2012-09-20

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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

Vacation memories



It’s inevitable. School is back in session and autumn is almost here. But if you’re already longing for another vacation, don’t worry. You can extend your summer reverie by participating in the annual Take Your Acorn on Vacation Photo Contest. Visit www.theacorn.com and click on the Vacation Photo Contest button at the upper right corner. You’ll be given a choice […]

Photo contest



The voting is now open for the 2012 Take Your Acorn on Vacation Photo Contest. Cast your vote online by visiting www.theacorn.com and clicking on the photo contest button. Voting ends Oct. 1. The winning photos plus honorable mentions will be announced in the Oct. 4 edition of The Acorn and online at www.theacorn.com.

Stars and Stripes and motorcycles



RIDE ON—Motorcyclists cruise through Westlake Village in last weekend’s Ride to the Flags commemorating 9-11.

Promenade’s new luxury theaters take back seat to no one

Doors open at Cinépolis


Raise the curtain and roll the projector—take out your wallets, too. The new Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas open Fri., Sept., 21 at the Westlake Promenade shopping center following nine months of construction. Last week, corporate executives from the Mexico-based cinema chain came to the Rick Caruso-owned shopping center to cut the ribbon on its new eightscreen, 600-seat, high-end movie theater and […]

Drug arrest in Westlake



Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 38-year-old man on drug and other charges Sept. 10 in the Three Springs neighborhood of Westlake Village. John Gregory Higgins, who lives on Shellcreek Place, was charged with possessing narcotics and dealing drugs, and presenting false identification, said Capt. Joe Stephen of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. A team of squad cars descended on the quiet […]

Bella Vita to host fashion show



The Bella Vita Italian American So- cial Club will present “ A Fami ly Affai r” fashion show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6 at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Our Community House of Hope hospice. Tickets are $35. Call Elisa at (805) 492-6567.

Actress, artist Jane Seymour returns to T.O. Art Festival



Actress and artist Jane Seymour returns to the ninth annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival from 2 to 4 p.m. Sun., Sept. 23 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes shopping center. Seymour is a past honorary chair of the festival, and her artwork will be on display throughout the free, two-day event. The festival hours are 10 […]

Fernando Award gala will honor three local residents



The 54th annual Fernando Award Foundation’s Dinner set for Fri., Sept. 21, will honor this year’s 10 nominees as well as announce the recipient of the 2012 Fernando Award, the highest honor for volunteerism and civic accomplishment in the San Fernando Valley. After the dinner and ceremony at the Warner Center Marriot Hotel in Woodland Hills, the overall winner will […]

Fashion show to benefit Casa Pacifica’s work

. Runway style show, luncheon will be at Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake

Casa Pacifica Angels will present the 11th annual “Spotlight on Style” fashion show fundraiser on Sat., Oct. 6 at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Two Dole Drive. A champagne reception will open the festivities. Guests can visit boutiques to purchase accessories, clothing and gifts. Employees of Meathead Movers will greet and direct guests, and assist during the luncheon catered […]

Remodeling ideas galore presented at Home Show



DESIGN ON DISPLAY—Architect Kevin Tohill greets a prospective client during the 35th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage on Sun., Sept. 9. Left, Alex Yudkevich discusses a walk-in bath with Nora Domingo who stopped by the California Energy Contractors booth during the show.