Portola Place
RCFE · Memory Care
A Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) is a non-medical residential care home licensed by California CDSS under Health & Safety Code §1560. Residents receive help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. An RCFE with a Memory Care designation is additionally required by California Title 22 (§87705 and §87706) to provide specialized staff training in dementia care, individualized care plans for residents with cognitive impairment, and appropriate supervision protocols — requirements that go beyond a standard RCFE license.
445 Portola Drive · San Mateo, 94403
Quick facts
Quality snapshot
Updated April 26, 2026Compared to 182 California RCFE memory care facilities of similar size, over the last 36 months.
Source: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View raw inspection records →
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Severity35thWeighted citations per bed
Repeats100thRepeat deficiencies as share of total
Frequency18thDeficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Weighted citations per bed
Repeat deficiencies as share of total
Deficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Portola Place scores C. Better than 51% of comparable California RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY facilities. Severity: 35th percentile. Repeats: top 0%. Frequency: bottom 18%.
Each metric is converted to a 0–100 percentile within the peer set (higher = better). The composite grade averages all four. Peer set: CA / rcfe_memory_care / small beds (182 facilities).
Citation severity over time
↓ improvingWeighted severity score per month · 24 months
Weighted score (24mo)
59
Last citation
Sep 25
Finding distribution
8 total · 36 monthsScope × Severity (CMS A–L)
The rules that apply to this facility
California Title 22 requirements for this facility, with the specific regulation and a suggested question for each.Rules this facility has been cited for are shown first.
What dementia-care training must staff complete?Cited Sep 202422 CCR §87705 / HSC §1569.625
Because this facility markets dementia or Alzheimer's care, state law mandates higher training standards:
- 12 hours initial dementia training — 6 hours before a staff member works independently with residents, 6 more within the first 4 weeks.
- 8 hours annual dementia in-service — required every year thereafter.
- Administrator CE — the administrator must include 8 hours of dementia-specific continuing education in every 2-year recertification cycle.
Training must cover individualized care plans, behavioral expressions, appropriate supervision, and the facility's dementia care philosophy.
Ask on tour: Ask how dementia training records are kept — families may request documentation.
How many staff must be on duty overnight?22 CCR §87415
Based on 6 licensed beds:
One qualified staff member must be on call and physically on premises at all times overnight.
Violation pattern to watch for:A facility that documents a staff member as "on call" but with that person physically off-site — when the law requires on-premises presence — is in violation of this section.
Ask on tour: Ask the facility to walk you through their overnight staffing plan and confirm whether on-call staff are on premises or off-site.
What health conditions can this facility legally accept or refuse?22 CCR §87612–87615
Restricted — allowed with physician order + care plan
- Supplemental oxygen
- Insulin and injectable medications
- Indwelling or intermittent catheters
- Colostomy / ileostomy
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 pressure injuries
- Wound care (non-complex)
- Incontinence
- Contractures
Prohibited — facility must refuse or discharge
- Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injuries
- Feeding tubes (PEG, NG, or J-tube)
- Tracheostomies
- Active MRSA or communicable infections requiring isolation
- 24-hour skilled nursing needs
- Total ADL dependence with inability to communicate needs
A hospice waiver (HSC §1569.73) can allow continued care for residents on hospice who would otherwise fall into a prohibited category.
Ask on tour: Ask whether your loved one's specific care needs are restricted or prohibited, and what the facility's process is if needs change after admission.
What must this facility report to the state — and how fast?22 CCR §87211 / WIC §15630
- ImmediateElopement, fire, epidemic outbreak, or poisoningImmediately
- 2 hoursAbuse with serious bodily injury2-hour phone report + 2-hour written report — to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement
- 24 hrsAbuse without serious bodily injuryWithin 24 hours
- Next dayDeath of a residentPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- Next dayInjury requiring medical treatment beyond first aidPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- WrittenBankruptcy, foreclosure, eviction, or utility shutoff noticeWritten notice to CDSS and residents — $100/day penalty (max $2,000) for failure
Your enforcement lever:Incidents that aren't reported on time are themselves a separate violation. If you believe a reportable event wasn't filed, you can submit a complaint directly to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
How does CDSS enforce these rules?22 CCR §87755–87777 / HSC §1569.58
- 1Notice of DeficiencyWritten citation with a correction deadline. Facility must submit a Plan of Correction.
