2014-02-20

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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

Calabasas seeks ways to encourage voting




Voter apathy is a nationwide problem that is often manifested locally where voter turnout appears to have reached an all-time low, Calabasas officials said at a recent City Council meeting. The council recently contemplated ways to increase voter participation in the city. Mayor Fred Gaines said many voters don’t go to the polls for local elections because the races don’t […]

ACORNBITS



At its recent meeting, the Calabasas Environmental Commission discussed ways to reduce the use of anticoagulant rodenticides in the community. The rat poison can also harm large carnivores and other wildlife. In September 2013, the City Council adopted a resolution discouraging the use of anticoagulant rat poison within Calabasas. The council asked the Environmental Commission to develop a plan to […]

Environmental leader appreciated




The legacy of Carl Gibbs lives on in Calabasas. The longtime environmental and community activist died in 2006. He was one of the founders of the City of Calabasas and a founding member of the city’s Environmental Commission. At a recent meeting, the commission recognized Gibbs for his contributions in protecting the local qualify of life and natural resources. During […]

Lupin Hill welcomes Honest Abe on P-Day



Overdose prevention workshop has paid off

Drug antidote saves two lives


Two young adults from Simi Valley and Ojai who took lethal doses of opioids are still alive today thanks to an antidote provided at an overdose prevention and response workshop in Oak Park last October. To save more lives, Oak Park resident Loretta Di Lustro is preparing to host a second overdose prevention workshop at her home on March 1. […]

Disabilities story



Last week’s Acorn’s story on the challenges adults with special needs face finding employment was excellent. It is a difficult situation that affects many local individuals and families. With the economy now on the upswing, I hope our local businesses, corporate or small, will consider working with the Department of Rehabilitation (individual with disabilities) or nonprofit employment agencies, in offering […]

Uranium in Old Agoura?



In a recent water sample from the Chesebro Meadow, radioactive “hot” uranium was found. This test result is three times the maximum contaminant safe level. This is yet one more reason why the Chesebro Meadow should not be disturbed with grading for a proposed housing development. The Chesebro Meadow is a critical wildlife habitat for the functionality of the Liberty […]

Young people with disabilities are ready, willing, able to work

Early intervention, support and internships can help the disabled find their role in the workplace


Second of two parts Students start their learning young, and that includes children with disabilities who find out quicker than most about the importance of long-range goals. Luckily, there is support. All public school districts offer the IEP, or individualized education program, which allows educators and parents to identify learning disabilities in children and create a plan for students with […]

Water tank cost overrun was avoidable



Recently, an Acorn reader asserted that “NIMBY” residents led to the cost increases for construction of the Three Springs water tank. Nothing could be further from the truth. In my opinion, as a LVMWD board member, the water district is wholly responsible for these cost increases. They come in a few different forms: change of project scope, not accurately representing […]

Water bond dangerously expensive



The never-ending drought has created a sense of urgency about the state’s water delivery system. Supplies from the Sierra snowpack in the north (what’s left of it) flow through the State Water Project, a series of pumps, pipes and aqueducts that dice through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and direct water southward to our own thirsty homes and businesses. While […]