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
How the rideshare initiative will continue to be challenged in CA
March 14, 2023 15:47 - 3 minutes - 3.22 MBA state appeals court yesterday upheld an initiative that keeps thousands of California rideshare and delivery drivers as independent contractors as opposed to employees, something that 59% of voters in the state approved in 2020, but was widely regarded as an effort by the app-based companies to avoid paying drivers benefits. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Will a Republican run for Feinstein's seat?
March 14, 2023 01:03 - 3 minutes - 3.51 MBState Republicans held a convention in Sacramento over the weekend and with the primary less than a year away no one has stepped forward to announce a run for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat. What do you make of that?
CA assemblyman working to make housing a right in the state constitution
March 13, 2023 15:10 - 1 minute - 1.63 MBSan Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney is looking to give voters a chance to enshrine housing in California's constitution, and it's not the first time something like this has been on the table in the state. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
City of San Francisco tries to secure more funds for police officers
March 10, 2023 05:27 - 3 minutes - 3 MBNewly released data shows that while police officers in San Francisco have worked a fewer hours over the past five years, the city still spent millions more in compensation. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
BART's Inspector General steps down, saying 'I can't deal with this'
March 10, 2023 00:15 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MBBART's Inspector General Harriet Richardson is stepping down. Her last day will be next week. KCBS Radio news anchor Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Newsom wants to send a message to pharmacies, 'abortion rights are sacred'
March 09, 2023 16:18 - 2 minutes - 2.44 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom announced more details of his decision NOT to renew Walgreens' multi-million dollar state contract yesterday... which was set to renew several months from now on May 1st. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
CA still looking for funds for high speed rail, costs continue to rise
March 08, 2023 16:45 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MBCalifornia lawmakers are trying to figure out how to find billions of extra dollars to fund high-speed rail in the state, as costs keep creeping up. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Newsom's Walgreens business cut off is a symbolic political play
March 08, 2023 02:11 - 3 minutes - 3.38 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom says the state will no longer do business with Walgreens after the company decided to stop selling abortion pills in 20 states, most of which have restrictions on the procedure in place. The move comes after the Republican attorney's general in those states threatened legal action against the chain. KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier for more.
Mayor Breed proposes salary hike to help attract, retain SF police officers
March 07, 2023 16:36 - 2 minutes - 2.62 MBIn a newly proposed contract with the police union, the city of San Francisco said it would give officers a 10.75% raise over three years, which Mayor London Breed hopes will help with staffing levels in the city. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Bay Area cities use unfairly high parking citations for more revenue
March 07, 2023 02:08 - 3 minutes - 3.02 MBGetting a parking ticket in San Mateo has gotten a whole lot more expensive since the start of the pandemic, with the cost of citations going up a whopping 86%. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Fans' relocation anxiety increases as Oakland A's visit Las Vegas
March 06, 2023 16:22 - 3 minutes - 2.8 MBThe Oakland A's took a trip to Las Vegas over the weekend, and that's just adding fuel to speculation that Oakland's push to keep the A's might not be strong enough. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
VP Kamala Harris, Gov. Ron DeSantis visiting the Bay Area this week
March 03, 2023 20:39 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MBVice President Kamala Harris comes home to the Bay Area this afternoon for a quick visit to the Bay Area, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis arriving in California on Sunday. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and the former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Traffic in the Bay bounces back nearly to pre-pandemic levels
March 02, 2023 16:34 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBWhile downtown San Francisco may be on a painfully slow rebound, traffic in the Bay Area is is not. At first glance, it would seem traffic should have eased with less folks communizing from all points into the city but that is not what the data show or what most Bay Area commuters will tell you. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
SF's 'homeless hotels' program costs surge as properties file damage claims
March 02, 2023 03:21 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBA program to help get the homeless off the streets of San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic has ended up costing the city much more than anticipated, as the hotels taking part in the program file claims for property damage caused by those they were housing. KCBS Insider Phil Matier spoke with KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart on the program's successes and shortcomings.
BART megaproject up in the air as ridership still recovering post-pandemic
March 01, 2023 16:04 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBA megaproject that once envisioned a four-track rail crossing that would serve BART and other rail lines, looks like its going to be less ambitious than planned. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF might change its sanctuary city policy, here's how
March 01, 2023 02:00 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBSan Francisco Supervisors are considering a controversial tweak to the City's long established Sanctuary City policy. what's the tweak and why is it controversial?
No more state of emergency: the financial effects of ending COVID programs
February 28, 2023 17:06 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBCalifornia is lifting its COVID-19 state of emergency today, although most of the restrictions related to the emergency order have already been dropped. Several other states are still keeping their emergency orders in place. For more KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Why are PG&E bills so high right now?
February 28, 2023 02:03 - 2 minutes - 2.63 MBAs we've been reporting rising natural gas prices in the state are causing PG&E bills to soar. Some people are paying twice as much as they used to and while those bills are expected to go down soon, another price hike may be in the works. Why is that?
