Former Los Angeles Times publishing executive and former La Mirada mayor, Ed Eng, held his debut book signing with the release of his first book, ‘The Accidental Mayor’, on January 21 at the La Mirada library.
The La Mirada Friends of the Library [FOL] sponsored the signing event. His beautiful and supportive wife, Cathy, along with many relatives and close friends were in attendance. He is a staunch supporter of the La Mirada Library and donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his book, to the Friends of the Library. “La Mirada is fortunate to have such a great servant of the people,” added Allison Ortiz, Community Library Manager.
Eng related stories about how he overcame difficulties in his early life in Chinatown to become a successful businessman and a pillar of his community.
The Accidental Mayor explores the Asian- American immigrant journey from the streets of Chinatown in Los Angeles to the unexpected boardrooms of American politics and corporate bureaucracy. He recalls surviving gang violence through basketball and humor, to his experiences as an engineer, executive, and father that all led him to become the first Asian mayor of a city in Los Angeles County.
The Accidental Mayor illustrates how difficult it is to immediately understand why things in life happen the way they do. Eng brings together life themes of perseverance, relationships, love, hardship, and empathy to emphasize that only in hindsight, does the opacity of our ups and downs become more clear.
In attendance were some of Eng’s’ childhood friends who attended elementary school with him in Chinatown. Eng being the mischievous and entertaining speaker that he is joked “I was really cute then too”. He shares personal stories of overcoming obstacles as a young Asian immigrant; the gang violence he encountered; racism and how he built a family and an influential career.
Dr. Eng will be holding another book signing on Saturday, February 4 in Downey at the Downey City Library at 11121 Brookshire Avenue from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Eng will also be a special presenter at the Museum of Tolerance on Sunday, February 12.
