Yusra Farzan
Local news in Orange County has my heart: All those long meetings — city council, school boards, power authorities, housing commissions, planning departments — play a huge role in our everyday lives. So I take the time to synthesize how decisions in Orange County’s 34 cities affect your electricity bill, how your taxes are funding the next big project and the resources available at your child's school.
Even though I got my break in entertainment reporting, the pieces I am most proud of spotlight everyday people: teachers in Orange County, the duo who started a school for Ukrainian refugees, the women behind Ramadan markets and the teenager who invented a cancer-detecting toothbrush.
Ask me about the small liquor store in Garden Grove that also carries Sri Lankan snacks, the best places to get Arab food in Anaheim and why the drive to Laguna Beach is worth it for those warm, summer days.
I grew up in the Middle East, but I am of Sri Lankan descent. I used to live in Irvine, and I still have one foot in O.C. But now I also call Rancho Palos Verdes home — it’s also why I am so invested in covering the land movement here.
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A personal essay about growing up in the shadow of 9/11 in the Middle East. -
However, nine channels, including Freeform, have left the Spectrum lineup. -
Fans of cricket, flag football, lacrosse, break dancing, karate, and other sports are hoping to get approved. -
After a contentious meeting, the board passed the policy despite Bonta threatening to take action. -
Gary Safady, the project's developer, plans to sue the city. -
AQMD ordered short-term fixes to reduce odors and the landfill owners have to put together a committee to determine a long term solution. -
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. -
Caused by a type of plankton, the blue bioluminescent waves aren’t toxic to humans, but have a profound impact on marine life.
