2017-12-28

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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

Spacious home in the heart of Thousand Oaks

This open, spacious home is on a cul-de-sac in the heart of Thousand Oaks and includes a private backyard and side yard. Downstairs has natural light and cathedral ceilings along with family, dining and living rooms. The first floor also has a remodeled powder room and inside laundry room. The family room has a fireplace and a wet bar. The […]

A Voodoo Daddy New Year’s

Ring in 2018 with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at a New Year’s Eve concert at 8 p.m. Sun., Dec. 31 in the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early 1990s in […]

OakHeart organizers want bigger festival



Organizers of Ventura County’s largest annual outdoor music festival are trying to capitalize on an embarrassment of riches. The team behind OakHeart Country Music Festival reached out to two headlining artists to perform at its 2018 show. Both said yes. With two of country’s brightest stars potentially on board for the June 2 concert at Conejo Creek South in Thousand […]

Calendar

TUES., JAN. 2 Westlake Village Garden Club 9:30 a.m. at North Ranch Community Center, 1400 N. Westlake Blvd. Tom Perkins gives a crash course on “What we need to know about dirt.” Refreshments. Free, no RSVP needed. Web: westlakevillagegardenclub.org. WED., JAN. 3 Simi Valley Woman’s Club 11 a.m. at Simi Valley Moose Lodge, 4860 Alamo St. Luncheon meeting. Fred Bauermeister […]

Private Mortgage Insurance can get you into your new home

commentary /// What is PMI

In the 2017 housing market, those who choose to pursue the dream of owning a home face several important decisions, such as how much to put toward a down payment. Twenty percent down is typically recommended by most lenders. While 20 percent is not a requirement, paying less can have a big impact on the amount you pay monthly. It […]

Small nest egg, big dreams?

COMMENTARY /// Tips for buying a retirement home

Planning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you’ll stop working, how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you’ll live. Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they’ll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees either have moved or plan […]

Eye On Local Area Stocks

Dave & Buster’s ready to hire



A Dave & Buster’s in Thousand Oaks is one step closer to becoming a reality. The arcade-themed American restaurant is advertising jobs at its future Conejo Valley location, which is slated to fill the retail space left empty by Sports Authority on Hillcrest Drive next to Sears. There are seven advertised openings on the Dave & Buster’s corporate job site, […]

Economic Development Collaborative adds small-business advisor

The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has added consultant Rachel Horn to its team of 30- plus advisors who provide free one-on-one consulting to local businesses. Advisor services are free to local businesses through EDCVC’s Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Horn is an alumna of Loyola Marymount University. Her areas of expertise include strategic brand positioning […]

Time of the season

YEAR IN REVIEW /// The best of 2017


Another year has come and gone. How did it go by so fast? Before the music fades and dancing ceases, now is as good a time as any to reflect on the great sports moments in Acorn country . . . at least those we can squeeze like lightly smoked sardines into a top-10 tin can. Narrowing this list down […]