2006-11-30

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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

LVUSD contract talks progress



In an 11th-hour decision, the Las Virgenes Unified School District and the Las Virgenes Educators Association, the union that represents teachers, have settled on a tentative contract agreement. “The superintendent and school board are pleased to have a tentative agreement,” said Dan Stepenosky, assistant superintendent of personnel. Paul Markowitz, co-president of the LVEA, said the agreement was recommended for approval by […]

Four Seasons opens its luxury doors



ART AND ARCHITECTURE–A stone imported from the River Kwai in Thailand and an authentic Chinese pagoda are among the landscape features at the new Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake. See complete story on page 14A.

Calabasas reviews housing project



An affordable housing community for seniors could be in Calabasas’ future. The City Council recently heard a builder’s presentation about a 90-unit complex planned for a one-acre parcel in Old Town. Thomas Safran of Thomas Safran Associates described the mini-community he envisions on the property he recently purchased at 4830 El Canon Ave. The complex would offer accommodations for seniors, […]

Vandals strike again in Oak Park



Deerhill and Mae Boyar parks, popular Oak Park neighborhood facilities, were vandalized in similar incidents late Friday night, leaving authorities to believe that the same perpetrators damaged both parks. In both locations vandals drove vehicles across the fields, tearing up the grass and leaving large loop-shaped scars. The damage to the Deerhill soccer field was much worse than to the […]

Blood donations needed after Thanksgiving week decline



Blood donations on the Central Coast declined during the Thanksgiving week, raising concerns for the local blood supply, according to United Blood Services Central Coast. Each day, about 270 units of blood products are needed to maintain an adequate supply for those needing blood. During Thanksgiving week, daily blood donations averaged just 189 units. Blood has a 42-day shelf-life, and […]

New preschool opens in Oak Park



A new preschool is opening in Oak Park. The initial class, emphasizing fun and kindergarten readiness, is geared toward 4- and 5-year-olds. The class is open to anyone interested, not just Oak Park residents. Classes will begin Jan. 8 at the Oak Park Community Center, and will initially run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon with an […]

Agoura to host General Plan update meeting



A General Plan update community meeting will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 13 at the Agoura Hills City Council chambers in city hall, 30001 Ladyface Court. At this joint meeting of the City Council and planning commission, the public can learn more about the General Plan update process and share opinions about land use, circulation and […]

Westlake cuts one-way transit fee



One-way public transit riders in Westlake will enjoy an early holiday gift when the city’s bus fare goes down by half on Dec. 1. The Westlake Village City Council approved the fare decrease earlier this month, cutting the one-way fare from $2 to $1. The change affects about 15 to 20 riders daily who pay the one-way fare rather than […]

City completes bus safety video



To remind residents about the importance of bus safety, the city of Westlake Village shot a film called “Ride the Bus” this past weekend on city streets. When completed in the next two weeks, the 10- to 15-minute video will be shown on local Channel 10. The film addresses safety issues on the bus and how to get on and […]

Santa arrives early



SURPRISE VISIT–Santa made an early appearance at the tree-lighting festivities at The Commons in Calabasas recently. Youngsters, from left, Roxana Solhjou, 5, of Calabasas; Danielle Haber, 8, of Tarzana; Soma Smith, 5, and her friend Morgan Freeman, 3, both of Calabasas, scramble for their chance to speak with Santa.