CAP & GOWN: To raise big bucks...

CAP & GOWN: To raise big bucks with a back-yard show, it helps to have the rich and famous for friends. Ken Jillson and Al Roberts, president of the AIDS Services Foundation, will hold their eighth annual sold-out musical in their Laguna Beach back yard tonight and Sunday night to raise money for AIDS causes. They’ve already topped last year’s $312,000. . . . Added bonus: Elizabeth Taylor donated a $10,000 gown and Michael Jackson a hat to be auctioned. Beleaguered Jackson took time to send a taped message from his Asian tour wishing them luck. They’ll play the tape both nights.

DOUBLE SWEET: Rick Leach of Laguna Beach, who won the doubles title with partner Ken Flach at the U.S. Open Friday (C21), grew up in a tennis family--his father, Dick, coaches the sport at USC and his brother and sister play competitively. . . . Leach had won three previous Grand Slam doubles titles, but his last was three years ago at Wimbledon. Says Leach: “This is very sweet. You never think you’ll get a chance to play for the title again, so this is a great moment.”

BEYOND CLINTON: Local developer Kathryn Thompson upset fellow Republicans when she raised money to help elect Bill Clinton last year. She says George Bush forced it. . . . But now here’s Thompson again, serving as a co-host for a Sept. 26 Newport Beach fund-raiser for Democrat State Treasurer Kathleen Brown, above, certain to run for governor next year. Thompson’s reason? She is politely remaining mum on the subject. But she’s got local GOP leaders fuming about it.

SWITCHING SIGNALS: You’re driving on a city street at 4 a.m., there’s not a car within five blocks, but you’re waiting for a left-turn signal. “There’s nothing more irritating,” says Tustin Mayor Jim Potts. “Why can’t you use your common sense and make a turn?” . . . . He’s bothered enough that he’s asked for a staff study in hopes the city won’t install anymore left-turn-only signals. He’d like to see a state law addressing the problem too.