CHILDREN: Could the county’s child welfare system...

CHILDREN: Could the county’s child welfare system have stopped the brutal killing of 2-year-old Lance Helms of North Hollywood? The question was raised at a state Senate hearing in Sacramento on Friday (B4), and then it was answered. . . . “The law failed this child,” said Sen. Daniel Boatwright (D-Concord). . . . One issue: how best to protect the safety of children under court jurisdiction.

MORE VACANCIES: It looks like bad news: a nearly 10% drop in Valley hotel occupancy during most of 1995, according to figures compiled by PKF Consulting. But researcher Melissa Mill says it’s actually a hopeful sign. . . . “It’s a return to a realistic level,” she said, explaining that occupancy rates have been inflated since the earthquake.

TOUGH TIMES: The 6-foot-2 Quartz Hill High senior is a star of football, basketball and track. But Brian Woodworth’s life has been a rough one. . . . “I never thought I’d see my 18th birthday,” he said, describing an unhappy childhood spent in 20 foster homes (C10).

SCOOPED: You may recall Taylor Caldwell, the Valencia tot who won a lifetime supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream last year with a cheeky contest entry ghostwritten by his parents, Dave and Dawn. No, they’re not sick of the stuff yet. . . . And at Taylor’s fourth birthday today, there will be a big bash featuring--surprise!--ice cream for everyone.