2017-03-02

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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

Legendary tiger trainer in the spotlight

Documentary about Mabel Stark, animal whisperer


Some showbiz stars have a reputation for refusing to do behind-the-scenes tasks. Mabel Stark, a famous tiger trainer at the old Thousand Oaks animal showcase Jungleland, was an exception. “She showed up in the morning, did what a lot of people would call the dirty work,” said Roger Smith, one of Stark’s former assistants. Despite her celebrity status, the world-renowned […]

Original Rockwell painting installed at Reagan Library



In honor of Ronald Reagan’s 106th birthday on Feb. 6, the Reagan Library installed an original Norman Rockwell painting of Reagan into its permanent galleries. “I have always been a fan of Norman Rockwell’s, and I was awestruck when he asked to do my portrait,” Reagan said in a taped message to the Norman Rockwell Museum in 1987. “He painted […]

Harley owners group has new board members



The Simi Valley Harley Owners Group installed its new board of directors during the Jan. 12 meeting at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge. The new board members are: Mike Arkelin, director; Marsha Berg, treasurer; Dave Clodfleter, senior road captain; Marc Sylvestre, safety officer; and Jennifer Sylvestre, historian. They join second-year board members Gerry Lieberman, assistant director; Sandy Miller, secretary; Don […]

Eastern Magic



CULTURAL CELBRATION—At top, young ballerinas present their “Under the Sea” number during the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association’s Chinese New Year celebration Feb. 18. Above, young actors from the Thousand Oaks Chinese School perform a historical drama, “The Story of One Hundred Thousand Arrows,” during the festivities at the Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks.

Edna Lorraine Kersey



EDNA LORRAINE KERSEY, age 96, passed away on the morning of February 7, 2017, in Thousand Oaks, California with family by her side. Edna lived a long, full life. Born July 10, 1920 in Dinuba, California to Henry and Maggie Grass she was raised from humble beginnings on a farm. In her mid- teens she sought her independence moving to […]

Taking steps to end hunger

Conejo Valley CROP walk is this Sunday

The 39th annual Conejo Valley CROP Hunger Walk will start at 1 p.m. Sun., March 5 at the Cal Lutheran University sports complex, 60 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Registration will begin at noon. Over 400 walkers are expected to participate. Participants have a choice of a 20-minute campus stroll as well as 4-and 6-mile walks. CROP Walks raise money […]

Youth may contribute to new book

March 31 deadline

Scott Harris, Mustang Marketing’s founder and president, and Dianne McKay, the company’s COO and principal, are releasing a sequel to their “Ventura County Leaders Go Back in Time to Their Twenty-First Birthday” book. The sequel is titled “Ventura County Young Adults Flash Forward to Their 60th Birthday” and will be for those ages 17 to 20. The authors are asking […]

Classes are for the birds



The Conejo Valley Audubon Society will host the following birding classes from 8 to 10 a.m. for beginners or anyone wishing to learn more about local birds Sat., March 18 at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks. Meet in the Children’s Garden off Gainsborough Road. Sat., March 25 at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Sat., April 1 at Rancho Simi […]

Twins lead rising teen band

Group features students from local high schools


Julian Sposato, 16, remembers the moment he fell in love with music. He was 7 when he heard Stevie Wonder’s soulful hit “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” He immediately rushed to his computer and downloaded most of Wonder’s extensive catalog. He listened to the tracks endlessly. “When I first heard that song I was like, ‘Oh my god. That’s […]

Adult sign-ups for basketball



The Agoura Hills Department of Community Services has team packets available for the spring 2017 Adult Basketball League. Team packets can be picked up at the Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court. The spring league will begin Thurs., March 30. Games will be played from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays and from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays […]