SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – The memorial venue for two Santa Cruz officers slain in the line of duty has been changed to the HP Pavilion in San Jose to accommodate more people.
The Kaiser Permanente Arena holds up to 4,000 people, whereas the Pavilion holds up to four to five times that. Santa Cruz Police said there just isn't enough room locally to hold all of the love and support for the two fallen officers.
Three days after Sgt. Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were shot to death, the memorial outside of the police department continues to grow.
"I can say our family knows what they're feeling and we certainly would like to do whatever we can to help them through their darkest day," said Karen Sotelo of Santa Cruz.
And Sotelo said if that means driving from Santa Cruz to San Jose to pay tribute to the fallen officers, there's no question she'll be there.
"I think that just shows how much love and support there is out there for the community," she said.
Santa Cruz Police said the Pavilion gives everyone the best opportunity to properly honor the officers and the families. Held locally, they'd be forced to split the venue in up to four different locations, because there's just not enough space.
"There's no doubt in my mind that people wouldn't go to San Jose for this," said Maggie Gouldon.
But John Rood, a long-time friend of Sgt. Baker, said as much as he would like to go, he can't make the trip.
"I'm just not going to be able to close down my business for that long to go over to it. I wish I could, but I'm just not going to be able to. I just can't shut my business down," he said.
"I guess it's probably appropriate," said Terri Morgan. "It's just going to be a little inconvenient for locals here, but it's probably the best tribute for these two fine officers."
The motorcade procession is still being planned from Santa Cruz to the memorial location.
After the service, there will be a private reception back in Santa Cruz.
The memorial will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. The address is 525 W. Santa Clara Street.
