2002-05-09

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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

Coyotes on the prowl, rattlesnakes slithering about

Acorn Staff Writer

Be warned: Coyote and rattlesnake season is here. It’s that time of year to watch your step, especially if you’re on a trail, in fields or in mountains or hills where snakes live. And keep a watchful eye on kids and small pets whenever you’re outside; coyotes are here. Venomous vipers are venturing closer to cities after the dry winter, […]

Equestrians have a ball in Old Agoura



OPUSD employee sues for discrimination, harassment

Acorn Staff Writer

A former Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD) employee, Judy Galanter, is suing the district for religious discrimination and harassment. After more than three months of employment as food services bookkeeper, Galanter’s employment was terminated. The district gave no explanation for her removal, according to Galanter, which led her to believe that her Jewish religion was a factor. Galanter started […]

Las Virgenes teachers get modest pay increase

Acorn Staff Writer

Heeding recent budget warnings from state and local officials, teachers of Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) have tentatively agreed to a 1 percent pay raise retroactive to Nov. 15. The effective salary increase for the current school year computes to .75 percent. While the salary increase represents only about a tenth of what teachers received in their 2001 pay […]

Agoura Hills cigar store robbed twice

Acorn Staff Writer

A car chase and a house-to-house search by sheriff’s deputies led to the arrest of a man said to be part of the gang that robbed the Smoke Zone cigar and cigarette store in Agoura Hills on April 18. A group of men broke into the small retail store twice, once on March 20 and again the following month. Deputies […]

A new kind of P.E. begins to evolve in local middle schools



A new kind of P.E. begins to evolve in local middle schools By Bill E. Brock Special to the Acorn Part II of two parts Physical education isn’t necessarily viewed as education and P.E. teachers are rarely treated as colleagues by their peers. Educators concede that overcrowded P.E. classes can sometimes become free-for-alls with little guidance. However, to reduce class […]

Local mayors to meet



The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation will host its annual "Mayor’s Forum" at 7:30 a.m., Thurs., May 16 in the City Council Chambers of Agoura Hills City Hall, 30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. Mayors from Calabasas, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills are expected to attend as well as representatives of the mayors from Hidden Hills and Thousand Oaks. In addition, representatives […]

For the record



The headline of a photo last week exclaimed "A show not to be missed." Unfortunately, the musicians had performed the Saturday before last week’s edition. Our headline would have been more appropriate if it had said, "A show that you shouldn’t have missed." The Lupin Hill Elementary School Carnival was Sat., May 4. We had it listed as Sun., May […]

Hidden Hills city employee earns certified status



Deana L. Morerod, who serves as the administrative assistant for the city of Hidden Hills, has received the designation "Certified Municipal Clerk" from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Morerod has been employed with the city since April 1990. The certification program aids municipal clerks and deputy clerks in improving job performance and recognizes the professionalization of the Municipal Clerk’s […]

T.O. committee seeks applicants



Three positions are open on the Conejo Open Space Trails Advisory Committee (COSTAC). The positions are for three-year terms running to May 2005. Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency appoints members to COSTAC. Thousand Oaks citizens interested in obtaining an application and/or further information regarding the vacancy may call the Thousand Oaks City Clerk’s office at (805) 449-2151 or visit the […]