Briefs

The childcare profession has been plagued with high turnover due to low wages and minimal benefits, according to First 5 of San Mateo County, an early childhood support organization.

To encourage caretakers to stay in the field and pursue continuing education, the county and state First 5 organizations are funding a pay incentive program.

The program is being administered through the Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo County's "Compensation and Retention Ensures Stability" (SaMCARES) program. Incentives totaling more than $750,000 are to be awarded in stipends that range from $600 to $5,000 per provider, according to First 5.

Gay couples to get refunds

Couples who had their marriages nullified Thursday by a state Supreme Court ruling will be getting a call from San Francisco city officials soon, according to City Attorney Dennis Herrera's office.

The city is trying to determine, with the state, the process in which to offer refunds to the 4,037 couples that got married earlier this year, said Matt Dorsey, spokesman for the City Attorney's office.

Mayor Gavin Newsom has suggested the possibility of opening a legal defense fund and allowing couples to donate the fees to the fund, Dorsey said.