You asked a Mexican; now meet that Mexican tonight

Writer Gustavo Arellano, the creator of the popular “¡Ask a Mexican!” column in the OC Weekly, will visit the Lab in Costa Mesa tonight to sign copies of his new book, “Orange County: A Personal History.”

Arellano also writes other articles for the alternative weekly, including a food column called “This Hole-in-the-Wall Life,” and is a frequent contributor on public radio.

The syndicated “¡Ask a Mexican!” column is his claim to fame, though.

Readers send in questions — often parodying Latino stereotypes — about why Mexicans do the things they do, and Arellano answers them in an amusing and sometimes condescending way.

Copies of “Orange County: A Personal History,” will be sold at the event, which starts at 7 p.m. The Lab is at 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.

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— Alan Blank