Phil Matier
1,922 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 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
CHP seized nine pounds of Fentanyl during controversial police tactics
June 15, 2023 15:18 - 3 minutes - 3.18 MBGovernor Newsom says the partnership between San Francisco police and the California Highway Patrol has led to more than nine pounds of fentanyl being seized in less than two months - that's enough of the pain killer to kill about two-million people. But the CHP may be using police tactics that have been the target of reforms for SFPD officers.
City and state leaders think of way's to keep the A's in Oakland
June 14, 2023 22:57 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBNearly 28 thousand A's fans attended last night's reverse boycott as the team continues it's push towards Las Vegas. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What motivated Governor Newsom to appear on Sean Hannity's show
June 14, 2023 01:12 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBCalifornia Governor GAVIN NEWSOM ventured into enemy territory...appearing on Fox host Sean Hannity's show. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Westfield's departure from Union Square one of many downtown retail losses
June 13, 2023 15:33 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBThere's a new casualty due to the financial turmoil that San Francisco finds itself in: Westfield, the operator of the San Francisco Centre on Market Street, is walking away from the mall after plummeting sales and foot traffic during the pandemic. KCBS Radio news anchors Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on the situation.
Now that Westfield is gone, can IKEA save San Francisco's downtown?
June 13, 2023 01:20 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBAs we've been reporting, Westfield has announced it's abandoning its San Francisco mall, following many other major retailers lately. We've also been hearing an IKEA is on the way to San Francisco,could that save the city's retail sector?
BART to receive $1 billion subsidy from last-minute state budget bailout
June 12, 2023 15:47 - 3 minutes - 2.81 MBIn a last-minute bailout, the California state budget will include a subsidy for BART and other local transit agencies. This inclusion in the budget saves BART from a fiscal cliff, at least for the time being. KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Phil Matier spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for his thoughts on what this means for BART and for riders.
What does this indictment mean and how will it affect Trump?
June 09, 2023 17:15 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBAs we've been reporting, former President Trump will be reporting to federal court on Tuesday, in a seven-count indictment including obstruction of justice and retention of government secrets. For more, Matt Bigler and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier and former Mayor Willie Brown.
SF deploys deputies to arrest drug dealers in response to fentanyl crisis
June 09, 2023 01:43 - 3 minutes - 2.91 MBThe San Francisco Sheriff's Office says it will deploy deputies to help battle the City's fentanyl crisis. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Despite criticism, robo-taxis are getting the green light
June 08, 2023 15:14 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MBAs robo-taxi services edge closer to regulatory approval in San Francisco, the city's Transit Chief has strongly criticized the safety of services like Cruise and Waymo as more incidents involving robo-taxis are reported. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Why has San Francisco put a freeze on new cannabis dispensary applications?
June 08, 2023 04:15 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBSan Francisco officials are giving a time-out to cannabis dispensaries in the city after supervisors unanimously approved a moratorium to stop accepting applications for new marijuana shops until 2028. KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Pat Thurston spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier for more on the motivation behind this proposal.
Safeway's nighttime music: an innovative annoyance to prevent loitering?
June 07, 2023 15:13 - 3 minutes - 2.91 MBA Safeway store in San Francisco has adopted a unique strategy to counter the increasing loitering: playing loud classical music. Unfortunately, neighbors are far from pleased with this blaring solution. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco putting up roadblocks to curb 24-hour driverless taxis
June 07, 2023 01:54 - 2 minutes - 2.41 MBOfficials in San Francisco are trying to tap the brakes on round-the-clock, self-driving taxi services. For what are officials doing and why, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Pat Thurston spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
The political theater of DeSantis vs. Newsom and migrants sent to Sacramento
June 06, 2023 15:13 - 2 minutes - 2.58 MBGovernor Gavin Newsom is taking his war of words with Florida governor Ron DeSantis to new heights, lobbing potential kidnapping charges against him after more migrants were sent to Sacramento as a political stunt. This is drawing a lot of attention to the border refugee challenge and it's got other city officials wondering what to do if they end up in the same scenario. For more, KCBS Radio's Matt Bigler and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF Mayor Breed changes tack on public drug use, here are the early results
June 05, 2023 15:58 - 2 minutes - 1.89 MBIncreased police enforcement is already underway to curb public drug use in San Francisco. This comes ahead of Mayor London Breed's plan to open a drug crisis command center on Market Street. KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for more.
