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
Homelessness is on the rise in San Francisco
May 17, 2024 15:35 - 4 minutes - 3.69 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away today. We're seeing a rise in the rate of homeless individuals and families applying for aid and housing. The number rose from 9,936 to 15,334 last year. While Mayor Breed shared a two-year budget proposal for new emergency shelter spots and housing units, the city is incapable of meeting the demand. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with San Francisco Standard Reporter David Sjostedt. You can listen to this entire interview...
Senator Bernie Sanders is backing these two CA ballot measures
May 16, 2024 15:17 - 3 minutes - 3.16 MBUsually right now is when we talk to KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but he's off this week. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is throwing his support behind two California ballot measures, one related to rent control and the other to restrictions on oil drilling. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with Sonoma State political science professor David McCuan.
Scarce parking in SF's Excelsior district pushes residents to illegal lengths
May 15, 2024 15:50 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier is away this week. In San Francisco's Excelsior district, some residents are holding their parking spots with traffic cones, sparking conflict with others looking for spots where there just aren't many. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with San Francisco Standard reporter Garrett Leahy. You can listen to this entire interview and past interviews on the Audacy App. Download the app on your smartphone and favorite KCBS Radio. ...
London Breed holds slim lead in new San Francisco mayoral race simulation
May 14, 2024 16:52 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBKCBS Radio insider Phil Matier is away today. New polling suggests that San Francisco mayor London Breed may be able to keep her job after the next election, but it's going to be a close race. For a closer look, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to Gabriel Greschler, local government reporter for The San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area’s fastest-growing source for news and information.
How will the defense go after Michael Cohen in Trump's hush money trial?
May 13, 2024 15:27 - 4 minutes - 3.96 MBFor a closer look on Michael Cohen's testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with David McCuan, Chair of the Political Science department at Sonoma State. He is in for Phil who is away this week. 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 list...
Business after work hours is rebounding from pandemic lows
May 11, 2024 01:17 - 3 minutes - 2.81 MBUsually at this time, we'd be joined by KCBS and San Francisco Chronicle Insider Phil Matier, but Phil is away today. He'll be back at 7:50 tomorrow morning. New research shows that while workers have been slow to return to the office in San Francisco, business after work hours is closing in on pre-pandemic levels. For more, we're joined on the KCBS Ring Central line by Kevin Truong, who's the Business Editor at the Standard, the Bay Area's fastest-growing news source.
California needs to improve its data tracking on homelessness programs
May 10, 2024 15:19 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MBPhil Matier is away this week. A new report illustrates how California’s massive efforts to shelter homeless residents during the COVID-19 pandemic were successful. But at the same time, the researchers pointed out a lack of available data on the program. With the little information they were able to access, they found that people who left the program had at least a 40% chance of returning to homelessness. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke wi...
A sneak peak to the $400 million dollar renovation coming to the Transamerica Pyramid
May 10, 2024 03:08 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier will be away for the next few weeks. Work is well underway on a $400 million dollar renovation of San Francisco's iconic Transamerica Pyramid. Staff at the Standard got an up close work at some of that work. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with Astrid Kane, Senior Editor at The Standard, the Bay Area's fastest-growing news source.
Waymo might be coming to the South Bay
May 09, 2024 16:34 - 3 minutes - 3.35 MBUsually right now we'd be chatting with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, but he's away today. Waymo could be coming to the South Bay, as local leaders try to get more autonomy to regulate driverless vehicles in their counties and cities. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by San Jose Spotlight reporter Sakura Cannestra.
SF nonprofit barred from receiving funding after reportedly faking invoices
May 08, 2024 15:26 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MBKCBS Insider Phil Matier will be away for the next few weeks. A San Francisco homelessness nonprofit accused of nepotism reportedly raked in over 100 grand after investigators announced this week that the Providence Foundation of San Francisco will be barred from applying for or receiving funding after reportedly faking invoices. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with Gabriel Greschler, Local Government Reporter for The San Francisco Standard, the Bay...
Panda Diplomacy
May 08, 2024 01:07 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MBUsually at this time we'd be hearing from KCBS Insider Phil Matier, Phil is away today, so KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising were joined by Peter Hartlaub, culture critic for the SF Chronicle. Upon San Francisco Mayor London Breed's return from China, she heralded the arrival of a pair of new pandas destined for the San Francisco Zoo. While this marks the first appearance of pandas at the San Francisco Zoo since 1985, it's not the city's inaugural encounter with these beloved ...
Peskin's mayoral race fundraising is lagging - what this says about his donor base
May 07, 2024 16:18 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MBKCBS Radio insider Phil Matier is away today. The San Francisco mayoral race is getting underway, and one of these candidates is not like the others. Aaron Peskin has reportedly pulled in just $150,000 in donations, meager compared to the big tech and philanthropic moguls he's running against. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to Gabriel Greschler, local government reporter for the San Francisco Standard, the Bay Area's fastest-growing news source.
