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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.
Stories by Kavish Harjai
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Public documents reviewed by LAist reveal an ongoing dispute between the city and its contractors.
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Critics have questioned the need for the project.
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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the reduction is a “proactive” measure.
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The project, involving $53 million in construction costs, includes controversial plans to install sidewalks, streetlights and bike lanes.
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Caltrans said its project will rehabilitate the roadway, minimize the need for future maintenance and add a series of road features that will make cyclists and pedestrians safer and more mobile.
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Metro’s current plan involves expanding a storage yard in Vernon to make up for the loss of space at a different yard near Union Station, incensing electeds, leaders and business owners in the city.
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The selection of Jaime Moore comes at a pivotal time for a department that was left changed by the Palisades Fire nearly a year ago.
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The amount of money depends on the type of offense.
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Prosecutor says the cases are 'just the beginning' in the federal government’s investigations into the use of billions of public funds for homelessness.
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Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.”
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State Assemblyman Mark González, who represents parts of L.A., introduced the bill to strengthen penalties against illegal metal recyclers.
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Beutner told LAist in an interview last week that L.A. is a city “adrift” that he wants to get “back on track.”
