CALA News & Views | Issue 51 | Impact

PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE impact BRINGING WORKFORCE INTO FOCUS

PROTECTING RCFE S , CCRC S AND THE RESIDENTS THEY SERVE

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Protecting RCFEs, CCRCs and the Residents They Serve THIS ISSUE

Message from the President & CEO

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Working Toward a Healthier Operating Environment Supporting Broad Innovations to Benefit California’s Older Adults

ADVANCING SENIOR LIVING CALA'S STRATEGIC PLAN:

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Bringing Workforce Into Focus – 2024 and Beyond

CALA's 2023-2025 strategic plan focuses on four keys areas – Perceptions, Advocacy, Education and Workforce – to support members in the provision of quality care to their residents. Significant progress has already been made and numerous initiatives are underway to positively impact the environment in which CALA members operate and their residents live. PERCEPTIONS CALA’s goal to promote a positive view of senior living among policymakers and the public is supported by organizing legislative tours and the Days in Your District events. We are developing resources to educate policymakers on expanding Assisted Living in California to meet growing demand, are creating materials to support broadening consumer access, and have launched a new resident and family section on our website. ADVOCACY CALA’s focus is to ensure communities are able to operate efficiently in a positive environment. We regularly identify and communicate training needs for California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) staff and engage with CCLD leadership on CALA priorities. CALA successfully advocated for increased funding for background check staff to impact unacceptable backlogs. Our risk reduction initiatives will continue with a symposium early next year. And CALA was an important partner in this year’s PAGA reform, contributing staff time and resources. EDUCATION CALA prepares community staff to serve residents, families and associates by offering high quality conference programming. New this year was focused programming including an Immersive Culinary Learning Opportunity and Mastering Multi-site Leadership. We are providing new dementia regulation training and planning an assessment of staff essential competencies and member needs. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CALA is dedicated to attracting talent by expanding partnerships with educational institutions and job training programs. We are developing student engagement opportunities, building culinary engagement templates, collaborating with American Job Centers and exploring statewide partnerships with job training programs throughout the state. Through these strategic initiatives, CALA remains committed to enhancing Assisted Living, supporting our members and enriching the lives of our residents.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Transforming Lives & Careers Through the CALA USC Graduate Degree Scholarship!

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Diverse Journey

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Educational Excellence

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Advocacy in Action

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CALA's Rebranding

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Excellence in Service: Celebrating Our Southern California Award Recipients

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Joining Together

Nancy Ball, Director of Meetings and Events nancy@CAassistedliving.org Denise Brandt, Director of Workforce Development denise@CAassistedliving.org Selena Coppi Hornback, Senior Director of Public Policy selena@CAassistedliving.org Agnes de la Vega, Senior Workforce Development Specialist agnes@CAassistedliving.org Sabrina Estrada, Advocacy Engagement Specialist sabrina@CAassistedliving.org Heather Harrison, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Public Affairs heather@CAassistedliving.org Kate Henneinke, Membership Manager kate@CAassistedliving.org Katherine McLoskey, Director of Operations katherine@CAassistedliving.org Sally Michael, President & CEO sally@CAassistedliving.org Haty Pietrasz, Director of Creative Design haty@CAassistedliving.org Brandi Pittman, Administrative Assistant brandi@CAassistedliving.org Kevin Swartzendruber, Director of Marketing & Communications kevin@CAassistedliving.org Jan Trifiro, Vice President of Professional Development jan@CAassistedliving.org

CALA STAFF

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 222 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 448-1900 www.CAassistedliving.org

Sally Michael

Copyright © 2024 California Assisted Living Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form - print, electronic or otherwise - without written permission from CALA.

CALA’S 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS THANK YOU

OFFICERS

TREASURER Laura Fischer Integral Senior Living

PAST CHAIR Danielle Morgan Clearwater Living

SECRETARY Courtney Siegel Oakmont Management Group

CHAIR Ron Mead Senior Resource Group, LLC

VICE CHAIR Dave Eskenazy Cogir Management USA, Inc.

DIRECTORS

Denise Falco Sunrise Senior Living

Tara Cope Vi Senior Living

Mark Cimino CiminoCare

Dave Coluzzi Carlton Senior Living

Josh Allen Allen Flores Consulting Group

Michel Augsburger Chancellor Health Care, Inc

Rick Jensen Northstar Senior Living

Michelle Kelly National Health Investors, Inc.

