Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
Wagaya Assisted Living
Small home·Licensed for 6·El Cerrito, California
- Care approvals on fileWheelchair · HospiceState licensing record · September 27, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$5,300 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,350–$6,550
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitApril 8, 2026CDSS inspection record
Wagaya Assisted Living is a small care home in El Cerrito — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 6 residents since 2011. Dementia care and bedridden care are not on file.
Built from CDSS public records · September 27, 2026. Every fact below names its source and date.
Quick answers and the state record
A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.
Quick answers about Wagaya Assisted Living
Is Wagaya Assisted Living licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
How many residents is Wagaya Assisted Living licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Has Wagaya Assisted Living been cited?
0 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. Those records count 5 state visits over the same years.
Is Wagaya Assisted Living still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Wagaya Assisted Living cost?
$5,300 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,350–$6,550. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 24 small homes and similar homes within 15 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Among 33 other homes of a similar licensed size across Contra Costa County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $3,500 to $5,825 a month, and the middle figure is $4,500 (n = 33 other homes publishing a starting rate).
Each of those is a home’s own published figure, gathered on its own date in September 2026 — not an average of ours, and not a survey. Similar size means small and mid-size homes counted together, and large communities counted on their own, because they are different markets.
A home outside the band is not overcharging or underpricing: a starting rate covers different things in different homes, which is the first thing to ask about.
The price is made in the phone call. Nothing here is a quote, an offer or a discount.
A starting rate is the room and the base care. California homes commonly bill care levels, medication management, supplies, transport and a second person in the room as extras. Many also charge a one-time fee at move-in. Ask for that list in writing before anything is signed.
Only prices a home put out itself count here: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price a listing site says the home confirmed. Prices a site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
Does Wagaya Assisted Living take Medi-Cal?
On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
Who holds the license?
The license is held by Katsumoto, Minoru, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Richmond Campus is 3.6 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Wagaya Assisted Living keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 2 residents, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
Wagaya Assisted Living license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “WAGAYA ASSISTED LIVING”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #75601541. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- Licensed to Katsumoto, Minoru, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- First licensed in 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 5 state inspection visits since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- 0 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026. The same records count 5 state visits in that period.
- 0 complaints and 0 substantiated allegations on file since 2011, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
- The most recent state visit on file is April 8, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 27, 2026.
California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗
Can they support the care needed?
California licenses a home for specific kinds of care. The state’s record lists what this home is approved for; the home’s own answers fill in what changes as needs change.
- Wheelchair / non-ambulatoryApproved · covers up to 6 residents
- Dementia / memory careNot on file · ask the home
- Hospice careApproved · covers up to 2 residents
- BedriddenNot on file · ask the home
State licensing record · September 27, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.
Read the state’s own wording
AGE RANGE 60 AND OVER. ALL MAY BE NON-AMBULATORY. SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOSPICE WAVIER FOR TWO (2) RESIDENTS.
935 - ELDERLY
CDSS record, verbatim · September 27, 2026
As needs change
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 2 — care may continue at the end of life
Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”
State licensing record · September 27, 2026
4 more questions to ask the home
- Two-person transfers or a lift
Not on file
Ask: “If two people or a lift are needed to transfer, can the person stay?”
- Someone awake overnight
Not on file
Ask: “Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?”
- Medicines
Not on file
Ask: “Who manages the medicines, and what happens when a dose is missed?”
- If memory loss develops
Dementia-care designation not on file
Ask: “If memory loss develops, what would change — and when would a move be needed?”
What it costs here
Covelight estimate
$5,300a month to start
Likely $4,350–$6,550
From 24 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$5,300a month
Likely $4,350–$6,700
With a shared room and basic help.
An estimate for planning, not a quote. The price is made in the phone call.
See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Memory care is not priced here: a dementia-care designation is not on file for this home. Ask the home.
Starting monthly rate$5,300likely $4,350–$6,550
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 24 small homes and similar homes within 15 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600
Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).
One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000
Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.
- Likely monthly totalLikely $4,350–$6,700
- $5,300
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $5,050–$9,750
- $7,300
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
- Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
- SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
- VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
- Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
- MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
Avoid surprises on the billWhat changes the price, and what to ask
- The care level
Some homes charge one all-inclusive rate. Others add levels or points as needs grow. Ask how the level is set, who decides, and what the next level costs.
- What is billed separately
Medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation and a second person in the room are often extra. Ask for the list in writing.
- Move-in costs
A one-time community fee or deposit is common. Ask what it covers and whether any of it comes back if the stay is short.
- Increases
California requires at least 90 days’ written notice, with reasons, before a rate rises (Health & Safety Code §1569.655). A change in the resident’s care level is the section’s own exception and can be billed sooner.
- What is the full monthly cost for the room and care we need, and what does it include?
- What would the next care level cost, and who decides when it changes?
- What is billed separately, and is there a one-time fee or deposit at move-in?
- Is any private-pay period required before another payment program can begin?
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 24 small homes and similar homes within 15 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
24 homes like this within 15 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,750–$7,000.
