Guide Dogs for the Blind Recieves Funds for Renovations

San Rafael City Council approved a loan of $12.5 million by California Statewide Communities Development Authority to Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. for renovations of the dormitory at 350 Los Ranchitos Road on April 18.

The 350 Los Ranchitos property is currently used as a training facility for guide dogs that assist visually impaired individuals. The 124,258 square-foot area includes an administration building, a residence hall for students, a maintenance building, a volunteer center, a breeding area and several kennels and areas for the dogs to socialize.

The city is not obligated in any costs, but council members wanted to show their support of local organizations, like Guide Dogs for the Blind, by endorsing the loan.

"We've done this before with other groups in the past and it's been very beneficial," council member Barbar Heller said.

The planning project for the renovation of the site includes the demolition of four of the buildings, as well as adding a “Welcome Center” to the administration building and more parking spaces, according to the report to the Planning Commission.