2009-03-26

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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

Adoption orientation on tap in T.O.



With more than 9,000 foster children in California wanting an adoptive home, there is a great need for caring adults to provide a loving, nurturing home as adoptive parents. Children’s Bureau will host an orientation for prospective adoptive parents from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Tues., March 31 at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. All […]

Hold ‘Em Poker Tourney to benefit Kiwanis



The second annual Kiwanis of Thousand Oaks Foundation Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament and Casino Night is coming soon and it promises to be an exciting and entertaining event at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Conejo Valley’s music source, on Sun., April 19. Registration and lessons begin at 4 p.m. Buffet dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Tournament and casino […]

Visit to Africa changed everything



After Brendan Callahan graduated from Westlake High School in 2005 he headed to Boston University with one goal in mind: to pursue a career in which he could make money. “When I first walked through the doors of the B.U. School of Management, I had dollar signs in my eyes,” said Callahan, 21. “I wanted to use my business degree […]

Plans underway for interchange



The Westlake Village office Huitt-Zollars has been selected as the prime consultant for the approximate $23million freeway bridge widening and interchange project at Lost Hills Road and U.S. 101 in Calabasas. The Westlake firm will prepare plans, specifications and estimates for the widening of the twolane bridge to five lanes, including a partial cloverleaf interchange, Huitt-Zollars vice president Jim Faul […]

Calabasas turns heat on tobacco sales



The Calabasas City Council is considering an ordinance that would levy a $1,000 fine to retailers who sell tobacco to minors. A new, Calabasas tobacco retailer licensing program will require any retailer selling tobacco in the city to be licensed. City Attorney Michael Colantuono said similar programs in other cities usually begin with the city issuing free licenses to all […]

Las Virgenes schools must explain budget moves



For the third time since Assembly Bill 1200 passed in 1991, the Las Virgenes Unified School District must file a “qualified” interim budget with state officials explaining why the district might not meet its financial obligations for the next three years. The bill was enacted to ensure that California school districts are adequately prepared to meet their financial obligations. The […]

Pirates and princesses



Oak Park principal resigns



Oak Park High is seeking a new principal to lead the school beginning July 1. Andi Mallen has resigned effective June 30. A committee of parents, teachers and administrators is being formed to interview candidates, Oak Park Unified School District Superintendent Tony Knight said. Mallen, who replaced Lynn McCormack last year, is “moving on to other interests,” Knight said. Specific […]

Dean reinstated by sheriff



Geoff Dean is glad to be back in uniform, but Sheriff Bob Brooks has made it clear he doesn’t agree with a civil commission’s decision to allow the 31year veteran to return to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. “I disagree with (the commission’s) determination that a termination was not warranted,” Brooks said. Dean, a 52-year-old Camarillo resident, returned to the […]

Agoura rec center goes back to the drawing board

With Forest Cove site nixed, new locations are being studied

A new recreation and senior center for Agoura Hills received a show of support from residents at a community workshop last week. Amy Brink, director of community services, provided an overview of the services currently provided by the recreation department as well as the challenges of designing a new center to meet the long-term needs of the community. Finding an […]