Nelson Buss is a 31-year resident of Thousand Oaks. He graduated from Thousand Oaks High School and attended both Moorpark College and California Lutheran University, where he studied computer science. After working in the automotive industry for 18 years, he embarked on a career in real estate. He serves as the co-chair for the Thousand Oaks Rotary Chili Cook-Off and Craft Brew Festival, and also sits on the board of 805Help and the City of Thousand Oaks Planning Commission.