Phil Matier
2,010 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratingsBreaking 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
Ask An Expert: The debate's impact in a country where first impressions rule
June 28, 2024 17:56 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBThis is Ask An Expert, where every weekday at 9:20 am, KCBS Radio is giving you direct access to top experts in various fields. Today: Democrats and Republicans are responding to last night's presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. While Trump's claims on the economy, environment, and border went unchecked, Biden's mannerisms and low energy were also the subject of much criticism. For a closer look, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS I...
With no clear winner of the debate, how badly did President Biden lose?
June 28, 2024 15:24 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBWe're continuing to bring you reactions from last night's first presidential debate. With ten weeks until the second and final debate in September, Joe Biden will need to overcome more than just his slow start on Thursday. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and Former Mayor Willie Brown. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favor...
Oakland FBI raid investigates potential straw donor operations
June 27, 2024 15:56 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBThe FBI raid on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's home is renewing interest in straw donor allegations against the Duong family. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Report excoriates Oakland City Council over contract awarding process
June 27, 2024 01:05 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBThere is a longtime rule for local governments to award contracts to the lowest bidder, and now Oakland is being accused of violating that rule. An Alameda County grand jury has released a scathing report criticizing the Oakland City Council over the way it awards contracts. The report says the city ended up approving a contract for billboards with a non-profit group even though Clear Channel Outdoor had submitted a bid that would have been more beneficial to the city.
Gov. Newsome reached for national platform during State of the State address
June 26, 2024 15:58 - 2 minutes - 2.08 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom looked beyond California at yesterday's State of the State address, and towards the November election. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section or you can utilize the Rewind feature to listen back.
Mayor Thao's lawyer and spokesperson resign in quick succession
June 26, 2024 01:05 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBJust a day after the attorney representing Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao announced he was stepping down, we're learning that her spokesperson also resigned. Francis Zamora issued a statement this morning announcing his departure, saying it was an honor to serve the city of Oakland. He did not give a reason for his resignation. For more on this, KCBS Radio anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Oakland is in distress following FBI raid, financial concerns, and closures
June 25, 2024 16:17 - 3 minutes - 2.8 MBThe troubles continue for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao following the FBI raid on her home last week, as her lawyer quit soon after a press conference yesterday he was apparently not aware was happening. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Mayor Sheng Thao speaks out on FBI raid of her home
June 25, 2024 01:14 - 4 minutes - 3.77 MBOakland Mayor Sheng Tao is firing back against critics calling for her resignation following last week's raid on her home by federal officials. Thao also questioned the timing of that raid, which came just days after officials confirmed that enough signatures were turned in to qualify a recall measure for the ballot. For more on this, KCBS Radio anchors Bret Burkhrart and Patti Reising were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
There is no indication that Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will resign
June 24, 2024 15:31 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBAs we've been reporting, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing increasing protests in response to the FBI raid on her home and questions that have come up in response. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section or you can utilize the ...
Analyzing Mayor Thao's actions in the wake of FBI raids
June 22, 2024 01:14 - 2 minutes - 2.6 MBWe still have not heard from Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, ever since the FBI raided her home this week, but her seasoned attorney is speaking out. Former federal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney Tony Brass released a statement today saying Thao is -quote- "ready, willing and able to cooperate fully with federal investigators." For more on this, KCBS Radio Anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
A search warrant of shock & awe: FBI puts out statement of probable cause
June 21, 2024 15:24 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBWe're continuing our coverage of yesterday's FBI raid on the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. The surprise raids center on a politically influential family that runs the city’s contracted recycling company. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former mayor Willie Brown. You can listen to this entire interview, and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio...
FBI investigates Cal Waste Solutions, raiding Oakland homes and offices
June 21, 2024 02:22 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBFederal officials this morning served search warrants at the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three other locations connected with the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions. Officials were seen hauling away several boxes but wouldn't comment on what was inside or what they were investigating. It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Radio's Insider Phil Matier, along with Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart.
