Plans Underway For Memorial Honoring Salon Massacre Victims

SEAL BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Loved ones and relatives have planned a candlelight vigil to mark the first anniversary of the salon massacre that claimed the lives of eight people in Seal Beach.

Meanwhile, a nine-person committee is developing a more lasting tribute, hoping to erect a memorial in the victims' memory.

"I'd like people to know who Christy was and not just that she was a victim of that day," committee member Paul Wilson said of his wife, who died in the Salon Meritage shooting.

Paul Caouette can't believe that it's already been a year since his father died in the shooting. His father, David, was the last person to be shot by Scott Dekraai.

Caouette and Wilson visited Third St. Beach Park, the committee's preferred spot for the memorial.

"For me, whenever I need a moment I come down here and think of dad…remember the memories and the things that we shared…and try to keep going positively," Caouette said.

Preliminary plans are for a flag to be erected, with eight lights for each of the victims. Wilson is proposing eight benches be placed along the Seal Beach boardwalk.

"[Christy] was just more than one of the victims of that day. We lost so many good people that day. Each person should have that individuality to this memorial," Wilson said.

"We've just done some remodels out here so we've already gone through the permitting and have all the necessary data that we need for this place, so it makes it a preferred site," Seal Beach recreation manager Tom Kelsey.

Ultimately, the Seal Beach City Council will vote on the memorial's location and design.

A candlelight vigil for the victims has been planned for Oct. 11 at the park next to the Seal Beach Pier.