FREQUENT FLIERS: Maybe you’ve noticed at John...

FREQUENT FLIERS: Maybe you’ve noticed at John Wayne Airport recently--it’s busier than ever. . . . Airport traffic was at a record 6.7 million passengers in 1994, just released figures show--with a 48% increase since the new terminal opened. Says spokeswoman Pat Ware: “Once people see how easy it is to get in and out of our airport, they fly into Orange County, where before they came through LAX.” . . . Also helpful: John Wayne added two low-cost carriers, Southwest and Reno airlines.

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Doing the Duke John Wayne Airport passenger traffic has increased 48% since the new terminal opened in 1990. In millions:1994: 6.77 Source: John Wayne Airport TRAFFIC ALERT: Those South County residents eager for the June opening of the next Foothill Transportation Corridor segment are in luck: Tollway officials say that the 4.3 miles from Portola Parkway to Antonio Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita will open in March, three months early. . . . There’s no worry about lack of traffic: The 3.4-mile Lake Forest segment, which opened more than a year ago, is carrying 12,000 vehicles daily.

RUNNETH OVER: While announcing its best financial year since 1992 (F1), the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Tuesday also named board trustee Mark Chapin Johnson of Cowan Heights winner of its new Chairman’s Cup, to honor those making “extraordinary contributions.” Johnson, owner of a Corona pharmaceutical firm, has contributed more than $250,000 to the center over the past two years and was sole sponsor of its jazz series last year. Says board chairman Thomas Nielsen: “Mark sees nearly every show; he sets a fine standard for others.”

MOVING FESTIVAL: How can you hold a major event like Golden West College’s Tet Festival, when all its fields are under water? At first Monday, the Huntington Beach college decided to postpone this weekend’s festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year. But later in the day, officials decided: Why not just move the events to an asphalt parking lot. The festival is on, but for the first time it will be held at the school’s Gothard Street side parking lot.

TONIGHT: Drummer Chiz Harris plays jazz at 9, the Studio Cafe, Newport Beach. (714) 675-7760.

WEATHER: Showers through tonight with chance of thunderstorms. Highs in low 60s; lows in low 50s. (B6)