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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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A series of strong storms had damaged the beach's dirt access road.
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In 1983, just 22 California condors were known to exist.
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Hint: Many cultures believe solar eclipse is a bad omen.
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The shifting ground in the Portuguese Bend landslide complex is unprecedented.
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LASD and LAPD do not transfer people to ICE, but O.C. continues to do so. Immigration advocates say this disproportionately targets the county's Mexican and Vietnamese population.
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We compiled the best reactions to the rare sizable 4.8 earthquake that hit New Jersey Friday
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An LAist report in 2022 found that the disease mostly affected Latino men.
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The 105 Freeway abruptly ends at Studebaker Road, causing drivers to crash into buildings and barricades.
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The amounts will be automatically credited to their April bills.
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The route will connect residents with key destinations, including the Irvine Spectrum.
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More drama could also be on the horizon because unsuccessful breeding can lead to eagle break ups.
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Base fare goes up from $1 to $2.50
