David Allen will read from his new book “Getting Started,” reprising his early columns from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at the Chino Hills Community Center.

David has emerged as the distinctive contemporary voice of the region, offering subtle guile, humor and an occasional sharp jab from a writer’s elbow. His book is a collection of essays from the first four years of his newspaper column.

“Getting Started” takes the writer back to 1997, when the Foothills were new territory for him. After unpacking endlessly, he reports for jury duty in Chino, attends a Mexican wrestling match in Pomona and pays attention to movie dialogue about Rancho Cucamonga.

“David Allen’s gift of storytelling is differentiated by a genuine appreciation for the people of the Inland Valley and his knack for seeing humor, charm and importance in everyday life,” said Chino Hills Community Foundation Board Secretary Lisa McPheron. “In a crowded media landscape, David brings voice to local issues with a balanced consideration that weaves in wit and sarcasm.”

The Author Talk is free and books will be available for sale. Light refreshments will be served.

David will also talk about his earlier book, “Pomona A to Z,” an alphabetical survey of the unique and unusual aspects of Chino Hills’ neighbor to the north.

– Steve O’Sullivan