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Phil Matier

1,907 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 12 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratings

Breaking news and analysis from around the Bay Area, the state capitol and
beyond. Listen to KCBS Radio and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier’s reports
LIVE on KCBS All News 740 AM and 106.9 FM Mondays through Fridays at 7:50 AM
and 5:50 PM or listen to the podcasts ANYTIME posted here daily.

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Episodes

What Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao considered when selecting new Police Chief

March 28, 2024 20:35 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MB

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao introduced the city's next police chief Floyd Mitchell.. after several months of searching for someone to permanently fill the seat. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.   

Empty storefront after empty storefront: A look at Oakland's economy

March 27, 2024 23:46 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MB

Vacancy across Oakland’s crop of downtown office high-rises was at an all-time high of 30.2% late last year. Meanwhile, several storefronts of varying sizes in the city’s business district have been empty for years.  The lack of activity in the streets during weekday business hours is putting pressure on the city’s merchants, and is compounded by worsening perceptions around safety. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.

Baltimore bridge-ship collision draws parallels to 2007 Bay Bridge accident

March 26, 2024 15:37 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MB

The bridge collapse in Baltimore early Tuesday morning is reminiscent of a crash here in the Bay Area almost two decades ago, when the ship Cosco Busan struck the Bay Bridge, causing an oil spill. For a closer look at the parallels between the incidents, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.

Berkeley's natural gas ban will not go into affect

March 25, 2024 17:49 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MB

The City of Berkeley has agreed to pull back on its first-in-the-nation ban on natural gas appliances in new buildings after a U.S. Court of Appeals sided with local restaurant owners. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.

Phil Matier and Willie Brown react to the latest big-name call for ceasefire

March 22, 2024 17:36 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MB

After months of pressure and rising civilian casualties, Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced his support for a ceasefire in Gaza. This as the U.S. prepares to bring a resolution to the U.N. Security Council to facilitate an immediate ceasefire and hostage release. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

Phil Matier and Willie Brown react to Gov. Newsom's call for ceasefire

March 22, 2024 17:36 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MB

After months of pressure and rising civilian casualties, Gov. Gavin Newsom has voiced his support for a ceasefire in Gaza. The call comes as the U.S. prepares to bring a resolution to the U.N. Security Council to facilitate an immediate ceasefire and hostage release. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS Radio insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

Prop 1 passes: A closer look at the hurdles that come with it

March 21, 2024 20:40 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MB

Proposition 1 scraped by, allocating billions aiming to help the homeless and mentally ill. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.  

Happy 90th, Mr. Mayor!

March 20, 2024 15:26 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MB

It's a very special day today here in the KCBS studio: Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown is turning ninety! KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and Mayor Willie Brown to reflect on the Mayor's impact and accomplishments.

Why did Governor Newsom postpone the State of the State address?

March 18, 2024 17:35 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MB

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced he's postponing the annual State of the State address. For more on why, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Why did Gov. Newsom postpone the State of the State address?

March 18, 2024 17:35 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MB

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced he has postponed the annual State of the State address. For more on why, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Alameda County registrar manually counting Pamela Price recall signatures

March 15, 2024 17:42 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MB

Alameda County's registrar has begun counting signatures for Pamela Price's recall campaign manually. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Tenderloin locals sue city of San Francisco over poor conditions - again

March 14, 2024 19:30 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MB

San Francisco is being sued again over conditions in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood in a legal challenge brought by local residents and businesses. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

SF officials keep a closer eye on the non-profits the city does business with

March 14, 2024 03:40 - 3 minutes - 3.11 MB

San Francisco supervisors are taking action to step up scrutiny over non-profits that do business with the city. The move follows a number of scandals involving hundreds of millions of dollars.  For more, KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.  

Prop 1 seems it will pass by 'less than one percent'

March 13, 2024 15:41 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MB

Proposition 1 in California seems to be getting closer and closer after many assumed it was set to pass. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.

Self-driving cars facing regulation efforts from government, Teamsters

March 12, 2024 16:19 - 3 minutes - 2.97 MB

Labor groups are backing efforts for local leaders to rein in fleets of self-driving cars.   For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

PG&E rates increase as sales of electric vehicles are on the decline

March 11, 2024 19:08 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MB

Electric Vehicle owners are feeling some pain in their wallet as soaring PG&E rates make EV adoption that much more out of reach. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Phil Matier and Willie Brown on PG&E's newest proposed consumer rate hikes

March 08, 2024 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5.13 MB

PG&E could be poised to raise rates for customers again after state regulators approved yet another bill hike. KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown for more.

