Los Gatos Senior Living Company Settles Asbestos Violations For $1.1M

LOS GATOS, CA — A senior living company will pay more than $1.1 million to settle claims it failed to test for asbestos at eight California facilities, including two in Los Gatos and one in Palo Alto.

District Attorney's offices from San Francisco, Santa Clara, Monterey, Alameda and Sonoma counties pursued the violations, alleging Covia Communities — now called Front Porch — completed renovations without the proper permits and neglected to test for asbestos.

The alleged misconduct includes renovations at Los Gatos Meadows and El Sombroso Oaks in Los Gatos, along with Webster House in Palo Alto, prosecutors said. The DA's office said the company cooperated with the investigation, and authorities did not allege any residents were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos exposure can contribute to respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, and is commonly found in older buildings. The law requires buildings scheduled for demolition or renovation to have materials tested for asbestos before the work begins.

"These laws exist because asbestos exposure can be deadly," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. "We will prosecute companies that cut corners and risk the health of senior citizens, workers, and other people in these buildings."

Front Porch will pay $700,000 in civil penalties and $262,500 to reimburse investigation costs, plus $162,500 to fund science courses in Monterey Bay.