Phil Matier
1,922 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
More on Newsom's strategy behind surprise Senate appointee Laphonza Butler
October 02, 2023 15:16 - 3 minutes - 2.96 MBAs we've been reporting, Laphonza Butler has been named to fill the Senate seat left by Dianne Feinstein. The news has caused an array of reactions, with some showing support for the choice while others say they don't know where it came from. For more on Butler's appointment, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Willie Brown on Sen. Feinstein: SF's 'most iconic, statuesque, independent Democrat'
September 29, 2023 15:55 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MBSenator Dianne Feinstein, a woman who broke through numerous political barriers, passed away last night at her home in Washington, D.C. at 90 years old. For more, KCBS insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown joined KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro live in-studio.
What is going on with the Oakland Police Chief search?
September 28, 2023 15:14 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBAs we've been reporting three Oakland Police commissioners say they will not be attending meetings until there's a change in leadership, saying the search for a new police chief is being mishandled. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Car thefts in California: Where does the Bay Area rank?
September 27, 2023 18:21 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBCar thefts have been increasing in California in recent years, and the city with the highest rate is right here in the Bay Area. In Oakland, officials say there are now nearly 12 car thefts per 1,000 people, compared to Los Angeles, which has more than four times the population and about five people per 1,000 experiencing car theft. For more on this issue, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Breed proposal: Welfare recipients must undergo substance screening, treatment
September 26, 2023 15:39 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBAs we've been reporting, we're getting news this morning that Mayor London Breed is putting out a proposal today which would require low-income residents to undergo substance abuse screening and treatment in order to get welfare funds, a historically controversial move. For more on how this proposal may be received, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
City officials in SF are set to resume clearing homeless encampments
September 26, 2023 00:56 - 3 minutes - 3.49 MBThis move comes after receiving guidance from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. It follows an injunction, which had stopped officials from forcing homeless people to move unless the City could provide an alternative place for them to go. So what exactly changed?
Governor Newsom backs AI in veto of driverless truck limitation bill
September 25, 2023 15:21 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom used his veto pen going into the weekend to halt legislation that would have required a human to be inside driverless trucks when they're rolled out for at least five years. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The infamous Golden Gate Park Ferris Wheel may move - here's why.
September 22, 2023 18:03 - 3 minutes - 3.37 MBHave you ever thought about taking a spin on the SkyStar Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park? Well, the clock may be ticking on that opportunity, as city officials are contemplating the relocation of this colossal Ferris wheel to Fisherman's Wharf. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Oakland may be close to finding it's next police chief
September 21, 2023 21:05 - 4 minutes - 3.74 MBOfficials tasked with tracking down a new police chief for the city say they're close to a short-list. This comes after officials this week said they expect to recommend three finalists to Mayor Sheng Thao by mid-October. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
The tug of war over parking rates at San Francisco City Hall
September 20, 2023 20:24 - 3 minutes - 3.46 MBUnder a new proposal in San Francisco, the SF Municipal Transit agency will need to get written approval from the mayor before they extend metered hours or up the fares. This comes as local businesses have been critical of the agency's changes to metered parking, saying it's just making it harder to get customers in the door. For more KCBS Radio's Matt Bigler and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Former Oakland police chief looks to clear his name and get his job back
September 20, 2023 02:33 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBThe Oakland Chapter of the NAACP is once again calling for LeRonne Armstrong to be reinstated as the city's police chief. This comes after an arbitrator found that a report issued before his dismissal was problematic. While the Police Commission says it plans to consider him for a shortlist for the position, Mayor Sheng Thao is sticking to her guns, saying she believes her decision to fire him was correct. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil M...