Mayor Breed addresses the city following her wins on the SF ballot

March 07, 2024 20:09 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MB

London Breed is set to deliver her State of the City address today, coming off an election night that gave her a much-needed political win. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Nikki Medorro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Is San Francisco getting less progressive? Matier weighs in

March 07, 2024 05:13 - 3 minutes - 3.58 MB

Has San Francisco lost its progressive edge? That's what some pundits are saying after last night's election, in which voters backed measures to beef up policing and crack down on drug users who collect benefits. KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on whether the city's politics are no longer as far left as in years past.

Mayor Breed still vulnerable in reelection bid

March 06, 2024 16:21 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MB

Even though San Francisco Mayor London Breed wasn't on the ballot yesterday, she still had a lot riding on last night. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Alameda County residents collect signatures to ensure recall of DA Pamela Price

March 04, 2024 19:26 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MB

Groups looking to oust Alameda County DA Pamala Price say they're going to be turning in 123,000 signatures to election officials today, trying to get the ball rolling on a recall.  For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Phil Matier and Willie Brown weigh in on the latest mayoral race bombshell

March 01, 2024 17:54 - 4 minutes - 3.81 MB

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin has privately communicated to associates his intention to run for mayor in November, aiming to challenge London Breed for the position. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier and the former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will not attend Police Chief forum tonight

February 29, 2024 16:39 - 3 minutes - 3.62 MB

A forum in Oakland today to help decide on a new police chief will not be attended by Mayor Sheng Thao. For more,  KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Why Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is skipping tomorrow's police chief forum

February 29, 2024 05:56 - 3 minutes - 3.52 MB

The Oakland Police Commission is holding a forum tomorrow night to introduce four candidates for police chief to the public. One person who won't be there is Mayor Sheng Thao. For more on her notable absence, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

City of Oakland to fill Police Chief vacancy

February 28, 2024 16:57 - 3 minutes - 2.97 MB

Oakland's police commission has released another list of names to replace the vacant police chief seat. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Matier weighs in on the financially troubled group behind Newsom recall effort

February 27, 2024 21:46 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MB

The group pushing a recall effort to oust Governor Gavin Newsom apparently has a hefty debt, clocking in at about a million dollars. For more o this, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

How Adam Schiff is strategizing to win the California Senate race

February 26, 2024 18:48 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MB

In a closely-watched senate race here in California, Democrat Adam Schiff could have his sights on elevating Republican candidate Steve Garvey as a way to keep Katie Porter out of the primary. For more, KCBS news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

What does it mean to be an incumbent in the upcoming SF mayoral race?

February 23, 2024 20:22 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MB

This morning, KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown spoke with KCBS news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer about the upcoming mayoral race.

Mayor London Breed falling behind in re-election efforts

February 22, 2024 16:39 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MB

A new poll from the San Francisco Chronicle shows Mayor London Breed's re-election bid is in jeopardy. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

"Pedal Politics": SF businesses respond to protected bike lane

February 21, 2024 16:33 - 2 minutes - 2.65 MB

Three San Francisco businesses are threatening legal action after a pilot program putting a two-way protected bike lane on the Valencia Street corridor last year. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer was joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Matier on Charles Barkley's San Francisco 'smack talk' during NBA All-Star Game

February 20, 2024 17:56 - 3 minutes - 3.23 MB

During Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, Charles Barkley, one of San Francisco's loudest critics, took aim at the city yet again. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.

Oakland A's may be headed to Sacramento

February 19, 2024 19:11 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MB

Just one day after a promising meeting between Oakland A’s president Dave Kaval and officials from Oakland and Alameda County to discuss extending the A’s lease at the Coliseum until 2028, Sacramento has swiftly emerged as the leading candidate to host the A’s from 2025 to 2027. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer were joined on the KCBS Ring Central Newsline by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Matier explains the factors around California's softening EV sales

February 16, 2024 17:15 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MB

For the first time in over a decade, sales of electric vehicles in California, including Teslas, dropped in the second half of 2023. This could contribute to doubts about the state’s ability to meet its climate goals.  For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

SF mayoral candidate proposes bringing cars back to Market street

February 15, 2024 20:30 - 2 minutes - 2.65 MB

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell says he'll bring cars back to Market if he gets the job. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. 

Oakland CHP surge ending sooner than expected

February 14, 2024 19:08 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MB

KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer talk with Phil Matier about why the Oakland decided to end its CHP surge earlier than most expected.

