Complaint Investigation Report

PD stated that both Staff assigned (S1 and S2) to the facility van on 06/02/2026, where the open container of alcohol was found, were sent for independent drug and alcohol screening on the morning of 06/03/2026, the day after the open container was found in the facility van. LPA noted that independent lab test results were furnished to the LPA by the facility which indicated that testing of S1 and S2 on 06/03/2026 showed 0.00 level for alcohol and marked negative as to results on independent alcohol screening. Additional drug panel screening from 06/03/2026 showed “negative” to all 10 different drugs tested for both S1 and S2. PD stated that GPS tracking shows the facility van assigned and driven by S1 on 06/02/2026 stopped at 459 W Teft Street, Nipomo, CA 93444 (Stop and Buy Liquor and Gas Station) at 10:27am. On 06/04/2026, LPA conducted interviews with S1 and S2 who both stated that on 06/02/2026 they had stopped at Stop and Buy Liquor and Gas Station to buy chips and energy drinks. Both S1 and S2 deny buying any alcohol at this location. Both S1 and S2 stated that clients in care did not buy any alcohol to their knowledge at this location. On 06/04/2026, LPA conducted an interview with Day Program Director of Operations, Steven Hernandez (DPO) who stated that he had discovered the open container in the facility van on 06/02/2026. LPA was provided a picture of the open container in the van. LPA noted that the empty open container of alcohol was round in shape and inside a black plastic bag when discovered in the facility van, both unique in this context. On 06/04/2026, LPA arrived to the Stop and Buy Liquor and Gas Station in Nipomo and verified that the round in shape alcohol container that was found in the facility van was also sold at the Stop and Buy Liquor and Gas Station, additionally, LPA noted that the bags at Stop and Buy Liquor and Gas Station were also the same black plastic bag that the open container in the van was found. On 06/04/2026 LPA attempted to conduct interviews with Clients 1 and 2 (C1 and C2). LPA was unable to determine from clients any knowledge of alcohol being present or consumed in the van on 06/02/2026 client interviews. Based on interviews and documentation of independent lab results there is not enough evidence at this time to support the allegation of staff consuming drugs or alcohol, however, S1 and S2 having been assigned to provide supervision, that includes transpiration of clients in care should have been aware of the open container of alcohol under the California Vehicle Code Section 23222(a) open container law which poses potential risk to clients in care and does impair their ability to provide adequate care and supervision, which presents a risk to clients in care. and therefore the allegation of, “Staff consumed alcohol and drugs during work hours, impairing their ability to provide adequate care and supervision, which presents a risk to clients in care.”, is substantiated at this time.

Exit interview, report read, appeal rights and report provided.