2008-06-05

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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

School district – Oak Park passes parcel tax extension

Measure C wins handily

Oak Park schools will continue to receive nearly $1 million in funding from an annual parcel tax thanks to residents who voted yes for Measure C in Tuesday’s election. With a two-thirds majority needed to pass the measure, 2,380 residents, or 83 percent voted yes while only 487, or 17 percent, voted against the measure. "Clearly people realize how important […]

Democrats pick Pavley for Senate

Legislature

Fran Pavley claimed a landslide victory in Tuesday’s primary election for the Democratic nomination for state Senate, 23rd District. Pavley won the primary by more than a twotoone margin in Los Angeles County- with 67.6 percent of the vote- against Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (DVan Nuys), who finished with 32.4 percent. In Ventura County, Pavley prevailed with 58 percent of the […]

U.S. Congress – Pallant stumbles in race for 24th

Oak Park candidate finishes last among Democrats

Marta Jorgensen, a teacher from Solvang, pulled a surprise victory in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the 24th Congressional District. Longtime incumbent Elton Gallegly was an easy winner on the Republican side. The 24th District comprises most of Ventura County and inland Santa Barbara County, and includes more than 650,000 residents. During the campaign, Jorgensen had dropped out of the race […]

Nature under the microscope with species identification ‘blitz’



THE WORLD AROUND US- Right, a volunteer classifies insects using pins during the National Geographic BioBlitz last weekend at Paramount Ranch. The event is a 24-hour marathon in which teams of scientists, volunteers and community members join forces to identify as many local plant and animal species as possible. Below, bees and other arthropods are lined up in a row […]

Agoura Hills sees revenue in city parks



In anticipation of ball games and birthday parties competing for space at local parks with carnivals, corporate picnics and weddings, the Agoura Hills City Council examined its parks reservation policies at last month’s meeting. The first come, first served policy for picnic shelters and open grass areas may not be meeting the needs of the community, said Amy Brink, director […]

Westlake plans expanded hazardous waste program



The city of Westlake Village will discontinue its motor oil collection program at Berneice Bennett Park on the fourth Saturday of each month. Sat., June 28 will be the last collection event. In its place, an expanded doortodoor household hazardous waste collection service will be offered to city residents. Numerous items are identified by California state law as unacceptable for […]

Pollution mandates, fewer state funds make for tight Agoura Hills budget



Agoura Hills city officials made several important belttightening moves at their May 28 budget workshop. Although reserves have fallen, the city nevertheless presented a balanced, $11.8-million budget with little reduction in community services. In his report to the City Council, City Manager Greg Ramirez said the 2008-09 Agoura Hills budget demonstrates the “narrowing trend we are seeing between annual general […]

Despite recession, city remains in giving mood



Several local nonprofit agencies, school clubs and other groups received more than $26,000 in grants from the city of Agoura Hills during last week’s budget workshop. The Agoura High School Music Boosters will receive $2,000, although the group requested a funding hike to $4,000. The school’s senior class booster club received $1,000. Since the Agoura High’s theater booster club failed […]

Taxpayer input is requested



The Los Angeles Department of Public Works is asking for the public’s opinion on projects designed to restore native habitats and improve beach and creek water quality. The workshop is June 10th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Headquarters. The projects, which address water quality, coastal creek habitats and drought vulnerability due to […]

Calabasas introduces new ‘green’ city initiatives



The Calabasas City Council launched the first phase of a new environmental initiative program with the debut of a website and a “Green Hour” program on the city’s CTV television channel. A task force was established in November 2007 to develop environmental initiatives. The task force was charged with finding more ways to keep the city ecologically responsible, including the […]