The California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division conducted several unannounced visits to Vista Del Monte, a 741‑type assisted‑living and memory‑care facility in Santa Barbara. In June 2021 and again in July 2022 the agency performed annual infection‑control inspections. The evaluators observed that the facility maintained a robust entry station with temperature checks, symptom questionnaires, and PPE supplies, and that staff consistently screened residents, documented results, and employed social‑distancing practices in common areas and outdoor courtyards. Training on COVID‑19 prevention and emergency notification plans was verified, and the facility’s isolation and testing protocols met state requirements. No violations were cited during either of these visits.

A separate case‑management inspection on 28 June 2021 uncovered a deficiency in staff hiring compliance: one employee had begun work in May without the required criminal record clearance. The agency cited the failure under Title 22, Chapter 8, and imposed an immediate civil penalty of $500, requiring corrective action by 29 June. In the July 2022 inspection a fire‑safety deficiency was identified under CCR 87203; the report noted that several fire extinguishers were not properly serviced in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s regulations, prompting a plan of correction.

Overall, Vista Del Monte demonstrated strong adherence to infection‑control protocols and proactive resident care, with no citations for those aspects. However, lapses in background‑check compliance and fire‑safety maintenance highlight the importance of continuous oversight. The agency’s documentation and corrective‑action processes provide a clear path for the facility to address these gaps while maintaining its high standard of resident safety.