In the heart of Thousand Oaks, hundreds gathered at Conejo Creek Park to remember the 12 who were killed at the Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in 2018. For the one-year anniversary, a healing garden was unveiled to the community on Thursday, Nov. 7. Victims included Pepperdine University student Alaina Housley.
“Our focus today is on the families, the victims, survivors and those that provided support on that night,” Former Mayor of Thousand Oaks Andy Fox said to the audience. “We are a community of love, of compassion and unity. Nothing I can say today will fill the hole in the hearts of all of us, but most especially, the families,” he said. “While 12 went to heaven, many dozens more are still alive today due in part to their heroism and sacrifice for those that were lost.”
Fox thanked the Conejo Recreation and Parks District for creating the Healing Garden as well as the Thousand Oaks City Council for their leadership and a thoughtful memorial ceremony.
Conejo Recreation and Park District Director Chuck Huffer said the healing garden was designed for reflection.
“This healing garden was designed to heal for our loved ones, our friends, and our neighbors, the 12 victims and 248 survivors,” Huffer said. “A place to continue the healing process which began in the hours and days after the tragedy.”
Performers included Paige Peel, Annie Bosko, John Ondrasik and Carly Bracco.
The victims names’ appeared on the plaque, which read, “The strongest oaks have the deepest roots.”
In memory of Sean Adler, Cody Coffman, Blake Dingman, Jake Dunham, Ron Helus, Alaina Housley, Dan Manrique, Justin Meek, Mark Meza Jr., Kristina Morisette, Telemachus Orfanos, and Noel Sparks.
