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 OaksSTEPS of hope
This Saturday, our community will come together for a cause that touches nearly every family in Thousand Oaks: the eighth annual Hope Walk, hosted by Cancer Support Community at Cal Lutheran University. It’s more than a morning stroll—it’s a powerful show of solidarity, bringing neighbors, survivors, and caregivers side by side to raise awareness and critical funds for those facing cancer. As I walked the route last year, I saw kids with painted signs, friends hugging after the finish line, and a quiet strength that defines our Conejo Valley. The Cancer Support Community’s work—offering free support groups, wellness classes, and a place to belong—is a lifeline. The Thousand Oaks Acorn captured the spirit perfectly: we walk not just for hope, but for each other. Mark your calendar and lace up your shoes—this is what community looks like.
Thousand OaksCRPD advances $30 million purchase of Fireworks Hill and Hillcrest Center
Big news for Thousand Oaks: the Conejo Valley Recreation and Park District is moving forward with a $30 million plan to buy Fireworks Hill and the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, along with the former National Park Service headquarters. If all goes smoothly, Fireworks Hill could officially belong to the park district just in time for its annual Fourth of July celebration — a fitting debut for a place named after the holiday tradition it hosts. The Thousand Oaks Acorn first reported the story, and it’s got locals buzzing. This isn’t just about real estate; it’s about securing a beloved community hub. The Hillcrest Center is home to theater performances, art classes, and cultural events that define our local arts scene. Adding Fireworks Hill — the iconic spot where families gather every Independence Day — means these spaces will stay public and accessible for generations. For anyone who’s ever watched the sky light up over Conejo Valley or taken a class at Hillcrest, this purchase feels like a promise kept.
Thousand OaksGHK-Cu: A Trimeric Signal at the Intersection of Regeneration, Genomic Modulation, and Systems Coordination
Did you catch that fascinating piece in the Thousand Oaks Acorn about GHK-Cu? It's a tiny copper-binding peptide—just three amino acids—but researchers are buzzing about its potential to support wound healing and even modulate gene expression. For a community that values wellness and aging gracefully, this isn't just lab jargon; it's a peek into how science is catching up with nature's own repair kit. While we enjoy our local hikes and farmers markets, it's good to know that discoveries like GHK-Cu are quietly reshaping what's possible in regenerative health. The Acorn continues to bring us these deep dives that connect our lifestyle to cutting-edge science—no PhD required.