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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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Red flag warnings kicked in Tuesday morning.
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If CalOptima joins, it will create a sixth coverage option so members can stick to the same doctors they’re used to.
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A lawsuit filed against the city alleges the current at-large model disenfranchises Latino residents.
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Volunteers clean up after the horses on the parade route to make sure it’s safe and sanitary.
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Pasadena’s most widely-known spectacle — officially the Tournament of Roses — showcased its signature floral-festooned parade floats.
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Play places host these events for the youngest residents.
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The ending of federal and state COVID relief dollars, as well as declining enrollment, has resulted in a massive budget deficit.
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LibroMobile is a community arts, culture and history hub run by the city’s youth.
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Nearly a year after LAist started investigating what happened to millions in taxpayer dollars, Do pleaded guilty to federal charges and resigned as an O.C. supervisor. Here are key takeaways from our investigation.
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Dry weather and the city’s dewatering efforts have contributed to the slowdown, even as the area affected by the landslide has roughly doubled.
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Treats you might not have tried but will have everyone talking.
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People say they’re hopeful and anxious for the future.
