Cyrus Farivar
@cfarivar.bsky.social
"suh-ROOS" / سیروس
🕵️ 20+ year tech journalist, editor, author, comms
🔥 🏡 Ex: Fire Aside
📰 🎧 Ex: Forbes, NBC, Ars Technica
🖖 Friend of DeSoto
😎 Nice dude
🐻 4th-gen Californian // Oakland, CA
📥 cyrus@farivar.media
📱 +1-341-758-0888 (mobile/Signal)
🕵️ 20+ year tech journalist, editor, author, comms
🔥 🏡 Ex: Fire Aside
📰 🎧 Ex: Forbes, NBC, Ars Technica
🖖 Friend of DeSoto
😎 Nice dude
🐻 4th-gen Californian // Oakland, CA
📥 cyrus@farivar.media
📱 +1-341-758-0888 (mobile/Signal)
Pinned
Cyrus Farivar
@cfarivar.bsky.social
· Jan 9
Farivar Media LLC
Farivar Media LLC (est. 2026) is a one-man band: Journalist. Editor. Author. Speaker. Comms.Companies need more than just content — they need clarity. I deliver insightful communication that …
farivar.media
Farivar Media LLC is now open for business!
I’m taking on both journalism assignments (hi, editors!) and also new comms work for various clients.
I’m now bringing my 20+ years of journalism experience to companies, non-profits, and even political campaigns.
Learn more at farivar.media .
I’m taking on both journalism assignments (hi, editors!) and also new comms work for various clients.
I’m now bringing my 20+ years of journalism experience to companies, non-profits, and even political campaigns.
Learn more at farivar.media .
Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
Opinion | Insurance Commissioner race draws a crowded field
There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.
calmatters.org
February 17, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org/commentary/2...
In a bonkers world, I frequently turn to @harvilla.bsky.social for distraction / commentary on pop stars of my youth.
Rob: have you heard this Nov 2007 NPR piece? One of my all-time favs.
www.npr.org/2007/11/27/1...
bsky.app/profile/harv...
Rob: have you heard this Nov 2007 NPR piece? One of my all-time favs.
www.npr.org/2007/11/27/1...
bsky.app/profile/harv...
February 17, 2026 at 2:31 AM
In a bonkers world, I frequently turn to @harvilla.bsky.social for distraction / commentary on pop stars of my youth.
Rob: have you heard this Nov 2007 NPR piece? One of my all-time favs.
www.npr.org/2007/11/27/1...
bsky.app/profile/harv...
Rob: have you heard this Nov 2007 NPR piece? One of my all-time favs.
www.npr.org/2007/11/27/1...
bsky.app/profile/harv...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
As expected, a line of heavy rain & gusty winds is moving through LA this AM. Torrential downpours will bring urban/street flooding & locally more serious flash flooding (in steep terrain/burn areas). A few damaging wind gusts or even a brief/weak tornado is also possible. #CAwx
February 16, 2026 at 7:10 PM
As expected, a line of heavy rain & gusty winds is moving through LA this AM. Torrential downpours will bring urban/street flooding & locally more serious flash flooding (in steep terrain/burn areas). A few damaging wind gusts or even a brief/weak tornado is also possible. #CAwx
"Our first leader helped define not only the character of the presidency but the character of the country. Washington modeled what it means to put the good of the nation over self-interest and selfish ambition."
- Pres. George W. Bush, Feb. 16, 2026
inpursuit.substack.com/p/george-was...
- Pres. George W. Bush, Feb. 16, 2026
inpursuit.substack.com/p/george-was...
George Washington by George W. Bush
For a Leader, Humility Is the Ultimate Strength
inpursuit.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:23 PM
"Our first leader helped define not only the character of the presidency but the character of the country. Washington modeled what it means to put the good of the nation over self-interest and selfish ambition."
- Pres. George W. Bush, Feb. 16, 2026
inpursuit.substack.com/p/george-was...
- Pres. George W. Bush, Feb. 16, 2026
inpursuit.substack.com/p/george-was...
PSA: It's Presidents' Day. (Not Presidents Day.)
Signed,
Your slightly-peeved-but-otherwise-totally-chill editor
Signed,
Your slightly-peeved-but-otherwise-totally-chill editor
a painting of george washington is displayed on a dark background
ALT: a painting of george washington is displayed on a dark background
media.tenor.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:01 PM
PSA: It's Presidents' Day. (Not Presidents Day.)
