2019-04-18

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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

CLU makes waves with swashbuckling show

play review /// ‘The Pirate Queen’

A swashbuckling tale of a real-life pirate—Grace O’Malley, lord of Ireland’s Ó Máille dynasty in the 16th century—sailed into the Conejo Valley last week for a brief run in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum Theatre. The idea of an empowered woman who became captain of her own pirate ship and fought the English was too good of […]

BRIEFS

Finding new ways to heal from grief Camarillo Health Care District will present “Honoring the Grieving Heart: A Community Healing Workshop” from 7 to 9 p.m. Thurs., April 25 at the district headquarters, F building, Stes. 160 and 161, 3639 Las Posas Road, Camarillo. This mini-workshop will show participants how to hold their grief in a place of honor while […]

Top trends in new roofing

While replacing a roof can be expensive, it may pay to know more about increasingly popular stone-coated metal. Here are five good reasons: Durability: Combining the strength of steel with the design versatility of crushed stone, stone-coated metal roofing offers a better-looking way to protect your investment. Due to its engineering, stone- coated metal stands up to harsh conditions, including […]

Beware of systems cleaning scams

For their own peace of mind, home owners should get their heating and cooling systems cleaned by members of NADCA, who must comply with a strict Code of Ethics. Some homeowners have been taken by what’s known as “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning. These companies charge what seems a nominal fee but do a very poor job. They may ask you […]

Nursery helps homeowners create an elegant garden plot


One of Elegant Gardens Nursery’s primary missions is emphasize the importance of bringing elegance back into a garden and to remind homeowners of all of the values a well-landscaped home provides. There are two main areas that a good landscape brings to homeowners. The first is financial. Landscaping can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of a […]

Easter fun

Messy Church will host its annual Easter celebration at 5 p.m. Sat., April 20 at the United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks, 1000 E. Janss Road. The event will feature an egg hunt, stories of God’s many surprises, Easter crafts and activities, and an interactive Easter Vigil starting around the fire pit. A light dinner will be included. The family-friendly, […]

‘They shall beat their swords into plowshares’ and guns into tools



The audience in the chapel at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church on March 26 sat in silence as they listened to a blacksmith in the courtyard pound on a piece of forged metal on top of an anvil. Each strike was to commemorate a life lost in the mass shooting in November at Borderline Bar and Grill. Blacksmith Michael Martin had sawed […]

Lion lady’s life on film

The Conejo Valley Historical Society will present the movie “Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer” at 1 p.m. Sun., April 28 at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park. The film by award-winning documentarian Leslie Zemeckis is about tiger trainer Mabel Stark, who performed at Jungleland from 1938 to 1967. She also worked for circuses including Ringling Brothers. […]

Wee nest crafter is a creative genius

critter tail


I am holding in the palm of my hand the smallest work of exquisite, exotic art that I’ve ever seen. People pass me by, staring curiously. My dog and I are outside the Westlake Village dog park, so some of the other dog owners are giving me an odd look as if to say, “Is that a pile of desiccated […]

Pet of the week

NEEDS A FRIEND—One half of a bonded pair, Sonny was left behind when his BFF was adopted. He needs a loving family to help him regain his confidence and enjoy a loving home. Meet Sonny, ID No. A5268090 at the Agoura Hills Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road. Pets have already been adopted, so check Los Angeles County Animal Care […]