- Only prices a home put out itself count: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price Seniorly says the home confirmed. Prices a listing site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
- Nearby homes are the nearest of the same size that publish a rate, widening from 3 to 40 miles until at least 8 do. The estimate starts from what they charge, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices.
- Room, care-level, second-person and move-in lines come from what California homes publish on listing sites. Memory care uses Covelight’s researched premium over assisted living.
- Totals add each line’s figure and combine the lines’ ranges as separate charges, because a home is rarely at the top, or the bottom, of every line at once.
- We tested this estimate on 1,546 California homes that publish their own starting rate. It was within 10% of the real rate for 3 in 10 homes and within 25% for 7 in 10; the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 (September 12, 2026).
- It cannot see this home’s specials, how it assesses care, or which rooms are open.
Show the 24 nearby homes behind this estimate
- Tara Hills Care HomePinole · 6.0 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- Lakeshore Residential CareOakland · 8.2 mi · Mid-size home$3,500Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- Dimond CareOakland · 9.3 mi · Mid-size home$6,000Listed on AssistedLiving.com · seen September 9, 2026
- J & C Care CenterOakland · 10 mi · Mid-size home$4,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- Lafayette GardensLafayette · 10 mi · Small home$5,600Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Kimochi HomeSan Francisco · 11 mi · Mid-size home$4,335Listed on Seniorly · assisted living · seen September 9, 2026
- Autumn GlowSan Francisco · 11 mi · Mid-size home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living one bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Caring Angels Care HomeLafayette · 11 mi · Small home$4,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Golden Age Bayside IIAlameda · 12 mi · Small home$10,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Golden Age of Sweet RoadAlameda · 12 mi · Mid-size home$8,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Maureen HousePleasant Hill · 13 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Marin TerraceMill Valley · 13 mi · Mid-size home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Julie's Care HomeSan Francisco · 13 mi · Mid-size home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Heatherwood Memory CareWalnut Creek · 13 mi · Mid-size home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Haven House of San RafaelSan Rafael · 14 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Daniel Rest HomeSan Rafael · 14 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Merced Girard Residential Care FacilitySan Francisco · 14 mi · Mid-size home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Ramona Care HomePleasant Hill · 14 mi · Small home$3,000Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Elisabeth Care HomePleasant Hill · 14 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Bermuda Residential Care HomeConcord · 14 mi · Small home$3,800Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Blue Horizon LivingConcord · 14 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on A Place for Mom · seen September 9, 2026
- D'Nalor Care HomesOakland · 14 mi · Small home$4,700Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Sunset GardensSan Francisco · 14 mi · Mid-size home$6,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Aspen Senior LivingConcord · 14 mi · Small home$7,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 905 Elm Street, El Cerrito, CA 94530Address from the public record · September 27, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.
Opening the neighborhood map…
The state record
California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. Here are the dated documents and the state’s own words, beside what is typical for homes this size.
Since 2022, the state has filed 5 documents for this home, and its records count 5 visits since 2011. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated April 8, 2026.
- On file since
- 2022
- State visits
- 5
- Most recent visit
- April 8, 2026
Beside homes the same size
- Type A citations0typical 0
- Type B citations0typical 0
- Substantiated allegations0typical 0
- Total complaints0typical 0
“Typical” is the statewide median across the 6,808 licensed small board-and-care homes (6 or fewer beds) in the state record — larger, longer-licensed homes accumulate more visits and reports, so compare like with like. One complaint can contain several allegations. Counts cover this licence since 2011.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 3 of 5 documents
Apr 8, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 4/8/2026 at 11:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Y. Brown conducted an unannounced annual 1-year required inspection. LPA met with Administrator Minoru Katsumoto and explained the purpose of the visit. The administrator currently holds a certificate (#7005712740) that expires on 8/9/2026. The facility’s fire clearance was approved for six (6) residents, six (6) may be non-ambulatory. LPA toured the facility including but not limited to bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, common area, garage, and back yard. The facility consists of five (5) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms. All indoor passageways are kept free of obstruction. There are no bodies of water observed. A comfortable temperature for clients is maintained at 73 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed lighting in all rooms are adequate for the comfort and safety of the residents. Hot water temperature in the shared resident restroom was measured at 106.1 degrees Fahrenheit. All toilets, hand washing, and bathing are safe, sanitary and in operating condition. The supply of extra hygiene was available for residents. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide were in operating condition during visit. Fire extinguisher was last purchased on 4/8/2026. First aid kit was observed to be complete. LPA reviewed five (5) staff and five (5) resident records. LPA reviewed a sample of medication. Continued on LIC809C. Continued from LIC809. Updated copies of the following documents were requested for facility file and are to be submitted to CCL by 04/15/2026: LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility LIC 309 Administrative Organization LIC 500 Personnel Report LIC 610D Emergency Disaster Plan Liability Insurance THE FOLLOWING DEFICIENCIES WERE OBSERVED DURING VISIT: At 11:30 am, LPA observed unlocked medication in the common area. At 12:15 pm, LPA observed missing CPR training from 0/5 staff members. At 12:20 pm, LPA observed missing first aid training from 0/5 staff members. At 12:30 pm, LPA observed all five (5) residents had missing Appraisal needs and services plans. At 12:45 pm, LPA observed that there wasn't an updated quarterly fire drill conducted. Deficiencies are cited per Title 22 California Code of Regulations and listed on LIC809D. Failure to submit proof of corrections (POC) by plan of correction due date and/or any repeat deficiencies within a 12-month period may result in civil penalties. Exit interview conducted with Minoru. A copy of the appeal rights and this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 8, 2026
