San Diego Opera’s 2009 gala will be held on Saturday, January 24, in conjunction with its season-opening performance of Puccini’s stunning Tosca. Chaired by the  2008 Dow Divas, the black-tie event will feature an elegant pre-opera dinner at The US Grant prior to the performance, after which guests will return to the hotel to indulge in the grandeur of 19th century Rome while mingling with the cast. (619/232-7636, www.sdopera.com)   JANE SHIOMI