026 (C1) "unbuckled the seat belt and tried to further assault (C2)", despite repeated requests to stop. The driver confirmed (C1) was sitting up front next to him, and (C2/C3) were in the seats directly behind them. The driver commented that (C1) and the two other clients were all seated at the time at the onset of the incident, and (C1) became agitated upon hearing (C2/C3) having a private conversation. The driver confirmed (C2/C3) were having a "quiet discussion and not whispering", and that he told (C1) they could have a conversation too. The driver stated that (C1) had their mind made up that (C2/C3) were gossiping about them), it was impossible to redirect (C1) and that "at no point did (C1) ask for help".

A second day program staff stated he could hear the driver say many times to (C1) over the van radio, "Please stop,..please stop" and then heard the driver say, "do you realize you are hurting them (C2/C3)" to which (C1) responded, "Yes, I don't care". Interviews with (C2/C3) corroborated this information. This staff confirmed he drove to the location where the emergency stop was made and promptly transported (C1) back to the residential facility. This staff confirmed that (C1) had not previously shown any physical aggression, and the day program was informed during the admission process that (C1) can have behaviors in the Spring; however, not behaviors like (C1) exhibited during this incident. This staff commented he and other day program staff have "not seen physical harm before" this incident.

Client (C3) stated (C1) unbuckled and stood up in a moving van" and I told (C1) "It's not okay, and the driver told (C1) to sit down and "do not unbuckle- you can only do that at a stop light". (C3) stated (C2) "got up and started hitting (C2's) leg and bit their fingers". Client (C2) stated "(C1) pulled my hair and bit my leg and finger".

LPA was provided with paperwork showing (C2) was taken for medical attention on May 1, 2026 and was prescribed an antibiotic and cream and given X-rays. Additionally, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccines were ordered due to (C2) having their finger and lower legs bitten. Following this incident, (C1's) doctor increased the dosage for medication Lamictal from 50 mg to 75 mg, at bedtime, and added a new PRN, Hydroxyzine, for anxiety/agitation. *cont on 9099C-3..

SUPERVISORS NAME: Lauren Crocker
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sabrina Calzada
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 4

Control Number 59-AS-20260504130214

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO NORTH ASC, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: JOWELLA CHICO'S CARE HOME	FACILITY NUMBER: 347001766
	VISIT DATE: 06/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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9099C-3.. The Licensee contacted the Department several times for additional episodes where (C1) was argumentative with house mates on May 3, 2026, May 4, 2026, and May 11, 2026, and became physically aggressive with (C2) on May 23, 2026, pulling (C2's) hair, after no provocation from (C2). (C1) was sent to the hospital for further medical evaluation, where two medication changes were made- Lamictal was discontinued, and Depakote ER 500 mg, twice a day, was introduced. (C1) has not returned to the home.

The Licensee kept the Regional Center informed of all incidents and a meeting was scheduled on May 6, 2026 to discuss the recent incidents. The Ombudsman also contacted the Regional Center and discussed the concerns with (C1's) aggressive behavior and was told there is a six-month wait list for a new client to be able to utilize this resource. The Licensee indicated that (C1) refused to utilize alternate resources that were available through the regional center. Additionally, the Ombudsman was told (C1) will refuse options the facility offers when (C1) is having an emotional crisis, such as calling the emergency contacts on their list, taking a breather and going for a walk, or listening to music.

The Licensee stated she will contact the Prader Willi Association for training available to staff on specific behaviors, including cyclical behaviors.

Based on information obtained, and that this incident occurred while clients (C1/C2/C3) were being transported by day program staff, and were not at the facility, the allegation is found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED- A finding that the complaint is Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.

Exit interview. Copy of report provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Lauren Crocker
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sabrina Calzada
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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