2008-07-17

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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

The versatile avocado tickles the taste buds in many recipes

Farmer specializes in 20 varieties

Recently at the Thousand Oaks farmers market I talked to vendor Frank Wells, who was manning the Westfield Farms stand. Westfield Farms has been in operation since 1992, and Wells has been running the farm since 1996. Westfield Farms specializes in avocados, growing more than 20 varieties including the Fuerte and the Pinkerton, but their mainstay is the Hass avocado. […]

Beautiful ballerinas perform in ‘Wonderland’



ON POINTE- Dancers, from left, Jackie Ku, Katrina Mitchelll, Melissa Wabby, Carly Melber, Stephanie Goretsky and Brigita Budginas perform during the Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts Center production of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Scherr Forum Theater in Thousand Oaks on June 29.

Van Dyke is Malibu art show’s star



The Malibu Art Association will present just one of the many exhibits at the Malibu Arts Festival set to return later this month. Proceeds from sales at the association’s booth will help fund college scholarships for local artists. The Malibu Arts Festival, now in its 37th year, will showcase over 200 exhibits and artist booths with original art from all […]

Purchase Fair tickets early to save money

Combo fares with Metrolink even less

Guests who plan to attend the Ventura County Fair from July 30 through Aug. 10 may save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Prefair carnival ride tickets, season tickets, and Metrolink/fair combos are available at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Administrative Office, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Prefair tickets are also available at the […]

Agoura High couple tie the knot in Bel Air



CONGRATULATIONS- Agoura High School alumni Jeffrey Allan Meinhardt and Lauren Ashley Stomel were married at the Luxe Hotel in Bel Air on March 29. Both earned law degrees from Loyola Law School. Following their honeymooning in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, the couple made their home in West Los Angeles.

Sluice box helps save stranded duck family in Westlake Village



It was a warm summer evening in Westlake Village when one of our neighbors called and asked if we had any ideas how to help a family of ducks out of their swimming pool. It was a mother and her nine chicks. They had been in the pool for about an hour and it was obvious mom was not happy. […]

Ventura County Fair accepting entries



The Ventura County Fair Entry Weekend will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri., July 18 to Sun., July 20 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Departments accepting entries include amateur fine arts; hobbies, models and collections; arts and crafts; clothing and textiles; preserved foods; professional arts; Uncle Leo’s Barn Ag Contest and Youth Expo and 4-H/Grange. Trophies, ribbons […]

Softball squad goes undefeated at state



BIG WIN FOR WAGS- The Westlake-Agoura Girls Softball (WAGS) U-8 Alpha team capped off its amazing season by winning all four games they played at the state tournament in Rancho Bernardo July 11-13. The weekend included an Olympic-style opening ceremony parade into Qualcomm Stadium on Friday night as part of the California State Games. The team finished the season with […]

Pet of the Week



SMOOTH MOVER- Guido, 10, a male golden retriever mix, was surrendered by his owner. Guido can be adopted from the Agoura Animal Shelter at 29525 Agoura Road. To take Guido home, ask for ID No.A3847762. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so please call (818) 991-0071 first or visit http:// animalcare.lacounty.gov/

Sheriff’s Blotter



Agoura Hills A burglar stole a pair of prescription eyeglasses, a computer memory stick and various CDs with a total value of $1,300 from a vehicle parked in the 28900 block of Oak Creek Lane on July 5. The culprit also caused $1,500 in damages while attempting to break in. Vandals caused $100 in damages to property in the 5800 […]