2001-11-29

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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

Barbecue benefits NYC firefighters, cops MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn



Barbecue benefits NYC firefighters, cops MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn FEELING A SURGE OF PATRIOTISM—Pearl Fleming of Westlake Village listens to her sister, Norma Johnson, sing the national anthem at a benefit picnic for New York City firefighters and police. The fundraiser was last Sunday at Calamigos Ranch. See related photo on page 14.

Calabasas to keep utility tax

Acorn Staff Writer

Calabasas won’t abolish or lower its utility user’s tax for now, as some councilmembers had previously proposed. The city council made its decision at a recent meeting. Citing a down-turned economy and possible loss of income from the state, council-members said that utility taxes are needed to pay part of the costs of running the city. "We are facing uncertain […]

Waste reduction statistics in Westlake to be audited

Acorn Staff Writer

After years of what’s assumed to be inaccurate reporting, the city of Westlake Village has begun to check the state’s solid waste monitoring system. Polis Associates, Inc. was contracted to study and report landfill trash tonnage numbers said to be erroneously given by haulers. Such negligence prevents the city from meeting a state mandate and from gaining recognition for a […]

High court nixes Soka University expansion

Acorn Staff Writer

The California Supreme Court has ruled on the side of environmentalists in the 10-year-old battle over Soka University expansion. As a result of last month’s decision by the high court, Soka announced it would put its controversial growth project on hold indefinitely. Last July, the Second Court of Appeals reversed a trial court decision and issued a ruling that struck […]

Dangerous combination: Vehicles, rainfall MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn



Dangerous combination: Vehicles, rainfall MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn CLOSE CALL—The California Highway Patrol and firefighters look over a Ford Explorer that went airborne off the 101 Freeway near Hampshire Road and flew over rescue workers attending to another accident. The SUV came to a stop after hitting the ambulance. The driver, Timothy Beard of Monterey, was transported to Los Robles Regional […]

Two new faces to join LVUSD Board

Acorn Staff Writer

Judy Jordan, the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education president who was reelected Nov. 6, said she hasn’t made a decision on whether her fourth term in office will be her last. Longtime school board members Charlotte Meyer and Amy Berns decided not to seek reelection this year, and veteran Agoura Hills city councilmen Ed Corridori and Denis […]

New political action organization forming Conejo Valley-Las Virgenes



New political action organization forming Conejo Valley-Las Virgenes George Thomas, a challenger in the recent Agoura Hills City Council election, has announced the formation of a citizens’ activist group that he hopes will make an impact. Called the Conejo Las Virgenes Citizens Alliance (CLVCA), the organization’s broad goals include reducing traffic, improving quality of life, building additional community facilities and […]

Applications now available for Agoura Hills Planning Commission



Applications now available for Agoura Hills Planning Commission Applications for the planning commission in the city of Agoura Hills are available at City Hall, 30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. The terms of current commissioners expire on Jan. 10. Any resident of the city interested in being considered for the commission should call the city clerk’s office at (818) 597-7303 or […]

District hosts farewell party for incumbents Meyer, Berns

Acorn Staff Writer

Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) hosted a gala farewell last week for longtime boardmembers Amy Berns and Charlotte Meyer, both of whom are retiring next month. A parade of songs, speeches, videos and anecdotes greeted the outgoing board members as admirers thanked them for a combined 22 years of service. "Amy and Charlotte have dedicated so many hours. It […]

Grant application process begins in Westlake



The city of Westlake Village is presently accepting applications for their 2002 Community Services Grant Program. Grants will be awarded in amounts of not less than $250, and a total of $50,000 has been set aside to support the program. Not-for-profit organizations that serve Westlake Village residents and provide specialized social services and cultural programs benefiting the citizenry are eligible […]