BART asks police officers to ride on trains in response to safety concerns
February 27, 2023 19:12 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MBAs federal funding dries up, BART is trying to bring people back to their old pre-pandemic commutes, and spending a lot of money on social services interventions on trains to do it. Recently surveyed riders say they're frustrated by how BART manages homelessness and the all-too-common service delays. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Kaiser lands blow to the city of Oakland, moves 10% of staff to Pleasanton
February 24, 2023 16:14 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MBKaiser Permanente is planning to move over a thousand of its Oakland employees to Pleasanton and the city isn't happy about it. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas is joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
BART doubles number of officers on trains in attempt to boost safety
February 24, 2023 01:59 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBBART is trying out a new way to bring back riders: the agency is doubling the number of officers on trains. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkahrt spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The consequences of CA penalizing gas profits and transitioning to EVs
February 23, 2023 16:29 - 4 minutes - 3.78 MBIt's been nearly a year since gas prices took the first of several big leaps and 5 months since Governor Newsom called on state legislators to penalize oil companies for excessive profits but that doesn't show signs of happening anytime soon. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas is joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What can BART do to increase revenue & ridership?
February 22, 2023 16:48 - 4 minutes - 3.7 MBBART is in financial crisis with few options on the table to turn things around. For more, KCBS's Eric Thomas is joined by KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Does Barbara Lee open up the race for everybody?
February 22, 2023 02:08 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBAs we've been reporting Bay Area Congresswoman Barbara Lee has made it official, announcing she is running for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat. Lee has been a member of Congress since 1998 and her announcement creates a rare opportunity for politicians eyeing a position in the nation's Capitol.
Rep. Barbara Lee runs for Senate seat, how good are her chances?
February 21, 2023 17:17 - 2 minutes - 2.75 MBThe race is on for retiring Senator Dianne Feinstein's senate seat and Congresswoman Barbara Lee has officially thrown her hat into the ring this morning. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas is joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What are the roadblocks for high speed rail in California?
February 21, 2023 02:04 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBMore issues arise for California's high-speed rail project as officials are now saying that between supply-chain issues and worsening inflation, It's going to be even more expensive than they first thought to build a segment connecting Merced and Bakersfield. How much of a change are these newer estimates?
Surplus to deficit, Newsom struggles with budget amid tax revenue decline
February 20, 2023 17:21 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MBLast year, Governor Newsom projected a $100 billion surplus in the state budget, but now, due to sharp declines in tax revenue, the state is facing a $22.5 billion dollar deficit For more. KCBS Radio news anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Replacing fired police chief only one of Oakland mayor's current challenges
February 17, 2023 17:22 - 2 minutes - 2.12 MBIt has been headline news for days now: the firing of Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong. Oakland has seen at least ten different police chiefs come and go since the police department came under federal oversight over 20 years ago. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier.
Oakland mayor Sheng Tao de-facto police chief after firing LeRonne Armstrong
February 17, 2023 02:16 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBThe revolving door is spinning again at the Oakland Police Department. Fired Chief LaRonne Armstrong says he's still weighing his legal options. In the meantime, new Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao refused to answer follow-up questions today. But, supporters of Armstrong were heard loud and clear on the steps of City Hall today and they are not happy. For more insight, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The A's look to Vegas as Coliseums' infrastructure repair prices rise
February 16, 2023 20:33 - 2 minutes - 2.18 MBMajor League Baseball has been focusing a lot of attention lately on how a Las Vegas relocation would work for the Oakland A's, even though nothing is final, it could be a bad sign for Oakland. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Oakland mayor fires police chief, what kind of oversight is at play?
February 16, 2023 03:04 - 4 minutes - 3.75 MBAs we've been reporting, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has fired Police Chief LeRonne. Armstrong had been on paid leave following a report which claimed the chief failed to follow up on misconduct charges against one of the department's sergeants. The department's last police chief who wasn't an acting or interim chief was Anne Kirkpatrick. She filed suit against the city after being fired and won. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Ma...
Fmr SF Mayor Willie Brown reflects on Sen. Feinstein's tenure in office
February 15, 2023 17:23 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MBIt'll be the end of an era in the United States Senate when California's Dianne Feinstein retires at the end of next year. As we've been reporting, she announced yesterday on Twitter that she wouldn't seek re-election and it'll be a hotly contested race, several of her colleagues have already thrown their hat in the ring for the seat. For more, KCBS Radio Anchors Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
DA Jenkins asks Board of Supervisors to suspend sanctuary protections
February 14, 2023 16:31 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MBSan Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is asking the Board of Supervisors to make an exception on the city's sanctuary city law in order to get the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security in extraditing two men to San Francisco, but that would require the city to notify the DHS if the two men were released from jail. KCBS news anchors Margie Shafer and Matt Bigler are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
How would a natural gas appliance ban affect the Bay Area?
February 14, 2023 02:11 - 4 minutes - 3.92 MBTo ban or not to ban the sale of natural gas appliances in the Bay Area - that is what regional pollution regulators will vote on next month. If the ban is approved, it would require new homes to have electric water heaters and heat pumps as opposed to furnaces and would ban owners of older homes from repairing gas furnaces and heaters that break down, forcing them to buy electric alternatives.
