Former Oaks Christian coach gives emotional testimony in Grossman civil case
Thousand Oaks Acorn
May 7, 2026
It’s one of those stories that feels heavy no matter how much time passes, and this week it returned to the forefront of our community’s conscience. According to the *Thousand Oaks Acorn*, former Oaks Christian baseball coach Royce Clayton took the stand on May 1 in the civil case of *Iskander vs. Grossman*, giving emotional testimony about what he knew regarding the 2020 crash that killed two young brothers from Westlake Village. Clayton, who had been close friends with both drivers for decades, reportedly told police he learned incriminating details from Scott Erickson—the other driver and Rebecca Grossman’s ex-boyfriend—about the night of the tragedy.
For those of us who remember the shock that rippled through our neighborhoods when the Iskander family lost Mark and Jacob, this testimony feels like another raw chapter in a long, painful process. Clayton’s decision to come forward despite a 30-year friendship speaks to the gravity of what happened on that dark road. It’s a reminder that even in a close-knit community like ours—where coaches, parents, and kids cross paths at every Little League game and school event—justice sometimes demands heartbreaking choices. As this civil case moves forward, many of us are watching closely, hoping the Iskanders finally get the answers they deserve.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Thousand Oaks Acorn.
City
Thousand OaksSource
Thousand Oaks AcornPublished
May 7, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Thousand OaksAll Thousand Oaks NewsMore News from Thousand Oaks
Thousand OaksAll in the family
Looks like the Buss name isn't going anywhere in Conejo Valley politics. Amy Buss, sister-in-law of outgoing CRPD board member Marissa Buss, is leading the Division 4 race by 10 points over Kerry Nelson, according to the Thousand Oaks Acorn. Division 4 covers Wildwood, Lynn Ranch, Rancho Conejo, Casa Conejo and nearby areas — so this isn't just a family affair, it's a decision that shapes local parks, rec programs and open space for thousands of us. Whether you see it as a dynasty or just a familiar name voters trust, the real takeaway is turnout. These park district seats often fly under the radar, yet they control the fields our kids play on and the trails we walk. Keep an eye on the final count — and if you're in Division 4, know who's representing your weekend.
Thousand OaksIt’s off to Washington for Jacqui Irwin
Thousand Oaks is sending one of its own to Washington. Jacqui Irwin, a longtime local elected official and our neighbor, just won the race for California's 26th Congressional District, succeeding retiring Rep. Julia Brownley. After a solid victory on Nov. 3, she'll trade Sacramento for D.C., keeping the seat in Democratic hands. For those of us here in the Conejo Valley, this feels personal. Irwin has been a familiar face in local politics for years, and now she'll be representing our community on the national stage. It's a big step up, and we're proud to see a Thousand Oaks resident take on such an important role. The Thousand Oaks Acorn reported the news, and it's worth a read. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just tuning in, this is a moment to watch. We wish her well as she heads east—and we'll be following closely to see how she carries our local concerns to Congress.
Thousand OaksNail-biter unfolds in Thousand Oaks council race
If you live in Thousand Oaks' new District 1, your vote is carrying some serious weight right now. Wednesday's returns show incumbent Mikey Taylor and challenger Karen Arreola separated by just two percentage points — close enough that every last ballot truly matters. This is also the first go-round for Districts 1, 2 and 3, so residents are getting a real taste of district-based representation for the first time. Our friends at the Thousand Oaks Acorn are tracking the numbers closely, and we'll be watching right alongside them as the count wraps up. Local elections like this one shape the day-to-day stuff we all care about — parks, roads, safety, and how our neighborhoods grow. So whether you're in District 1 or just following along, it's worth keeping an eye on. Every vote in a race this tight is a reminder that local government starts right at our doorstep.