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Yusra Farzan
What I cover
I report on issues affecting students (prospective and current), their families and communities. Some big questions I am pondering on this beat: who are higher education institutions set up to serve? Who determines who has access to these institutions? How is changing technology affecting higher education? Is access to higher education a ticket to a different trajectory in life?
My background
I didn’t think about university up until I graduated high school. Neither of my grandparents nor parents had completed college. We were residents in the UAE and that residency was dependent on my dad holding down his job. A college degree was a nice to have, not a need to have in my family. And it was only thanks to a combination of luck (Sri Lanka’s civil war ended), grit (I balanced 3 freelance jobs and a paid internship) and sheer determination (I dodged countless marriage proposals) that I graduated with a degree.
And it’s these forces that led me to complete my master’s in race and social justice reporting from USC almost a decade later. (Add a 2-year-old to the mix and grieving the sudden death of my mother.)
I previously covered Orange County for LAist.
My goals
I want to find what works and expose what doesn't, and help students and their families find solutions to their problems.
Best way to reach me
Covering Southern California’s universities and community colleges 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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County records obtained by LAist show officials failed to follow through on recommended precautions ahead of the costly fire, now topping $400 million in claims.
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The review was prompted by reporting from LAist that found Steel directed a $1.2 million taxpayer-funded contract to a company that she was using for her congressional election campaign mailers. At the time, Steel was a county supervisor.
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Land movement. however, has slowed to an average of 3.3 inches a week
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Santa Ana would have been the first city in California to allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in city council and mayoral races.
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The pilot insisted on taking off despite being advised against it.
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There could be similar buyout programs in the future if federal funding is available.
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The Orange County city was poised to become the first city in California to allow non-US citizens to vote if Measure DD passed.
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Three of the council’s progressive voices were up for reelection.
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Valerie Amezcua, the incumbent, and Benjamin Vazquez face off to be the next mayor of Orange County's second most populated city.
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If the measure passes, Santa Ana will become the first city in California to allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in its municipal elections.
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The majority have favored mail in voting, elections officials report.
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Home prices will be determined by pre-disaster appraisals.
