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“Ask a Mexican” author Gustavo Arellano is back, only this time he’s not taking your questions. The OC Weekly writer’s latest book, “Orange County: A Personal History,” focuses on his hometown instead. Born and raised in the city of Anaheim, Arellano traces his family’s migrations to OC from their respective ranchos in the municipality of Jerez, Zacatecas in Mexico while at the same time expanding on civic histories untold. What emerges is the dual narrative of Orange County that consists of transplanted Mexican communities living alongside a pre-planned mostly white and affluent suburbia. In recounting his coming of age story, Arellano tells of his ultimate rejection of wearing a Stetson Tejana, while later embracing his Mexican identity amidst today’s anti-immigrant hysteria in Orange County. In looking back at the larger history of the county he calls home, Arellano navigates through citrus strikes, segregated schools, ultra-conservative politicians, and mega-church pastors. Readers of “Orange County: A Personal History,” are also treated to a city-by-city profile of the county complete with recommended restaurants.

GUEST: Gustavo Arellano, OC Weekly Staff Writer, author of “Ask a Mexican,” and “Orange County: A Personal History.”

Gustavo Arellano’s Book Events:

Thursday September 18 at 7 pm: Yost Theater, 307 N. Spurgeon, Santa Ana. For more infornation call (714) 973-7900