- 2Civil PenaltyStarts at $50/day for non-serious; $150/day for serious deficiencies — immediately, with no grace period. Repeats escalate to $150 first day + $50/day, then $1,000 first day + $100/day.
- 3Suspension of AdmissionsFacility cannot accept new residents until violations are corrected.
- 4Temporary Suspension or RevocationEmergency suspension for imminent danger; full revocation after administrative hearing.
- 5Exclusion OrderAdministrator and operator can be barred from all CDSS-licensed facilities — not just this one.
See how these rules have been applied to this specific facility:
View state inspection record and citationsState records
California Dept. of Social Services · Community Care Licensing- License number
- 415601058
- License type
- RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY
- License status
- LICENSED
- License expires
- Not yet indexed
- Licensed beds
- 6
- Operator
- Atienza, Armand
Inspections & citations
2
reports on file
8
total deficiencies
5
Type A (actual harm)
1
dementia-care citations
InspectionSeptember 15, 2025Type A6 deficiencies
Plain-language summary
During a routine inspection on September 15, 2025, inspectors found that a garage refrigerator used for resident food storage was dirty with expired items inside, food was stored in improper containers, and vegetables and fruits were left uncovered—creating food safety concerns. The inspector also noted that one resident's physician records were not current and that a common hand towel was being used in the bathroom, which can spread illness. The facility's safety equipment, resident rooms, and staff files were in order, though the facility must submit updated documentation including an emergency disaster plan by September 22, 2025.
View full inspector notes
On 09/15/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Vado Jaime Vado conducted an unannounced annual required inspection visit. LPA met with the licensee Armand Atienza and explained the purpose of today's visit. There are 2 caregivers in the facility and 4 residents present. This is a two level facility licensed for residents age range of 60 years and over all of which may be non-ambulatory. License is approved for 3 hospice residents. There are 2 hospice residents as of today's inspection visit. The second level of the facility is occupied by private renters. The access door to the second floor is secured so those renters cannot enter the facility. There is a separate entrance for that second floor unit located near the garage of the facility. The physical plant was toured inside and outside of the facility to ensure the safety of the residents. There are no video cameras on site per the caregivers. LPA observed the facility kitchen which is in good repair. Knives are stored and locked per observation made. Perishable and non-perishable food supply in place. There is an additional refrigerator/ freezer in the garage area which carries additional food supplies for resident use. Refrigerator was observed to not meet regulatory standard in terms of cleanliness. Storage shelves and drawers were observed to be sticky and dirty, sticky, needing to be cleaned. Expired food items were observed such as sauces and milk were observed. Also it was observed the facility used of other food containers to store foods that were not intended to be in those containers that were originally for miso dressing and two containers of potato salads. Uncovered vegetables and fruits were also observed. Also in the garage is the laundry area and where the cleaning supplies are primarily stored. LPA also observed cleaning supplies locked beneath the kitchen sink. Continued on next... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Page 2 First aid kit is observed as complete with required items stored in the kitchen of the facility. Medications are observed to be locked in the kitchen in a kitchen cabinet adjacent to the refrigerator. LPA observed at least one fire extinguisher in place which are currently within operating range, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detectors are observed in place through out the facility, and central heating. Inspection tag for the extinguisher indicates it was checked on 07/18/2025. Facility is not equipped with fire sprinklers. LPA also observed fire pull stations in the rear and front of the facility. Emergency exit routes are observed inside and outside to be free and clear of obstructions. Water temperature is measured at 121F and increasing during today's inspection. The temperature was adjusted during today's visit and is remeasured at 105F. Also observed in the bathroom is a common hand towel for resident use to use for drying of hands. LPA provided advisory notice that such should not be in place for resident use in order to prevent the spread of illness and other reasons. Linen supplies are observed as in place in a hallway closet. LPA observed all resident rooms as clean, free of odors, and contained all the required furniture per regulatory recommendations. Resident bathrooms are observed as clean and in good worker order. Shower floor is equipped with non-skid mat for resident use. Medications and logs are observed today as current. During today's inspection LPA reviewed 4 resident files. R1 physician's report is not current to within one year and has a dementia diagnosis and there was no other evidence on file reflecting an annual medical visit being conducted but was informed that R1 did have a medical visit and will submit evidence of the visit. Staff files are reviewed and are current. Administrator certificate is observed to be current expiring 06/16/2026. The following updated forms are requested to be submitted to CCLD by 09/22/2025 : • Copy of updated administrator certificate • LIC308 Designation of responsible staff person • LIC610E Emergency Disaster Plan • LIC500 Staff Schedule Report is reviewed with Armand and a copy of the report is provided. Citations are issued on this day on the attached LIC809D pages.
