2021-02-19

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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

2021-02-19 E-Edition

Creating a safe space

Teens’ club aims to spread cultural acceptance


The feeling of being lonely or isolated because of race isn’t just experienced by adults. Simi Valley teenagers Malaya Clark and Elizabeth Aquilina know those emotions all too well and that’s part of why the Santa Susana High School juniors created the Women of Color Club. Malaya and Elizabeth started the club in 2019 to create a judgment-free space and […]

Be wary of COVID-19 scams



Confusing and frustrating are often words people use when describing their experience making an appointment for the COVID- 19 vaccine. Looking to take advantage of those who may feel confused by the process, scam artists are taking to the phones in hopes of making a quick buck. Ventura County residents need to be wary of this new con. Paula Eisel […]

‘We want them to learn from this’

Kids’ graffiti provokes swift response from city, community


Racially charged graffiti near White Oak Elementary School caused a community stir over the weekend as images spread across social media. On Feb. 12, Simi Valley police responded to reports of graffiti on the flood control wall next to the school. At the scene, officers found that a stick-figure drawing of a person hanging from a noose had been spray-painted […]

COVID creates surge of household waste

Single-use bags contributing to litter


Empty cardboard boxes, takeout containers, used face masks and plastic gloves: Household waste caused by the pandemic continues to pile up in residents’ trash bins. And the county’s waste haulers— E.J. Harrison & Sons and Waste Management—are working hard to keep up. From March to April of last year, cities saw a 20% spike in household waste and recycling, according […]

Free tax help is available for seniors

Other Side of 50

Even in a pandemic, the tax season goes on. Free tax preparation help for seniors goes on, too, albeit with some changes. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help to people who make $57,000 or less, people with disabilities and taxpayers who speak limited English and need assistance in preparing their tax returns. The program is not […]

Paper or plastic? The answer isn’t so straightforward

EDITORIAL

It’s possible you’ve got a stash of plastic shopping bags taking up space in your home and you’re not sure what do with them. Recycle? Reuse? Or just throw away? The Golden State did away with single-use plastic bags in 2014 to reduce litter, but with health restrictions due to COVID-19, many stores had gone back to giving out the […]

Political Cartoon

FOR THE RECORD

In last week’s article “Curbside food distribution benefits animal owners,” Chloe Williamson’s last name was incorrectly stated as Williams. Williamson is a volunteer coordinator for Ventura County Animal Services.

Not crazy about letter writer’s comments

I can only assume that the reason that the Acorn continues to print letters from Jonathan Krazmaier is to give its readers something to collectively laugh at and make fun of, as I can’t imagine any intelligent individual takes them seriously. That said, it’s worth noting: Nobody is being asked to get vaccinated more than twice, nor is it necessary; […]