Rodger Lederer Marsh

Ray Leisure Brookdale Senior Living

Joel Goldman Hanson Bridgett, LLP

Paula Hertel Senior Living Consult

Jay Thomas Atria Senior Living

Douglas Lessard Belmont Village Senior Living

Tana McMillon Silverado | Memory Care Communities

Todd Shetter ActivCare Living

Nancy Schier Anzelmo Alzheimer’s Care Associates LLC

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Our Advocacy IMPACT

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A positive experience for older adults in need of care depends on a strong and robust senior living sector. CALA delivers results that protect and promote the services members offer and demonstrates the strong value Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide. A lack of policymaker awareness or understanding of what it takes to deliver high quality, 24/7 residential care can lead to misguided proposals that threaten to undercut the highly popular, consumer-centered services CALA members provide to tens of thousands of older adults each and every day. Efforts to increase awareness is a high priority goal. Here are highlights of what CALA accomplished this year and areas of continued advocacy.

RCFEs, CCRCs and the Residents They Serve Protecting

CALA succeeded in eliminating a provision from SB 1352 (Wahab) that would have had the unintended effect of ending CCRC contracting as it currently exists, and instead offered an alternative approach to clarify that CCRC residents are to be given a copy of the applicable resident rights based on the licensed unit into which they are moving. The governor signed this bill and it becomes law Jan. 1, 2025. A resident’s right to visit with family and loved ones is long-standing and a fundamental need. As we saw during the pandemic, government policies that undervalue the significance of in-person visits and prevent those visits for long periods of time, risked harm to older adults. CALA supported AB 2075 (Alvarez) and helped create a reasonable proposal to ensure that visits with family and loved ones are respected during public health emergencies when appropriate safeguards are followed. While this bill did not make it to the governor’s desk due to anticipated state costs, the effort raised awareness of this critical need among lawmakers and stakeholders and provides a roadmap for future efforts.

CALA succeeded in fighting off the devastating misapplication of apartment-style rent control and the unraveling of the RCFE licensure framework in SB 1406 (Allen) . Originally, this bill would have imposed price controls on RCFEs without regard to the costs of delivering 24/7 care and services, ultimately jeopardizing care to residents. CALA worked with Senator Allen to replace that language with a framework that would reflect the realities of this labor-intensive model of care. Also eliminated from the bill was a prohibition on delivering and charging for needed resident services – clearly an untenable proposition that would have perpetuated self-neglect and put residents at risk. The final version of the bill removed all reference to rate increase restrictions and instead extends the resident notice of rate increases from 60 to 90 days and restates a resident’s right to refuse services (while not restricting the licensee’s obligation to provide needed services and the ability to charge for those services as outlined in admission agreements). The governor signed this bill and it becomes law Jan. 1, 2025.

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Working

Toward a Healthier Operating Environment

budget trailer bill helped increase Care Provider Management Branch (CPMB) staff and fund changes to the Guardian background check system that have made it function better for CPMB staff, Assisted Living providers and employees. Currently, the black hole “error batch” has been eliminated and it is being actively monitored and worked, clearances are happening within about three days, simplified exemptions are granted within approximately three weeks, and standard exemptions are being granted within four months. The number of calls handled by the call center have increased 44% over the last year and there has been a 60% decrease in wait times over the last year. CALA continues to meet regularly with DSS and CPMB leadership to ensure progress continues and to elevate lengthy background checks on behalf of members to get more information and help shake them loose. As DSS continues the process for developing a new background check system to replace Guardian, CALA has provided member feedback on the current features members would like to see in a new system and changes that should be considered. More to come as this multi-year effort continues. CALA has been focused on improving the Administrator Certification process which is experiencing excessive delays in processing new and renewal administrator certificates. Paper application processing and staff turnover compounded the challenges that built up during the pandemic, resulting in a 10-month backlog at one point. However, relief is on the way as CALA continues to press for change. REDUCING ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATION BACKLOGS

PAGA REFORM CALA was a significant early and active supporter of efforts to reform PAGA (the Private Attorneys General Act) and reduce lawsuit abuse. With a strong coalition in place, legislation to reform PAGA has been enacted, including a right to cure, changes in standing so only someone who experienced the alleged violation can sue, penalty caps, and a one-year statute of limitations, among other things. MAINTAINED INTEGRITY OF LICENSING INVESTIGATIONS In keeping with CALA’s goal to improve licensing operations and efficiencies, CALA secured amendments to AB 1911 (Reyes) that preserved integrity of investigations by not allowing complainants to accompany state staff during investigations, as the bill originally proposed. CALA also maintained opposition to costly provisions that threatened even more significant backlogs in core CCLD functions. This bill failed to make it to the governor’s desk due to significant state costs. Prevented Frivolous Allegations and Increased Litigation Costs CALA fought against legislation that threatened to increase frivolous allegations and litigation costs inevitably resulting in higher costs of care throughout the state. Working as part of a strong coalition, AB 2800 (Kalra) was stopped early in the legislative process and AB 2773 (Kalra) was ultimately vetoed by Governor Newsom, as his predecessor, Governor Brown, did in 2017.