Oakland merchants threaten to strike after missed grant funding deadline
September 19, 2023 16:09 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MBAfter the City of Oakland missed a critical deadline to secure grant funding meant to help local businesses, the city's merchants say they're planning to go on strike, saying all the crime is pushing their businesses to the brink. For more. KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Matt Bigler spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Bay Area drivers rack up millions in unpaid toll debt
September 18, 2023 19:26 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBNew data shows Bay Area drivers are really racking up toll debts since the system went cashless, with officials saying about 12.5 million violations were issued in the past fiscal year. That adds up to about 90 dollars in unpaid tolls. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco made preparations for the grand return of Dreamforce
September 15, 2023 21:18 - 3 minutes - 3.49 MBAs Tech workers converged at San Francisco's Moscone Center this week for the annual Dreamforce Convention, a notable absence, as reported by numerous attendees, was the usual presence of littered streets, panhandlers, tent encampments, and public drug dealing and consumption. For more, KCBS Radios Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Oakland may declare state of emergency after failing to replace the police chief
September 14, 2023 19:35 - 1 minute - 1.62 MBOakland Mayor Sheng Thao says she will be declaring a state of emergency by years end, if the police commission can't give her a list of names to replace the city's police chief. This comes as Thao has already been vocal with her displeasure with the commission, saying they're taking too long and the city can't wait any more. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF supervisor says an increase in traffic enforcement is needed to reduce fatalities
September 14, 2023 01:04 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBSan Francisco's Vision Zero strategy was designed to create safer streets, educate the public and enforcing traffic laws to save lives, yet the number of traffic citations issued in the City has dropped 97% since 2014, and one supervisor wants the police department to do something about it. Rafael Mandelman says increased enforcement is needed to cut down on traffic fatalities. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Newsom takes bold stand against federal judge homeless encampment ruling
September 13, 2023 15:14 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom is saying that the state will intervene in an ongoing court case in which a federal judge barred San Francisco from cleaning up homeless encampments and that he hope it gets all the way to the supreme court. Newsom called his own words quote "a hell of a statement coming from a progressive democrat." For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF officials estimate sinkhole could take months to repair
September 13, 2023 03:29 - 3 minutes - 3.38 MBOfficials in San Francisco say it could take weeks, if not months, to fully repair a sinkhole that opened up early yesterday morning. Earlier this year, an overpass caught fire and collapsed in Philadelphia and crews were able to reopen it in 12 days. Meanwhile, it took crews in San Francisco six years to complete improvements on Van Ness. Why do construction repairs in the Bay Area seem to take so long? For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Ma...
Everyone's a winner: labor groups and fast food agree on $20/hr minimum wage
September 12, 2023 15:30 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MBLabor groups and fast-food companies in California have come to an agreement which includes bumping up the minimum salary for workers to $20 dollars an hour, narrowly avoiding a ballot fight over Assembly Bill 12-28. The compromise also means that franchise corporations will not be held responsible for workforce violations at individual restaurants, a term that's been a major sticking point in negotiations. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Ma...
The clipper card program is going contactless, how much will this cost?
September 12, 2023 00:55 - 2 minutes - 2.71 MBBay Area transit officials are planning a massive upgrade to the Clipper program and you won't even need the card to take advantage of it. Officials spent 170 million back in 2010 to create Clipper
Nancy Pelosi is running for re-election
September 09, 2023 01:24 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBFormer House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she will be running for re-election in 2024. She made her announcement before labor allies in San Francisco as well as posting a message on social media. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Could the 'Governator' fill Senator Feinstein's shoes? Willie Brown says yes
September 08, 2023 15:41 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBThe competition for Senator Dianne Feinstein's replacement is highly competitive, with three Democratic members of Congress garnering significant support among likely voters. On the Republican side, six candidates are gaining momentum. However, there has been recent speculation about the potential candidacy of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor W...
CA looks to make electric vehicles more affordable for low-income residents
September 08, 2023 01:49 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MBOne of the more popular perks about buying an electric vehicle is the rebate that's been offered in California, but that rebate is going away. It's allowing the state to pivot a bit to provide relief for families who normally can't afford cleaner cars and SUVs. It could have a huge impact on California's lower emission goals. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Will teachers give Vegas a lesson with their "Schools Over Stadium" PAC?
September 07, 2023 14:58 - 2 minutes - 2.68 MBTeachers in Nevada are not on board with the Oakland A's move to Vegas with the newly-created "Schools Over Stadium" PAC announcing they'll be petitioning to repeal funding for the stadium, saying Nevada lawmakers have failed to consider putting money toward overcrowded classrooms in the state. This comes a few months after Governor Lombardo signed a bill into law setting aside 380 million dollars in public money for the ball park. For more Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS I...
Could a Times Square billboard save San Francisco tourism?
