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Yusra Farzan
What I cover
I am a geek for city council meetings — meaning I watch those long local government meetings so you don’t have to. And I keep you informed on how decisions in Orange County’s 34 cities affect your electricity bill, how your taxes are funding the next big project, the resources available at your child's school and if there is a corruption scandal brewing within your local government. Orange County’s food scene excites me too. If you ask me about the foods of my childhood, I will tell you about its Levantine shawarma, Korean bulgogi, Yemeni mandi, Sri Lankan kottu, Indian chicken 65, Pakistani biriyani and Malaysian nasi lemak. And guess what, I can find it all in O.C. I hope to help people connect with the different communities that call O.C. home.
My background
I grew up in the Middle East, but I am of Sri Lankan descent and I can count people from 27 different nationalities as friends. I got my start in entertainment reporting but soon realized local news has my heart. My work can be found in the Orange County Register, The Guardian US, L.A. Times, Teen Vogue, NPR and BuzzFeed.
My goals
I want to help people understand how if they want to see systemic change in housing, policing, education or healthcare — it all starts at the local level.
Best way to reach me
Covering 34 cities can be a lot, so I need your help in being my eyes and ears on the ground. If you have a tip, you can email me at yfarzan@laist.com or on Signal at username: @yusramf.25
Stories by Yusra Farzan
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The city is set to receive around $10 million from a FEMA grant.
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The three-year contract would be with a company that also has a contract with the Department of Homeland Security.
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Jim Vanderpool has come under fire recently for his close ties to resort interests.
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Results of the three-day count are expected in May.
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This year's count comes amid anti-camping enforcement and potential federal funding cuts to homelessness services.
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Orange County saw economic output drop by $58.9 million over an eight-week period alone, an UC Irvine study found.
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Federal immigration officials will monitor the coastline, as well as residential neighborhoods, if people on boats head into the city.
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The 82-year-old has had to rethink her retirement after a 6-foot fissure developed through her property.
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Superstitions are an important part of sports.
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The port handled 9.9 million 20-foot equivalent containers in 2025
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The City Council voted to table the conversation after debate over how to even find a location.
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The warmer temperatures are expected to be higher than average by about 10 to 15 degrees.
