AIR SHOW BLUES: It happens every year:...

AIR SHOW BLUES: It happens every year: Motorists watch the El Toro Air Show (B2) from the side of the freeway to save traffic hassles or grandstand ticket prices. So again, the California Highway Patrol will cruise nearby freeways this weekend to cite them. Says CHP spokesman Mike Lundquist: “Typically when the Blue Angels fly over the freeway, traffic slows, and some pull over to the side.” . . . Air Show tickets: $8-$35. CHP ticket: $150.

MISS SAFE SEX? This may rattle a few local taxpayers, but there’s a beauty pageant for transvestites and transsexuals in Costa Mesa tonight--put on by a program backed with state and federal grants. But Roga Zavaleta, from the nonprofit AIDS Response Program, the sponsor, says AIDS education--for contestants and the audience--is the real purpose. All entrants in the contest--at the city’s Park Avenue Community Center--must first attend two AIDS seminars. . . . Adds Zavaleta: “Judging will be 70% on answers to questions about safe sex; only 30% for appearance.”

ROLLING STONES: With money so tight, the Huntington Beach police have turned to volunteer sleuthing to help out. Tom and Pat Stone keep busy working some investigations as part of the city’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Seniors are put to work on tasks like taking reports from burglary victims or even ticket citations. . . . The Stones, both former deputy sheriffs, consider it a good deal for taxpayers. Says Tom Stone: “Through our contacts, we sometimes develop some pretty good leads.”

VIP HELP: Volunteers are also important to Villa Park, which has only eight city employees. And talent is abundant in this tiny affluent village. Its newly created seven-member Financial Advisory Committee includes five former company presidents. The group has been specializing in ways to increase the city’s share of state and federal grants. . . . Says committee chairman Rich Freschi: “People don’t get involved enough. I think you only have a right to complain if you volunteer to correct it.”