Regulation
87303(e)(2) Maintenance and Operation - Faucets used by residents for personal care such as shaving and grooming shall deliver hot water. Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate the temperature of hot water used by residents to attain a temperature of not less than 105 degree F (41 degree C) and not more than 1…
Inspector finding
Based on facility observations made during water temperature testing, LPA found that the water temperature in the common bathroom for the facility, the water temerature was tested at 121F and increasing. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87555(23) General Food Service Requirements - All readily perishable foods or beverages capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of micro-organisms which can cause food infections or food intoxications shall be stored in covered containers at appropriate temperatures. This regulation has not been met as evidenced by:
Inspector finding
Based on observations made of the facility refrigerators, LPA observed uncovered fresh foods such as cantalope, celery, onions, and other fresh vegetables were not covered appropriately. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87465(i) Incidental Medical and Dental Care - Prescription medications which are not taken with the resident upon termination of services, not returned to the issuing pharmacy, nor retained in the facility as ordered by the resident’s physician and documented in the resident’s record nor disposed of according to the hospice’s established procedures…
Inspector finding
Based on facility ovservations made, LPA Vado found medications from a prefious resident was not destroyed properly and was being stored in the facility's refrigerator in the main kitchen. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87463(h) - Reappraisals -The licensee shall request that all residents receive an annual routine visit with a licensed medical professional once every twelve months, either in person or by video appointment. This regulation has not been met as evidenced by:
Inspector finding
Based on resident files reviewed, R1's last doctor visit notated on the physician's report is 06/03/2024, which does not meet the annual routine medial visit as outlined in this regulation. This poses an immediate heatlh and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87555(b)(8) General Food Service Requirements - All food shall be of good quality. Commercial foods shall be approved by appropriate federal, state and local authorities. Food in damaged containers shall not be accepted, used or retained. This regulation has not been met as evidenced by:
Inspector finding
Based on observations made of the items in the facility refrigerator in the main kitchen, LPA found several expired items such as milk, barbecue sauce, and other items with past best use by dates. Additionally, LPA observed vegetable with mold and the reusing of containters that were for miso dressing and potato salad to store other food items hat were not originally in those containers. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87303(a) Maintenance and Operation - The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times. Maintenance shall include provision of maintenance services and procedures for the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors. This regulation has not been met as evidenced by:
Inspector finding
Based on obseravtions made of the refrigerator in the main kitchen, LPA found that the shelves, storage drawers, and storage areas of the refrigerator as dirty, sticky, and needed to be cleaned. This poses as a potential health and safety risk for residents in care.
InspectionSeptember 23, 2024Type A2 deficiencies
Inspector: Jaime Vado
Plain-language summary
During an unannounced annual inspection on September 23, 2024, inspectors found that water temperature in the facility reached 123 degrees Fahrenheit, which poses a burn risk to residents, and that two residents with dementia diagnoses did not have current physician reports (required within one year), which also poses a health and safety risk. Inspectors also noted sticky and dirty flooring in some areas, a broken bathroom shelf resting on the toilet, use of a shared hand towel instead of individual towels, and an expired administrator certificate. The facility was asked to submit updated documentation and certificates by September 30, 2024, and violations were cited.
