2017-01-19

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Acorn online content now offered free

'Paywall' removed

The new millennium has been a transformative time for newspaper publishing.

Changing reader habits and the advent of new technology have placed big demands on companies in the print news business.

The Acorn and its parent company, Times Media Group, understand that their biggest responsibility is not only the delivery of credible, relevant information in a timely fashion, but making sure residents have easy access to the publication when stories become available.

That’s why we’re super excited about the news being shared today.

Following a five-year stretch in which Acorn readers were given the option of purchasing online subscriptions to the paper, that so-called “paywall” is coming down.

“Mr. Publisher, tear down this wall,” the late President Ronald Reagan might have once said.

And so we did.

Starting immediately, all online content from our five Acorn publications will be available at no charge to the reader, meaning a paid subscription is no longer required to click and read articles. The weekly Acorn has always been delivered to your driveway at no cost—that more than 40-year tradition will continue—and from now on The Acorn on the internet will be free as well.

Why the change?

The Acorn is your community newspaper, and we want to make sure it stays that way. We believe it’s important that residents feel a connection to the stories we write and also learn about the businesses that advertise in their community. The absence of a paywall is the best way to ensure this free-flow of information remains.

We also invite readers to sign up for the new, easy-to-read Acorn newspaper e-edition delivered weekly to your e-mail. Viewed on mobile, desktop or laptop, the pages are super easy to navigate and, free, just like the print paper.

Local journalism is first gear in the engine that drives America’s free press, and a free press it shall be.

Archives

FOR THE RECORD



An Acorn article last week incorrectly stated that the current Los Angeles County sales tax rate is 9.25 per cent. The rate decreased from 9 to 8.75 percent with the Dec. 31 expiration of the statewide Proposition 30 schools and public safety tax, and it will not go back up to 9.25 percent until the countywide Measure M transportation tax […]

County homeless census will seek out teens and adults

Counting starts next week


For the first time since they started tracking numbers in 2007, Ventura County officials will perform two separate head counts of the region’s homeless adults and children this year, hoping for a better assessment of hidden groups that may have been missed by last year’s count. Teams of officials and volunteers will conduct the annual survey of people living unsheltered […]

It’s been one wet winter




Recent rainstorms have eased the statewide drought, at least for now, but Southern California still faces supply shortages for a number of reasons, say local water officials who remain cautiously optimistic about long-term water availability. “Conditions are better this year, but California’s water system is still broken,” said Mike Paule, a director for the Triunfo Sanitation District. Southern California still […]

Calabasas teen soars to new heights

Oaks Christian senior is a pilot, pianist, volunteer


Seventeen- year- old Peer Marie Oppenheimer knows firsthand the thrill of piloting an aircraft. The Oaks Christian School senior, who earned her pilot’s license in October, has accumulated 100 flight hours at the helm of a Cessna 172 single-engine aircraft. She said one of the most memorable moments in her aviation career so far was her first solo flight in […]

No snickerdoodles or ice cream this year

Hot Flashes

We’re just weeks into 2017, and at my age, aiming to look like Christie Brinkley by Feb. 1 means I might need to consider other options. Seems my New Year’s resolution of losing between 10 and 3,000 pounds is somewhat trite. So to heck with outdoing Christie. You’re safe this year, Ms. Brinkley; I won’t be stealing your contracts. Instead, […]

Mysteries revealed

Author talk at Westlake Library

Westlake Village Reads “Mystereads” program will present An Afternoon with Phoef Sutton at 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 22 at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 Oak Crest Drive. Sutton is a New York Times bestselling author, winner of two Emmy Awards and a playwright. He will discuss mysteries, finding ideas and how to create a great mystery. This event for […]

Briefs



Docents wanted The Reagan Library is accepting docent applications for weekday and weekend shifts. The next training class will begin in February. This opportunity is a good fit for retirees, working professionals, college students and high school students who are at least 16. Members of the docent team enjoy history, and engage visitors from all over the world. For an […]

Senior ombudsman program keeps elder-care industry in check

Advocates make regular inspections of nursing homes


Sylvia Taylor-Stein was inspired by her own family’s experiences when she launched a crusade five years ago against what was the “go-to” practice in nursing homes of using drugs to calm agitated Alzheimer’s patients. Her uncle, aunt and paternal grandmother all suffered from dementia, said Taylor-Stein, executive director of Long Term Care Services of Ventura County Inc. “My uncle would […]

King and queen of the Mardi Gras Ball



Hugh and Keets Cassar will be honored for their years of public service during the 25th annual Community Conscience Mardi Gras Ball on Sat., March 4 at a new location, North Ranch Country Club, 4761 Valley Spring Drive, Westlake Village. The Cassars have been named king and queen of the ball, the annual fundraiser for Community Conscience Human Services Center […]

Inspirational message



CAN-DO SPIRIT—At top, Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs, receives a hug from 10-year-old fourth-grader Julia Cimino following an assembly Jan. 11 at White Oak Elementary School in Westlake Village. The Australian-born Vujicic is a Thousand Oaks resident and world-renowned motivational speaker. He leads the evangelical ministry, Life Without Limbs. Below, White Oak students react to the […]