This week on Valley Edition we talk about the state's new law, the "California Dream Act" which would allow students who came to the country as children illegally access to financial aid at state colleges and universities. We also hear about the link between the recession and an increase in cases of child abuse. And we close our program with a story on the Hmong American Writers Circle, and a new literary anthology called "How Do I Begin."
Segment I: California Dream Act
California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed into law the so-called "California Dream Act" which would allow students who came to the country as children illegally access to financial aid at state colleges and universities. Supporters call it an important step towards giving students access to higher education, while critics say it is rewarding those who cross the border illegally. Fresno State political science professor Thomas Holyoke and Mark Krikorian from the Center for Immigration Studies join the discussion.
Segment II: Recession & Child Abuse
The recession isn't just hurting families financially. It's creating more stress for parents who already feel overwhelmed by the demands of raising children. Child safety advocates are concerned about the link between the economy and rising reports of abusive head injuries in infants. That condition is better known as shaken baby syndrome. FM89's Shellie Branco files this report and Valley Edition host Juanita Stevenson talks with Karen Cooley Executive Director of the Kern Child Abuse Prevention Council's Haven Counseling Center, and Esther Franco, Executive Director of the Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention.
Segment III: Hmong American Writers’ Circle
Burlee Vang, founder of the Hmong American Writers’ Circle, joins host Juanita Stevenson to talk about a new book called How Do I Begin?: A Hmong American Literary Anthology. Vang was recently awarded the prestigious Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