View full inspector notes
On 09/23/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Vado Jaime Vado conducted an unannounced annual required inspection visit. LPA met with caregivers Tracy Byrne and Jeremiah Ricarto. LPA spoke to the licensee Armand Atienza via telephone during today's inspection. LPA explained the purpose of today's visit to the caregivers present. There are 2 caregivers in the facility and 6 residents present. This is a two level facility licensed for residents age range of 60 years and over all of which may be non-ambulatory. License is approved for 3 hospice residents. There are no hospice residents as of today's inspection visit. The second level of the facility is occupied by private renters. There is no access from the second floor into the facility. There is a separate entrance for that second floor unit located near the garage of the facility. The physical plant was toured inside and outside of the facility to ensure the safety of the residents. The floors of the facility are observed to be sticky to foot wear making an audible sticking sound through out. LPA observed spots and areas around the bathroom and resident rooms where the flooring appear to be dirty in some areas with visible marks and debris. There are no video cameras on site per the caregivers. LPA observed the facility kitchen which is in good repair. Knives are stored and locked per observation made. Perishable and non-perishable food supply in place. There is an additional refrigerator/ freezer in the garage area which carries additional food supplies for resident use. Also in the garage is the laundry area and where the cleaning supplies are primarily stored. LPA also observed cleaning supplies locked beneath the kitchen sink. First aid kit is observed as complete with required items stored in the kitchen of the facility. Medications are observed to be locked in the kitchen in a kitchen cabinet adjacent to the refrigerator. LPA observed at least one fire extinguisher in place which are currently within operating range, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detectors are observed in place through out the facility, and central heating. Continued on next... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Page 2 Facility is not equipped with fire sprinklers. LPA also observed fire pull stations in the rear and front of the facility. Emergency exit routes are observed inside and outside to be free and clear of obstructions. Water temperature is measured at 123F and increasing during today's inspection. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to resident in care. Also observed in the bathroom is a common hand towel for resident use to use for drying of hands. LPA provided advisory notice that such should not be in place for resident use in order to prevent the spread of illness and other reasons. Linen supplies are observed as in place in a hallway closet. LPA observed all resident rooms as clean, free of odors, and contained all the required furniture per regulatory recommendations. Resident bathrooms are observed as clean and in good worker order. LPA did observe in a resident's half bath in their room a shelf above the toilet that is broken off the wall and resting on top of the toilet. Shower floor is equipped with non-skid mat for resident use. Facility does not handle resident monies. Medications and logs are observed today as current. During today's inspection LPA reviewed 6 resident files. R1 and R4 physician's report is not current to within one year and has a dementia diagnosis. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to the resident in care. Staff files are reviewed and are current. Administrator certificate is observed as expired as of 06/15/2024. LPA is requesting an updated copy to be sent to the Department for review. The following updated forms are requested to be submitted to CCLD by 09/30/2024 : • Copy of all updated administrator certificates • Copy of facility's liability insurance • LIC308 Designation of responsible staff person • LIC610E Emergency Disaster Plan • LIC500 Staff Schedule • Copy of control of property or copy of lease Citations are issued on this day on the attached LIC809D pages. Technical violations and Technical Assistance also provided on this day on the attached LIC9102 forms. Report is reviewed with Jeremiah and Tracy and a copy of report is provided.
Regulation
87303(e)(2) Maintenance and Operation - Faucets used by residents for personal care such as shaving and grooming shall deliver hot water. Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate the temperature of hot water used by residents to attain a temperature of not less than 105 degree F (41 degree C) and not more than 1…
Inspector finding
Based on facility observations made during water temperature testing, LPA found that the water temperature in the common bathroom for the facility, the water temerature was tested at 123F and increasing. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
Regulation
87705(c)(5) Care of Persons with Dementia - Licensees who accept and retain residents with dementia shall be responsible for ensuring the following: Each resident with dementia shall have an annual medical assessment as specified in Section 87458, Medical Assessment, and a reappraisal done at least annually, both of which shall include a reassessme…
Inspector finding
Based on records reviewed, LPA observed that the physician's report for R1 is not current. Residents with dementia require a new physicians report annually. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to resident in care.
Federal summary
CMS Care CompareNot a CMS-certified facility
California RCFEs (residential care facilities for the elderly) are licensed by the state, not by CMS. CMS data only applies to skilled nursing facilities or to CCRCs that operate a licensed SNF wing.
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