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 OaksCouncil vote to decide downtown’s future
Thousand Oaks, mark your calendars: next Tuesday night is your last chance to speak up about what downtown could become. The City Council is set to vote on zoning changes tied to a major development proposal, and the June 23 meeting at 6 p.m. will be the final public hearing before a decision. As the Thousand Oaks Acorn reported, this project has stirred real debate among neighbors—some see a vibrant future, others worry about losing our small-town feel. This isn’t just another agenda item; it’s about the heart of our city. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the Conejo Valley, these changes will shape where we shop, gather, and connect for years to come. So read up on the proposal, talk to your neighbors, and if you can, make it to City Hall. Our downtown’s future is in our hands.
Thousand OaksOnward and upward
It was a week of proud smiles, teary eyes, and even a few air horns across Thousand Oaks as Conejo Valley Unified School District celebrated the Class of 2026. From the packed bleachers at Thousand Oaks High School to the emotional speeches at Conejo Valley High, each ceremony marked a milestone not just for graduates, but for our entire community. Families and friends gathered under the warm June sun to watch tassels turn and futures begin—a tradition that never gets old in the 805. As reported by the Thousand Oaks Acorn, these commencements are a reminder of the strength and spirit of our local schools. Whether your graduate is heading off to college, trade school, or the workforce, this moment belongs to all of us who’ve watched them grow. Here’s to the next chapter, Conejo Valley—onward and upward.
Thousand OaksCaltrans grant aims to scale up wildlife corridor blueprint
Thousand Oaks is about to become a blueprint for the rest of Southern California when it comes to helping wildlife move safely through our neighborhoods. Thanks to a new $700,000 Caltrans grant, regional planners can take the lessons learned from the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing — that massive bridge going up over the 101 — and start mapping out a connected network of corridors across our fragmented landscapes. The Thousand Oaks Acorn first reported the news, and it’s a big deal for anyone who’s ever seen a deer or a bobcat trying to cross a busy road here. This isn’t just about saving animals; it’s about keeping our local ecosystems healthy and reducing dangerous vehicle-wildlife collisions. The grant is part of a larger $23.6 million package from Caltrans, and it puts our region at the forefront of smart, regional planning. For those of us who live in the shadow of the Santa Monica Mountains, this feels like a natural next step — turning a single, landmark project into a lasting framework that could protect wildlife for generations.