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
📥 cfarivar@cfarivar.org
📱 +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
📥 cfarivar@cfarivar.org
📱 +1-341-758-0888 (mobile/Signal)
Pinned
Cyrus Farivar
@cfarivar.bsky.social
· Dec 2
As of today, I’m looking for a new job. 🧐
- I’m an award-winning author and tech journalist with 20+ years of experience. 🕵️♂️
- I have written for Forbes, NBC, Ars Technica, The Economist, The New York Times, Wired, and many more. 📰 📻
- I’m here to make a difference, and to make friends. 👊🏽
- I’m an award-winning author and tech journalist with 20+ years of experience. 🕵️♂️
- I have written for Forbes, NBC, Ars Technica, The Economist, The New York Times, Wired, and many more. 📰 📻
- I’m here to make a difference, and to make friends. 👊🏽
Author of LAFD Palisades fire report declined to endorse final version, called it ‘highly unprofessional’
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Author of LAFD Palisades fire report declined to endorse final version, called it 'highly unprofessional'
Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook's email adds to the growing evidence that city and LAFD officials attempted to burnish the LAFD’s image in a report that was meant to be an honest assessment of the depart...
www.latimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Author of LAFD Palisades fire report declined to endorse final version, called it ‘highly unprofessional’
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
"When deciding whether to write or renew insurance, only two insurers out of hundreds in California account for mitigation in the risk-score models they use to decide whether to write or renew insurance."
- Dave Jones, former CA insurance commissioner
yalelawjournal.org/essay/the-un...
- Dave Jones, former CA insurance commissioner
yalelawjournal.org/essay/the-un...
The Uninsurable Future: The Climate Threat to Property Insurance, and How to Stop It | Yale Law Journal
Property insurance availability is threatened by climate change. Deregulating insurance markets is not the solution. Stopping insurers’ financial...
yalelawjournal.org
December 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
"When deciding whether to write or renew insurance, only two insurers out of hundreds in California account for mitigation in the risk-score models they use to decide whether to write or renew insurance."
- Dave Jones, former CA insurance commissioner
yalelawjournal.org/essay/the-un...
- Dave Jones, former CA insurance commissioner
yalelawjournal.org/essay/the-un...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
‘It’s Just Us’: The Firefighter, His Son and a Treacherous Choice
www.nytimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The efforts of a community can implement Vision Zero -- no traffic-caused fatalities -- fueled by tenacity and love.
Well done!
bsky.app/profile/geor...
Well done!
bsky.app/profile/geor...
For those who haven't been on the boulevard in thew last year, the data alone tells us that there has been a positive transformation: pedestrian deaths fell from 7 in 2023 to 0 so far this year. Yep, zero. More yet to do!
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The efforts of a community can implement Vision Zero -- no traffic-caused fatalities -- fueled by tenacity and love.
Well done!
bsky.app/profile/geor...
Well done!
bsky.app/profile/geor...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
If pedestrian deaths can be eliminated on the previously deadly International Boulevard, we should be able to eliminate them on every other street.
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
For those who haven't been on the boulevard in thew last year, the data alone tells us that there has been a positive transformation: pedestrian deaths fell from 7 in 2023 to 0 so far this year. Yep, zero. More yet to do!
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
@tvrr.bsky.social
www.oakrapidresponse.org/posts/intern...
International Blvd is Now Much Safer
Last week, OakDOT and AC Transit shared the results of the International BRT Safety Project and frankly the results are an eye-popping success! Traffic calming infrastructure saves lives! Please write...
www.oakrapidresponse.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
If pedestrian deaths can be eliminated on the previously deadly International Boulevard, we should be able to eliminate them on every other street.
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
We just need the will to do it, especially from policymakers and Caltrans.
Thanks @tvrr.bsky.social for tireless advocacy to achieve this huge win!
Strava locks “Year in Sport” behind subscription, sparking user backlash (by @cfarivar.bsky.social )
arstechnica.com/culture/2025...
arstechnica.com/culture/2025...
Strava puts popular “Year in Sport” recap behind an $80 paywall
Strava’s most viral feature is suddenly locked away.
arstechnica.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Strava locks “Year in Sport” behind subscription, sparking user backlash (by @cfarivar.bsky.social )
arstechnica.com/culture/2025...
arstechnica.com/culture/2025...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
With AI systems deployed at schools misidentifying a bag of Doritos and a clarinet for weapons in recent months, I'm resharing my library Against School Surveillance Technologies in case anybody is looking for news stories, peer-reviewed articles, reports, and other media to teach.
Against School Surveillance Technologies
docs.google.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:10 PM
With AI systems deployed at schools misidentifying a bag of Doritos and a clarinet for weapons in recent months, I'm resharing my library Against School Surveillance Technologies in case anybody is looking for news stories, peer-reviewed articles, reports, and other media to teach.
