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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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The city can’t approve higher fees to bolster the street light repair budget without gaining approval from property owners.
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The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure.
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According to a grand jury report the contractor took advantage of strained relations and political pressures to “force” the city to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to settle disputes.
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Four new A Line stations in the San Gabriel Valley will open to the public on Friday.
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The city is running behind its peers throughout the state that are also piloting speed safety cameras.
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Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
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The city’s municipal code allows for the Department of Transportation to restrict tour buses from streets it deems unsafe.
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Fernando Dutra, the new head of Metro's Board, discussed with LAist his priorities for the upcoming year, the agency's new public safety department and his time riding the system.
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The FAA briefly issued ground stops Monday afternoon for flights coming to Long Beach, John Wayne and Los Angeles International airports, likely causing delays.
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LAist sat down with L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the outgoing Metro board chair, to talk about the accomplishments and challenges of her time leading the agency.
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The city’s plan to implement Measure HLA went into effect Aug. 18.
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Neighbors complain about competing parking availability, sometimes leading to fist fights. Exclusion zones are a possible solution but the food delivery industry is pushing back.
