This week on Valley Edition, we preview the upcoming June primary election and talk about this year's ballot measures and candidates. We also debate the pros and cons of attachment parenting with moms and with an expert in child development. And finally we get a preview of this year's Nights in the Plaza Friday night concert series at Arte Americas in Fresno.
On Valley Edition May 15, 2012:
Segment 1: June Election
With the June election just weeks away, we talk with Fresno State political science professor Dr. Thomas Holyoke about the candidates and issues before voters. We also dig into the new "top two" primary system that is getting its first major test this June, and see how the reforms voters called for by approving Prop 14 are now becoming a reality.
Segment 2: Attachment Parenting
This week a provocative cover story in TIME Magazine has ignited a debate about what is being called attachment parenting. It's a philosophy that advises parents to be physically and emotionally available to their young children. The cover photo, which depicts a young mother breastfeeding her three year old son, has generated both support and outrage. Some have called it an attempt to sensationalize a serious topic, while others have said it has brought the issues of co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding and baby wearing to a mainstream audience. But beyond the hype, what is attachment parenting, and is it for everyone? A local expert on attachment parenting and child development, Dr. Kyle Weir, joins us to explain the issues and the importance of attachment between parents and children. Dr. Weir is the coordinator of the Counselor Education program at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State, and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. We also talk to local "mom bloggers", Traci Arbios of the Fresno based website TheFullMoxie.com and Bakersfield Californian journalist Jamie Butow of BakersfieldMom.com.
Segment 3: Arte Americas
Fresno's Latino cultural arts center Arte Americas begins its summertime "Sunset Concert" series this weekend. Program director Frank Delgado joins us to talk about this year's lineup and other events and exhibits taking place at the venue.