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
This is both long overdue and fantastic.
Next step: don’t kill firefighters. They are incredibly talented, hard working Americans, not cannon fodder.
Next step: don’t kill firefighters. They are incredibly talented, hard working Americans, not cannon fodder.
U.S. Will Pay $450,000 to Wildfire Fighters With Cancer www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
U.S. Will Pay $450,000 to Wildfire Fighters With Cancer
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:44 PM
This is both long overdue and fantastic.
Next step: don’t kill firefighters. They are incredibly talented, hard working Americans, not cannon fodder.
Next step: don’t kill firefighters. They are incredibly talented, hard working Americans, not cannon fodder.
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
NWS in Boulder, CO has just issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) Red Flag Warning for extreme fire weather risk on Friday. Historically, PDS RFW issuances (including in California) have pinpointed days on which the most dangerous wildfires have occurred. #COwx
December 19, 2025 at 12:23 AM
NWS in Boulder, CO has just issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) Red Flag Warning for extreme fire weather risk on Friday. Historically, PDS RFW issuances (including in California) have pinpointed days on which the most dangerous wildfires have occurred. #COwx
This is the first "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning ever issued anywhere in the state of Colorado.
#COwx
#COwx
IMPORTANT: NWS Boulder just issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) Fire Weather Warning for Boulder, Hwy 93, and the Boulder + northern JeffCo foothills for tomorrow.
Winds: 85-110 mph. Bone dry.
This is a Fire Weather Warning with an exclamation point.
#COwx
Winds: 85-110 mph. Bone dry.
This is a Fire Weather Warning with an exclamation point.
#COwx
December 19, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
Are you a free Strava user that is grumpy you're not getting your "Year in Sport" this year? Are you a premium user slightly ashamed to share yours? I want to hear from you for a story for Ars Technica!
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
December 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Are you a free Strava user that is grumpy you're not getting your "Year in Sport" this year? Are you a premium user slightly ashamed to share yours? I want to hear from you for a story for Ars Technica!
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
Are you a free Strava user that is grumpy you're not getting your "Year in Sport" this year? Are you a premium user slightly ashamed to share yours? I want to hear from you for a story for Ars Technica!
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
December 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Are you a free Strava user that is grumpy you're not getting your "Year in Sport" this year? Are you a premium user slightly ashamed to share yours? I want to hear from you for a story for Ars Technica!
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
Text me 341-758-0888 or email cfarivar@cfarivar.org
My early 2026 work calendar is starting to fill up! But I'm available for:
- freelance journalism / editing
- comms work (with specialties in tech, wildfire, bikes!)
- policy analysis
- maybe even appearing as Santa?
Book an initial appointment with me: calendly.com/cfarivar-cfa...
- freelance journalism / editing
- comms work (with specialties in tech, wildfire, bikes!)
- policy analysis
- maybe even appearing as Santa?
Book an initial appointment with me: calendly.com/cfarivar-cfa...
December 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
My early 2026 work calendar is starting to fill up! But I'm available for:
- freelance journalism / editing
- comms work (with specialties in tech, wildfire, bikes!)
- policy analysis
- maybe even appearing as Santa?
Book an initial appointment with me: calendly.com/cfarivar-cfa...
- freelance journalism / editing
- comms work (with specialties in tech, wildfire, bikes!)
- policy analysis
- maybe even appearing as Santa?
Book an initial appointment with me: calendly.com/cfarivar-cfa...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
I wanted to share a few National Weather Service graphics regarding the looming Northern California storms.
Here's how I foresee the Northern California risk level for the next week:
Thursday-Saturday: Minor impact
Sunday-Tuesday: Moderate impact
Wednesday-Thursday: Major impact
#CAwx
Here's how I foresee the Northern California risk level for the next week:
Thursday-Saturday: Minor impact
Sunday-Tuesday: Moderate impact
Wednesday-Thursday: Major impact
#CAwx
December 18, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I wanted to share a few National Weather Service graphics regarding the looming Northern California storms.
Here's how I foresee the Northern California risk level for the next week:
Thursday-Saturday: Minor impact
Sunday-Tuesday: Moderate impact
Wednesday-Thursday: Major impact
#CAwx
Here's how I foresee the Northern California risk level for the next week:
Thursday-Saturday: Minor impact
Sunday-Tuesday: Moderate impact
Wednesday-Thursday: Major impact
#CAwx
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
“The fire was able to get started, get a foothold, and then the wind came in and pushed it really, really hard. This is really as bad as it can get.” – Ellie Graeden, co-chief executive of RedZone Analytics, on how Santa Ana winds influenced the LA wildfires.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why wildfires are becoming faster and more furious
With the risk factors increasing, is it still safe to live in areas prone to these disasters - and can fireproofing ever work?
