Community and Senior Services

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ABOUT US

Community and Senior Services (CSS) is committed to providing services which have positive impacts on the lives of the citizens of Los Angeles County. We investigate abuse claims against our senior and disabled population. We provide nutrition and other life-enhancing services to seniors. We provide employment services to adults and youth. We work with employers in times of hiring and downsizing. We offer mediation services to avoid court filings. Our Human Relations Commission is dedicated to fostering positive inter-group relations. The Office of Ombudsman provides a professional and impartial means to solve complaints against the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of Public Safety.

We appreciate your interest in our department of many resources. We make a difference, one person at a time.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES

Cynthia D. Banks, Director

Cynthia Banks joined CSS in 2003 as Chief Deputy and was appointed Director in 2006 by the Board of Supervisors. She oversees the Area Agency on Aging, Adult Protective Services, Workforce Investment Act and community-based programs. In her role as Director, she is responsible for the delivery of many services to the citizens of Los Angeles County, including employment and training, quality of life programs for older and disabled adults, the Human Relations Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman. She is the vice chair of California’s Association of Area Agencies on Aging. She is a graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills and is a frequent speaker on workforce and aging issues nationally.

Otto Solorzano, Chief Deputy Director

Otto Solórzano has been with Los Angeles County over 20 years. Previously he worked for the Chief Executive Office as a budget analyst. He has also served as Budget Director as well as Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Public Social Services. In 2005, he was appointed Assistant Director for CSS Administrative Services. In 2006, he was appointed to his current position as Chief Deputy Director. In this capacity, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Department. Otto has extensive knowledge and experience in budget policy, accounting, and financial management. He is dedicated to creating a more efficient and effective departmental structure to support County services to the community. Otto has been instrumental in modeling and supporting a culture of staff development, team building, mentoring, strategic planning and decision making. Otto has an MPA in Public Financial Management from New York University, an MA in Communications from Wheaton College and a BA in Philosophy from Asbury University.

Joyce Washington, Assistant Director

Administrative Services Branch

Joyce Washington oversees the Administrative Services Branch which encompasses the Department’s financial and fiscal management, human resources, and facilities management operations. She is responsible for the oversight of the Department’s legislative agenda and emergency response plan. Joyce has been with the Los Angeles County for over 38 years. She brings with her, a comprehensive knowledge of welfare programs and policies, strategic management, budgeting and financial analysis, contract management and monitoring for multiple financial programs, and strong leadership in the area of Human Resources development including training programs. Joyce has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Organization Management and obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Management at the University of Phoenix.

Lorenza Sanchez, Assistant Director

Aging and Adult Services Branch

Ms. Sanchez oversees the Aging & Adult Services Branch which encompasses: Area Agency on Aging, Service Integration and Coordination, Adult Protective Services (APS) Line Operations and APS Planning & Special Operations. The programs within the Branch are recognized across the state and nation as leading in the development of innovative and efficient services to the older and dependent adults in Los Angeles County. Ms. Sanchez is very well versed on senior issues and has strong partnerships with the community and is an advocate on senior issues and programs. She has twenty years of service with the County of Los Angeles working in various social service programs, and commissions.

Robin Toma, Assistant Director

Human Relations Branch

Robin S. Toma has served as Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission since 1999. During his tenure, the Commission has expanded its programs to prevent hate crime and racialized gang violence and promote positive intergroup skills and relations in our most vulnerable schools and communities. He serves on various boards including as President of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Human Relations Organizations and also on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies.

Stephanie Maxberry, Ombudsman

Office of Ombudsman

Ms. Maxberry oversees the Office of Ombudsman, which helps the public with complaints involving the Sheriff’s Department and Office of Public Safety. She has extensive knowledge on the Office of Ombudsman having worked in the organization since it opened in 1994. Ms. Maxberry has over twenty-five years with the County working mainly in the criminal justice field. She has worked for the Countywide Criminal Justice Coordination Committee, the Planning and Research Unit and the municipal courts. Her experience within the criminal justice system has been an asset to helping the public with complaints at the Office of Ombudsman.

Josie Marquez, Assistant Director

Workforce and Community Services Branch

Ms. Marquez administers multi-million dollar federal grants for the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. She is also responsible for the oversight of 14 Community and Senior Centers. Ms. Marquez’s tenure with the County is over 37 years. In her years of service to the County, Ms. Marquez has operated various Community Service Centers and Senior Centers throughout Los Angeles County, specifically in communities such as East Los Angeles, San Pedro, Wilmington, Altadena, and the San Gabriel Valley area. Her focus is to provide multi-cultural human services in the community.