A SPECIAL REPORT: THE NEW YEAR

YEAR OF THE BUDGET: With recession woes upon us, it’s a little tough getting the usual revelers to revel. . . . The Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point has sold out its ballroom event, but like many hotels and restaurants this year, did so only after lowering prices. The per-person rate dropped from $275 to $189, with a package room rate. . . . The Pacific Symphony dropped its traditional New Year’s Eve party. Said spokeswoman Marcy Mulville: “It was fun. But no point in losing $20,000 just to have a few people have some fun.”