News in Brief
City of Thousand Oaks opens first homeless shelter
Thrive Grove Navigation Center, the City of Thousand Oaks’ first interim housing community, opened on May 7, “offering safety, dignity, and a path forward for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the City of Thousand Oaks,” according to the DignityMoves website. Thrive Grove, located at 1205 Lawrence Drive, has the ability to serve up to 36 residents at a time, with 30 units, along with providing onsite services to help residents stabilize. These support services include housing navigation, life skills coaching, employment assistance and behavioral and physical healthcare access.
Hope the Mission, a partner of the shelter, is the largest homeless service provider in the Greater Los Angeles Area. They currently serve 15 communities, and provide site supervision, security, meals, supportive services and expected maintenance needs. The DignityMoves website states that referrals are coordinated to ensure the site serves those most in need, with preference given to local Thousand Oaks residents.
Former Camarillo High School wrestling coach charged with sexual assault of student
Ronald Wilson, 72 years-old, has been charged with five felony counts related to the alleged sexual assault of a student. The now adult victim came forward to report Wilson for initiating and maintaining a sexual relationship with her at Camarillo High School, from approximately 2014 to 2017.
Following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, which was initiated in March of 2025, Wilson was arrested in his home in Timnath, Colorado. As the investigation remains ongoing, victims or those who have any information are asked to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rico Rinaldi at (805) 384-4732 or by email at Rico.Rinaldi@ventura.org.
Kevin Ray James pleads guilty for 1997 bank robber murder
Kevin Ray James has pleaded guilty for the 1997 murder of Monica Leech, which took place during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks. The Ventura County District Attorney announced that James also admitted to the personal use of a firearm during the commission of the crime.
Nearly 30 years ago, on April 28, 1997, two armed men entered Western Financial Bank on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. During the robbery, Leech was fatally shot after being handcuffed by the suspects and forced to her knees. Fleeing with a little over 11,000 dollars in cash, the case remained cold for more than two decades, but with new forensic evidence and investigative leads, James was identified.
James is scheduled to receive a sentence of 19 years to life in state prison.
Conejo Valley Parade marches through Thousand Oaks
From Duesenberg Drive to Conejo School Road, the Conejo Valley Parade celebrated the “good old days” of the Thousand Oaks area. Beginning at 9 a.m. on May 18, school bands, decorated floats and children’s groups made their way down the parade to cheer on the spirit and community that has been built through the history of the town. With the parade being traced back to 1947, when the area was known for Jungleland, the floats, vintage cars and horses are still part of it today.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise and Fargo’s Angels, this year’s theme was “Strong Roots in Western Boots,” and gave opportunity for local residents, schools, businesses and organizations to participate, as well as all proceeds benefiting local charities. Newbury Park High School participated in this year’s parade, with the dance team, cheer team and ASG group following their float.
NPHS hosts annual Special Olympics event
Hosted by the Unified Sports Club and National Honor Society at NPHS, the Special Olympics event brought students with all abilities to participate in a day filled with softball, football and track and field activities.
Read more about this event at pantherprowler.org
Panther Prowler Newspaper and Pawprint Yearbook staff attend Journalism Convention
The Panther Prowler Newspaper and Pawprint Yearbook staff attended the National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Convention in Seattle, WA from April 24-26. Attendees learned journalistic skills to strengthen their writing, attended photography workshops and participated in writing, photography and design competitions.
Read more about this event at pantherprowler.org
