Marin fares well in report on care of kids

A new report critical of the health and education of California's children indicates Marin kids are faring better than many others in the state. The research report, released today by Children Now, an Oakland-based nonprofit, focuses on key indicators such as health insurance, obesity, preschool attendance, academic achievement and family income. Children Now warns that significant policy changes are needed to prevent future generations from being far worse off than previous ones. "If we ignore the warning signs," said Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, "California will be forced, at a minimum, to cover higher costs of remedial health services and confront the lack of a well-educated workforce needed to compete in tomorrow's economy." In several of the categories, Marin kids did significantly better than the statewide average.

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Slain Bronco Williams wanted to help kids

Williams' mother, Rosalind, doesn't want her son's dreams to die after he was shot and killed early Monday. The white stretch Hummer in which the 24-year-old player was riding was hit with a barrage of bullets after a nightclub dispute following a New Year's Eve party. "I want every kid to know to live their life to the fullest," she said. "Don't let anyone say you can't do anything. Look what Dee achieved in 24 years." Williams sustained a single gunshot wound to the neck, according to Robert Whitmore, chief medical examiner in the county coroner's office. Police had no motive and no indication Williams was targeted in the drive-by shooting, which occurred hours after Denver was eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to San Francisco. .

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Kids' summer camps are hot, hot, hot

So now that you're finished with the shopping, returning, family-visiting and New Year's celebrating, here's something else you should do: Plan your child's summer. According to the summer camp industry, if you're not thinking six months out, you're already behind. "Now, about 31 percent of the camps we work with start signing kids up as early as September," said Peg Smith, chief executive of the American Camp Association. "One, it's never too early, and two, it's getting earlier." It's almost too much for some parents to bear. "Oh, good, once I finish the Christmas anxieties, I can start the camp anxieties," said Leslie Bowie, of Silver Spring, Md., the working mother of 8- and 13-year-old kids. About 6.2 million kids went to camp last summer, both day and overnight, up from fewer than 5 million five years ago, according to the National Camp Association.

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