Erickson friend gives emotional testimony in boys’ Westlake deaths
The Acorn (Westlake Village)
May 7, 2026
For those of us who remember that heartbreaking evening in 2020, this week’s testimony in the Iskander vs. Grossman civil case feels like another heavy chapter in a story that still haunts our community. According to The Acorn (Westlake Village), former MLB star Royce Clayton took the stand on May 1, sharing emotional testimony about what his longtime friend Scott Erickson allegedly told him about the crash that killed two young Westlake Village brothers. Clayton, despite a 30-year friendship, told police what he knew—a reminder that even bonds of loyalty can’t outweigh the weight of what happened on that quiet street.
What sticks with me is the quiet courage it takes to speak up when it’s a friend. In a town where we all know each other’s faces at the coffee shop or the Little League field, this case has always felt personal. The boys’ names are etched into our collective memory, and every new detail reminds us that justice isn’t just a courtroom word—it’s a promise we make to our neighbors. As this civil case unfolds, it’s worth remembering that healing comes slowly, and often through the hard truths we share.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from The Acorn (Westlake Village).
City
Westlake VillagePublished
May 7, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Westlake VillageAll Westlake Village NewsMore News from Westlake Village
Westlake VillageOaks Christian School hit with new racism claims
A new lawsuit filed against Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village is raising hard questions for our community. According to The Acorn, the suit claims a Black sixth-grader endured racial harassment, bullying and even physical assault during the 2024-25 school year, and that repeated complaints from the student and his family went unanswered. It's especially troubling because this comes just two years after similar allegations from a Black senior at the same campus. For those of us raising kids in the 805, schools are supposed to be a safe second home. Westlake Village is a tight-knit place where we know our neighbors and expect our institutions to listen when families speak up. Whether you have a student at Oaks Christian or not, this story matters because it tests how our local schools handle reports of discrimination and keep every child safe. As the case moves forward, let's stay engaged and keep the conversation honest. Every family in our community deserves to feel heard, protected and respected.
Westlake VillageItems stolen from Iskander memorial display
It's hard to put into words how much the Iskander brothers mean to this community. Six years after the crash that took Mark and Jacob, neighbors still show up at the memorial site — not out of obligation, but because remembering them has become part of who we are in Westlake Village. That's why it stings to learn that someone took the prints and placards placed there on the eve of the anniversary. This isn't just about stolen items. It's about a family's grief and a community's promise to never forget two boys whose lives were cut far too short. The Lost Hills Sheriff's Station is investigating, and if you saw anything near the site on Sept. 29, please speak up. As The Acorn (Westlake Village) reported, no suspect has been identified. But this is our neighborhood — if anyone knows something, let's make sure it gets back to the people who need to know.
Westlake VillageRare rabid raccoon in WLV
Neighbors in First Neighborhood got some unsettling news last month — a rabid raccoon was found right here in Westlake Village, and it's the first rabies case in a raccoon in LA County since 1973. That's not a typo. It also comes during a record year for rabid bat detections countywide, including one recently found in the same neighborhood. The practical takeaway is simple: keep pets' rabies vaccines current, don't leave food or trash out that draws wildlife in, and if you see a raccoon or bat acting strangely — out in daylight, stumbling, unafraid of people — call LA County Animal Care and Control rather than approaching it. The Acorn (Westlake Village) reported the case, and it's worth a quick read so you know what to watch for. This isn't a reason to panic, but it is a reason to pay attention. Our neighborhood backs up to plenty of open space, and wildlife encounters are part of life here. A little caution keeps the whole block — and our pets — safe.