Signed,
Your slightly-peeved-but-otherwise-totally-chill editor
Signed,
Your slightly-peeved-but-otherwise-totally-chill editor
‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ wants you to flash the Vulcan salute at Pier 39 (by @fitzthereporter.bsky.social)
sfstandard.com/2026/02/15/s...
sfstandard.com/2026/02/15/s...
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy wants you to flash the Vulcan salute at Pier 39 🖖
Live long and prosper, San Francisco! 🖖 Flash the Vulcan salute at Pier 39 shops to score free Star Trek pins and swag through Feb. 19. Beam yourself over before it’s too late!
sfstandard.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:34 PM
‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ wants you to flash the Vulcan salute at Pier 39 (by @fitzthereporter.bsky.social)
sfstandard.com/2026/02/15/s...
sfstandard.com/2026/02/15/s...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
Here's my map of Downtown Oakland protected bikeways updated for Feb 2026 to the best of my knowledge, including finished projects, under construction, planned/funded, & remaining gaps w no proposal identified yet.
Some progress since last year & lots more on the way!
felt.com/map/Oakland-...
Some progress since last year & lots more on the way!
felt.com/map/Oakland-...
Oakland Downtown protected bikeways in development (Feb 2026) – Felt
The only cloud-native GIS platform.
felt.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Here's my map of Downtown Oakland protected bikeways updated for Feb 2026 to the best of my knowledge, including finished projects, under construction, planned/funded, & remaining gaps w no proposal identified yet.
Some progress since last year & lots more on the way!
felt.com/map/Oakland-...
Some progress since last year & lots more on the way!
felt.com/map/Oakland-...
"The document you requested is 109 pages. You will only be billed for 30 pages."
Awww, I love you too, PACER!
Awww, I love you too, PACER!
February 15, 2026 at 12:18 AM
"The document you requested is 109 pages. You will only be billed for 30 pages."
Awww, I love you too, PACER!
Awww, I love you too, PACER!
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
difference between big data and big lore
February 14, 2026 at 7:31 PM
difference between big data and big lore
Aided by AI, California beach town broadens hunt for bike lane blockers (by @cfarivar.bsky.social)
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Aided by AI, California beach town broadens hunt for bike lane blockers
Hayden AI's cameras will scan for violations from 7 city vehicles.
arstechnica.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Aided by AI, California beach town broadens hunt for bike lane blockers (by @cfarivar.bsky.social)
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
Hi folks!
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
February 12, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Hi folks!
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
I feel like I should get out ahead of this episode to note that I regret my actions and have nothing but respect for the startup community. It was wrong of me to attempt to sabotage @evrat.bsky.social's startup and I won't do it again
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Bonus Episode: Kyle vs. the World
Podcast Episode · Shell Game · S2, E9 Bonus · 37m
podcasts.apple.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:16 PM
I feel like I should get out ahead of this episode to note that I regret my actions and have nothing but respect for the startup community. It was wrong of me to attempt to sabotage @evrat.bsky.social's startup and I won't do it again
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Hi folks!
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
February 12, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Hi folks!
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
📣 all reporters are invited to Beyond Bylines, our journo happy hour with my pal @ryansingel.bsky.social (of outpost.pub) and @sfstandard.com alumnus, Alex Mullaney.
🍻 Th Feb 26, 630pm onward at Two Pitchers in Oakland (beer, wine, NA, whatever.)
RSVP here:
bit.ly/beyond-bylin...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
I wrote about the first 100% transparent climate risk tool. You can look up your home's wildfire risk, w/ all underlying data, methods, and code available to dl. The hope is to get this info out of black box models and invite public/scientific scrutiny and collaboration. heatmap.news/adaptation/c...
This New Wildfire Risk Model Has No Secrets
CarbonPlan has a new tool to measure climate risk that comes with full transparency.
heatmap.news
February 10, 2026 at 10:18 PM
I wrote about the first 100% transparent climate risk tool. You can look up your home's wildfire risk, w/ all underlying data, methods, and code available to dl. The hope is to get this info out of black box models and invite public/scientific scrutiny and collaboration. heatmap.news/adaptation/c...
Why are there over 1,000 San Francisco properties on the FAIR plan?
www.sfchronicle.com/home-insuran...
www.sfchronicle.com/home-insuran...
