FIRST OFF . . .

Tickets will go on sale Monday for Michael Jackson’s first Southern California solo concert appearances Nov. 7 and 8 at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine. According to a spokesman for concert promoter Avalon Attractions, Jackson ticket sales will follow a more traditional routine rather than the elaborate, controversial measures taken for sales for Bruce Springsteen’s April concerts at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Tickets--going for $30 (reserved) and $20 (lawn), plus an undisclosed service charge--will be sold through all Ticketmaster locations beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday. No one will be allowed to line up for tickets before 6 a.m., at which time priority numbers will be handed out. Given Jackson’s immense popularity, it is expected that other Southern California dates, including shows at either the Forum or Sports Arena, will be announced at a later time.