Phil Matier
1,922 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 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
The planned A's ballpark that never was would've burned down last night
August 10, 2023 14:59 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MBAs we've been reporting, a fire at Schnitzer Steel has concerned Oakland residents and also reminded some of a long and hard fought battle with the A's. For more on the history between the A's and Schnitzer Steel, Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Here's how the pandemic affected the Bay Area's population forecast
August 10, 2023 05:21 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBA new analysis by the state shows that the Bay Are is slowly starting to recover some of the population lost since the start of the pandemic. The same can't be said for the city of San Francisco, which is forecasted to lose three percent of its population by 2060. KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier on what's behind the numbers.
State regulators are ruling on robo-taxis, what's the verdict?
August 09, 2023 15:00 - 3 minutes - 2.79 MBState regulators are set to decide on the change in restrictions for driverless cars. The new rules would extend hours these services can charge for rides. The California Public Utilities Commission has twice delayed this vote amid criticism that robo-taxis disrupt emergency services. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
BART bets big on new gates, but will they reduce fare evasion?
August 09, 2023 04:49 - 2 minutes - 2.5 MBBART has hired a contractor to install new fare gates at its stations as it tries to crack down on fare evaders while making trains safer. The agency has been struggling to get riders back, with many saying safety on the system is an issue. KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on whether or not the new gates will improve safety on BART.
Why some city leaders support funding for rehab programs in jails
August 08, 2023 16:28 - 2 minutes - 2.49 MBAs we've been reporting, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey is facing pushback after saying Mayor London Breed should be sending money meant for wellness hubs to drug rehab programs in the city jail instead. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with insider Phil Matier.
Park Hotels lets go of two SF locations: a harbinger of the future?
August 07, 2023 15:25 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBPark Hotels and Resorts is letting go of it's two biggest San Francisco hotels, saying that the city is taking longer-than-expected to stage a comeback. This comes as the 'doom loop' narrative has been persisting despite city officials saying things are getting better. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Governors Newsom and DeSantis gear up for long-awaited debate
August 04, 2023 18:46 - 3 minutes - 3.68 MBAfter months of hesitation, the stage is set for a face-off between East and West Coast counterparts as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has accepted the challenge thrown by California Governor Gavin Newsom to engage in a debate. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.
Ron DeSantis agrees to a debate against Governor Gavin Newsom, what's in it for them
August 04, 2023 01:10 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBFlorida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis says he will appear in a televised debate against California Governor Gavin Newsom. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
The show must go on: Calls for Taylor Swift to postpone are a political ploy
August 03, 2023 16:10 - 2 minutes - 2.25 MBAhead of Taylor Swift's six-night run in LA, state and local leaders and asking the pop star to postpone, in a show of solidarity with the hotel workers currently on strike. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Oakland mayor reaches out to Governor Newsom, bringing in CHP to address crime
August 03, 2023 02:40 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom is sending CHP officers and automated license plate readers to Oakland as the city continues to deal with a violent crime spree. This follows a request for help from Mayor Sheng Thao. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Radio's Phil Matier.
City leader proposes cuts to SFPD top brass, citing bloat, understaffed stations
August 02, 2023 17:38 - 3 minutes - 3.19 MBOne San Francisco leader is aiming to cut positions in the city's police department, saying the administrative side is getting too bloated. This comes as police departments everywhere have struggled to recruit and maintain pre-pandemic staffing levels in recent years. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
BART officials address overdose deaths as they struggle with ridership
August 02, 2023 03:38 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MBBART officials say a man who died on a train at San Francisco's Embarcadero Station last night apparently overdosed. It's the latest in a string of overdose deaths on the system with the transit agency previously reporting seven fatalities in the first three months of the year. Safety is a key issue for the agency as it tries to get riders back. So what is BART doing and what needs to be done? For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Why is San Francisco lagging so far behind on housing permit targets?
August 01, 2023 17:54 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBReports show San Francisco is falling far behind its neighbors when it comes to new housing permits. Preliminary data shows the city is on track to permit less than one new housing unit per day this year, putting it well behind pace to meet housing goals. KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for more on why this process is moving so much more slowly in San Francisco compared to other parts of the Bay Area.
Does the Mayor think a carnival and a skate park will turn things around?
August 01, 2023 00:56 - 2 minutes - 2.66 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed is announcing a four-day carnival in the City's Civic Center at the end of August. It's the latest in an effort to help revitalize the downtown area.