Mar 24, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 03/24/2024 around 01:15 PM, LPA arrived unannounced to conduct 1-Year Annual Required inspection. LPA met with Minoru Katsumoto, Administrator (ADM) and explained the purpose of the visit. The facility’s fire clearance was approved for capacity of six (6) non-ambulatory. LPA toured the facility including but not limited to bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, common area, storage, front yard and backyard. All outdoor and indoor passageways are kept free of obstruction. There were no bodies of water. A comfortable temperature for clients is maintained at 73 degree Fahrenheit. LPA observed lighting in all rooms to be adequate for the comfort and safety of the clients. Hot water temperature in the shared clients’ bathroom was measured at 106.1. Toilets, hand washing and bathing areas were safe, sanitary and in operating condition. There were supplies of extra hygiene, paper products and emergency water available for staff and clients. There was a minimum one week supply of non-perishables and 2-day of perishables foods. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were in operating condition during visit. Fire extinguisher was last serviced on 07/09/24. First aid kit was observed to complete. Continued on LIC809C... ...continued from LIC809. LPA reviewed 6 client records, and 3 staff records; all are incomplete. -At 03:05 PM, LPA observed resident records incomplete. -At 03:20 PM, LPA observed staff records incomplete. -At 03:30 PM, LPA observed staff records missing required training. -The following forms are to be updated and submitted to CCLD by 03/31/2025: -Resident Roster (Reviewed) -LIC500 Personnel Report (Reviewed) -LIC308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (Reviewed) -Administrator Certificate (Reviewed) to be posted. 7005712740 exp: 08/09/26 -Emergency Disaster Drill Deficiencies observed (see LIC 809D) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Failure to correct the deficiency may result in civil penalties. Exit interview conducted, appeal rights, and a copy of this report provided to ADM.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 24, 2025
Apr 10, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
On 04/10/24 at 2:15PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) D Panlilio conducted an unannounced required annual inspection. LPA met with Administrator (ADM) and explained the purpose of the visit. ADM currently holds a standard certificate (6019180740) that expires 08/09/24. The facility’s fire clearance was approved for six (6) non-ambulatory residents; two (2) may have hospice waivers. At 2:30PM, LPA toured the facility including but not limited to the front entrance, screening station, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and common areas. There is one central entry point for universal screening for staff, residents and visitors. A sign-in policy, visitor’s logs, no touch thermometer, additional face masks and hand sanitizers were observed at the screening station. Emergency Disaster Plan, Complaint poster, Personal rights, Cough/sneeze etiquette, proper hand-washing signs were observed posted in common areas. Facility has a sufficient 2-day perishable and 7-day non-perishable food supply. Facility has a 30-day supply of PPEs, paper, medications locked in cabinets. Comfortable temperature is maintained at 73 deg F. Hot water temperature was measured at 115 deg F. Facility has a mitigation plan in place and the infection control leader is the administrator. Inside and outside pathways were free of obstruction and fire hazards. Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors were operational. LPA reviewed 4 staff and 5 resident files. LPA also conducted 2 staff and 2 resident interviews during visit. Continued on next page, LIC 809-C No deficiencies observed during visit. Updated copies of the following documents were collected for facility file: LIC500- Personnel Report Residents Roster LIC308- Designation of Facility Responsibility LIC610E- Emergency/Disaster Plan including infection control plans Evidence of Liability Insurance Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 10, 2024
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
Life here
Rooms, meals, the rhythm of a day, faith and language, pets and house rules — as the home describes them. Tap any detail for its source and date; nothing here is graded.
The home has not described daily life anywhere we have reviewed yet — that is the case for most small homes, and it says nothing about the home. These questions fill in the picture; keep the ones that matter to you.
Before you call
Ask every home the same questions — the state’s record does not answer these. Keep the ones that matter and they travel with your saved homes.
- What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
- Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?
- Which rooms does the non-ambulatory approval cover, and what transfer support is provided?
- What could change whether someone can stay here?
- Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?
Other homes nearby
The nearest licensed homes in Contra Costa County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Rn Loving Care Home I
El Cerrito · Small home · 0.0 mi away
$5,550 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Rn Loving Care Home II
El Cerrito · Small home · 0.0 mi away
$5,550 a month to start · Covelight estimate
El Cerrito Royale
El Cerrito · Large community · 0.7 mi away
$4,075 a month to start · Listed by the home
Rn3 Loving Care Home IV
El Cerrito · Mid-size home · 0.8 mi away
$5,350 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Aihouse
El Cerrito · Small home · 1.3 mi away
$5,100 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Park Plaza Rest Home
Richmond · Small home · 1.4 mi away
$4,850 a month to start · Covelight estimate