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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 306004192
Report Date: 08/18/2025
Date Signed: 08/18/2025 04:30:34 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/12/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Sean Haddad
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 22-AS-20250812102106
FACILITY NAME:WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
306004192
ADMINISTRATOR:STEVE SHENFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:200 WEST WHITTIER BLVD.TELEPHONE:
(562) 691-1200
CITY:LA HABRASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90631
CAPACITY:196CENSUS: 114DATE:
08/18/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:39 AM
MET WITH:Clara RamirezTIME COMPLETED:
04:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not ensure recliners and chairs are in good condition
Staff did not ensure elevators are functional and accessible
Staff do not ensure urine and feces on floors and furniture is cleaned with appropriate chemicals
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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This unannounced inspection is being conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sean Haddad for the purpose of investigating the above-mentioned complaint allegations. LPA met with Staff #1 (S1) Clara Ramirez, discussed the purpose of the inspection, and explained the allegations.

The investigation into the allegation that staff do not ensure recliners and chairs are in good condition, staff did not ensure elevators are functional and accessible, and staff do not ensure urine and feces on floors and furniture is cleaned with appropriate chemicals revealed the following: During the course of the investigation, LPA inspected the facility, interviewed residents and staff, and obtained and reviewed copies of the resident roster, staff roster, and the facility sketch.

CONTINUED
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
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
Control Number 22-AS-20250812102106
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306004192
VISIT DATE: 08/18/2025
NARRATIVE
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Regarding the allegation that staff do not ensure recliners and chairs are in good condition: it was alleged that the chairs in the memory care are falling apart and the recliners are broken. LPA inspected the facility and observed multiple chairs, couches, and recliners not in good repair, including the cloth recliners in the second-floor memory care that were heavily stained and are unsanitary, and the leather recliners in the second-floor memory care where the leather was torn or flaking off. The information obtained corroborated the allegation.

Regarding the allegation that staff did not ensure elevators are functional and accessible: it was alleged that one of the facility’s elevators has been broken for over a year and the elevator that is used for emergencies is covered with clutter which is dangerous in the case of an emergency. LPA reviewed the facility sketch which indicates the facility has three elevators: one on the north side near the dining room; one on the southeast side near the laundry room; and one on the southwest side. LPA inspected the facility and confirmed the elevator on the north side near the dining room is operational. Per facility staff, this elevator is the only one used by residents. LPA observed that the elevator on the southeast side near the laundry room is non-operational. Per facility staff, this elevator was used by memory care staff to enter and leave the memory care units, it has not been working for some time, efforts to repair it have been unsuccessful, and the facility has decided to decommission this elevator. LPA observed that the elevator on the southwest side is operational, but the entrance on the first floor is obstructed by furniture. Per facility staff, this elevator is used for emergencies, is not generally used, and the entrance should not be blocked by furniture. The information obtained corroborated that one of the facility’s three elevators is non-functional and that a second elevator is inaccessible due to being obstructed by furniture.

Regarding the allegation that staff do not ensure urine and feces on floors and furniture is cleaned with appropriate chemicals: it was alleged that the third-floor memory care common area is covered in urine and feces and staff do not have proper cleaning supplies and have to clean with water and hand soap from time to time. LPA inspected the facility and observed the facility to be generally clean and free from foul odors. LPA observed multiple housekeepers cleaning the facility with appropriate chemicals. However, LPA inspected the third-floor memory care and noted there is no cleaning closet or access to appropriate chemicals. Per facility staff, if the caregivers on the third-floor memory care needed to clean a mess, they can call the front desk and have cleaning supplies delivered to them. However, facility staff also stated that there are no housekeepers at the facility between 4:00PM and 6:00AM and that sometimes the caregivers will leave a mess for the housekeepers to clean when they arrive because that is the job of the housekeepers.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 22-AS-20250812102106
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306004192
VISIT DATE: 08/18/2025
NARRATIVE
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Based on the information obtained, the caregivers in the third-floor memory care do not have immediate access to appropriate cleaning chemicals to clean messes as they arise and also have a practice of leaving messes for the housekeepers to clean up possibly much later as the facility does not have housekeepers available for 14 hours each day. The information obtained corroborated the allegation.