CONTINUED BACKGROUND CHECK IMPROVEMENTS

Timely background checks are critical to the successful operation of Assisted Living communities. CALA’s leadership on last years’

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In January, the Administrator Certification Bureau (ACB) launched an online portal for renewing administrator certificates. At CALA’s urging, CALA staff and CALA members, in addition to other stakeholders, had the opportunity to beta test the portal prior to launch and provide feedback to help refine the system. CALA staff and members provided additional feedback that helped ensure easy and accurate counting of total uploaded Continuing Education Units (CEUs), expanded payment options and generation of a receipt after payment is made. It is also now possible to access and print certificates using a cell phone when accessing the portal using a cell phone. ACB recently announced they are fully staffed and have essentially doubled their staff since January. They have been able to get their processing time down to six months, which is significant progress towards their goal of processing new and renewal certificates within three months of receipt. The next phase includes launching an online portal for new administrators, including registration and payment for the administrator exam and submission and payment for the initial administrator certification application. UPDATING DEMENTIA REGULATIONS Updates to the dementia care regulations have been in the works for several years. CALA has been part of previous DSS stakeholder groups to discuss overarching goals for ensuring residents with dementia can age in place to the extent possible in the least restrictive environment. DSS released two drafts of the updated regulations and CALA provided robust comments each time. Thank you to the CALA members who served on the dementia regulations workgroup and helped review the draft regulations and CALA’s comments. CALA is working to ensure that while the focus of these regulations is to enhance the experience for those with dementia, that they don’t end up creating unnecessarily restrictive environments for residents without dementia. DSS has confirmed with CALA that the intent of the regulations and implementation will be resident-centered and focus on ensuring the resident is not a danger to themselves or others due to behavioral expressions or access to toxic substances, medications, sharp objects, etc., not restricting other residents. DSS plans to create implementation guidance, Frequently Asked Questions, host webinars, train LPAs and develop other information to further clarify the new regulations and help licensees and LPAs understand the new regulations. At CALA’s

request, DSS will share these implementation tools with stakeholders prior to release to review and provide feedback. The regulations were finalized in October and will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025. CALA is hosting an initial webinar on Dec. 10 to help members understand how the new regulations will impact care of residents with cognitive impairment and how to comply. Participants will receive one CEU and there will time for questions and answers. Interested members can register here. As part of the dementia care regulatory update, CALA has updated our Antipsychotics: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tracking and Reducing Use . The guide helps members quantify and track the number of residents living with dementia within their communities that have orders for antipsychotic medications and to reduce their use. The guide provides a sample worksheet to track usage, two sample charts to track and monitor resident behavioral expressions, information to help address and educate residents’ families and prescribers on the issue, and information from a variety of sources to help RCFE providers look for ways to reduce the unnecessary use of antipsychotic medications by their residents. Access the toolkit from CALA’s Medication Management webpage. The question of when to call 911 remains a priority for CALA. Current regulations have been interpreted as mandating the inappropriate use of the 911 system outside of its intended purpose to provide medical care in life-threatening emergency situations. Due to the ambiguous regulatory requirements, some local jurisdictions have imposed fines on RCFEs they deem to be needlessly or excessively using the 911 system. CALA continues to ensure this issue is not forgotten by DSS and that the regulations are updated as soon as possible. At CALA’s urging, DSS is working on a PIN to provide additional clarity to licensees for when there may be other appropriate ways to obtain medical attention for non-life-threatening circumstances. CALA has also created talking points to help members engage with emergency responders and educate them on current regulatory requirements. For a copy of the talking points, email Selena Coppi Hornback. CALA will continue to promote efforts that enable members to deliver high quality, resident-centered care, expand access and choice for older adults, and improve the operating environment. Stay tuned for more. WORKING TOWARD CLARITY FOR 9-1-1 CALLS

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Broad Innovations to Benefit California’s Older Adults Supporting

supported and were signed into law. AB 2541 (Bains) brings together experts to develop police officer training to help with individuals that wander and ensure broader communication and coordination among and within local jurisdictions. AB 2680 (Aguiar-Curry) renames the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Committee and expands membership. AB 2689 (Bains) extends the tax checkoff for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund to Jan. 1, 2032. SB 639 (Limon) requires medical professionals whose patient population is 25% or more age 65 or older to take at least 20% of all mandatory continuing education hours in a course related to geriatric medicine or the care of older patients.

