As a resident of Thousand Oaks for 25 years, never would I have thought that the city where I’ve raised two boys, both born at Los Robles Hospital, would land itself tied for 15th place in all-time deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history.

But here we are today, in shock over the worst tragedy ever experienced in the Conejo Valley. The hospital where my wife gave birth to our sons treated many of the 23 victims of last night’s shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks (south of the 101, off of Moorpark Road).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their friends and families, first responders and others impact by this horrific tragedy.

The facts:

• Shooting took place on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11:20 pm.

• There were 12 victims who died at the hands of the active shooter, who was also confirmed deceased.

• One victim was Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus.

• Other confirmed deaths: Cody Coffman, Justin Meek, Alaina Housley, Noel Sparks, Blake Dingman, Jake Dunham, Kristina Morisette, Sean Adler, Telemachus Orfanos, Dan Manrique, Mark Meza

Other:

• Visit www.vcemergency.com for updates.

• Visit City of T.O. website at www.toaks.org/residents/borderline-shooting-information for updates.

• Monetary donations can be made at vccf.org/donate/make-a-donation to help those impacted by the tragedy.

Fundraising Events:

• Tue 11/13 All Day at Shake Shack Westlake Villlage at The Promenade at Westlake - 100% of proceeds to be donated to VCCF Conejo Valley Victims Fund (Borderline and Fire tragedies).

• Wed 11/14 11am to 9pm at Ameci Pizza, 1724 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks - 100% of proceeds to benefit families and victims of the tragic event.

• Thu 11/15 11am to 9pm at Bandits Grill & Bar Thousand Oaks - 100% of proceeds to benefit families and victims.

• Thu 11/15 noon - Memorial Services for Sergeant Ron Helus at Calvary Church Westlake Village

  • Facebook Live Stream: www.facebook.com/VenturaCountySheriff (live stream starts at 11am with music until services start; ends 1:15 to 1:30).

  • Calvary Live Stream: calvarywestlake.churchonline.org

  • Traffic impacts: Road closures 8am La Tienda and Via Rocas near the church. There will be traffic in the area until about 3pm.

• Fri 11/16 11am to 5pm at 2860 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Skyline) - The Most Epic LemonAID Stand Ever - Local kids (who are currently out of school as a result of the wildfires) will be selling lemonade and treats. Proceeds go to families of Borderline shooting victims and Woolsey/Hill Fire families through the VCCF.
  

The following was written by Jenn Zimmerman, Cal Lutheran’s veterans coordinator, about Justin Meek.

Justin worked in the Veterans Resource Office for two years as a VA work study, and his impact will not be forgotten. His gregarious and outgoing attitude allowed him to instantly bond with the veterans who entered the office. He worked with the Veterans Club to plan events and help veteran-students with their VA certifications. Not only did he work with us, he was an active student on the campus. The busier he was, the more he interacted with his peers, the more he thrived. He was a kind and compassionate person who really cared for others.

Justin was a criminal justice and criminology major who had a passion for doing what was right. I’m not shocked he took action to protect the people at Borderline.

He was a part of the Kingsmen Quartet and loved singing in choir. He sang the National Anthem at graduation and was lined up to sing with the Disney Carolers for the holiday season. Justin came back to Cal Lutheran after he graduated to support the Country Line Dance Club with Borderline. He loved running college night and always seemed to draw a crowd.

He was planning to join the US Coast Guard; a compromise between his Air Force veteran mother and his Navy SEAL father. He enjoyed cooking for others and often brought his leftovers for us to share as we envied his cooking skills. He was going to be the chef our Veterans Day Celebration this Monday. Since he can no longer be with us, we will hold a memorial in his honor. Justin was a real go-getter and had his whole life ahead of him. He will be deeply missed in our community.