During the course of the investigation, the Department obtained sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations mentioned above. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegations are Substantiated. See LIC9099D for cited deficiencies per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. Civil penalties for repeat violations are being assessed. See LIC421FC. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report and appeal rights was discussed with and provided to facility representative.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 22-AS-20250812102106
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306004192
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 08/18/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
08/19/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87303(a)
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87303 Maintenance and Operation (a) The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times…. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on admission and observations, the licensee did not ensure two out of three elevators
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During the inspection, the licensee cleared the obstructed elevator and LPA confirmed. Licensee stated they will repair the broken elevator or request approval to decommission it by POC due date.
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 were functional and accessible, with one elevator being non-functional for over a year and another elevator being obstructed, which poses an immediate safety risk to persons in care. CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSED.
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Type B
09/15/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87468.1(a)(2)
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87468.1(a)(2) – 87468.1 Personal Rights… (a) … (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations... This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on observations, the licensee did not ensure residents
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Licensee stated that they will clean, repair, or replace the stained and torn furniture items and submit proof to LPA by POC due date.
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were able to enjoy healthful and comfortable accommodations by not cleaning, repairing, or replacing multiple stained and torn furniture items, which poses a potential personal rights risk to persons in care. CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSED.
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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: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
Control Number 22-AS-20250812102106
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306004192
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 08/18/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
09/15/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87307(d)(2)
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87307 Personal Accommodations and Services (d) … (2) The premises... shall provide a safe and healthful environment. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on admission and observations, the licensee did not ensure messes in the third-floor memory care are
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Licensee stated that they will create a protocol to ensure messes are addressed timely and properly, train staff on the protocol, and submit proof to LPA by POC due date.
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cleaned appropriately and timely by not providing immediate access to appropriate cleaning chemicals to caregivers and allowing caregivers to leave messes for the housekeepers to clean up hours later, which poses a potential health risk to persons in care.
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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: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/12/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Sean Haddad
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 22-AS-20250812102106

FACILITY NAME:WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
306004192
ADMINISTRATOR:STEVE SHENFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:200 WEST WHITTIER BLVD.TELEPHONE:
(562) 691-1200
CITY:LA HABRASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90631
CAPACITY:196CENSUS: 114DATE:
08/18/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:39 AM
MET WITH:Clara RamirezTIME COMPLETED:
04:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not ensure facility is free of pests
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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This unannounced inspection is being conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sean Haddad for the purpose of investigating the above-mentioned complaint allegation. LPA met with Staff #1 (S1) Clara Ramirez, discussed the purpose of the inspection, and explained the allegation.

The investigation into the allegation that staff do not ensure facility is free of pests revealed the following: During the course of the investigation, LPA inspected the facility, interviewed residents and staff, and obtained and reviewed copies of the resident roster, staff roster, and the facility’s pest control records.

It was alleged that the facility has infestations of ants and roaches and residents have been found covered in ants. LPA inspected the facility, including all three floors, and 14 resident rooms, and observed no evidence of an insect infestation. Per facility staff, there have been no complaints about insects recently and the facility’s pest control company comes every other week to spray for insects.
Unfounded
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 22-AS-20250812102106
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WHITTEN HEIGHTS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306004192
VISIT DATE: 08/18/2025
NARRATIVE
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LPA reviewed the facility’s pest control records which show that the exterminator comes to address pests at the facility regularly. LPA interviewed 10 residents and did not obtain information corroborating the allegation. The information obtained did not corroborate the allegation.

The Department has investigated the above allegation and found it to be Unfounded, meaning the allegation was false, could not have happened, or is without reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sean Haddad
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/18/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7