2008-08-21

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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

Girls off to the races

Marmonte League preview: Cross country

Slowly but surely, the gap is closing. Although many coaches pick Royal High to be the top girls’ cross country team in the Marmonte League once again, even Royal’s head coach, Jay Sramek, believes it will be tough to repeat as champs in 2008. “We’re still looking to dominate like we’ve done in the past, but I don’t think we […]

Sumac elementary kicks off fall term



Sumac Elementary School will host the third annual Kickoff Day on Tues., Aug. 26 in the school’s multipurpose room, 6050 Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills. The event will have staggered start times to ease crowding: new families arrive at 4 p.m.; returning families with last names A to L arrive 4:45 p.m., and returning families with last names M to Z […]

Field is set for Oak Park elections

Multiple candidates file for schools, water district, MAC

The November election isn’t just about national politics. In Oak Park, there are several races with local implications. Four men are running for two openings on the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council, which is the governing body that addresses local business, land use and government issues and makes recommendations to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Longtime MAC members Deena […]

C. J. Foss named new Calabasas principal



Her experience as a certified International Baccalaureate theater arts teacher and the coordinator of a technology magnet school were just two of the reasons Catherine Jo (C.J.) Foss was hired as the new principal of Calabasas High School. Las Virgenes Unified School District Superintendent Donald Zimring said Foss, who will replace former Principal Vince Jantz this fall, brings a perfect […]

Teachers go on mission to help schools abroad



Five area women traveled to the island nation of Fiji recently on a mission of education and peace. Calabasas Viewpoint School teachers Caroline Hogg and Deborah McDonald went to the South Pacific on behalf of the organization Global Classrooms for Peace to help Fijian schools incorporate better teaching techniques and implement a more advanced curriculum. They were joined by Gina […]

Students invited to Youth and Government barbecue

Teens write, debate own legislative bills

High schoolers entering grades nine through 12 are invited to attend a free Triunfo YMCA Youth and Government information barbecue from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 4 at Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road in Oak Park. Youth and Government is a statewide program where teenagers receive a hands-on education about the inner workings of government. Members participate with 2,500 […]

New principals make back to school plans



READY TO LEAD—The Las Virgenes Unified School District welcomes several new principals as classes begin next Wednesday. From left: Superintendent Don Zimring, Round Meadow Elementary School Principal Tom Spence, Willow Elementary School Principal Jessica Kiernan, A.E. Wright Middle School Principal Kimmarie Taylor and Superintendent of Personnel Dan Stepenosky. To meet the new principal at Calabasas High School, see story on […]

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS



Company Name Symbol Aug. 20 Aug. 13 Aug. 6 July 30 Headquartered AMGEN AMGN 63.57 63.49 63.49 62.30 THOUSAND OAKS BAXTER BAX 68.98 69.68 70.75 68.57 THOUSAND OAKS BEVERLY HILLS BANCORP BHBC 1.83 1.10 .96 1.21 CALABASAS CAMINOSOFT CORP. CMSF 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.09 WESTLAKE VILLAGE CHEESECAKE FACTORY CAKE 15.64 16.77 15.38 14.32 CALABASAS DIODES, INC DIOD 24.99 27.69 27.40 […]

Tankless Water Heaters Save



When local plumbing contractor Roy Madigan and his wife Christina launched their specialized plumbing business last year, they had no idea how timely their idea was. Though he had more than 25 years of general plumbing experience, Roy Madigan was impressed with the technology of tankless hot water heaters, which only provide hot water as needed. Tankless heaters are widely-used […]

Herner Provides an Education on How to Plan for College



Jason Herner, president of National College Planners, specializes in helping families navigate the process of college planning. From the early stages of college selection to the last hurdle of developing methods to finance higher education, NCP provides a comprehensive service to address every family’s needs and concerns. NCP has worked with hundreds of local families to plan, apply and pay […]