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Kavish Harjai
What I cover
I use data analysis and investigative reporting techniques to cover public transportation, street infrastructure and the government agencies that are tasked with making it easier and safer to get around the greater L.A. area.
My background
I was born in New Orleans but mostly grew up in Binghamton, N.Y. I moved to New York City for college and worked as a video producer after I graduated. I made my way to California in 2021 for my master’s degree. Before joining LAist in 2025, I was a data reporter for the Associated Press. I was based out of the downtown L.A. bureau and collaborated with my colleagues across the country to report on trends in state policy.
My goals
Generally, my journalism will explore the varying and sometimes competing visions for the future of transportation in L.A., as well as the powerful interests that influence what policy choices are made. I will also regularly provide updates on major transportation projects and help empower our audience to participate in the local decision-making process.
How to contact me
I love to hear from readers and listeners who have feedback on stories or ideas for what I should cover. I especially love tips that help me do important accountability journalism that unearths stories hidden behind closed doors or deep within spreadsheets. Feel free to hit up my email at kharjai@scpr.org. If you prefer, you can find me on Signal, where my user name is @kharjai.61. You can also follow this link to reach me there. For instructions on getting started with Signal, see the app's support page.
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Under Proposition 40, California billionaires would pay a one-time 5% tax on their net worth. The money collected would primarily be used to shore up healthcare costs.
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The city has seen 8% more fatal traffic collisions this year compared to the same time last year, according to LAPD data from the end of August.
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Metro has a plan to deploy 1,750 additional buses for the Olympics and Paralympics. But that requires $1 billion in federal funds that hasn’t come through.
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L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and her challenger Nithya Raman, an L.A. city council member, laid out their longer-term visions for L.A.'s environmental future.
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The bill targets a long-planned road safety project that's become a flashpoint in the L.A. mayor's race.
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A project aimed at slowing traffic near Griffith Park has become a flash point in the L.A. mayor’s race. Now, state legislators are set to vote on whether to block it.
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At a panel on Wednesday, five U.S. Congresspeople questioned regional transportation officials on their readiness for the 2028 Games.
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The Los Angeles mayor, who also chairs the Metro Board, plans to introduce a motion to study a fare-free transit system, her office said. The timing for the motion is unclear.
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Any changes to the composition of L.A. Metro’s Board need to be approved by state lawmakers.
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LA Mayor Bass previews ‘fare-free’ system as she takes the Metro Board chair gavel for a second timeAt the annual Metro State of the Agency event, Bass named system safety, affordability and reliability as her main priorities.
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On Thursday, the Metro Board will vote on a recommendation that could reshape the governing body of the countywide transportation system.
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The moratorium is in place as city staff work on a proposal for a permanent citywide ban that would block new drive-thrus in Culver City.
