2019-12-05

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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

Mediterranean-inspired home is at the top of a private bluff

Backyard has casita, barbecue, workshop

This five-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Thousand Oaks is nestled atop a private bluff. The single-story property spans roughly 3,400 square feet and sits on a huge 26,000-square-foot lot. The Mediterranean-inspired house has been remodeled with custom upgrades. Interior features include distressed hardwood flooring, three fireplaces, remodeled bathrooms, secondary master bedroom, vaulted ceilings, surround sound, recessed lighting, updated windows and French […]

Dealer eyes 3-story showroom

Rusnak files pre-application


Rusnak/Westlake Porsche opened its showroom doors in its current location at the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall a little over seven years ago. Now the luxury vendor is looking into building a bigger dealership. Rusnak submitted a pre-application in October to the City of Thousand Oaks expressing a desire to construct a three-story, 121,744-square-foot building on the dealer’s 5-acre lot next […]

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

BRIEFS

An extravagance of music Emmanuel Presbyterian Church will present its annual Christmas extravaganza at 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15 at 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks. The concert is free and open to the public. The Christmas Choir, under the direction of Lance Merrill, will perform a seasonal concert of sacred, classical, traditional and contemporary works from throughout church history, including […]

10th vape-related ailment in Ventura Co.

Local officials say the state health department has confirmed the 10th case of Ventura County lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products. The condition has become so prevalent it now goes by EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associating lung injury) for short. It is sometimes mistaken for pneumonia, according to a statement released last week by Ventura […]

Opportunities to give blood during the holidays

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States. Individuals can make an appointment to donate blood or platelets to the American Red Cross. Those with type O blood are needed. Those give blood or platelets through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Restrictions apply; see […]

BRIEFS

Free screenings at wellness expo The City of Calabasas will host a Wellness and Preparedness Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7 at the Calabasas Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Way. The event is free and open to the public. The expo will include free health screenings, displays and activities for all ages, disaster supplies for sale […]

Runners weather wet n’ wild Turkey Day Dash

SOGGY BUT FAST— At right, Jenn Betancourt of Santa Barbara runs through a puddle in the 5K race during Conejo Valley YMCA Turkey Day Dash Nov. 28 at Cal Lutheran University. Below, Marco Conradi, left, and his wife, Kristy, of Westlake Village help their 8-year-old son, Isaiah, participate in the 1K kids’ run. Below left, hundreds of runners wait in […]

Westlake hills come alive with high school production

PLAY REVIEW /// ‘The Sound of Music’


Last month, as the scent of roast turkey permeated most Conejo Valley homes, the delicacy of the day over at Westlake High School was schnitzel with noodles—a key ingredient in the song “My Favorite Things,” a highlight of Broadway’s venerable musical “The Sound of Music.” The school’s theater, choir, orchestra and band departments combined for the first time to present […]

New ‘kingdom’ coming soon

MOORPARK COLLEGE
Cat pen to break ground in spring


Moorpark College’s noblest feline will soon have a new place to roam and play. Last week, the community college announced that it raised the $550,000 necessary to build a new enclosure for Ira, a 5-yearold African lion living on campus at America’s Teaching Zoo. Named Ira’s Kingdom, the habitat will be four times bigger than the big cat’s current enclosure. […]