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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 study aims to look at how stormwater collects in the landslide area — and whether it can be directed elsewhere.
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He leaves behind a legacy of community service, mentorship and interfaith advocacy.
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The Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Homeland Security are barred from using weapons such as foam bullets and tear gas 'carte blanche' after a federal judge issued preliminary injunctions.
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With hundreds of claims still pending and the county on the hook for payouts, here’s what we know about the burden facing Orange County taxpayers.
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California law that sets guardrails on use of force at protests relies on the police to police themselves.
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Peter Pham, the founder and president of the Viet America Society, claims Do took advantage of their friendship to set him up in the scandal.
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The Korean grocery chain's biggest location stateside in Westminster is now open.
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City leaders approved military equipment policy that allows the Police Department to buy military equipment, including drones.
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A Santa Ana police commander told the public the drones will not be used for surveillance.
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The U.S. attorney handling the case called Do a "Robin Hood in reverse" for stealing money from the poor to enrich himself.
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Police chief attributed the noncompliance to “an administrative oversight.”