CALA prides itself on being a critical partner with an important role in the broader long-term services and supports system. With that in mind, CALA engages on a wide range of issues that benefit the system as a whole. CALA supported three bills that help strengthen the LTSS system. Governor Newsom signed the bills, and they will become effective Jan. 1, 2025. AB 2207 (Reyes) expands several state boards and commissions to add various representatives, including the executive director of the California Commission on Aging and other representatives from organizations that serve or advocate on behalf of older adults. AB 2620 (Bains) makes changes that allow the commission to function more easily and requires commissioners to have some professional, lived or academic expertise relating to aging. SB 1249 (Roth) strengthens the Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state to help ensure a well organized and efficient LTSS infrastructure, which is vital to meet growing demand by older Californians.

In addition, there were several bills relating to dementia care that benefit the broader LTSS system that CALA

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Our Workforce IMPACT

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" " I have utilized the resources CALA provides with their many partnerships and have built relationships that have helped further advance my staff in their careers and education in senior living, as well as my own. CALA brings all senior living communities together as a team allowing us to advocate for senior living and build stronger connections in this field. Monique Moreira, Executive Director, Atria Hacienda, Palm Desert, CA

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Bringing

Workforce Into Focus – 2024 and Beyond

With the appointment of a director of workforce development, CALA now has a dedicated full-time staff member focused on addressing the workforce needs of our members. Since March, key priorities have included establishing relationships with schools, universities and career centers; hosting webinars that showcase career stories from CALA members; sharing valuable Argentum resources; expanding student scholarships and sponsorship opportunities; and revitalizing the Workforce Development Committee. After a comprehensive review of CALA’s past workforce initiatives and strategic plan, the following areas were identified as key starting points. CALA has expanded hosted webinars tailored to specific academic programs such as business, hospitality and healthcare. These sessions feature supportive members who share their personal stories and career journeys into senior living. Partnering with community colleges, private schools and California state universities, the webinars are designed to reach a broad and diverse student audience. CALA’s workforce team invited our national partner, Argentum, to introduce Direct Workforce Services (DWS) to members interested in on-the-job training, tax credit incentives and labor grant opportunities. DWS acts as the liaison between members and the American Job Centers throughout California. The program was initially launched in key economic regions with plans for continued rollout

across the state. This valuable yet lesser-known resource for members could lead to significant cost savings on hiring new employees. Additional outside resources the team is exploring and will share with members soon include Goodwill and Work for Warriors placement programs. Cosumnes River College is collaborating with CALA to create a three-part event that can be replicated statewide by other hospitality programs. With the support of renowned member chefs, a short video will be produced and incorporated into student assignments. The video will highlight career opportunities in senior living dining, outline the key skills needed for success and feature personal success stories from CALA members. In addition to the video, students will tour a member community for an onsite demonstration and have a member chef visit their classroom for a live cooking demonstration. The program will also include promoting open positions at local member communities, providing students with direct access to job opportunities. CALA is continuing its efforts to inform members about the recruiting opportunities available through Handshake, a widely used platform among students nationwide for job searches. Click here for more information.

Be sure to visit CALA’s Workforce Development website for additional resources and information.

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10 Years of Transforming Lives & Careers Through the CALA USC Graduate Degree Scholarship! Celebrating

FURTHER YOUR CAREER – APPLY FOR THE 2025 USC SCHOLARSHIP! Key Dates & Deadlines ● March 14: Graduate School Application priority deadline* ● June 13: Scholarship Application deadline** ● August 25: Fall Semester classes begin *Admission to the USC School of Gerontology does not guarantee scholarship support. **Scholarship Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (All required documents, including transcripts, must be received by CALA by this date.) Please note: Full scholarship includes tuition. Student is responsible for books and other fees. Award contingent upon acceptance into graduate school. APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL Upon Acceptance, Submit Scholarship Application Items to CALA Seize this golden opportunity to enhance your knowledge and propel your career forward – submit your application today!

Since 2014, in recognition of CALA members' unwavering dedication to providing outstanding care and upholding sound business practices, the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has granted a full scholarship to a deserving CALA provider member, paving the way for the recipient to pursue a master’s degree of their choice. Each past recipient has shared how transformative the experience has been, impacting their personal and professional development and opening pathways for career advancement. HERE'S WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW: ● Program values range from $36,000 to $100,000. ● Courses can be completed either online or on-site. ● Scholarship recipients can choose among seven degree programs best suited to their needs, interests and past experience. ● The opportunity to apply for the scholarship is available to any CALA member that works in a senior living community or corporate position that resides in California – from regionals to executive directors, program directors, rising stars and beyond.

Applicants must first apply and be accepted into graduate school.

