2010-03-19

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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

Dog missing



“Daddy, something real bad happened,” my 6-year-old said when I picked him up from school last Thursday. Like any other dad, I responded with, “What’d you do wrong?” I was fuming—even though I hadn’t heard the news yet. “It’s not me, Daddy,” he said. “It’s Jessica—her dog ran away. And I’m so sorry for her.” You’d think my son had […]

Artifacts aren’t for the taking



The foothills and mountains of Simi Valley offer a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hiking the local hills becomes especially enticing this time of year as the rains have left behind a collection of wildflowers and greenery that is truly breathtaking. But what many don’t realize—or perhaps don’t pay much attention to—is that the trails […]

Faith Christian hosts candlelight service for Good Friday



Faith Christian Church will have a Good Friday candlelight service at 7 p.m. Fri., April 2 at the church, 1925 Royal Ave., Simi Valley. The pastor is Lance Skifter. For more information, go to www.FaithChristianSV.org or call (805) 581-0938.

Houses of Worship



Blessed Hope Chapel, Rev. Joe Schimmel, 23 W. Easy St., No. 204, (805) 520-5882. Bridge Community Church, Rev. David Wilkinson, 1925 Royal Ave., (805) 526-2964. Calvary Baptist Church of Simi Valley, Pastor Dennis Chapman, 3050 Kadota St., (805) 583-3314. Calvary Chapel of Simi Valley, Rev. Tim Coleman, 1636 Sinaloa Road, (805) 527-0199. Center for Spiritual Living, Dr. James Lockard, 1756 […]

Plumb the depths of your pure potential



“The Law of Pure Potential ity could also be called the Law of Unity, because underlying the infinite diversity of life is the unity of one all-pervasive spirit. There is no separation between you and this field of energy.” — Deepak Chopra Pretend that you are dreaming, and in your dream you see a giant lake—we will call it “Lake […]

Hunt for Easter eggs at local farm



Underwood Family Farms will have Easter activities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun., April 3 and 4 at the farm, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark. Festivities include an Easter scavenger hunt, visits with the Easter Bunny, the animal show, tractor-drawn wagon rides and entrance to the Animal Center. Easter activities are included with the $5 weekend admission […]

Low-income families can get help paying energy bills



Community Action of Ventura County is offering financial help to low-income households through its Home Energy Assistance Program. The agency has received its 2010 HEAP funding that pays for either one gas or one electric bill per year for families who qualify. The nonprofit also has unused HEAP funds left over from 2009 that it can use through June to […]

T-ballers get first peek at Opening Day



Mayor Miller says no mas

Popular city leader announces he won’t seek reelection

Paul Miller’s third term as mayor will be his last. The 72-year-old Miller, standing before the who’s who of Simi Valley, made the announcement Wednesday in his typical fashion—straightforward and with little fanfare. “I’ve been at this now for almost 48 years. The last almost 28 with the city,” said Miller, who got his start in public service with the […]

Jobs of nearly 100 school employees threatened

More than half teach in Simi elementaries

With a budget deadline looming, the Simi Valley Unified School District board voted last week to lay off nearly 100 certificated employees, including teachers, counselors and nurses. The district, by law, had to turn in a budget by March 15, despite the fact that the state budget hasn’t been completed and won’t be for months. The school district has until […]