SFMTA's meter extensions are a misguided and unpopular cash grab
February 13, 2023 16:12 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBFacing nearly a quarter of a billion dollar budget deficit in the next few years, the San Francisco MTA is likely to extend metered parking hours through 10pm and start charging people to park at those meters on Sundays. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier...
Hope for the future of San Francisco's downtown in post pandemic times
February 10, 2023 16:18 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed gave her annual State of the City address yesterday, her outlook for the city: revitalizing downtown, housing, and more. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer is joined by Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The future of downtown San Francisco
February 10, 2023 02:08 - 2 minutes - 2.31 MBMayor London Breed delivered her annual State of the City address today, laying out plans to take on San Francisco's biggest challenges. The biggest one named is the city's struggling downtown - saying it's not coming back as we know it and that's okay. The mayor hasn't been shy about trying to get people back into the office. Are you surprised she made this admission especially during a state of the city address?
'Backpack Bandits' still an issue for illegal street vending in SF
February 09, 2023 17:41 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MBIt's been about 5 months since San Francisco leaders said they'd stop illegal street vending in the city but city workers are running into roadblocks making that happen. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Margie Shafer is joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The possibilities of SF and Oakland opening up a 'red-light district'
February 09, 2023 02:27 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBKCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising Insider Phil Matier on why some are proposing to create an SF red-light district amid concerns over Mission District sex work..
SFMTA's well is running dry, where will they look to generate funds?
February 08, 2023 16:16 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MBAccording to a new budget forecasts, San Francisco’s transportation agency is looking at a potential 214 million dollar deficit in just a few years and that means the agency will be looking to generate more income so those forecasts don't become reality. For more , KCBS Radio anchors Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
How will the State of the Union affect California?
February 08, 2023 02:32 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MBSeveral Californians are among the invited guests tonight, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul and a farmworker advocate who's been helping those working at two farms in Half Moon Bay following the recent mass shooting there. So Phil what is California looking for in tonight's speech and is it likely to get it?
Can Oakland keep the A's? Las Vegas may have the upper hand
February 07, 2023 16:13 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBThe City of Oakland is still trying to keep the A's and house them at the planned Howard Terminal stadium, but Las Vegas is making moves on the team too and Major League Baseball wants a decision to happen soon either way. For more, KCBS Radio anchors Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Governor Newsom requests a federal investigation into gas prices
February 07, 2023 02:10 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom and Senator Dianne Feinstein are asking federal officials to look into why natural gas prices are so high. What are they hoping for?
The unique case of Police Chief Armstrong's push for reinstatement
February 06, 2023 16:22 - 2 minutes - 2.27 MBOakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing a tough decision on whether to reinstate Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, and he's pushing for the release of evidence he says would bolster his case to be back at work. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson preparing to run for Senate in California?
February 03, 2023 16:50 - 3 minutes - 3.51 MBCould Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson be the next California senator? There's speculation floating around after someone purchased domain names that would seem to indicate a Senate race. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that she would endorse Representative Adam Schiff if Senator Dianne Feinstein decides not to run. For more on this story, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.
Oakland Coliseum plans for future projects: What's in store for the A's
February 03, 2023 02:20 - 3 minutes - 3.11 MBAs we've been reporting on KCBS, plans for the proposed Oakland Coliseum took a significant step forward this week as a developer has signed on to exclusively negotiate on the build. But, the city isn't the only owner of the Coliseum.. Several City Council members and even Mayor Sheng Thao were all there for the announcement, but if you really want the inside story, you have to look at who was missing. For more, KCBS Radio's Patti Resing and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS insider Phil Ma...
What does Nancy Pelosi's endorsement of Adam Schiff mean for his campaign?
February 02, 2023 17:51 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBDespite Senator Dianne Feinstein dragging her feet on announcing whether she'll run for office again next year, Nancy Pelosi has announced she'll endorse Adam Schiff, if Feinstein decides not to run. For more , KCBS Radio anchors Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Traffic-related deaths in San Francisco hit an eight-year high in 2022
February 02, 2023 02:34 - 3 minutes - 2.91 MBNewly released data shows that San Francisco has a long way to go before reaching its goal of eliminating all traffic-related deaths. In fact, more people died on city streets in 2022 than since 2014 when officials launched the Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. KCBS Radio's Phil Matier, Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising discussed why traffic-related deaths are rising and what needs to happen to stop them.
Automated cars causing traffic stops in SF, city officials raise concerns
February 01, 2023 17:02 - 2 minutes - 1.98 MBDriverless cars have been causing problems for human drivers in San Francisco and now city officials are raising their concerns with state regulators. For more , KCBS Radio anchors Eric Thomas & Margie Shafer are joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Alameda DA reopening investigations into historic police shootings, in-custody deaths
February 01, 2023 05:27 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBAlameda County's new district attorney is reopening the investigation into eight police shootings and in-custody deaths, the oldest dating back to New Year's Eve 2007. These were all cases that the Nancy O'Malley, the previous district attorney, decided not to pursue. KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart and KCBS insider Phil Matier discussed what could be behind the announcement.