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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 review comes after a massive arson fire shut down a portion of the 10 Freeway in downtown L.A.
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Hotel owners and the Los Angeles Police Commission say the new requirement will overburden the system.
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More than $90 million will be invested in building around 3,000 shelters across the city.
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OCTA expects commuters to shave 15 minutes from their commute time.
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Black, Jewish and LGBTQIA+ residents endured the most reported hate crimes in the county, officials say.
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Overcast clouds will make way for sunny skies.
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Bundle up, temps are falling. Also, L.A. County could be in for some rain later in the week.
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Freeway closures are due to the installation of concrete barriers.
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Known for its elaborate light displays, this year, the neighborhood is expecting a bigger crowd tied to the release of “Candy Cane Lane” on Amazon Prime Video.
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Authorities say the plans are in response to a rash of brazen retail thefts.
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The nonnative weeds are also a fire hazard that go especially mobile during Santa Ana wind events.
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The school board passed the policy despite a student representative, teacher organization and parents speaking out against it.