California FAIR Plan insurance can range from $92 to $32,000. This map shows costs by ZIP code
One customer in San Jose pays just under $31,900 to be covered by the state’s insurer of last resort. Most Californians don’t pay quite so much, though the FAIR Plan is pricey.
www.sfchronicle.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Why are there over 1,000 San Francisco properties on the FAIR plan?
www.sfchronicle.com/home-insuran...
www.sfchronicle.com/home-insuran...
Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years.
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years.
As early as 2021, government officials were alerted to the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals known as PFAS in pants used by wildland firefighters, according to emails obtained by ProPublica.
www.propublica.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years.
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
first female president of earth
February 10, 2026 at 7:58 PM
first female president of earth
I recently rode up to Sibley.
10 yrs ago, I first rode Oak-Sac with Ride 4 a Reason, the annual ride that raises money for Oakland students.
It's inspired me to take on new challenges!
I'll be riding Oak-Sac again this year!
Please donate here:
runsignup.com/cfarivar/Don...
www.r4rschools.org
10 yrs ago, I first rode Oak-Sac with Ride 4 a Reason, the annual ride that raises money for Oakland students.
It's inspired me to take on new challenges!
I'll be riding Oak-Sac again this year!
Please donate here:
runsignup.com/cfarivar/Don...
www.r4rschools.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:31 PM
I recently rode up to Sibley.
10 yrs ago, I first rode Oak-Sac with Ride 4 a Reason, the annual ride that raises money for Oakland students.
It's inspired me to take on new challenges!
I'll be riding Oak-Sac again this year!
Please donate here:
runsignup.com/cfarivar/Don...
www.r4rschools.org
10 yrs ago, I first rode Oak-Sac with Ride 4 a Reason, the annual ride that raises money for Oakland students.
It's inspired me to take on new challenges!
I'll be riding Oak-Sac again this year!
Please donate here:
runsignup.com/cfarivar/Don...
www.r4rschools.org
"States should start by prioritizing the resilience of buildings and public works. Tax breaks and grants for hardening homes against floods, fire and wind are a short-term expense with long-term benefits."
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Affordable Housing Requires Tackling Insurance Costs
Buying a house is expensive enough these days. But the costs of owning one have been rising, too — not least because of soaring insurance premiums. As policymakers of both parties have made housing af...
www.bloomberg.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:57 PM
"States should start by prioritizing the resilience of buildings and public works. Tax breaks and grants for hardening homes against floods, fire and wind are a short-term expense with long-term benefits."
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
Amid Climate Crisis, Insurers’ Increased Use of AI Raises Concern For LA Policyholders
States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.
States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.
Amid Climate Crisis, Insurers’ Increased Use of AI Raises Concern For LA Policyholders
States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.
lapublicpress.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Amid Climate Crisis, Insurers’ Increased Use of AI Raises Concern For LA Policyholders
States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.
States and consumers accuse insurance giants of using technology to slow payouts and drop homeowners.
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
California’s private insurers are abandoning homeowners and dodging payouts while padding executives’ pockets.
A public disaster insurance system would cover everyone automatically, spread risk fairly, and invest in disaster prevention.
A public disaster insurance system would cover everyone automatically, spread risk fairly, and invest in disaster prevention.
We Need Natural Disaster Insurance for All
California’s private insurers are abandoning homeowners and dodging payouts while padding executives’ pockets. A public disaster insurance system would cover everyone automatically, spread risk fairly, and invest in disaster prevention.
jacobin.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:29 PM
California’s private insurers are abandoning homeowners and dodging payouts while padding executives’ pockets.
A public disaster insurance system would cover everyone automatically, spread risk fairly, and invest in disaster prevention.
A public disaster insurance system would cover everyone automatically, spread risk fairly, and invest in disaster prevention.
"...by removing less-extreme wildfires, we ensure that the fires that occur are the most extreme."
bsky.app/profile/nrfi...
bsky.app/profile/nrfi...
New research brief alert! Decades of fire suppression have increased fuel loads and fire severity. However, this research shows a separate impact of fire suppression that may cause even greater increases in average fire severity than fuel accumulation. buff.ly/fIzpZ2q
February 9, 2026 at 8:44 PM
"...by removing less-extreme wildfires, we ensure that the fires that occur are the most extreme."
bsky.app/profile/nrfi...
bsky.app/profile/nrfi...
