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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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Dozens of people turned out for a town hall Wednesday night, with nearly all voicing opposition to the moratorium plan.
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Residents get to weigh in at a town hall Wednesday on what could be a controversial designation in the Portuguese Bend area.
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The America First Legal Foundation — started by Miller — is representing the city in two lawsuits.
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Rancho Palos Verdes has already started its FEMA-funded buyout program for homes destroyed by the land movement.
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The housing development could come in front of the council later in the year.
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The $10,000 grants can be used for things like home repairs or storage for those forced to leave because of ongoing land movement around Portuguese Bend.
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The county says it’s willing to share the records under a strict confidentiality agreement.
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The reasons are varied, ranging from fire dangers to a lack of funding, environmental concerns — and fears of ICE sweeps.
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The county is facing at least $400 million in liability claims related to the Airport Fire, which was accidentally started by public crews.
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The pandemic, a rail project and then immigration sweets have all disrupted businesses over the last several years — but not the community’s spirit.
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Activists say Santa Ana needs to start acting like the "sanctuary city" it claims to be.
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The defendant faces two misdemeanor counts for allegedly advertising, listing and eventually renting two properties at a cost that exceeds the limit set by the state.