SF has a massive bill for housing the homeless during the pandemic

February 13, 2024 20:58 - 3 minutes - 2.79 MB

San Francisco could be on the hook for a surprise bill coming in at a whopping $190 million dollars in COVID expenses. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.  

New law may ban single use plastic bags... again

February 13, 2024 03:26 - 3 minutes - 3.39 MB

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would target a loophole in the ban on plastic bags. Legislators banned single use bags back in 2014, but allowed an exemption for bags made with a thicker plastic, which would make them more reusable and recyclable.  KCBS insider Phil Matier joins Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising to discuss the future of single-use plastic bags in California.

Waymo vehicle set on fire in San Francisco's Chinatown

February 12, 2024 16:29 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MB

A Waymo vehicle was broken into and set ablaze on a San Francisco street this weekend. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Matier on what's happening behind the scenes as help heads to Oakland

February 09, 2024 19:33 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MB

Extra law enforcement has descended on Oakland as crime continues to surge in the city. For more on this, KCBS Radio anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier. 

New bill addresses homeless encampments after fires become a safety issue

February 08, 2024 20:21 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MB

Fires along 880 is prompting interest among state lawmakers to crack down on homeless encampments. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. 

'The new Compton:' Matier on Newsom's call to deploy more CHP to Oakland

February 06, 2024 17:18 - 4 minutes - 4.33 MB

As we've been reporting, Governor Newsom is deploying more California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland to help with prolific crime rates. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.  

Phil Matier and Willie Brown weigh in on the status of SF's mayoral race

February 02, 2024 16:52 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MB

Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie is outpacing Mayor London Breed in fundraising to support her own ballot measure. Lurie is heading an unconventional campaign committee in support of Proposition E, a measure that would expand police access to new technology, which was placed on the March ballot by Breed. For more on the race, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

San Francisco MTA considers banning right turns on red

February 01, 2024 17:49 - 2 minutes - 2.06 MB

San Francisco drivers may soon lose their ability to legally turn right on red. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.  

A former mayor gives big donations to keep London Breed as SF mayor

January 31, 2024 04:45 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MB

The stakes are rising for the San Francisco mayor's race. According to campaign finance documents, New York's former mayor Mike Bloomberg, donated $200,000 dollars to Forward Action SF, which is an independent political committee supporting Mayor London Breed's re-election campaign.  This as the independent political committee backing mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie recently received a whopping $1 million donation from his mother! For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spok...

Can a record donation from Daniel Lurie's mom rocket the SF mayoral hopeful to the top?

January 30, 2024 18:48 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MB

San Francisco Mayoral Candidate Daniel Lurie has received a million dollar cash injection from a source very close to home. KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on whether Lurie's family fortune could be enough to put him ahead.

Political group "Fight for San Francisco's Future" looks to make impression on election cycle

January 29, 2024 19:42 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MB

A new political committee called the Fight for San Francisco's Future, formed at the end of last year to support two London Breed Ballot measures, is raising money and eyebrows, as sources of funds include a crypto billionaire, biotech executive and a strip club owner. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

Matier on Kaiser's alarming advisory to employees: 'Tough time for Oakland'

January 26, 2024 20:13 - 4 minutes - 4.24 MB

First, it was In-N-Out deciding to close its Oakland location. Now Kaiser Permanente, the city's largest private employer, has instructed its employees not to leave their workplace buildings for breaks. Both moves are in response to escalating crime in Oakland. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

Can California lawmakers force social media giants to pay for news content?

January 26, 2024 18:32 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MB

Following word of massive layoffs at the L.A. Times, state lawmakers are once again taking up a bill that would force social media companies to pay for news content on their sites. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.

Waymo looks to expand beyond San Francisco despite legal troubles

January 25, 2024 20:43 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MB

Waymo is looking to expand commercial robo-taxi service in California as the company makes plans to expand to Los Angeles and 22 other Bay Area cities, despite facing an ongoing lawsuit from the city of San Francisco. For more we're joined LIVE on the KCBS Ring Central Newsline by KCBS Insider Phil Matier...  

The difference between what CA pays to keep people in prison vs. actual costs

January 24, 2024 03:50 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MB

Newly released data shows the cost of housing a prisoner in the state has grown to $132 thousand dollars a year. This comes even though the actual cost to house a prisoner is closer to $15 thousand. So where's all the extra money going? For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

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@mattpitman 2 Episodes