Proposed law to restrict robotaxis gets scrapped
June 20, 2024 15:09 - 2 minutes - 2.7 MBA proposed law imposing robotaxi restrictions has been pulled by State Senator Dave Cortese. The bill would have let cities regulate the controversial vehicles and fine them for breaking traffic laws. For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier
Supervisor Chan makes a bold statement by proposing a pay-cut for city leaders
June 20, 2024 01:57 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MBIt's time for our daily chat with KCBS Radio's Insider Phil Matier, who joins Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart. A San Francisco Supervisor has an unusual proposal to help close the City's massive budget deficit; a pay cut for city leaders. Supervisor Connie Chan says she will ask the mayor to cut pay for elected leaders and department heads by 10%which would save the City $1.5 million.
Recall efforts of Oak. Mayor Sheng Thao reflect "cleaning house" mentality
June 19, 2024 15:19 - 2 minutes - 2.41 MBThe recall campaign against Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao moves one step closer to the November ballot. City Officials said on Tuesday, enough valid signatures have been collected to qualify. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section o...
Oakland mayor faces recall election
June 19, 2024 01:13 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MBOakland Mayor Sheng Thao WILL be facing a recall election. City officials have confirmed that enough signatures were turned in to qualify a measure for the ballot. So what happens next? For more on this, KCBS Radio anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising were joined by KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Governor Gavin Newsom states cell phones should be banned from classrooms
June 18, 2024 15:28 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom is trying to get cell phones out of the classroom following federal moves to classify social media as harmful for children. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Redwood City sideshow leads to injury and arrests
June 18, 2024 01:06 - 3 minutes - 2.88 MBOfficers on the Peninsula and in San Jose responded to sideshows over the weekend that left one officer injured, and two people in custody. The first happened around 3:30 Saturday afternoon near Woodside High School in unincorporated Redwood City, and a second near Santana Row in San Jose around 3-and-a-half hours later. For more on this, KCBS Radio anchor Patti Reising was joined by KCBS insider Phil Matire
Assembly member Matt Haney is putting in 'fun' in fundraising
June 17, 2024 15:20 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBAssembly member Matt Haney had what looked like a pretty fun weekend back in January, including cocktails, cigars and expensive food to celebrate the Super Bowl. But there's one problem — the bill was apparently footed by campaign dollars. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio....
"She'll win", says former SF Mayor Willie Brown of Mayor London Breed
June 14, 2024 15:22 - 4 minutes - 4.47 MBFive candidates vying for San Francisco's Mayoral seat took to the stage on Wednesday to make their case.. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section or you can utilize the Rewind feature to listen back.
You could be held liable for a broken sidewalk outside your home
June 14, 2024 02:58 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBHomeowners in San Francisco may not own the sidewalks in front of their houses, but they're still shelling out millions on repairs. To learn more, KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Transamerica Pyramid's $400 million remodel nears completion
June 13, 2024 15:08 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBSan Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid is just about done with the 400-million dollar remodel, with a grand opening schedule for September. For more, KCBS Radio anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The "poison pill" that could interfere with Proposition 47
June 13, 2024 03:19 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBState Democrats have been working behind the scenes to keep a crime measure off of the November ballot. The measure would repeal portions of Proposition 47, which relaxed the penalties for certain crimes including shoplifting and retail theft. But, Democrats have been working on their own crime fighting package. It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Phil joined KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart to discuss Prop 47.
San Francisco mayoral candidates will face off in first debate tonight
June 12, 2024 15:21 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBThe leading candidates for San Francisco mayor will face off in their first debate tonight. This comes as a new poll released by Mark Farrell's campaign shows him unseating Mayor London Breed. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand secti...
Controversial Valencia Street bike lane is on the chopping block
June 12, 2024 01:11 - 3 minutes - 2.94 MBTransit officials in San Francisco are getting ready to ditch a controversial bike lane that runs down the middle of Valencia Street. A planning notice shows that officials are prepared to vote on moving the bike lanes to the sides, as they are on most other streets. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising were joined by KCBS insider Phil Matier.
CA prosecutors and retailers support increased penalties for theft
June 11, 2024 16:22 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBCalifornia prosecutors and retailers have teamed up this year to get a ballot initiative ready, aiming to roll back parts of Prop. 47, a decade's old law that lowers penalties for theft and drug possession. But, Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders are working on a plan to remove this measure from the ballot. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Much of money raised to protect workers in CA is going unused
June 11, 2024 01:08 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBA large portion of money raised to protect workers in the state is going unused, even as officials are seeing an increase in reports of labor violations. The Private Attorneys General Act raises millions of dollars every year from fines and settlements with businesses accused of violating labor law.
