Welcome to the first edition of The Acorn just for Simi Valley! I am honored to be a part of this historic publication. Newspapers are vital to our communities.

For new newspapers, the word "free" comes to mind. They trigger thoughts of free speech, free press, and free enterprise.

America’s founding fathers wrote the First Amendment into the Bill of Rights because they believed freedom to express personal opinions is essential to a free government. The Amendment protects our freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition.

President Reagan, while proclaiming Freedom of the Press Day in 1985, said, "Today, our tradition of a free press as a vital part of our democracy is as important as ever."

I wholeheartedly agree. I also believe in freedom of choice. Our free enterprise system rewards hard work and individual effort, offers variety, and ultimately allows us a more balanced life.

So it’s appropriate that The Acorn is free. Free to publish, free to speak, and free of charge.

Welcome, The Acorn, to Simi Valley.

Tony Strickland

Assemblyman

37th District