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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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Beyond the restitution payment, Do has been ordered to turn himself in to serve a five-year federal prison term by the end of this week.
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Federal prosecutors have dubbed the former Orange County leader a "Robin Hood in reverse" for his misdeeds. So how much will he have to pay back?
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Some Rancho Palos Verdes residents worry the ban could affect their property values.
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For months, landslides have worsened in parts of Rancho Palos Verdes, tearing some houses part.
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Residents in this North Tustin community want nice, friendly neighbors.
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For years, Irvine residents have complained about outdated library facilities under Orange County leadership. Now, the city is taking back control.
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Coastal California north of Santa Barbara remains under a tsunami advistory after a massive quake in eastern Russia on Tuesday.
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The latest order seeks to end federal funding to states that do not enforce bans on street camping.
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Residents will be able to learn about the update to the county’s Election Administration Plan at an event on Saturday.
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Titled Sabr at Fajr, the mural captures themes of patience, endurance and resilience.
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The breakfast burrito served up at Torrance Memorial Hospital is hearty, fresh — and cheap.
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The complaint by Aloha Financial Investment hints at the legal wrangling to come in the corruption case of the former supervisor that has rocked Orange County.