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Celebrating Aimee Cuda 2024 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Scholarship Recipient

We are happy to introduce Aimee Cuda , recipient of the 2024 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Scholarship, a full tuition award that will support her pursuit of a master’s degree in aging services management. This full-tuition scholarship, valued at nearly $100,000, will support

Before joining CCSS, Aimee worked in nonprofit roles, including executive director of ITNMontereyCounty and development director at The Carmel Foundation. She is also an active volunteer, serving on committees like The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The scholarship allows Aimee to fulfill her dream of earning a master’s degree, enhancing her ability to address ageism and other key issues in senior care. Her long-term vision includes creating a unique dining experience for individuals with dementia, inspired by Japan’s Restaurant of Mistaken Orders. We honored Aimee at the CALA Elevate Fall Conference on Nov. 6, recognizing her dedication to compassionate care and her innovative vision for the future of senior living.

Aimee in her pursuit of a master’s degree, recognizing her commitment to providing exceptional care and maintaining sound business practices within the senior living profession. Aimee has been with Central Coast Senior Services, Inc. (CCSS) for seven years, starting as director of marketing and now serving as chief administrative officer . Her leadership has been key in maintaining high standards of care and supporting the community’s operations.

Career Paths Opening

The CALA conferences brought together an enthusiastic group of scholarship recipients from a wide range of academic disciplines, including computer science, math, human development, gerontology, health policy, pre-med and nutrition. Hailing from various parts of the state, these students embraced the opportunity to engage with industry sponsors, sharpen their resume and interview skills, and explore the dynamic trade show. The conference provided an invaluable learning experience, with student reflections highlighting both personal growth and professional development. CALA CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS REFLECT ON UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

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My understanding of senior living has greatly increased as a result of attending this conference. My understanding of the many roles and duties in senior living organizations, the most recent developments in resident care technology, and the significance of regulatory compliance have all increased. Maxwell Abah, CSU Sacramento

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I knew hardly anything about senior living before attending this conference and now it’s all I’ll talk about to anyone who will listen. Attending the conference made me sure that I want to experience what it’s like to be a care provider at a community. Alysa Banks, UC Davis

The scholarship recipient's resume, interview tips and interview session are incredibly helpful, preparing us to enter the industry and advance our future careers with confidence. Leyi Oscar Lin, USC

Attending the conference has given me so much knowledge. I have learned so much about dementia, diabetes and how to help elderly to improve sleep. I learned more about medical care and ongoing issues with aging in healthcare. Such an amazing experience and loved every moment in the conference! Thank you all so much! Yvette Martin, CSU Sacramento

I was able to get insight into the culinary field, get advice on refining my resume, as well as how to be successful in an interview . Jordyn Roberson, USC

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CALA again welcomed Layla Eskenazy, owner & CEO of Senior Talent Group , during special student sessions. We want to thank Layla for her generous support and valuable mentorship to the scholarship recipients, offering guidance and insights that enriched their conference experience.

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Educational Excellence Providing

ELEVATE : CALA'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO The energy and enthusiasm at our two 2024 conferences was palpable. Each conference opened with a breakout session focused on crucial considerations and strategies to strengthen employee retention. The packed attendance, high energy and dynamic dialogue that took place reflected the common

a dynamic discussion among thought leaders around the unique nuances, challenges and opportunities inherent to regional leadership. Intensives addressed these critical topics: The Transformative Impact of AI on Healthcare & Senior Living and Creating an Un-lonely World – Community as Medicine , and keynote speaker Darryll Stinson focused on A Self C.A.R.E. Strategy to Transform Stress into Success . We appreciate those who were part of this remarkable experience. With a median score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, attendees were pleased with the depth of content and the degree of practical takeaways that breakout and intensive sessions provided at each conference, thanks in no small part to the guidance and commitment of CALA’s Education Committee.

challenges attendees experience along with their desire to collaboratively raise awareness and attract more candidates to the profession. The Spring Conference & Trade Show held in Sacramento featured an Immersive Learning Opportunity for Community and Corporate Dining Leaders & Teams on Monday that included critical topics such as programming, balancing cost and service, retaining staff and more. Intensives focused on How to Calm the Chaos and be Positive, Productive and Present as well as Destigmatizing Mental Health Challenges to Foster Inclusivity , while our keynote presenter, Scott Shigeoka, shared thought-provoking insights around Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity . The Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs included a special 1-day track entitled Mastering Multi-site Leadership and featured

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Our Outreach IMPACT

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in Action Advocacy

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As members, you help further CALA’s advocacy goals by partnering with your association to help educate policymakers on the value of Assisted Living by participating in our advocacy events and tours throughout the year.

