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Westlake VillageJury finds Grossman, Erickson liable for $176 million in boys’ tragedy
A Ventura County jury has ordered Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson to pay $176 million in a civil case connected to the 2020 Westlake Village crash that killed brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander. Grossman is already serving a life sentence for murder in the tragedy, while Erickson—a former Dodgers pitcher—was also found liable. The verdict, reported by The Acorn, brings a measure of accountability beyond the criminal courts for a crash that devastated our community and left two young lives cut short. For Westlake Village families, this case has been a painful reminder of the fragility of life on our roads. The Iskander family’s years-long fight for justice underscores how deeply this loss has resonated across the 805 region. While no amount can undo the tragedy, this civil judgment sends a clear message about responsibility and the lasting impact of reckless actions in our neighborhoods.
Westlake VillageWestlake Village role in Grossman tragedy questioned on the stand
It’s hard to read the latest from *The Acorn* without feeling that familiar knot in your stomach. This week’s testimony in the civil suit brought by the Iskander family revisits that awful September 2020 night on Triunfo Canyon Road, where Rebecca Grossman’s SUV struck and killed young brothers Mark and Jacob. But what caught my ear was the defense’s new argument: that the crosswalk itself—our crosswalk—shared some of the blame. As a neighbor, it’s a tough pill to swallow. We all know that stretch of road near the Westlake Village Inn; it’s where we walk our dogs and push strollers. While nothing excuses the speed alleged in the criminal case, this testimony forces us to ask a quieter, harder question: Are our local streets as safe as we assume? The trial isn’t just about one driver’s choices—it’s a sobering reminder that we all share responsibility for the safety of our kids, whether behind the wheel or in the crosswalk.
Westlake VillageDuplicitous Erickson weighs in at trial
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly six years since that terrible September evening on Triunfo Canyon Road, when two young brothers were struck and killed in a crosswalk. For those of us in Westlake Village, the pain has never fully faded. According to The Acorn (Westlake Village), former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson finally broke his public silence this week in the civil trial tied to that crash—and his testimony left a lot of us shaking our heads. Under cross-examination, Erickson admitted he lied to police and investigators about the events leading up to the tragedy, including the allegation that he was racing with his then-girlfriend, Rebecca Grossman, moments before she hit the boys. This matters deeply to our community because it’s not just a celebrity scandal or a court case—it’s about accountability for a loss that shook our neighborhoods to the core. Many of us still drive through that crosswalk and think of Mark and Jacob, two kids whose lives ended far too soon. Erickson’s admission that he wasn’t truthful from the start feels like another layer of insult to a wound that’s still raw here. As this civil trial unfolds, it’s a sobering reminder that in a community as close-knit as ours, the truth—no matter how late it arrives—matters more than any courtroom drama.
Westlake VillageErickson friend gives emotional testimony in boys’ Westlake deaths
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.
Westlake VillageOaks’ star-studded night heralds new school
You know you’re in Westlake Village when a school gala feels more like a Grammy after-party. According to *The Acorn* (Westlake Village), Oaks Christian School pulled out all the stops for its 26th anniversary fundraiser at the Four Seasons—complete with a performance by music icon David Foster and his wife, singer Katharine McPhee. But here’s what really caught my eye: this wasn’t just a night of sequins and show tunes. The real headline is what that star power is funding—a brand-new school building that will serve our growing community of families for years to come. For those of us who drive past the campus daily, it’s easy to forget how much Oaks Christian has woven itself into the fabric of our town. This gala wasn’t just about celebrating past success; it was about planting seeds for the next generation of Conejo Valley students. As neighbors, we know that strong local schools—whether public or private—lift everyone’s property values and community spirit. So while the glitter may fade, the impact of that evening will be felt in every classroom built, every teacher hired, and every student who walks through those new doors.
Westlake VillageGrossman civil trial begins
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly six years since that tragic November day in 2020 when two young Westlake Village brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander, were struck and killed while crossing Triunfo Canyon Road. As many of us remember, the criminal case against Rebecca Grossman ended with murder convictions, but the family’s search for justice continues. According to The Acorn (Westlake Village), the civil trial in the Iskanders’ wrongful-death lawsuit kicked off on April 24 with opening statements that painted two very different pictures of what happened that evening. For our community, this isn’t just a courtroom drama playing out in the news. These were local kids—11 and 8 years old—who should have grown up playing in our parks, attending our schools, and becoming part of the fabric of this town. While the criminal verdict brought some accountability, this civil trial feels like the Iskanders’ last chance to have their full story heard and to seek a measure of closure. It’s a sobering reminder of how a single moment can ripple through a neighborhood for years, and how deeply we all feel the loss when tragedy hits so close to home.
Westlake VillageDesire to fight fire
You know that feeling when the Santa Anas start to blow and the hills look a little too golden? Well, our neighbors over in Westlake Pointe decided to do more than just worry. According to a recent piece in The Acorn (Westlake Village), they spent a hot March day rolling up their sleeves for a major community brush clearance, teaming up with fire safety experts to fortify their homes. It’s the kind of proactive spirit that defines our 805 communities, where we know our beautiful open spaces come with a responsibility. This matters to all of us in Westlake Village because fire risk doesn’t respect property lines. That collective effort—hauling debris, creating defensible space—strengthens the entire area’s resilience. Seeing the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council and LA County Fire out there supporting residents is a great reminder that we’re not in this alone. It’s a powerful example for every neighborhood tucked into these canyons and foothills. Let’s hope this spark of community action catches on, making all of us a little safer before our long, dry summer arrives.
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