2020-08-20

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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

Los Robles leads way in stroke prevention

Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation are susceptible to strokes, especially if they are not candidates for blood thinner medication therapy. The Watchman Implant is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage. Watchman is the only FDA approved implantable device for the procedure. Los Robles Regional Medical Center in […]

Zoom seminar on aging alone

Senior Concerns will present a virtual community seminar titled “Meeting the Challenges of Solo Aging: What You Need to Know to be Prepared” from 4 to 5 p.m. Tues., Aug. 25 via Zoom. The seminar leaders are Sara Zeff Geber, author of the 2018 book “Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers,” and Katie Wiltfong, co-chief executive officer of Solo Aging […]

Pigskin Preview redux

Prep season was set to kick off this week; players, coaches now look forward to January



There will be no football this fall in Acorn country. This week should have been a celebration of the game. Local high school players should be practicing in 100-degree heat and preparing to kick off the regular season on Friday while we deliver the Pigskin Preview special section to our faithful readers—but the coronavirus pandemic crushed our hopes and dreams […]

Believers adapt to new rules, continue to move services outdoors

Parks, parking lots, patios become places of worship


Birds aren’t the only ones singing outside in Thousand Oaks on Sunday mornings. Since Ventura County’s health order prohibits indoor worship services but permits outdoor ones, houses of worship across the Conejo Valley have been meeting in parking lots, patios and parks in compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures. Journey Church in Thousand Oaks is one of a half-dozen religious groups […]

Local ambassadors help businesses navigate COVID-19 regulations

Inspectors find 99% compliance

To support local businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with state and county health orders and direction, Ventura County implemented a Business Ambassador program in partnership with city code enforcement partners, early in the COVID-19 response efforts. The special program has assisted businesses with navigating state and local guidance. “Our Business Ambassador program is unique. The ambassadors check on businesses […]

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

French country estate with unobstructed mountain views

Includes guest house with full kitchen and bath

On this French country estate in Simi Valley’s Big Sky is a custom-gated estate home on 3.6 acres. Entry is via a 100-foot private driveway leading away from street. The house has unobstructed views of the mountains. The entryway has floor-toceiling glass panel doors. The main floor is 4,748 square feet. The 462-square-foot second story holds a bonus room/gym/ office […]

Agent offers insight into the pandemic real estate market

What pandemic? Judging by the recent pending sales data from the National Association of Realtors, one would be hard pressed to be concerned about the economy. Instead of being a market filled with doubt and trepidation, NAR’s data tells the story of a hot seller’s market. There’s no other way to interpret the kind of rise in actively listed homes […]