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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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L.A. County Library launches a digital card for teenagers to access banned titles.
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The coastal area affected extends from Palos Verdes Peninsula to Huntington Beach.
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Union members said consumers will feel the pinch with rising repair costs.
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The Malibu City Council granted an appeal after an earlier decision put the event in danger.
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Actor and comedian Drew Carey picks up the tab for striking writers.
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Major reforms have been announced for California’s homeowner insurance policies.
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Congress must pass the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act but a looming government shutdown could take away a temporary pay increase for roughly 17,000 firefighters.
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Beverly Hills imposes annual Halloween ban on the possession and use of silly string, shaving cream and hair-removal products for those under 21.
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The animal, which is a type of anteater, has yet to be named.
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The mail order program is set to restart Sept. 25.
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The presence of endangered fish has put the event in jeopardy.
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The effects of Tropical Storm Hilary continue.