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 1:03 PM
“The fire was able to get started, get a foothold, and then the wind came in and pushed it really, really hard. This is really as bad as it can get.” – Ellie Graeden, co-chief executive of RedZone Analytics, on how Santa Ana winds influenced the LA wildfires.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
"Levi was 13 when he joined, Instagram’s minimum age, and had been on the app less than 48 hours when he was targeted for blackmail and died, his mother said" www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-... via @davidingram.bsky.social
Two families sue Meta over teens' deaths by suicide, citing 'sextortion' scams
One boy joined Instagram on Sunday and was dead by Tuesday afternoon. His mother says the app is to blame.
www.nbcnews.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM
"Levi was 13 when he joined, Instagram’s minimum age, and had been on the app less than 48 hours when he was targeted for blackmail and died, his mother said" www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-... via @davidingram.bsky.social
Not long ago, I bought a pair of these jeans that have a right-thigh pocket that perfectly fits my phone.
But now I keep expecting my other older pants to also have this pocket and am miffed when I realize that they do not.
Genuinely, well done, Dearborn Denim.
dearborndenim.us/products/tai...
But now I keep expecting my other older pants to also have this pocket and am miffed when I realize that they do not.
Genuinely, well done, Dearborn Denim.
dearborndenim.us/products/tai...
Tailored Fit Dark Wash 6 Pocket
Hate sitting on you wallet or phone? We've added a 6th side welt pocket so you don't have to!
dearborndenim.us
December 17, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Not long ago, I bought a pair of these jeans that have a right-thigh pocket that perfectly fits my phone.
But now I keep expecting my other older pants to also have this pocket and am miffed when I realize that they do not.
Genuinely, well done, Dearborn Denim.
dearborndenim.us/products/tai...
But now I keep expecting my other older pants to also have this pocket and am miffed when I realize that they do not.
Genuinely, well done, Dearborn Denim.
dearborndenim.us/products/tai...
Hey #wildfire fam!
Need a book to read over the winter holidays? Here's my ever-expanding reading list.
I most recently read @riverselby.bsky.social 's book, which I very much enjoyed!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Need a book to read over the winter holidays? Here's my ever-expanding reading list.
I most recently read @riverselby.bsky.social 's book, which I very much enjoyed!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Hey #wildfire fam!
Need a book to read over the winter holidays? Here's my ever-expanding reading list.
I most recently read @riverselby.bsky.social 's book, which I very much enjoyed!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Need a book to read over the winter holidays? Here's my ever-expanding reading list.
I most recently read @riverselby.bsky.social 's book, which I very much enjoyed!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
This week marks a decade since the greatest piece of Christmas music journalism was ever written. Thank you, @aragusea.bsky.social .
slate.com/culture/2015...
slate.com/culture/2015...
How Mariah Carey Composed a Christmas Classic Worthy of the Great American Songbook
By this point in the holiday season, you’ve likely heard Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” enough times to last you 10 Christmases. In...
slate.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:55 PM
This week marks a decade since the greatest piece of Christmas music journalism was ever written. Thank you, @aragusea.bsky.social .
slate.com/culture/2015...
slate.com/culture/2015...
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
And down goes another one. Rad Power bikes filed for Chapter 11 on Monday and is looking to sell the business.
techcrunch.com/2025/12/17/r...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/17/r...
Rad Power Bikes files for bankruptcy and is looking to sell the business | TechCrunch
It's the latest e-bike company to seek bankruptcy protection after pandemic-era excitement for the category wore off.
techcrunch.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
And down goes another one. Rad Power bikes filed for Chapter 11 on Monday and is looking to sell the business.
techcrunch.com/2025/12/17/r...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/17/r...
"The mountaineers are entirely right in stating that the material, which accumulates on the ground where the land is not burned, makes a very hot fire, and that the danger would be lessened if there were areas where there is no inflammable material."
- Henry S. Graves, Supt., USDA (Nov 1899)
- Henry S. Graves, Supt., USDA (Nov 1899)
December 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"The mountaineers are entirely right in stating that the material, which accumulates on the ground where the land is not burned, makes a very hot fire, and that the danger would be lessened if there were areas where there is no inflammable material."
- Henry S. Graves, Supt., USDA (Nov 1899)
- Henry S. Graves, Supt., USDA (Nov 1899)
Reposted by Cyrus Farivar
When I worked at the NCAR weather & climate research data archive, my largest data user by volume was the chief meteorologist for an Agricultural juggernaut. Other frequent users were looking for areas with wind and solar potential when load needs were highest & transmission to meet load. 🔌💡
December 17, 2025 at 4:05 AM
When I worked at the NCAR weather & climate research data archive, my largest data user by volume was the chief meteorologist for an Agricultural juggernaut. Other frequent users were looking for areas with wind and solar potential when load needs were highest & transmission to meet load. 🔌💡