Advocacy Day brought nearly 100 CALA members to Sacramento to meet with approximately 70 legislative offices. CALA members effectively communicated to legislators the differences between rental housing and Assisted Living and were effective in shaping conversations around rate increase caps and refusal of services that were part of SB 1406 at the time. Your voice was heard! Day in Your District was another successful event with 85 CALA members visiting their senators or assemblymembers at their local district offices. During summer recess, state legislators are in their district offices which allows CALA members to visit and help build upon relationships made during Advocacy Day and other events throughout the year. Legislators learned more about Assisted Living generally and specifically about the CALA members in their district and the residents they serve. This year, CALA held our first ever Federal Day in Your District . For these federal visits, in addition to educating federal representatives about Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities, CALA amplified Argentum’s voice by focusing on the value of Assisted Living, workforce challenges, meeting the growing demand of older adults and asking representatives to join the 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus. In fact, Congresswoman Julia Brownley joined the caucus a few hours after meeting with CALA members! According to Kyle Loeber, Argentum's public policy manager , " CALA's inaugural Federal Day in Your District event was a huge success and Argentum is grateful to

have supported their campaign. CALA and Argentum prepared both congressional staff and participating CALA members to create opportunities for productive discussions about the value of senior living as America's population rapidly ages.” Early this year, five state legislators visited CALA member communities and one federal representative is visiting before the end of the year. CALA also invited members of the Senate and Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committees to attend Veterans Day celebrations at CALA member communities in their districts, which resulted in several additional community visits. Tours often result from CALA’s advocacy events as legislators hear from CALA members about their communities and their residents and want to experience Assisted Living firsthand. If you are interested in hosting your legislator in your community let us know by emailing Sabrina Estrada, CALA’s advocacy engagement specialist. Together, our voices are amplified and impactful. Thank you to all the CALA members who continue to be strong advocates for senior living!

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CALA's

Rebranding

A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE CALA embarked on an exciting new chapter with the launch of its reimagined brand at Elevate : CALA’s Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs this November. The rebrand, unveiled during the Opening General Session on Nov. 4, reflects CALA’s commitment to its mission and its role as a leader in senior living advocacy and support.

WHY THE REBRAND? At the core of CALA’s rebranding effort was the belief that a strong, strategically meaningful brand position is foundational to any organization’s success. Just as the strength of a home lies in its foundation, CALA’s new brand strategy is designed to ground all of the organization’s work, ensuring it remains relevant, focused and impactful in an ever-evolving landscape. Branding isn’t just about a new logo or tagline; it’s about aligning every aspect of the organization to a unified vision. From strategic planning to communications and organizational structure, CALA’s new brand will influence all areas of its work. This approach is designed to not only guide CALA’s immediate activities but also to set the course for its future.

The process gained momentum in February 2024 with a full-day Brand Strategy Workshop which brought together members from all levels of the organization. During this workshop, CALA’s existing brand position, key differentiators and strategic opportunities were closely examined. It was a critical opportunity for stakeholders to refine the organization's vision and mission statements and set the direction for the new brand. Throughout the spring of 2024, the CALA board, alongside an advisory group consisting of marketing experts and board members from our member organizations continued to refine these foundational statements. This collaborative approach ensured that CALA’s new brand would resonate deeply with its members and reflect the values and goals that define the organization. In May 2024, after months of development, CALA’s board officially approved the new mission and vision statements, signaling the organization’s commitment to the new direction. The new logo and brand identity, representing a bridge to the future with warm and inviting colors, were developed over the summer with input from key stakeholders.

THE REBRANDING JOURNEY: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

This rebranding initiative was the result of more than a year of collaboration and strategic thinking. It kicked off in September 2023 with a board mini-workshop, facilitated by CALA’s branding consultant, which laid the groundwork for a more comprehensive branding strategy.

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THE NEW LOGO: A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE After months of work and varying iterations, the new CALA logo was selected this summer. The design team worked closely with the branding consultant and advisory group to develop a logo that symbolizes hope, strength and forward movement. The chosen concept – a bridge leading into radiant sun rays – represents CALA’s perpetual growth and unwavering commitment to its members and the senior living community. Alongside the logo, a new tagline and brand properties were developed, detailed in the Branding Standards Guide. This guide ensures the consistent use of CALA’s brand across all platforms, solidifying its identity and presence in the industry. BRAND LAUNCH During the conference, attendees were introduced to the new brand through an exciting and interactive presentation. A new brand video debuted at the conference and is now available on the CALA website for those who missed the event or wish to view it again. In upcoming months, members can expect to see this new brand integrated across all CALA platforms. CALA’s new identity will be fully implemented, reflecting the organization's dedication to its mission.

CALA’S NEW VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS

CALA’S VISION: Through the commitment and efforts of its members, CALA envisions compassionate communities where individuals can choose to live in caring, dignified and engaging settings. CALA’S MISSION: The mission of CALA is to support Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities in elevating and enriching the lives of their residents. We do so through: ● Bold leadership on behalf of the profession and those it serves; ● Unwavering advocacy to empower providers in their delivery of exceptional care; ● Unparalleled education and resources to ensure providers have the tools necessary to support their residents; and ● Inspired workforce development to promote careers in senior living and support associates throughout their careers.

