News Briefs

School in session

It's that time of year again, much to the chagrin of thousands of elementary, high school and college students throughout the area.

Start dates for our local schools are as follows:

* Saratoga Union School District classes start Aug. 30.

* Classes at Saratoga and Los Gatos high schools also begin on Aug. 30.

* The Cupertino Union School District begins its classes on on Aug. 26.

* The Campbell Union Elementary District comes back on Sept. 7.

* Students in the Fremont Union High School District begin classes on Sept. 1.

* The Campbell Union High School District returns on Sept. 1.

* Los Gatos Union School District classes start Aug. 30.

* Moreland Elementary School District returns Aug. 31

* West Valley College is back in session starting Aug. 23.

Teen center set to open

If ever there is an upside to the ending of summer and going back to school, the re-opening of the Warner Hutton House might be it for Saratoga students.

The historic house is ready to open again for another year of service to the city's teenagers. Its doors will swing open on Aug. 30, and it is free of charge to all students living in Saratoga, regardless of which school they attend. This fall, the house will be open daily after school until 5:30 p.m.

But using the house doesn't come for free to the city's Youth Commission, which is asking for donations. This year, the commission is hoping to raise $15,000 of its $45,000 annual operating costs.

Contact recreation coordinator Greg Milano for more information about the Youth Commission's fundraising drive at 868-1272.

Best in state

Kathryn Kennedy Winery, located on Pierce Road in Saratoga, has won a prestigious honor from the California State Fair.

Its 1997 Syrah was voted "Best of Show" in the 1999 commercial wine competition. More than 40 judges from around the world picked the wine over more than 2,100 entries. Winemaker Marty Mathis and vineyard owner Charles Maridon received the award at a ceremony in Sacramento on July 27.

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Photo: Courtside Tennis team