NO HARD FEELINGS: Merrill Lynch hasn’t been...

NO HARD FEELINGS: Merrill Lynch hasn’t been the most popular investment firm with many people in Brea. Both the city and the local school district lost millions in the county bonds debacle--with Merrill allegedly encouraging the risky investments. . . . But that will be set aside Wednesday, when the Chamber of Commerce has its monthly mixer at the new Brea offices of Merrill--a move from nearby Fullerton. Says a chamber spokeswoman: “They’re a new member of the chamber, and we support our members.”

NATIVE HONORS: A lot of Republicans are hot at new Assembly Speaker Doris Allen for cozying up to the Democrats. But in Allen’s hometown of Cypress, where one faction wants to recall her, the City Council is set to honor her. . . . Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry says she’ll introduce a resolution Monday to congratulate Allen. Says Kerry: “I think she’s a good compromise. She’ll do what’s best for California, not partisan politics. She’ll bring class to that position.”

CHILD’S PLAY: If you wish you could cook like Julia Child, she’ll be here Tuesday to give some inside tips. Child, 82, whose cooking show has long been a staple of local public TV, will be honored at a KCET-TV reception at the Villa Nova in Newport Beach that night. . . . But she’s also signing copies of her latest book--”In Julia’s Kitchen With the Master Chef”--at the KCET Store of Knowledge in Newport Beach from noon to 2 p.m.

LOT OF HOT DOGS: The California Angels may be near first place in their division, but for three baseball fans from Indiana University, the Angels are last. . . . By van, they’re visiting all 28 major league ballparks in 28 days, winding up at the Big A on Thursday. Says one of them, Michael Markovich: “It’s crazy, but we’re on this mission impossible because we love the game.” . . . How can they afford it? David Sunflower Seeds is picking up the tab.