After the flurry of a 22-month construction project, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society officially re-opened its newly expanded campus on Oct. 25.

“We’re not just a little yellow house in Encinitas anymore,” remarked Judi Sanzo, Rancho Coastal Humane Society president and CEO.

To be ready in time for a weekend of grand opening festivities, Sanzo admitted they were still painting some of the walls the day before. They were very excited to open the enhanced spaces which will allow them to better serve the community, a project that was made possible by $17.5 million in giving.

The weekend’s festivities started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony which included proclamations and recognition from the city and state, with many major stakeholders and animal advocates in attendance. Many wiped away tears that day as they recalled the legacy that people and pets have left behind in building this special place.

“It’s really a historic day for Rancho Coastal Humane Society as we cut the ribbon on a transformative project that will take the organization into the future as a leader in animal rescue, animal welfare and medical care,” said Susan Howell Mallory, chair of the board of directors.

The new Rancho Coastal Humane Society campus includes the expanded pet food bank. (Karen Billing)

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s humble beginnings go back to 1960, when the shelter opened out of converted cottages and barns along a dirt road that later became Interstate 5. Now the updated campus includes the new Vivian’s Learning Center, Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank, the Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS) Adoption Center where animals are happily connected with caring new owners, and the state-of-the-art Charlotte’s Medical Center, which they hope will be the go-to place for veterinary services in the community. As a nod to Rancho Coastal’s origins, all of the new buildings are painted the familiar yellow.

“Dreams come true, they really do because this whole project started as a dream,” said Pam Cesak, capital campaign committee co-chair. “When you share that dream with lots of people who are like-minded, this is what happens. I could not be more honored and astounded to be here and to see what’s happened to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.”

Cesak said the project would never have happened without Sanzo, who came to the organization in 2018.

“She is extraordinary, My husband’s nickname for her is ‘Flamethrower’,” said Cesak. “Without her dedication, her passion, and her love of animals, her intelligence, her collaborative spirit, there is no way we would be here today.”

A new mural on the Rancho Coastal Humane Society pays tribute to Tippy, the centers longest resident. (Karen Billing)

Sanzo deflected the praise to the donors, staff and the volunteers who work to change the world for animals. She recognized how the community’s support helped grow those initial conversations and schematic drawings into a new facility with expanded programs able to serve more than twice as many companion animals. “Thanks for the money,” she said with a big smile, grateful for the $17.5 million raised, from generous legacy gifts from people’s estates to a $2 million contribution from the state secured by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, a friend of Rancho Coastal for many years.

“The reason I support this is we know all the good work that Rancho Coastal does,” Boerner said. “We know it’s more than just saving animal lives, it’s about saving our mental health, our lives and bringing families together.”

At the front of the campus is the new Vivian’s Learning Center and Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank. The food bank, which has served thousands of families needing assistance, started out as a lean-to on the side of the main building but is now over 700 square feet larger. The new warehouse-style structure features tall roll-up doors for easy access and distribution. It was named in memory of Brock Tella, a Cardiff resident who committed to support the pet food bank back in 2016.

The Rancho Coastal Humane Societys new learning center. (Karen Billing)

The opening day festivities were comfortably held inside the large new learning center which has two separate classrooms that can be opened into one large meeting space for education and training seminars, kids camps and community gatherings.

Rancho Coastal’s new medical center is more than 5,000 square feet, a major upgrade over the previously cramped quarters where they did not have room for an x-ray machine and there was a “closet-sized” surgery space.

The new space is bright and modern, with an expanded reception area and lobby, advanced medical equipment including a dedicated x-ray room, indoor recovery kennels, a large surgery suite with multiple treatment tables and several exam rooms. By providing public vaccination and spay/neuter clinics, as well as low-cost services to more than 200 rescue partners, RCHS will be an unparalleled resource in the region. Their Animal Safehouse Program has a private entrance and space to provide a calming place for distressed people and pets.

The new Charlotte’s Medical Center at Rancho Coastal Humane Society features a mural of Charlotte, donors Pam and Jerry Cesaks cat. (Karen Billing)

As a surprise on Oct. 25, a mural was unveiled of the medical center’s namesake, a cherished cat named Charlotte. The lifelike mural moved Charlotte’s owners Pam and Jerry Cesak to tears remembering a remarkable companion who left their lives too soon.

Toward the back of the campus, another large new mural visible from the freeway pays tribute to Tipperary or “Tippy,” a black and white shepherd mix who has been with Rancho Coastal since March 2021, their longest resident. The playful pup was brought out to greet touring guests and featured heavily into the opening weekend festivities with hopes to finally find her a forever home.

The mural sits near Rancho Coastal’s expanded FOCAS Adoption Center, the original little yellow house which serves as the gateway to new homes for pets like Tippy. The updated adoption center features a spacious new entry and welcome area, and expanded retail area for pet merchandise. The name pays tribute to FOCAS, which was co-founded by animal advocate Peggy Howell in 1984. FOCAS merged with Rancho Coastal in 2012 and continues to serve as the cornerstone of the adoption program. Peggy Howell’s daughter Susan Howell Mallory continues to serves as chair of the board of directors and Peggy’s photo hangs in Sanzo’s office as a reminder of the person she most wants to emulate in life.

“She created something magical,” said Sanzo. “Being able to save abandoned animals is what makes us what we are today.”

Rancho Coastal Humane Society is located at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. Check out adoptable animals at rchumanesociety.org