Presidential race dependent on young voters: 'We anticipate a close race'
May 07, 2024 16:01 - 3 minutes - 3.15 MBPhil Matier is away today. It's going to be a busy week in politics as we inch closer and closer to what's looking like a close election. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with David McCuan, chair and professor of the political science department at Sonoma State University.
State of the presidential election
May 07, 2024 01:46 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBUsually at this time you'd be hearing from Phil Matier, but he's away today. It's going to be a busy week in politics, as we inch closer and closer to what's looking like a close election. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with spoke with David McCuan, Chair and Professor of the Political Science Department at Sonoma State University.
The Bay Bridge light display is coming back brighter than before
May 03, 2024 15:14 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBIt appears the famed Bay Bridge light display will return next year. The founder of Illuminate, Ben Davis, says March 2025 is the target date for the lights to come back on. The lights went dark last March, but with donations totaling $10 million of the $11 million needed to fund the lights, they could be back in no time. 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 inte...
New numbers show overall crime is down in Oakland while robberies are on the rise
May 03, 2024 03:42 - 2 minutes - 2.52 MBA new report shows that crime in Oakland is down 33 percent in the first four months of the year, compared to the same time period last year. But, the good news is tempered by the number of robberies, which are actually up 11 percent. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
New data details state police efforts to clean up San Francisco
May 02, 2024 15:24 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MBNew data shows what state police in San Francisco have been doing since being deployed a year ago, including about 500 arrests and the seizure or nearly 700 pounds of fentanyl. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas were joined by KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
A San Francisco political group is changing tack ahead of the November mayoral election
May 02, 2024 02:43 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MBA San Francisco political group says its dropping efforts to put a charter reform measure that would have strengthened the Mayor's powers on the November ballot. To hear more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier
AG Rob Bonta confirms service fees will soon be illegal in California
May 01, 2024 15:18 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBService fees are soon going to be illegal in California, with the state's attorney general confirming a new ban on junk fees will apply. 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 ba...
New state law will ban service fees in restaurants
May 01, 2024 01:12 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBA new state law that goes into effect July 1st will ban restaurants from tacking on surcharges to the bill. The law prevents businesses from slipping in so-called junk fees, but some in the restaurant industry say it will force them to cut pay and raise prices. KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for more details.
Matier explains the proposed $24 fee that could be coming to your PG&E bill
April 30, 2024 15:35 - 3 minutes - 2.83 MBCalifornia's Public Utility Commission is proposing a $24 monthly flat fee aiming to make electrifying your home and car more affordable. KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for more details.
Committee being assembled to discuss plans for West Portal intersection
April 30, 2024 01:07 - 3 minutes - 3.62 MBPlans to redo an intersection in San Francisco's West Portal have been put on hold, for now. Transit officials unveiled a redesign for the area shortly after a fatal accident which claimed the lives of a family of four about a block away. That prompted an outcry from merchants in the area, who said the changes were being implemented without any input from businesses or residents in the area. A committee is being put together to discuss plans for the area. For more, KCBS Radio news ...
More express lanes are coming to the Bay Area
April 29, 2024 15:09 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MBMore express lanes are coming to the Bay Area. 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.
Adam Schiff falls victim to SF car break-in... Is he ready for the Senate?
April 26, 2024 15:06 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBDemocratic congressman Adam Schiff got a rude introduction to San Francisco’s reputation for car burglaries yesterday when thieves broke into his car while it sat in a downtown parking garage. Car burglaries in the city have gained a national reputation as a scourge in recent years, and though they apparently are declining, the image is tough to shake. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former mayor Willie Brown.
SF MTA officers have misgivings over increased parking enforcement
April 26, 2024 02:40 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBThe people who write parking tickets in San Francisco rallied outside of their department headquarters in the City today, saying plans to have them write more tickets will make their jobs more dangerous. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising are joined by KCBS insider Phil Matier.
CA lawmakers propose a new car warning system for speeders
April 25, 2024 15:03 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBSome California lawmakers are aiming to physically stop your car from speeding. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Matier weighs in on speeding prevention bill that's lost some punch
April 25, 2024 02:49 - 3 minutes - 3.02 MBState lawmakers have advanced a bill to crackdown on speeding drivers, but not before killing off one of its key features. KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for more.
Protestors who block highways may face fines
April 24, 2024 15:07 - 3 minutes - 3.31 MBCalifornia lawmakers are seeking greater fines for protesters who block highways. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas 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 Breed takes aim at liquor stores in attempt to curb Tenderloin crime
April 24, 2024 01:32 - 2 minutes - 2.56 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed has a new plan for cracking down on crime in the Tenderloin. She is proposing legislation that would force liquor stores and corner shops to shut down between midnight and 5am. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Remembering Cecil Williams: Selling and showcasing activism in San Francisco
April 23, 2024 15:39 - 4 minutes - 3.83 MBInfluential San Francisco figure Cecil Williams has died. For more on his impact on the city KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Discussing the legacy of the Reverend Cecil Williams
April 23, 2024 02:37 - 3 minutes - 3.2 MBReverend Cecil Williams has passed away at the age of 94. Williams co-founded Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin back in 1963. To discuss his legacy, KCBS Radio News Anchor Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
There could be modifications to 2014's Proposition 47 November
April 22, 2024 15:10 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MBCritics of proposition 47 say they have enough signatures to roll back certain aspects. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro 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.
