2019-09-19

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Enjoy the new online reading experience!

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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

Registration underway for YMCA swim classes

Fall season runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 26

The Conejo Valley YMCA is taking registrations for its fall swim classes. Registration opens Mon., Sept. 23 for October sessions at 4031 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. The four-week sessions from Sept. 30 through Oct. 26 will take place Mondays/Wednesdays, Tuesdays/Thursdays and Saturdays. Group and private lessons are available during afternoon and early evening time slots for children ages 3 […]

UCAAN celebrates anniversary

United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN), a nonprofit organization that aids cancer warriors, patients and survivors directly, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of impacting cancer patients nationwide. To celebrate the milestone, the community is invited to participate in the annual charity date auction, UCAAN Buy Me Love, from 6 to 10 p.m. Sat., Sept. 28 at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community […]

Bird-friendly tree-trimming advice for the autumn season

HOME VISION


If you are considering trimming the trees or shrubs in your yard, autumn is an ideal time of year to do it. When you do this type of landscaping, it is very important to consider nesting birds. If you trim vegetation that has an active nest in it, you put the baby birds in direct danger. Nesting season for most […]

Enhancing the beauty of your yard

HOME VISION

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 […]

Simi Valley home’s property has no HOA

Community has RV parking

This Indian Hills pool home with gated RV parking backs to open space. The house has four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms as well as vaulted ceilings, crown moldings and a double-door entry with a chandelier. Inside are three fireplaces. The formal living and dining rooms have wood flooring, a fireplace and a wet bar. The updated granite kitchen has a […]

Big Bear Lake retreat is close to Snow Summit Ski Resort, village

Winter park home is custom built

This custom built, threebedroom, five-bath house is approximately 3,839 square feet in a 0.32-acre lot in Big Bear Lake. The winter park home is in a parklike setting on a corner lot, a short distance to Snow Summit. Parking issues at the resort are avoided. The house is a short drive to Big Bear Lake or the village for restaurants, […]

How to do the math on home-buying

It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice […]

Rural house in Old Agoura runs solely on solar power

New heat and AC system

This four-bedroom home is nestled in the heart of Old Agoura and offers rural living close to the city. The multiple decks, patios and eight sets of French doors bring the outside in. The interior has traditional finishes. The living room has a fireplace, soaring vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows and doors for the views. The kitchen has […]

How to turn a bathroom into a spa-like oasis

Today, more than ever, homeowners gravitate toward design elements that transform the bath into a spa-like oasis. Designers look to incorporate pieces inspired by nature to bring renewed energy into the room and create a soothing environment. From fixtures inspired by booming waterfalls, to neutral color schemes and natural light, nature infuses life back into luxury bath design for a […]

Area Lutheran churches take aim at mental health

Effort part of a nationwide ministry


Local churches are acting in good faith to help people struggling with mental health issues. Six Lutheran congregations in eastern Ventura County are in the process of launching a mental health ministry to help individuals who need mental and emotional support in the wake of the mass shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks last November, as well […]