September 06, 2023 14:59 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBSan Francisco is looking east to expand tourism numbers. A new billboard up in Times Square is the latest part of a new 6-million dollar worldwide ad campaign by San Francisco Travel, hoping to turn around the "doom loop" narrative. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Camps divided on new state bill that would limit driverless 18-wheelers
September 06, 2023 01:16 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBAs debate continues about driverless cars on San Francisco streets, California lawmakers are talking with the auto industry about driverless trucks now, too. A new bill is advancing in the state legislature that would put limits on testing out driverless 18-wheelers, and would require a human to be inside the truck until at least 2031. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
The nature of labor is evolving, so how can unions change?
September 04, 2023 17:51 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBThe labor market looks quite different today than it did even a few years ago, the rise of remote work and artificial intelligence are creating new challenges to the state of labor in California. In this new era of work, union memberships in the US are continuing to decline even as workers fight for better protections. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Corruption in City Hall: What makes San Francisco so susceptible?
September 01, 2023 16:22 - 4 minutes - 3.75 MBA San Francisco official responsible for distributing community grants pled not guilty to felony charges of bribery and corruption in a superior court yesterday. Lanita Henriquez faces numerous felony charges, including bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and aiding and abetting a financial conflict of interest in a government contract. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Governor Newsom's plan to turn San Quentin into a rehabilitation facility
September 01, 2023 01:03 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBAn advisory panel hand-picked by Governor Gavin Newsom is continuing to work on a $360 million dollar renovation of San Quentin. And it's doing so in secret, all thanks to a deal that state lawmakers signed off on. The plan is to turn the prison into a rehabilitation facility. Why are all the talks going on behind closed doors? For more on this, KCBS Radio's Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Closed Tenderloin response center was very successful in treating overdoses
August 31, 2023 16:22 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBAlmost a year after it's closure a new study shows that the Tenderloin center was successful in reversing 100% of overdoses they came across. The news comes after officials from the center reported significant obstacles and quote "strained relationships with city emergency response systems" For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Utopia for Silicon Valley execs? The latest on secretive Solano Co. land grab
August 31, 2023 04:54 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBWe're learning more about plans for a large swath of land in Solano County that has been purchased by a mysterious company with some powerful backers. KCBS Radio news anchor Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on the mysterious situation.
Salesforce convention might move out of SF... what does this mean for the city?
August 30, 2023 14:58 - 2 minutes - 2.2 MBThis year's Dreamforce convention may be the last one held in San Francisco as Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said the city's homelessness and drug crises could bring challenges. This comes as Governor Newsom says the state's courts are hindering efforts to deal with these issues. For more, Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco DA goes after former city officials on corruption allegations
August 30, 2023 01:03 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBSan Francisco's DA has filed corruption charges against two former City workers accused in a bribery scheme. It's the latest in a series of charges against a number of City workers that all started with the arrest of former PUC head Mohammed Nuru. This latest case isn't connected to Nuru at all, but the number of cases doesn't seem to be slowing down. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCSB insider Phil Matier
Elon Musk takes aim at powerful law firm backing homeless advocates
August 29, 2023 15:41 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MBElon Musk is taking legal aim at one giant California law firm representing homeless people involved in a battle against San Francisco's efforts to clear encampments. Musk has previously tweeted remarks saying that San Francisco is a "derelict zombie apocalypse" caused by the quote "woke mind virus" and has often bemoaned the city's social and economic policies when it comes to the unhoused. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
A city commissioner was behind the "doom loop tour," why?
August 29, 2023 00:58 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBIt turns out that the person behind a so-called Doom Loop tour of San Francisco that had been announced for this past weekend was a City commissioner who has just resigned. What do we know about the commissioner and what is he saying about the tour?
Mystery buyers are grabbing property in Solano - for a whole new city?!
August 28, 2023 17:44 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBA mysterious group of investors has been buying up farmland in Solano County over the past few years and it's starting to raise alarm bells as no one really knows the intentions - offering well-above market value to become the area's largest landowner. Results of a new poll in recent days could be hinting that the investors group is trying to make a whole new city. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Trump's iconic mugshot is raising money and spinning the story, shamelessly
August 25, 2023 15:18 - 4 minutes - 4.09 MBCountless photographs of American presidents have been captured over the years, yet none quite like the mugshot of Donald Trump, which has swiftly become one of the most iconic visuals of any individual who has held the position of Commander in Chief. For more Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Only half of Americans think the city is safe - will the "doom loop" stay?
