2009-09-24

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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

Young environmental leader bids farewell to Calabasas



The Calabasas Environmental Commission said goodbye earlier this month to a student representative who has worked diligently to promote environmental awareness in the community. Rebecca Peters graduated from Calabasas High School last spring and has left her post on the commission to start her college career at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Alex Farassati, the city’s environmental services supervisor, presented a […]

Student expert offers tips



At her final meeting as the student representative on the Calabasas Environmental Commission, Rebecca Peters didn’t merely accept her certificate of appreciation and thank her fellow commissioners. The recent Calabasas High graduate used her last address to offer attendees and at-home viewers some tips on saving energy. “When many people think of saving energy, they think of windmills, solar panels […]

Subterranean blast interrupts Oak Park electrical service



Westlake Rotary banks on big evening



The film “Casablanca” will be the theme of a gala sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village. The 2009 Spirit of the Season Vintner’s Dinner and Auction will be Sat., Oct. 17 at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Guests are asked to wear period clothing from the early 1940s for the black tie optional event. The jazz-swing band […]

Agoura Hills librarian retires after 28 years at ‘dream job’



As a child, Raya Sagi always wanted to be a librarian. Now, after 28 years of working in her “dream job,” she announced she will retire as Agoura Hills community librarian at the end of September. According to information gathered by Friends of the Library volunteers, Sagi’s love of the institution started at the age of 5 when she would […]

Domestic violence tragedies raise awareness about family issues



Three separate family law disputes have recently led to five deaths in Southern California. Within a week, an Orange County graduate student was been charged with shooting and killing his estranged wife during an argument over custody; a man committed suicide in the parking lot of the Ventura County Government Center moments before his scheduled court hearing in a divorce […]

Club learns about conservation



The Westlake Women’s Club will meet at 10 a.m. Tues., Oct. 13 at the Westlake Village Inn, 32001 Agoura Road. After lunch, guest speaker Jeff Reinhardt, public affairs and communications manager of the Las Virgenes Water District, will speak on water conservation measures, offer tips on saving water and discuss consequences for violations of noncompliance. Guests are welcome. The cost of lunch […]

‘Beaver’ actor Jerry Mathers named grand marshal of Reyes Adobe Days festival



Actor Jerry Mathers, who is remembered as the iconic, rascally lad “Beaver” on the long-running 1950s-era television series “Leave It To Beaver,” has been named grand marshal for the fifth annual Reyes Adobe Days festival in Agoura Hills from Oct. 2 to 4. Mathers has local ties to the community—he is the brother of Sue McSweeney, a Westlake Village council […]

Adobe Days to feature work from 12 local artists



The works of 12 local artists will be showcased at the Art Scene during the fifth annual Reyes Adobe Days Oct. 2 through 4, announced Amy Brink, director of Agoura Hills’ Department of Community Services. Joe Wertheimer , 64, started drawing at the age of 7. After a career in television and film art production and design, he began working […]

Assistance League benefit showcases fashion show, best-selling author



Assistance League of Conejo Valley will present a combined fashion, literary and shopping event called Books and Looks on Wed., Oct. 21 at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. The doors will open at 9 a.m. with coffee served. Guests may shop at specialty boutiques featuring gourmet food items, jewelry, fashions and holiday gifts. Luncheon will […]