CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

Advice for the Next Generation To the next generation of CALA leaders, the advice is unanimous: “Stay grounded in CALA’s mission,” Augsburger said. “And remember, the strength of this organization has always come from its members – people willing to show up, speak out, and support each other.” “Get involved,” Goldman said. “Join a committee. Show up. That’s how this association was built –and how it will continue to thrive.” “Stay focused, but stay open,” Schier Anzelmo said. “Honor the past, protect the integrity and never stop looking for ways to do better.” “Don’t be afraid to pivot,” Farrow said. “This field moves fast, and CALA has always been good at adapting. That’s the key to staying relevant and responsive.” After 30 years of growth, challenges, advocacy and community, CALA stands strong – still united by the same purpose that brought a small group of pioneers together in 1995: to improve lives, elevate care and build something lasting. g CHECK OUT CALA's PHOTO GALLERY HERE

dramatically hindered providers' ability to operate and ultimately negatively impact resident access to services. The organization rallied, pushed back and emerged stronger. “That year was a litmus test,” Goldman said. “It showed everyone – lawmakers, providers, even our critics – that CALA wasn’t just another association. We were a serious voice for quality care.” Raising the Bar Through Education As the field matured, so did CALA’s programs and priorities. Today, CALA represents a broad spectrum of providers across the state – including Continuing Care Retirement Communities – offers best-in-class conferences and remains a powerful voice in Sacramento. And for many, the heart of the organization lies in its education. Schier Anzelmo has volunteered on CALA’s Education Committee for decades along with Paula Hertel, founder of Senior Living Consult . “From day one, we’ve been focused on high-quality content. We didn’t want to just fill slots. We wanted visionary speakers – people who would challenge and inspire. That’s how you raise the bar.” “Our conferences today are among the best in the country,” Goldman said. “People tell me all the time how impressed they are with what CALA puts together.” Facing the Future Looking ahead, CALA leaders see new challenges – and new opportunities. From AI and workforce shortages to evolving care models and the changing needs of aging Californians, the road ahead is dynamic and complex. “We need to keep expanding our reach in education,” Schier Anzelmo said. “We have so many great speakers and so much content – we’re exploring more ways to bring high quality education to members. People are hungry for it.” “Technology is going to change everything,” Goldman said. “And we have to be ready for that – while continuing to advocate, educate and support providers across the state.” Staying True to Our Purpose Still, some things haven’t changed – and won’t. “CALA has always been about collaboration over competition,” Augsburger said. “Whether you run one community or 100, you have a seat at the table.” “It’s never been about the individual companies,” Schier Anzelmo said. “It’s about the people we serve – the residents, the families and the team members who show up every day. That’s who CALA is for.” “We’re going to need a strong association to help us navigate what’s coming,” Farrow said, “to help make sure every Californian has the opportunity to age with dignity in a community that supports them.”

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 53 | AUGUST 2025 6