There were several sideshows on Sunday in Oakland and SF, no arrests made
June 10, 2024 15:12 - 3 minutes - 3.36 MBSeveral sideshows erupted early Sunday morning, including one in Oakland outside the Grand Lake Theater and two in San Francisco, with one by the Ferry Building. No arrests were made in connection with these incidents. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are...
Trump met with supporters & protestors upon arrival at SF fundraiser
June 07, 2024 15:19 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MBBay Area Trump supporters, as well as protestors, squeezed into the streets of the Pacific Heights neighborhood last night as the former president appeared at a campaign fundraiser. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and Former Mayor Willie Brown.
David Sacks, tech billionaire, hosts former President Trump for SF fundraising
June 07, 2024 03:06 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MBIt's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered on San Francisco's Marina Green to welcome him to a fundraiser being held on Pacific Heights this evening. Demonstrators are also gathering, along with a big, inflatable 33-foot tall inflatable Trump Chicken to protest his visit. Phil...let's take a look at some of the players. Who's going to be there...and who'll be on the outside? You mentioned David Sacks...who's hosting ...
Trump heads to SF in quest for tech money
June 06, 2024 15:05 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBAs we've been reporting, former President Donald Trump is looking for some campaign cash here in San Francisco, where he's fetching a minimum of 50-thousand a head at a fundraising event tonight. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer was joined by by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faces an uphill battle in upcoming recall
June 06, 2024 02:36 - 3 minutes - 2.97 MBIt's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Backers of an effort to recall Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao say they have gathered enough signatures to put the measure on the ballot. Phil, one of the leaders of the recall said Thao won by a small percentage and a number of ballots were disqualified due to confusion over ranked choice voting. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Contra Costa County's homeless population has risen 77% since 2017
June 05, 2024 15:14 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MBContra Costa County's homeless count has jumped almost 20%, despite hundreds of new beds opening up. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. You can listen to this entire interview, and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section or you can utilize the Rewind feature to listen back.
Mayor Breeds attempts to revamp SF downtown
June 05, 2024 02:26 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed is proposing several new initiatives to help revitalize the downtown area. They include creating entertainment zones, increasing security, and making parking cheaper. KCBS Radio anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising welcomed KCBS Insider Phil Matier back and talked with him about these efforts.
Matier on gas tax proposal: Would you rather pay per-gallon or by miles driven?
June 04, 2024 15:46 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MBCalifornia officials are looking at options to keep roads maintained as electric vehicle adoption take a cut out of gas tax revenues by offering up some cash for those who want to try it out. KCBS Radio news anchor spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for a closer look at the plans being laid out.
America's reaction to Trump's conviction is both predictable & unexpected
June 03, 2024 15:33 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away today and will be back tomorrow. A jury of his peers has convicted former president Donald Trump in his New York hush money trial, setting the stage for an unprecedented campaign season. For more on how American's have been reacting since the trial, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with Sonoma State political science professor David McCuan. You can listen to this entire interview, and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the...
Bill for tax measure to fund public transit has died in state legislature
June 01, 2024 01:35 - 3 minutes - 2.96 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away today. A bill to put a tax measure on the ballot to fund public transit agencies has died in the state legislature. While its sponsors plan to try again next year, it leaves several local transit agencies heading closer to a fiscal cliff. The bill aimed to raise $1.5 billion annually for up to 30 years. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with Garrett Leahy, who's a reporter for the San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area'...
Trump conviction poses questions for upcoming Republican campaigns
May 31, 2024 16:47 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBUsually right now we'd be hearing from KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but he's away today. The conviction of former president Donald Trump is putting California Republicans in a tough spot, as control of the House could come down to a few competitive races in the state for seats currently held by vulnerable Republicans. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer was joined by Reed Galen, political consultant who previously worked on campaigns for John McCain and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
California struggles despite national economic growth
May 30, 2024 17:31 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBUsually right now is when we would be speaking to KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but he's away. Legislative leaders have responded to Governor Newsom's May budget plan and they have some notes. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer was joined by Sonoma State Political Science professor David McCuan.
Popular seafood restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf caught in bribery scandal
May 29, 2024 15:26 - 2 minutes - 2.47 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away today. A popular spot for seafood snacks on Fisherman's Wharf may need to shutter after federal officials say owners of the restaurant tried to bribe an undercover FBI agent. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with Gabriel Greschler, Local Government Reporter for The San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area’s fastest-growing source for news and information. You can listen to this entire interview, and past Phil Matier interviews ...
Levi's heir Daniel Lurie declines public funding in San Francisco mayoral race
May 28, 2024 16:10 - 3 minutes - 2.8 MBKCBS insider Phil Matier is away today. San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie says he is not interested in taking any public funds, saying he can pick up the bill himself. For more on what this means and how it could affect the race for mayor, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke to San Jose State political science professor Larry Gerston.
Should college protesters face real world consequences?
May 27, 2024 17:27 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is off today. Today: As we've been reporting, California colleges are disciplining faculty and students over protests on campuses in response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with David McCuan, Professor of Political Science at Sonoma State University. You can listen to this entire interview, and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radi...
Should college protesters face real-world consequences?
May 27, 2024 17:27 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBKCBS insider Phil Matier is off today. As we've been reporting, California colleges are disciplining faculty and students over protests on campuses in response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with David McCuan, professor of political science at Sonoma State University.
Two SF restaurants take the city to court over loss of business
May 25, 2024 03:01 - 2 minutes - 2.45 MBUsually we'd be joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but Phil is away today. Two prominent San Francisco waterfront restaurants which closed after the pandemic are taking the City to court, blaming deteriorating conditions in Fisherman's Wharf for their loss of business. The lawsuit doesn't appear to be getting a lot of sympathy from neighboring businesses. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart was joined by Jillian D'Onfro, who's a reporter with the San Francisco Standard the Bay Area's f...
Cost of CA's official state voter guide likely to increase from March primary
May 24, 2024 15:31 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away today. For 22 million voters, California's official state voter guide is key to making informed choices. In March, the primary guide cost $13.2 million, even though Prop 1 was the only ballot measure present. As we prepare for November's ballot, which currently has twelve measures, we could see that cost go even higher. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with Sameea Kamal, Politics Reporter for CalMatters.
CEO of S.F.’s waterfront aquarium resigns amid concerns about lavish spending
May 23, 2024 15:40 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MBUsually the time we hear from KCBS Insider Phil Matier but he's away this week. George Jacob, The head of the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco resigned under pressure on Wednesday following concerns from staff that centered around his extravagant spending on travel and events, including hosting a concert in Dubai. For more on this KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer spoke to Tara Duggan, Staff writer in the San Francisco Chronicle’s climate and environment team
Fire burns home of SF dog walker who was recently targeted by racist threats
May 22, 2024 15:26 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away this week. As we've been reporting, a fire burned the home of a longtime San Francisco dog walker who was also recently targeted by racist threats. For more on the investigation, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with George Kelly. Kelly is the Senior News Reporter for The San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area’s fastest-growing source for news and information, and the first news outlet to report the connection between the fire and the dog walker, T...
Fire burns home of SF dog walker recently targeted by racist threats
May 22, 2024 15:26 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away this week. As we've been reporting, a fire burned the home of a longtime San Francisco dog walker who was also recently targeted by racist threats. For more on the investigation, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with George Kelly. Kelly is the Senior News Reporter for The San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area’s fastest-growing source for news and information, and the first news outlet to report the connection between the fire and the dog walker,...
CA's Congressional District 20 runoff election will take place tomorrow
May 20, 2024 15:19 - 1 minute - 1.68 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is off this week. A runoff election to replace Kevin McCarthy's congressional seat takes place tomorrow in California's 20th district. For more, Margie Shafer spoke with Sonoma State Political Science Professor David McCuan. You can listen to this entire interview and past Phil Matier interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. The interviews are posted in the On Demand section or you can utilize the Rewind feature...
Horses' days in Golden Gate Park are numbered
May 18, 2024 01:29 - 4 minutes - 4.52 MBUsually at this time, we'd be joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but Phil is away today. It's not out of the ordinary to see horses in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, but that soon will change. After a three month investigation led by the San Francisco Standard revealed long-standing evidence of mistreatment of animals, as well as several injuries among staff and the general public, horseback riding company Chaparral Corporation will no longer be able to operate in the city's park be...