Sandra’s favorite color was pink, so Tracy police Officer Irene Rose thought it fitting to make the memorial tree a pink crepe myrtle.
City workers will plant the seedling at Kenner Park , which lies right next to the school Sandra attended — Jacobsen Elementary School — before she was kidnapped, raped and killed on March 27.
At the base of the tree will rest a brass plaque engraved with Sandra’s birth and death dates and the inscription “In remembrance of Sandra Cantu.”
Sen. Barbara Boxer donated the 2-foot-tall tree and some money to help care for it for a couple years, according to the city. Tracy sign company Sign-a-Rama donated the plaque.
Crepe myrtles get to be about 15 to 20 feet tall, said city superintendent of parks Don Scholl. Once it takes root, he said it should last for decades.
The family wants Wednesdays’ dedication to stay low-key, said Rose. A representative from Boxer’s office should show up, as should several city park commissioners, police and other local officials.
“The family, they wanted to keep it a local service,” Rose said. “They wanted a quiet memorial, but anyone from the public is welcome to come.”
Rose said she talks to the family every day, and said they’re holding up OK, but still struggling to cope with the loss.
“I think reality is now starting to set in more,” Rose said. “But the community has been very supportive.”
A Southern California family in May donated a playhouse in Sandra’s memory. The city, police and other members of the public gathered at Jacobson Elementary late last month to see the school install the pink-and-white house.
Also, a company called Landscape Structures, Inc., recently donated a $46,500 playground to the school. The company’s subcontractor, Ross Recreation, put up $4,000 to cover the cost of shipping and delivering the playground, according to the city. Construction is scheduled to start this summer.
Meanwhile, donations have continued to pour in for Sandra’s family, Rose said. To date, Tracy Crimestoppers has received nearly $40,000 in donations. Just this week, a local car club sent in some money for Sandra’s family raised from a recent memorial car show.
“People still want to help,” Rose said. “It’s very touching.”
•Contact Tracy Press Jennifer Wadsworth at 830-4225 or jwadsworth@tracypress.com. At a glance
WHAT: Memorial tree dedication for Sandra Cantu
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Kenner Park , 1850 Kavanagh Ave.
INFO: Irene Rose, 831-6581
God Bless Tracy and Sandra Cantu.
No, there was no memorial fund in Sandra's name from the shelter, I just voluntarily put on the check in memory of her when I sent them the money. When I lived in the Midwest when a family member died all the neighbors brought over a casserole or some form of food as way of saying were sorry for your loss.
Look we're not going to agree on where the money goes, I understand your point, but if that's what the person giving the money wants to do, that's their choice. But I hope you and all of us can agree that the tree being planted in her honor today lives as long as a redwood.
Seriously, what do you have against Sandra’s family to be bashing on them? Are you mad because people aren’t donating money to you? It is donated money from people who want to give them money….you ask what Crime stoppers are going to do with donated money? Just because Sandra’s killer was caught doesn’t mean that they won’t put the money to use to help other victims. You keep claiming abuse by Maria, where do you get your information from?….because she might be on welfare as you claim (which has no relevance) doesn’t mean she’s abusive….you should really just keep your bad mouthing to yourself….nobody wants to hear you. God Bless Maria Chavez and all of Sandra Cantu’s family.
No one is being forced to give the family anything. It's all voluntary, just like any charity or if a homeless person begs you for money. You have the right to say no.
Personally I gave $25 to the Tracy Animal Shelter in Sandra's name.
As for KYLE he will get all the FREE medical help & counceling from the county. There is a fund for victims of violent crimes/ It is seperate from Crimestopper money, Crimestoppers gets money from DONATIONS Not so much from tax payers. GET the truth before going on a verbal rampage. Good luck, relax & go create something useful, maybe you raise money/ for KYLE maybe find his clothing size & ask for donations.
People will help him, just ask
Why do you care that that family is getting money donated to them? They just lost a child in the worst way possible. Have a heart why dont you. Nothing will ever replace Sandra, but the money will at least help the family become a little more comfortable and not have to stress about money. What is it any of your business or right to get mad at that????????
Here's hoping the tree lives long after all of us are gone, and that future Tracy residents will know that Sandra's memory will never die.