August 24, 2023 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.15 MBA new poll shows only half of Americans think San Francisco is safe, a nearly 20% decrease since 2006. This comes as perceptions about the city have been dropping significantly and questions of a possible "doom loop" persist. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Does the San Francisco Mayor's office need more power?
August 23, 2023 15:00 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBA new report says San Francisco's mayor needs more power in the city, saying a stronger office could help fix San Francisco's persisting issues. Meanwhile, London Breed has also been fighting a court decision that blocks the city from sweeping homeless encampments in an issue that's sure to garner attention to her powers as mayor. For more, Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier
An update on San Francisco's pandemic recovery: "The bleeding has stopped"
August 23, 2023 01:31 - 2 minutes - 2.62 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed says she's optimistic that the City's efforts to revitalize downtown are paying off. The mayor points to increasing foot traffic around offices, as well as an increase in arrests for drug sales, and a larger number of recruits in the police academy. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Bridge toll hike off the table: how this affects Bay transit budgets
August 22, 2023 20:01 - 2 minutes - 2.42 MBState Senator Scott Wiener announced yesterday that a proposal to increase Bay Area bridge tolls is dead for the year. The announcement left many wondering why the toll hike was stopped, and if it will be brought back next year. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
After a tragic death, the city is changing its roads - Mayor's orders.
August 22, 2023 01:03 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBCity officials in San Francisco are rolling out plans to improve traffic safety at 4th and King Streets. It was the site of a fatal accident last week that claimed the life of a four year old girl in a stroller, leaving her father fighting for his life. The Mayor mentioned removing one turn lane and making changes to the traffic lights. How soon might we see these changes?
CA DMV cuts Cruise's driverless fleet, chiming in to controversial saga
August 21, 2023 15:56 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBThe California DMV is slashing Cruise's driverless fleet, following recent crashes in San Francisco. This comes soon after driverless cars were recently given the okay to expand operations in the city. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Gavin Newsom may be the Governor, but is he becoming the Mayor of SF?
August 18, 2023 17:37 - 3 minutes - 3.22 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom has been taking on the role of a quasi-city executive in his hometown of San Francisco more frequently, using its challenges as a measure of his accomplishments in Sacramento. For more on this, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
Newest robo-taxi controversy raises more questions of regulation and safety
August 17, 2023 15:32 - 3 minutes - 3.02 MBCruise is now saying that it wasn't Outside Lands that caused the massive backup last weekend in North Beach, but rather a pedestrian messing with one of its cars. The robo-car chaos comes just a week after the driverless car companies got approved to operate 24-7 on San Francisco streets. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Will DA Pamala Price be the next Chesa Boudin?
August 16, 2023 15:02 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBSupporters of an effort to recall Alameda County DA Pamala Price took the next step this week, filing a notice of intent yesterday. And while there's still a long road to recall, some are wondering if Price may be going the way of Chesa Boudin. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
More on the fentanyl busts by the FBI on both sides of the Bay
August 15, 2023 19:45 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBAn FBI task force working to get Fentanyl off of Bay Area streets hasseized at least 14 pounds so far as well as arrested a man they believe to be a supplier. The FBI team has focused their efforts on the East Bay, targeting suppliers and dealers. For more, Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
After last Friday, will Cruise make it through further approval?
August 15, 2023 01:37 - 2 minutes - 2.07 MBJust days after getting the green light to expand service in San Francisco, robotaxi firm Cruise suffered a meltdown with several cars coming to a dead stop on a street in North Beach last Friday, blocking traffic. City leaders weren't happy with the CPUC giving approval last week. Will this latest service disruption make a difference?
SF federal building warns employees of safety concerns: is this just bad PR?
August 14, 2023 15:25 - 3 minutes - 3.32 MBSituated at the crossroads of Seventh and Mission streets, the 18-story Federal building provides space for multiple federal agencies. One of these is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has advised it's San Francisco employees to consider remote work due to safety concerns outside of the building. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco's budget nearly doubled in the past decade
August 11, 2023 02:23 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MBWhile San Francisco's population has dropped over the past 10 years, thanks to a pandemic-sparked exodus, the City's budget has gone in the opposite direction, ballooning from almost 8 billion dollars to just over 14 and a half billion. So where's the money going? For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with insider Phil Matier.