Elon Musk's "X" sign lights up San Francisco, sparks outcry from neighbors
July 31, 2023 15:26 - 2 minutes - 2.71 MBAs we've been reporting, Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is the subject of an investigation by the city of San Francisco after putting up a massive light up logo on top of their building without a permit. The sign got even more attention Friday evening, when it blasted a strobing light show into it's neighbors windows late into the night. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Matt Bigler spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Former mayor Willie Brown on how to revitalize downtown San Francisco
July 28, 2023 17:27 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBAmidst the abundance of vacant office buildings in downtown San Francisco, Mayor London Breed is eager to explore the possibility of revitalizing the area by introducing a major university campus or extension. However, the question remains: Is this endeavor truly feasible? For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer was joined live in the studio by KCBS insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
BART’s board of directors opposes bill aiming to decriminalize fare evaders
July 28, 2023 01:15 - 3 minutes - 3.48 MBBART's Board of Directors has voted to oppose a bill making its way through the state legislature, which would ease penalties on fare evaders. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCSB Insider Phil Matier
Poverty tows: "Towing peoples cars is like firing them from their jobs"
July 27, 2023 01:18 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MBAn appeals court has ruled that San Francisco's policy of towing cars with unpaid parking tickets without a warrant is unconstitutional. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
If the A's sell, can they stay in Oakland?
July 26, 2023 15:09 - 3 minutes - 2.95 MBAs we've been reporting, A's fans are remaining vigilant in their calls to "sell the team," but if they did would they still stay in Oakland then? For more Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Political controversy surrounds proposed $5 billion overdose-fighting bond measure
July 26, 2023 04:49 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MBA state assemblyman is proposing a $5 billion dollar bond measure to fight the opioid crisis. The move comes after he killed or gutted several fentanyl-related bills working their way through the assembly. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Multiple deaths on BART prompt more health and safety concerns
July 25, 2023 15:21 - 3 minutes - 3.3 MBNew data shows the first three months of this year saw seven deaths on the BART system, and ALL of them are thought to be overdoses. This comes as the transit system struggles to get more people on trains, with ridership lagging behind other metropolitan areas. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
How will low wage workers be considered in the bridge-toll hikes?
July 25, 2023 01:33 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBA proposal to hike the tolls on state run bridges in the Bay Area is pitting transit activists against advocates for low-income workers. The proposal would raise tolls by $1.50 starting next year. Are any plans up for consideration to help out lower paid workers?
How can California counter ghost guns?
July 24, 2023 18:49 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MBCalifornia released its biggest report on "Ghost Guns" - guns manufactured without serial numbers. Law enforcement seizures of ghost guns have risen sixteen-fold in the last ten years, marking a huge problem for California's fight against gun violence. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
CA lawmakers and a TX sheriff call for federal investigation on Ron Desantis
July 07, 2023 16:50 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom and State Attorney General Rob Bonta join efforts with a Texas sheriff urging the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate an investigation into the transportation of migrants to other parts of the country, a program overseen by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF mayor proposes a tax break for old and new businesses in the city
July 07, 2023 16:47 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed is proposing a tax break to help revitalize the cities downtown area. For more on this, KBCS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS Inside Phil Matier.
San Francisco is losing conventions and conferences, leaving the city stuck
July 06, 2023 14:59 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBSan Francisco's road to recovery faces ongoing challenges as both Meta and Red Hat opted to cancel their scheduled 2024 San Francisco conferences. For more, Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What the Bay Area Council is saying about the potential toll hike
July 06, 2023 01:24 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBA proposal to raise bridge tolls to help bail out the Bay Area's cash-strapped public transit agencies is facing opposition from an unexpected source. For more on who's come out against the toll hike, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Will Gov. Newsom's plan to fight drug abuse work to halt tranq's spread?
July 05, 2023 16:09 - 2 minutes - 2.42 MBAs California continues to fight the opioid crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has added a new plan to combat the rising threat of tranq. KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on Newsom's anti-drug strategy.
Gov. Newsom on multi-state campaign trip for Biden this holiday weekend
July 04, 2023 16:04 - 3 minutes - 2.83 MBGavin Newsom is on on the campaign trail, stumping for Biden in Idaho this holiday weekend and putting himself in the national spotlight. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
A rehab center in San Quentin is not so far off after today
July 04, 2023 01:06 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MBGovernor Newsom has secured $380 million to convert a section of San Quentin State Prison into a rehabilitation center modeled after Scandinavian correctional facilities. But some Lawmakers are remain skeptical on the proposal.
SF leaders concerned about driverless cars scaling up citywide operations
July 03, 2023 16:33 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBAs the California Public Utilities Commission weighs whether to allow driverless cars unrestricted access to San Francisco roads, city leaders fear it may be too soon for such expansion. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
What is going on with SCOTUS?
June 30, 2023 15:45 - 4 minutes - 3.89 MBIn two 6-3 rulings, the Supreme Court struck down student loan forgiveness along with limiting LGBTQ protections. For more, Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with Former Mayor Willie Brown and KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
No end in sight for decades-long water tunnel discussions
June 30, 2023 05:24 - 2 minutes - 2.61 MBThe deal state lawmakers reached over a state budget earlier this week has thrown another wrench in the works for a proposed water tunnel from the Delta to Southern California. Governor Pat Brown first proposed this back in the 1960's and state leaders are still talking about it. KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for the latest.
CA is doubling CHP in downtown San Francisco, is this helping or hurting the city?
