O.J.’S FINER MOMENT: The last time O.J....

O.J.’S FINER MOMENT: The last time O.J. Simpson made a public appearance in Orange County, he made a lot of friends and did a lot of good for his alma mater, USC. . . . La Galleria D’Arte in Newport Beach had asked Simpson to autograph copies of a LeRoy Neiman serigraph of his famous run against UCLA that sent the Trojans to the 1968 Rose Bowl. Simpson appeared gratis at the art gallery on March 20, on condition that it donate $100,000 to USC. . . . “It was a long evening and he was just charming,” says co-owner Eileen Inderbieten. “Our customers have been calling us all week; we’re all in shock about what has happened.” The autographed serigraphs were $3,500 then; $5,000 now, with only a few left.

NO FAINT PRAISE: Sheriff Brad Gates on more than one occasion has found himself at odds with members of the Board of Supervisors. But Tuesday, the board was all praise for the job his deputies did in the dramatic pursuit of O.J. Simpson (B4). . . . “Clearly, this was an extremely delicate and potentially dangerous situation that required effective communication and coordination,” said Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez. “And they did it with the whole nation watching.”

LITTLE RIPPLES: The Splash is unbeaten in Continental Indoor Soccer League play. But the downside: They trail 10 teams in home attendance. The Splash averaged just 3,816 fans in their first three home games at the Pond of Anaheim. . . . Tonight may be different: Fans will get a poster of the Mermaids, the team dancers, as the Splash face Detroit at 7:35. Says dancer Jeni Waters: “We’ve all been Rams or Clippers cheerleaders; we’re more accessible to the Splash crowd and that makes it more satisfying.”

SIDELINE CREW: Being a team cheerleader may not fit some women’s lifestyle, but such positions are in great demand. The Los Angeles Rams just completed tryouts for their 42-member team, with 250 hopefuls. . . . Alisa Denmon, 28, of Hollywood made the team for the seventh year, making her the runaway veteran. The cheerleading squad is women only, with 25 from Orange County. Average age: 22.