Calif. Failed To Conduct Background Check on Owner of Castro Valley Assisted-Living Facility
California officials failed to conduct a background check on the owner of an assisted-living facility in Castro Valley that in October left 19 residents behind after it was shut down by the state. The owner of Valley Springs Manor -- Herminigilda Manuel -- previously was subject to $800,000 in penalties levied by a federal health watchdog for alleged negligent care at other facilities. Records indicate that the California Department of Social Services did not cross-reference records with the state Department of Public Health, which oversaw Manuel's previous assisted-living facilities.
- "Report: Assisted Care Owner Had Prior Problems" (AP/Sacramento Bee, 11/26).