Bedbugs, cockroaches at closed Porterville care home may push Tulare County to seek Newsom's help

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dozens of documented complaints, including bedbug and cockroach infestations at a now-closed residential care facility in Porterville, may prompt the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to send a letter to Governor Newsom for help.

According to the state Department of Social Services records, Autumn Oaks, located off North Jaye Street, shut down on November 14th last year.

Conditions have been described as "so horrific" that residents were forced to relocate.

The Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency shared images showing bed bugs, soiled mattresses and a cockroach nest in one of the light switches.

Freezers stored with food also had insect droppings.

Tulare County investigators say 53 complaints were filed against Autumn Oaks over a five-year period.

And they accuse the state of dismissing the problems.

The County Supervisors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 3, at 9 a.m. to discuss the next steps, including a possible letter to the Governor, in hopes that the person who ran this facility won't be able to get their license back and open another center in the future.