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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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Gary Safady, the project's developer, plans to sue the city.
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AQMD ordered short-term fixes to reduce odors and the landfill owners have to put together a committee to determine a long term solution.
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Drugs used to spike drinks have no color, odor or taste even when mixed with a drink, according to police.
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Unhoused people, veterans and those up to 24 years old out of the foster care system are exempt.
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Caused by a type of plankton, the blue bioluminescent waves aren’t toxic to humans, but have a profound impact on marine life.
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Federal charges were filed against Southern California Edison
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California has revoked approval of a syringe delivery and pick-up program after opposition from Santa Ana officials.
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From her instructions that fans come bedazzled in silver to an unspoken code for how to take in a certain song, here’s what to know ahead of her three-night concert series.
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Even after evacuation orders are lifted, there are still precautions you should take to keep yourself safe.