June 29, 2023 15:32 - 3 minutes - 2.83 MBGovernor Newsom has announced plans to increase the number of state police officers assigned to combat fentanyl dealing in San Francisco, building upon an initiative he started in May, deploying California Highway Patrol officers to support local law enforcement efforts in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods. For more, Marge Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What is the status of California's transit funding?
June 29, 2023 01:40 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom posted a video from the North Concord BART station talking about transit funding in the new state budget. Listen to today's segment with KCBS insider Phil Matier and KCBS Radio anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart for more analysis on the status of transit funding.
Police misconduct in drug cases may create domino effect for prosecutors
June 28, 2023 23:39 - 2 minutes - 2.3 MBSan Francisco prosecutors are dismissing drug dealing cases due to an inappropriate relationship between a confidential informant and a police officer. For more on this developing story and the effects it may have on the city's fight against illegal drugs, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
What corners are officials cutting to build more housing in SF?
June 28, 2023 01:50 - 2 minutes - 1.9 MBOfficials in San Francisco have reached a deal on a plan to boost housing in the City. What's the plan?
How will Newsom's State budget will affect Bay Area transit
June 27, 2023 16:18 - 3 minutes - 3.62 MBGavin Newsom and Democratic leaders reached a deal on the California State Budget last night. For more on the deal, and what Governor Newsom compromised on, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What are the political interests surrounding the new bridge toll?
June 27, 2023 00:59 - 3 minutes - 2.8 MBA new bill would raise tolls by $1.50 on the seven state owned bridges for five years starting January 1st, 2024. voters passed Regional Measure 3 back in 2018 which means tolls are already scheduled to go up by a dollar in 2025. Wasn't some of that money supposed to help fund transit?
Bridge toll hikes may be counter-productive in bringing people back to SF
June 26, 2023 15:06 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBA group of progressive lawmakers have proposed raising tolls on state bridges, in an effort to avoid cutting rail and bus services. For more on the politics behind this proposed toll hike, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Driverless vehicles draw ire from city leaders, but do state regulators agree?
June 23, 2023 15:51 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBJust a week before state regulators are scheduled to vote on the expansion of Cruise and Waymo's driverless operations in San Francisco, the city's fire chief openly expressed strong criticism towards these autonomous vehicle companies. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown.
SF lacks urgency in the hiring process despite desperate need for workers
June 23, 2023 01:08 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBThe City of San Francisco has the hiring sign out. But if you're one of those looking for a job, you're in for a wait. A civil grand jury just issued a report on the City's hiring practices. For more on what they found, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Mateir.
Will more security officers increase BART ridership?
June 22, 2023 15:15 - 3 minutes - 2.87 MBA new proposal would offer BART police officers 20% raises, tied to an increase in officers on trains by 50%. This is another effort by BART to address concerns over the safety of public transit in the Bay Area. For more, Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Will new Millennium Tower fix finally end the leaning building's woes?
June 22, 2023 01:41 - 2 minutes - 2.77 MBOfficials with San Francisco's Millennium Tower say crews have finished installing concrete piles that will stop the building from sinking and tilting. Engineers say they've recovered one inch of tilt so far and will continue to recover more. But will this bring an end to the problems for those living in the building? KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for more.
DeSantis took "an easy shot" at SF in his visit to California
June 21, 2023 16:11 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis... in a targeted Twitter video ad, gave his pointed thoughts on San Francisco. For more on this and the DeSantis' ongoing interest in California, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Nikki Medoro spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Has Biden's stance on AI affected his fundraising in Silicon Valley?
June 21, 2023 00:58 - 2 minutes - 2.71 MBPresident Joe Biden is spending his second day in the Bay Area where he discussed the risks of artificial intelligence. This comes a day after attending a fundraiser co-hosted by one of the early backers of the maker Chat GPT. The President has expressed concerns not only over AI but also over the power and influence of big tech companies.
Breaking down UCSF homelessness study: "These facts cant be denied"
June 20, 2023 17:02 - 2 minutes - 2.65 MBUCSF recently published a comprehensive study of homelessness in California, covering why it is such a pervasive issue in the state. For more on the study's recommendations for solving this crisis, KCBS Radio's Pat Thurston and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Drug users in San Francisco are not even from there, here's why
June 19, 2023 15:06 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBAccording to a recent public hearing, almost 95% of people arrested for drug use in San Francisco aren't from the Bay Area, but are out-of-towners. For more, Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
California legislature passes it's budget: but what are the caveats?
June 16, 2023 15:44 - 3 minutes - 3.6 MBThe deadline has been met and California lawmakers have passed a spending plan for next year, but Governor Gavin Newsom hasn't signed off on it just yet. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.
MLB blames Oakland mayors for the A's decision to move to Vegas
June 16, 2023 01:04 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBMajor League Baseball says officials with Oakland have no one but themselves to blame for the A's decision to pack up and move to Las Vegas. Commissioner Rob Manfred said today that while he feels sorry for the fans. The city never came up with a plan to build a stadium at any site. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Megan Goldsby spoke with KCBS Insider, Phil Matier.