The Biggest Short Guy

Several sons may fondly recall the impact their fathers made on others and their communities. However, for author James Beran, his memories of his father, Walter Beran, are shaped by the impressive changes he helped implement in the city of Los Angeles in the 1970s-1990s. His new book, The Biggest Short Guy, presents the life and times of Walter, a man of short stature who went from a poor childhood in Texas, to serving in World War II, complete with two Purple Hearts, to a lifelong career as a CPA for Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young), and even a friendship with the Reagans. A family move to E&E headquarters in Los Angeles had Walter finding a new calling from God to partner with then-Mayor Tom Bradley in a citywide redevelopment plan. Their efforts with other city leaders alleviated social tensions and established a new future for the city.