BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

Black-tie bash at Balboa Bay ClubNewport Beach locals looking for an elegant evening this New Year’s Eve can head to The Balboa Bay Club & Resort’s Grand Ballroom Black-Tie Gala.

This formal event begins at 8 p.m. with an hors d’oeuvres-and-champagne reception, which will be followed by a multi-course wine dinner created by Chef Josef Lageder.

Guests are invited to dance to the music of a local 10-piece band, Rembrandt, as they ring in the new year with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

Tickets for the gala are $195 per person, and packages including accommodations and admission for two are available starting at $700.

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is at 1221 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

Pledge kick-starts Legacy projectThe Newport Beach Arts Foundation recently awarded the first installment of a $10,000 pledge to support the McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project.

The $2,500 donation to the city arts commission will help turn plans for the newly designed McFadden Square into a reality in Newport Beach.

To commemorate the city’s 100-year history, the project will feature a walking path that marks significant local events over the last century and a sculpture representing the city.

Project organizers hope to raise $450,000 for the McFadden Square project, set to break ground in late 2007.

For more information or to make a donation, call (949) 717-3870 or go to www.newport beach100.com.

Weather may slow holiday travelIn addition to the storms over Denver that have backed up cross-country air travel at the start of holiday weekend, the National Weather Service is predicting high winds and dust storms in Southern California that may delay those visiting family by car as well.

Weather service forecaster Mark Moede said high Santa Ana winds would make travel through mountains treacherous throughout Southern California, especially on the I-15 Freeway through the Cajon Pass. Twenty- to 30-mph winds, with gusts of up to 55 mph, will buffet cars on those roads.

Blowing dust brought visibility down to zero in some parts of the Inland Empire near Corona Friday afternoon, he said. The dust storms will continue through the first half of Saturday.