LOS ANGELES COUNTY - News from Aug. 8, 1986

Ashton-Tate’s board of directors has elected Edward M. Esber Jr. as its chairman.

Esber, 34, continues as president and chief executive of the Torrance-based computer software developer.

He joined the company in May, 1984. He was made president in August of that year and three months later added the chief executive’s title.