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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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Owner Karen Kropp said it has become “harder and harder” to run a mom-and-pop shop.
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The move comes after state officials found landfill operators violated hazardous waste control laws.
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The dream wedding venue for many had to temporarily close because of damage caused by the Rancho Palos Verdes landslide complex.
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City officials are requesting Gov. Gavin Newsom declare a state of emergency in the Portuguese Bend area while also seeking a federal declaration from the Biden administration.
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The program aims to help businesses threatened by gentrification in their neighborhoods.
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For one couple, it's an easy date to remember. For another, it's the wedding after a NASCAR proposal.
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The climate crisis is destabilizing cliffs and making landslides more likely, an expert says.
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Sunny day ahead with temperatures in the 60s.
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The effects of the recent mega storms will be seen when water percolates into the ground, an expert says.
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City officials will be tasked with recovering costs from property developer.
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The recommendations come after Caltrans undertook a review of the sites following the 10 Freeway fire.
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Historical photos show a pattern of damage during Southern California’s rain storms.