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Celebrating Our Southern California Award Recipients Excellence in Service The Excellence in Service Awards is a celebration of the exceptional contributions made by those who serve within CALA member communities. These individuals stand out among their peers exemplifying the values and qualities that distinguish someone dedicated to providing exceptional service to our residents. This esteemed recognition highlights their commitment to creating a vibrant, engaged and joyful community for residents.

Northern California recipients were celebrated at the Spring Conference. You can find their recognition in the previous edition of News & Views.

OUTSTANDING CAREGIVER Patricia "Patti" Amaya | Resident Medication Assistant, Atria Newport Plaza

Patti’s dedication to compassionate care has made her an invaluable member of Atria Newport Plaza for over a decade. After the tragic loss of her husband to COVID-19 in 2020, she continued to care for residents with strength and resilience, balancing her role as a sole caretaker for her family. Patti’s acts of kindness and her attention to detail in caregiving have touched many lives. She also mentors new caregivers, fostering their growth and confidence.

OUTSTANDING TEAM MEMBER Angela Sanchez | Lead Housekeeper, Brightwater of Highland

Angela’s dedication and compassion make her an invaluable part of the Brightwater community. A cancer survivor, she approaches each day with positivity, often saying, "I woke up today, so it's a good day." Promoted to lead housekeeper, she sets high standards in her work and builds meaningful relationships with residents, offering companionship and care beyond her duties.

OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR Jorge Antuna | Chef Manager, Belmont Village Calabases

For 17 years, Jorge has been the heart of Belmont Village Calabasas’s dining experience transforming meals into meaningful moments. His culinary leadership extends beyond the kitchen, with his team praised for their exceptional standards. Jorge’s creativity shines through in events, from designing competition sets to fashioning dresses from recycled materials. He also mentors new managers and supports other communities.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY NURSE Amber Nelson | Health Services Director, Brightwater at Highland

Amber has grown from caregiver to director at Brightwater at Highland through hard work and dedication. Known for her compassionate leadership, she mentors fellow nurses and plays an integral role in the Brightwater community. Her ability to listen, solve problems with empathy, and provide exceptional care makes her highly valued by both residents and colleagues.

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Taliaferro | Executive Director, MorningStar of Pasadena

Kevin’s leadership is defined by his deep commitment to creating a supportive community where both residents and staff feel valued. He fosters an inclusive environment, ensuring every resident feels a sense of belonging. Known for his hands-on mentoring and dedication, Kevin leads by example, always willing to assist and participate in every aspect of the community.

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 51 | NOVEMBER 2024

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Our Membership IMPACT

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www.CAassistedliving.org

Together Joining " " Since I became involved with CALA 27 years ago and have watched as CALA has grown along with senior living. The support CALA provides to us is absolutely crucial. Whether you are an owner or an employee in the field, I promise you have benefited. Not only have I been provided with ongoing education but also with critical, timely information about upcoming changes with our regulations, calls with licensing and so forth. Most importantly though, CALA has advocated for us in Sacramento. I can truly say, that Assisted Living in California would not be what it is today without the efforts of the California Assisted Living Association. Carol Pickard, Senior Executive Director, Sonrisa Senior Living

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NEW PROVIDER MEMBERS 28

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our provider members for your unwavering dedication to shaping the future of senior living. Your commitment and active participation are instrumental in enhancing the quality of care within our communities. We also deeply appreciate our associate members for their steadfast support of senior care providers. Your contributions and devotion to our mission are immensely valued. Below are some reflections from a few of our members about what CALA membership means to them.

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 30

2024 NEW MEMBERS Provider Members We gratefully welcome these new provider members to CALA, and thank them for their commitment to the betterment of senior living:

Bellara Belmont Village San Ramon Blossom Vale Senior Living Camarillo Senior Living Capistrano Senior Living Erickson Senior Living

Everest at Walnut Valley Greenridge Senior Living

San Clemente Villas by the Sea Savant of Alhambra Savant of Riverside Savant of Santa Monica Savant of Tarzana Serra Sol Memory Care

Sierra Village Assisted Living Sonrisa Senior Living Sunrise of Oceanside The Ridge at Westlake Village The Watermark at Westwood Village Woodland Gardens Senior Living

Ivy Park at Blue Oaks Ivy Park at Murrieta MorningStar of West San Jose Novellus Clairemont

Associate Members Industry Partners

Supporting Partners: A greater commitment to CALA

Alliance Residential Company AccentCare Home Health First Onsite Further Technology North East Medical Services NKST Hospital District Grandway Group Shamrock Foods Western Confluence Group

Medical Guardian Air Systems Service & Construction Neighborly Senior Placement Nossaman LLP Model 1 Commercial Vehicles Fisher Phillips LLP Community Care Options USI Insurance Services

VITAS Healthcare BMS CAT EliteFX Marketing ExaCare Hearing Heal, Inc. Gavina Coffee Company California Academy of Sciences Arthur J. Gallagher

Canta Solutions Hormel Foods, Inc.

