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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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The city will also enforce parking violations to address the budget gap.
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A trust fund will be used to bankroll affordable housing projects, apply for grants and embark on more research.
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The state-run O.C. Fair has just raised stall rental prices while the city-opreated Lakewood Equestrian Center could be closed down.
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The Irvine landfill’s operations will increase after the closure of another landfill in Brea.
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The proposed changes will result in around $156 million in savings and revenue increases
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Crews will now assess the grounds for safety, next steps.
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Previously, developments in the Lacy and Downtown neighborhoods have driven out residents and businesses.
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Library access in the second most populous city in O.C. is limited.
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The Israel-Hamas war protest has been ongoing for about six weeks now.
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West had a storied career with the Lakers as a player, coach and manager.
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The move comes a year after the city ended the COVID emergency orders.
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25 people were arrested after confronted by police.
