Seal Beach salon prepares for a fresh start

An American flag in the Salon Meritage parking lot marks the spot where David Caouette was gunned down last year as he sat in his car. Seven other people were killed in the attack. The estranged husband of one of the salon’s stylists has been charged with the slayings.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Contractors work on the remodel of Salon Meritage in Seal Beach.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Irma Acosta, one of the survivors of the 2011 shootings at Salon Meritage in Seal Beach, stands in the doorway of the shop while contractor Fernando Dutra and designer Cynthia Pastor go over remodeling plans.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Fernando Dutra, a contractor working on the salon remodel, keeps a faded photograph of the shop’s staff before the 2011 shootings with his construction plans. He says he looks at it every day for inspiration.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A travertine “M” is carved into the reception area of Salon Meritage, the design reminiscent of the salon’s old logo.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The massacre still reverberates in Seal Beach. People drive a little slower as they pass by Salon Meritage. Someone recently left flowers in remembrance of the eight killed Oct. 12, 2011.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Irma Acosta, Salon Meritage’s new owner, center, shares a light moment with contractor Fernando Dutra, left, and designer Cynthia Pastor.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)