ECP Assisted Living Software McKesson Medical-Surgical

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER AND SUSTAINING PARTNERS

We are pleased to recognize our Premier Partners, CALA’s highest level of associate membership: Allen Flores Consulting Group , Hanson Bridgett, LLP, Senior Doc and WiseOx.

Join us in also thanking our Sustaining Partners. Their extra commitment helps CALA continue as a voice, a resource and a leader in the field of senior living. Sustaining members include: Abena North America, Inc ., ClearWellness , Critical Control , DosePacker Inc ., Heffernan Insurance Broker s, Purple Door Finders , Select Rehabilitation LLC , Sternshein Legal Group, LLP and Welltower Inc.

SLG

If you would like to see your company listed among these names, please contact Kate Henneinke at kate@caassistedliving.org.

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www.CAassistedliving.org

CALA’S 2024 COMMITTEES THANK YOU

COMMITTEE CHAIR Michel Augsburger AWARDS COMMITTEE Michel Augsburger Dave Coluzzi Rick Jensen Ron Mead Danielle Morgan Todd Shetter Courtney Siegel COMMITTEE CHAIR Laura Fischer FINANCE COMMITTEE

PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE CHAIR Ron Mead EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE CHAIR Jay Thomas

Holly McMurray Sue McPherson Ron Mead Danielle Morgan Lisa O’Neal John Olympitis Andrew Sheppard Todd Shetter Melanie Werdel Michael Zeug

Danielle Morgan David Eskenazy Laura Fischer Courtney Siegel

Josh Allen Douglas Armstrong Michel Augsburger Tara Clayton Tara Cope Ana de la Cerda

Lori Ferguson Joel Goldman Christian Holland Rick Jensen CCRC SUBCOMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIR Tara Cope Darolyn Jorgensen-Kares Scott Kirby Daniel Merriman Deidre Schonfeldt Matt Stevenson Colin Sweetin

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR Paula Hertel COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR Nancy Schier Anzelmo

LEGAL SUBCOMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIR Joel Goldman Heather Lee Allred Douglas Armstrong Elizabeth Chambers

Damion Anderson James Arp Lorene Bower Mark Cimino Ken Claire

Phil Altman Terry Ervin Sheryl Hendricks Ashley Pearce Lisa Schumann

Kate DeCamp Melissa Dillon Diana Engle Lindsey Flores Kim Golden Alan Graza Rickay Hidalgo

Lance Shenk Kevin Wrigley

Tara Clayton Lisa Cooney Tara Cope Lori Ferguson

Jeffrey Toomer Justin Wilson, III Scott Winans

COMMITTEE CHAIR Douglas Lessard WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Tom Garberson Steve Geissler Christian Holland Anita Hsu Kristina Hulsey Robert Lane Lisa O'Neal Scott Putnam Melissa Solomon Kirstin Sumner Jay Thomas John Tsumura Nancy Voisin Leslie White William Wilson

Lisa Hulse Liz Jensen

Jen Johnson Cheryl Martin Shane Ness

Eric Hostetter Robyn Moore Sara Padilla Carol Pickard Andrew Sheppard Machelle Vietz Brant Watson Lyndee Whaley

Sidarany Phillips Lorraine Remigio Payam Saljoughian Jennifer Sato Spencer Stein Therese ten Brinke Leslie Tripp

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THANK YOU It’s our business to know your business. Let our senior housing attorneys help you navigate the challenging business and regulatory issues that arise in today’s complex and competitive market.

Joel Goldman JGoldman@hansonbridgett.com

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HANSONBRIDGETT.COM

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2025 Events

● Reducing Risk, Enhancing Care

● Advocacy Day

February 11 | Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport

April 2 | Sacramento, Sawyer Hotel

● Spring Conference and Trade Show

● Fall Conference and Trade Show

June 2-4

November 10-12

Hyatt Regency Hotel and Safe Credit Union Convention Center, Sacramento

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel and Palm Springs Convention Center

For more information or to register, visit www.CAassistedliving.org.

expertise IN SESSIONs AT Elevate: CALA’s Conference & Trade Show Call for Proposals share your

2025 ADVOCACY DAY SAVE THE DATE April 2, 2025 Stay tuned for more details. www.CAassistedliving.org

Deadline: January 8, 2025 Submit Your Proposal Today!