THE COMMON GOOD

Elton John will hit the stage for the first time since 1986 for an AIDS benefit at the Century Plaza on July 8. Charlie Sheen and Marlee Matlin will host the For the Love of Children benefit, sponsored by the Southern California Gas Co., proceeds from which will go to the Ryan White National Fund, the Kids In AIDS national program and the Hospital and Community Services Program. In addition to a full set with his new band, John and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin will get together after the 8:30 dinner to perform a song the pair have written for the event. Also scheduled to attend: Raiders defensive lineman Howie Long (national chairman of the Ryan White Fund), Rob Lowe, Goldie Hawn, Mitch Gaylord, Olivia Newton-John and newly victorious heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson and his wife, actress Robin Givens.