How Mayor London Breed got the Pandas back
April 19, 2024 16:55 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MBIt's official, Pandas are coming back to San Francisco. To discuss, KCBS Radio News Anchor Matt Bigler spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown
San Francisco's DA works to prosecute Golden Gate Bridge protesters
April 18, 2024 16:26 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBSan Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is asking anyone who was delayed on the Golden Gate bridge during Monday's protest to file a report, saying you could be entitled to restitution for being victims of "false imprisonment." For more, KCBS Radio News anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco is cracking down on illegal parking
April 17, 2024 16:42 - 1 minute - 1.61 MBBe careful where you park in San Francisco, as the city's transportation department is cracking down on enforcement. For more, KCBS Radio News anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
It's official: Alameda County's District Attorney will face a recall
April 17, 2024 01:52 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBAlameda County District Attorney Pamela Price will be facing a recall, after election officials announced organizers of the effort turned in the required number of signatures. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What consequences do traffic-blocking protesters face? Phil Matier weighs in
April 16, 2024 15:31 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBAfter a massive protest yesterday that blocked traffic on Bay Area highways, multiple people were arrested for refusing to move. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.
FCI Dublin women's prison to close due to 'rampant' sexual abuse
April 15, 2024 18:12 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBAs we've been reporting, we're learning that the women's prison in Dublin is being shut down following multiple investigations into what has been called "rampant" sexual abuse. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro 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 ca...
Cruise hopes to get its robotaxis back on San Francisco streets soon
April 12, 2024 15:37 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBAutonomous Cruise vehicles are trying to get back onto San Francisco streets.. following a suspension after one of the robotaxi's dragged a woman 20 feet on the street back in October. For more, KCBS Radio News anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
A look back at the legacy and trial of OJ Simpson
April 11, 2024 16:33 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBOJ Simpson San Francisco native and football player, later acquitted for the murder of his ex-wife, has died a battle with prostate cancer. For a look back at the trial, Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
A new poll shows most Las Vegas voters don't support a publicly-funded A's stadium
April 11, 2024 01:51 - 3 minutes - 3.34 MBA new poll shows a majority of people in Las Vegas oppose spending public funds to help the A's build a new ballpark. The poll by Emerson College found 52% against funding the park while 32% support it, and 17% percent were undecided. But, the issue may never make it to the voters. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Calls for a recount emerge following a tie for one South Bay congressional seat
April 10, 2024 16:51 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBDespite Sam Liccardo coming in first for the March Primary election to fill California's 16th congressional seat, supporters are calling for a recount, after the two runners up came in at an EXACT tie. For more, KCBS Radio News anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier
Audit highlights CA's falure to track billions its spent on addressing homelessness
April 10, 2024 02:40 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MBA new audit shows that while the state spent $24 billion dollars to tackle the homeless crisis over the past five years, it failed to track whether the money actually improved things. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Audit highlights CA's failure to track billions spent on homelessness
April 10, 2024 02:40 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MBA new audit shows that the state spent $24 billion in an attempt to tackle the homeless crisis over the past five years, but failed to track whether the investment resulted in measurable improvements. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Phil Matier on why San Francisco librarians say they feel unsafe at work
April 09, 2024 16:53 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBStaff at San Francisco's libraries don't feel safe and are asking the city to step in and provide security guards. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Why has San Francisco has let up on traffic violations?
April 08, 2024 17:48 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MBSan Francisco is missing out on millions each year as police have been cutting back on traffic enforcement in recent years. 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.
Phil Matier and Willie Brown weigh in on Aaron Peskin's SF mayoral run
April 05, 2024 16:45 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MBAs we've been reporting, Aaron Peskin, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, has entered the city's mayoral race. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.
San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin to announce his mayoral candidacy
April 04, 2024 20:53 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MBAfter months of speculation, San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin is gearing up to officially announce his mayoral candidacy this upcoming weekend. He aims to succeed Mayor London Breed in the November elections. For more KCBS's Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
With a 4/20 celebration out the window, what can we expect on Hippy Hill?
April 03, 2024 20:40 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBFor years now, marijuana enthusiasts from near and far gathered in San Francisco on 4/20 to spark up for a well-known tradition which would eventually turn Hippie Hill into a smokey haze. But we won't be seeing any of that next month as officials announced today the annual festival will not be held in Golden Gate Park. For more, KCBS Radio's Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Matier weighs in on San Francisco's latest plan to lower pedestrian deaths
April 03, 2024 20:39 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBStarting this month, SFMTA is set to implement an extension of the ban on right turns at red lights across 200 downtown intersections. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier.