2009-01-15

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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

Reader says Israel wants peace, even if the Hamas terrorists do not



A response to last week’s letter titled “Both sides are at fault in Israeli-Hamas conflict” is necessary. It was eluded that there was justification for the rocket attacks from Hamas because the people of Gaza are suffering. Besides, the letter writer said, only a few Israelis were killed and only a small portion of that population was forced to live […]

Galaxy Girls are out of this world



WINNERS ALL—The Galaxy Girls, named Girls AYSO Area 12 champs, will move on to play in Bakersfield in February. Back row, from left:Assistant Coach Bob Holmes, Coach Darian Cohen. Middle row: Sarah Koep, Emily Feuer, Lacey Weidenfeller, Lindsay Seyler, Rachel Holmes, Tiffany Saffron, Emily Powers and Maddie Cohen. Front row: Adriana C’Dealva, Hannah Klegka, Katy Rupp and Katie Kimes.

DAR to give awards in February



The Conejo Valley National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will have its annual awards night meeting at 7 p.m. Mon., Feb. 2 in the education wing at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 30600 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills. The winners of the chapter’s annual history essay contest will be announced at the meeting. To make a reservation, call Barbara Spiegel […]

Pinewood Derby is oodles of fun



START YOUR ENGINES—Above, Agoura Hills residents Caden Kavanaugh, 5, and his dad John prepare to build a car for the Pinewood Derby during last weekend’s clinic for Cub Scout Pack 227 and their family members. The cars will be raced on Fri., Jan. 23 at Willow Elementary School. Left, Agoura Hills resident Jensen Risko, 9, sands down pieces of his […]

Be careful with that fireplace



During cool weather, many families look forward to the warmth and ambience of crackling fires in their home fireplace. But before lighting a fire, there are some tips to consider: Get the fireplace ready. Past fires may have left soot deposits inside the chimney, so it is always a good idea to have it swept before use. Also, take a […]

Kids learn from former NBA player

'He is passionate about making basketball a fun part of his players' lives.' — Tami Miller league president

To the 6- and 7-year-old boys on the Tigers Westlake National Junior Basketball team, former UCLA and professional star Don MacLean is just another dad. He’s the father of their teammate, Kyle, and also the Tigers’ coach. But savvy fans remember MacLean, who’s been a resident of Westlake Village for the past 11 years, from his days as a Bruin […]

Girls’ soccer team on fire



ON FIRE—The Agoura/Westlake Girls U-10 All-Star team, the Fireballs, celebrate their first place win in the Simi Valley New Year’s Soccer Tournament. The team scored 16 goals and had only one goal scored against them. Back row: Coach Alan Howard. Middle row, from left: Gabbie Garrison, Ally Spooner, Sarah Howard, Eve Cornelius, Paige Harrington and Coach Debbie Harrington. Front row: […]

Episcopal church holds ‘Goth’ services

Group described as 'displaced Christians'

If there’s a stereotype of a clergy person who initiates a Goth service, the Rev. Lou Divis defies it. At nearly 60, Divis, the mother of four and stepmother of four, with her first grandchild on the way, is one of the softestspoken, sweetest-looking people you could hope to meet. Her “day job” is in early childhood education. But unlikely […]

Friendship Circle to hold teen conference



The Conejo Valley Friendship Circle will host a teen volunteer conference and dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Mon., Jan. 19 at 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. The conference will give staff and teens the opportunity to assess progress, refresh orientation issues, offer advice and share encouragement. A variety of workshops will be offered for new and experienced volunteers as […]

Adult education classes offered in Judaism



The Conejo Jewish Academy at 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills, begins its winter semester next week. No affiliation or membership is necessary. For more information or to sign up, call (818) 991-0991 or visit www.jewishacademy.com. •”Windows of the Soul, A Kabbalistic Journey,” 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 20. The six-part series discusses the kabbalistic essence of “self” as well as […]