Money manager Mike Farah, who runs the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce out of his Fashion Island office, said he has closed down the group’s Web site indefinitely after receiving a series of anti-Arab, pro-Israeli messages. Farah said the group, whose 20,000 members are comprised mostly of second and third-generation Americans like himself, has deliberately never made a political pronouncement; its purpose is to promote trade between the U.S. and Lebanon. Farah, who does have personal views on the conflict in Lebanon, was scheduled to appear on “Inside OC” this week along with Jewish Federation of Orange County CEO Shalom Elcott …
The OC Democratic Party weighed in on the issue, as its central committee approved a resolution calling for “an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, Israel and Gaza.” The stance contrasted with the position of the Bush administration and the majorities of both the Republican and Democratic Congressional delegations, which have emphasized Israel’s right to move against Hezbollah. With Chairman Frank Barbaro out of town, the meeting was presided over by vice chair Rima Nashashibi, an American citizen of Palestinian origin. Nashashibi said she did not introduce the resolution (that was done by Ruth Hull-Richter) or steer the discussion. Barbaro, who said he was learning about the resolution from the Insider, said he supported diplomacy and an end to the violence, but would have voted against any measure perceived to be taking sides against Israel …
Lennar Corp. exec and global cell-phoner Emile Haddad returned from a short trip to Italy to pick up wife Dina and two kids after arranging for their harrowing escape from Lebanon. Haddad is trying to get other family members out of the besieged country while his work at Lennar goes on. Last week he unveiled amended plans for the Great Park (see page 8) and displayed a sense of humor undaunted by his family’s ordeal. Responding to wisecracks about Lennar’s $1.9 million donation for a helium balloon that will carry sightseers and promote the park, Haddad quipped, “Anyone who comments has to pay, everyone else rides for free” …
Cisco Systems is awarding a $376,000 grant to the Mind Institute for the continued development of math-learning software for kids. All told, Cisco has given more than $500,000 to the Costa Mesa institute, whose ST Math+Music program is being used by an estimated 20,000-plus students at more than 100 elementary schools in California and three other states …
Mindy (nee Burbano) Stearns returned to KTLA-TV as an entertainment reporter last week, filling in for Ross King. “It’s perfect for me as I really have little desire to pick up full-time employment that involves a daily commute to L.A.,” says the media personality turned Newport Coast wife/mom/socialite …
Getting married: Newport Beach (714) Editor Sue Cannon and Newport Beach retired businessman/entrepreneur Steve Tucker, next week in Aspen.
