VENTURA COUNTY — From political and business leaders, to educational and non-profit organizations, a variety of groups and individuals have come together to remember the victims of the tragic mass shooting in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
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“Our community has been devastated by the senseless tragedy at the Borderline Bar and Grill last night,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “Today, we are reminded that tragedies like this can occur even in the safest of communities. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those that lost their lives. I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Sheriff Sgt. Helus. Ventura County is incredibly thankful for his heroism and all the officers and emergency responders.”
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“Our campus community grieves the painful loss of life following last night’s tragic events in Thousand Oaks. We are coming together to support our students and employees during the student-led vigil on campus and also to honor those we’ve lost in our community,” offered Moorpark College President Luis Sanchez.
Andrew Lopez, President of Moorpark College Associated Students commented on the tragedy, “My heart goes out to all the victims and their loved ones. I hear about these sort of tragedies on the news but I never imagined one to happen in our community. It is an extremely hard time for everyone and we feel a sense of helplessness on campus. I think this vigil is very important to not only honor and remember the victims and heroes of the Borderline shooting, but also to bring people together in this troubling time.”
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) mourns the passing of Moorpark College student Noel Sparks, who was confirmed as one of the victims from the recent shooting in Thousand Oaks. Also among the victims is former Moorpark College student Telemachus Orfanos, who attended Moorpark College as recently as 2010; and Blake Dingman, a Ventura College student. VCCCD and Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges mourn the lives of those lost including Ventura County Sergeant Ron Helus whose heroic actions saved countless lives.
“We are deeply saddened. This incident was an immeasurable loss for our community with a rippling impact felt by all of us,” stated Chancellor Greg Gillespie.
Moorpark College students led a vigil on Thursday evening to honor Sparks, Orfanos, and others impacted by this tragedy. “This event brought together students and our campus community as we grieved those who were lost in this tragedy,” shared Trustee Bernardo Perez. “We commend the Moorpark College Associated Students for organizing this vigil and helping Moorpark College come together and support one another.”
Moorpark College professor Wendi Baity remembered Sparks by saying, “I am completely heartbroken that Noel, this gem of a human being, was one of the victims at Borderline. Noel taught me more than I could ever teach her – she had a gentle spirit and always engaged her classmates. Noel’s honesty and openness touched us all and I am forever grateful that our lives crossed paths.”
Health Center professionals continue to provide valuable resources for students, staff, and faculty. Information is accessible through the District’s Health Center webpages:
Moorpark College Student Health Center:
https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/student-services/health-center
Oxnard College Student Health Center:
https://www.oxnardcollege.edu/departments/student-services/student-health-center
Ventura College Student Health Center:
https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/student-health-center
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