2020-03-26

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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

Public water not at risk

In response to the latest developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Las Virgines Municipal Water District ensures the public that its tap water is still safe to drink. District officials say they are taking preemptive action to keep supplies safe. District water goes through a treatment process that includes ozonation, filtration and chlorination, which eliminates all harmful bacteria and viruses […]

Clean that phone, please, for good hygiene



While many have adopted strict hand-washing regimens since the CDC began releasing guidelines for slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus in January, a study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests people need to be sanitizing more than just hands. The report says the virus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours and […]

Districts lend a hand

Las Virgenes Unified School District reports it had 2,200 of the N95 protective masks that were left over from the Woolsey fire and this week donated the items to West Hills and Kaiser hospitals. Each hospital received 1,100 new masks. Kaiser had only 2,000 of the masks on hand prior to the gift. Oak Park Unified School District says it […]

Child care available for families in need

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley announced that some of its club sites will remain open on a limited basis to accommodate school closures and meet the childcare needs of the community. But others will close. Officials say they adjusted their club openings in alignment with the recommendations released by the State of California Health and Human […]

Don’t panic, instead make a plan, seasoned expert says

COMMENTARY /// Financial fallout


In his 2007 letter to shareholders, Warren Buffet famously wrote, “You only learn who has been swimming naked when the tide goes out.” At the time, he was referring to the housing bubble and ensuing fallout, but the wisdom of his words and the awkward mental picture that accompany them remain. It’s easy to take on additional risk when times […]

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

Passover teaches the best cure for slave masters is prevention



As the world marshals to slow the spread of coronavirus, one thing has become clear: preventing contagion is easier than curing it. Draconian measures have been put in place, locally, nationally and globally. Travel has been curtailed. Large gatherings banned. All in the name of prevention. Because COVID-19 has reminded us what has always been true: The best way to […]

Remodeled Westlake Village home has backyard pool, spa

Gourmet kitchen has been expanded to include island

This Three Springs home sits on a cul-de-sac. The customized property has been remodeled and upgraded. The house has five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a bonus room, music area and a billiard room/library. The home is approximately 4,431 square feet and includes an enclosed entertainment patio addition of about 600 square feet. Enter the house through a custom wrought-iron gate and […]

BHHS agent attains industry’s highest level of service achievement

John Baker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty in Camarillo has repeated the previous year’s feat of being granted the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified Platinum. The award is in recognition of earning 100% client service satisfaction in 2019 as measured by Leading Research Corporation. The award status is the only recognition […]

Virus vs. real estate market

Looking back at history to go forward

As a Realtor who has been servicing the needs of our community for over 40 years, I want to wish all of you the very best during this difficult and unparalleled time. I truly believe that we will get through this trying situation, and due to our dedication to doing the right thing and treating others well, we will come […]