2009-01-23

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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

Celebrate Black History Month with gospel workshop in Santa Barbara



The 14th annual Steven Roberts Gospel Workshop, a program of the second annual Black History Month Celebration, will take place at 7 p.m. Thurs. and Fri., Feb. 5 and 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave., Santa Barbara. The workshop will culminate with a dress rehearsal at 10 a.m. Sat., Feb. 7 and a concert at 7:30 p.m. […]

Woman says decision changed her life forever



When I was a teen I decided, due to a bad experience involving molestation, that lesbianism would be right for me. But a boy pointed out that the Bible said God’s plan was for his children to be heterosexual, so I chose to be straight. That choice has brought me opportunities I would have never had otherwise. Although my life […]

Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre to host Poetry Out Loud contest

Students recite memorized poetry

The Ventura County Arts Council has announced that the Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura’s downtown cultural district will host the 2009 Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest county competition on Thurs., Feb. 19. Students at public, private, and parochial high schools, as well as homeschoolers, may participate. High school students will present poetry through memorization and performance. Nationally approved educational […]

Bird-watching trips in January



The Conejo Valley Audubon Society is offering the following birding trips in January: •Jan. 25, Gillette Ranch. Meet 8 a.m. Las Posas Park and Ride or 8:30 a.m. at the Ranch. See sparrows, bluebirds, hawks. Leader is Dee Lyon, (805) 4992165. •Jan. 31, Malibu Lagoon. Meet 8 a.m. Rancho Park and Ride. See water birds, sora, Virginal Rail. Leader is […]

Probate services have moved to Oxnard Juvenile Courthouse



All probate, conservatorship and guardianship of estate matters will take place at the Juvenile Courthouse in Oxnard. These matters were previously handled at the Hall of Justice in Ventura. Calendars will be heard on the second floor in Courtroom J6, unless otherwise assigned. Judge Kent M. Kellegrew will preside. Probate processing will be on the first floor in the clerk’s […]

Local Girl Scout cookie deliveries begin Feb. 21

Troops selling three new flavors along with the classics

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will take orders for the annual Girl Scout cookie sale through Wed., Feb. 4, with delivery beginning Feb. 21. Booth sales will run from Feb. 27 through March 22 at participating area retailers. The Scouts will sell eight varieties of cookies for $4 a box and $48 per case, including three new flavors: Thin […]

Shrink to speak at synagogue



Psychotherapist Dr. Barton Goldsmith will be the guest speaker at Congregation B’nai Emet’s Shabbat service at 8 p.m. today, Jan. 23 at the temple, 9 W. Bonita, Simi Valley. Rabbi Michele Paskow will conduct the service and Goldsmith will discuss “compassion.” In addition to his private practice, Goldsmith’s weekly column, “Emotional Fitness,” is syndicated and runs in the Ventura County […]

10 questions with SVHS girls’ soccer coach Mark Johnson



In December 1979, the Clash released its landmark album “London Calling,” the Pittsburgh Steelers prepared to win their fourth Super Bowl, and Mark Johnson coached his first game for the Simi Valley High girls’ soccer team. For the past 30 years, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone that represented SVHS more passionately than Johnson. The coach has won more than […]

Uebelhardt done as RHS football coach



Royal High’s Gene Uebelhardt has stepped down after 21 seasons as head football coach of the Highlanders. “It’s not a big deal,” Uebelhardt said. “I felt like it was time.” The longest tenured football coach in the Marmonte League at the time of his retirement, Uebelhardt finished with 106 victories. His last win—and final game as coach—was a 24-0 triumph […]

Gridiron stars honored by CIF



The LA84 Foundation has announced its All-CIF-Southern Section football teams for the Northern Division. The following Marmonte League players made the list: Offense: Thousand Oaks running back John Lister; Agoura wide receiver Kevin Hansen and offensive lineman Kevin Graf; Westlake offensive lineman Spencer Christiansen; Moorpark wideout Tim Vizzi and place kicker Steven Picchini. Defense: Moorpark defensive linemen Corey Sandoval and […]