Feud between Trump and Desantis intensifies while running for presidency
June 02, 2023 19:19 - 3 minutes - 3.17 MBOnce Allies, Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have now become bitter rivals. Their ongoing feud reached a new level as they clashed at dueling campaign events last night. For more, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown.
A Republican celebrity is the latest possible challenger for Feinstein's seat
June 02, 2023 05:04 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBA high-profile Republican is considering jumping into the race for Senator Dianne Feinstein's seat next election, except he's known more for his accomplishments on the baseball diamond than in the world of politics. Steve Garvey says he's been approached to run for office, and he's thinking about it. KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Nikki Medoro spoke to KCBS insider Phil Matier on what the Republican and former Dodger would bring to the race. Phil will be on live again at 7:50 tomorrow morni...
The race for Lieutenant Governor just started
June 01, 2023 15:11 - 3 minutes - 3.05 MBThe game of political musical chairs in California continues as State Treasurer Fiona Ma officially announced her bid for the position of Lieutenant Governor. If elected, Ma would make history as the first Asian-American to hold the office and become only the second woman to do so. For more, Matt Bigler and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Oakland residents speak out on their fears during townhall meeting
June 01, 2023 01:00 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBThere was a big turnout for a town hall meeting in North Oakland last night that was convened to discuss the recent spike in crime. The fact that so many people turned out can't be a good sign. For more on what the public said, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Niki Medoro spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
SF's fight against homelessness: the fight Mayor Breed can't afford to lose
May 31, 2023 15:13 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MBSan Francisco's Mayor London Breed is aiming to spend 692.6 million dollars in an effort to cut the city's homelessness in half. This comes, as Breed puts it herself, "despite a significant budget deficit..." For more KCBS Radio's Matt Bigler spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier...
Attorney representing Nima Momeni stepps away from the case
May 31, 2023 03:43 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MBAs we've been reporting, the attorney representing the suspect in the fatal stabbing of tech executive Bob Lee in San Francisco, is withdrawing from the case citing a conflict of interest. Paula Canny refused to elaborate on her decision and for more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Megan Goldsby spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Bay Area struggling with drug crisis, but what is being done to help?
May 30, 2023 15:07 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBA recent dive into county data has found that many parts of the Bay Area are battling the drug crisis, but what's being done on the local and state levels and beyond? For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Matt Bigler spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier. Phil will be back this afternoon at 5:50. 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...
How did Bay Area transit get into so much trouble?
May 30, 2023 00:59 - 3 minutes - 3.14 MBOfficials with San Francisco's transit system are fighting to keep everything running this summer. But, that may be reliant on whether or not they can secure much-needed funds from the state, saying that without help they're facing about a $130 million dollar budget shortfall.
San Francisco to suspend plan to extend parking meter hours
May 29, 2023 15:53 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MBSan Francisco is expected to postpone its plans to extend metered parking hours during the summer as the city examines the potential long-term effects the plan may have on local businesses. For more, KCB Radio's Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Willie Brown: Who could face off against Biden in the 2024 Presidential race
May 26, 2023 20:04 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MBAs more Republicans join the 2024 presidential race, the competition for the GOP nomination is taking form. But the question remains, how will President Biden fare against the lineup of potential candidates. For more, KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Jennifer Hodges spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, and former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown. WILLIE BROWN....
Why isn't California meeting its organic waste and recycling goals?
May 26, 2023 01:01 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBAn independent watchdog agency says the state is falling short on its organic waste recycling goals. This came up at a meeting of the Little Hoover Commission earlier this week. So how is the state falling short and what can be done to change that?
Mayor Breed urges State Assembly to add transit bailout to CA budget
May 25, 2023 15:11 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed is pointing to the city's suffering economy as a major reason why state lawmakers should factor a transit bailout into California's budget. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
As major retailers leave, Mayor Breed wants to reimagine downtown SF
May 25, 2023 01:17 - 3 minutes - 2.9 MBBanana Republic and Cole's Hardware are among the two latest businesses to announce store closings in downtown San Francisco. This comes as the City continues to deal with a decline in foot traffic following the pandemic. Mayor London Breed, meanwhile, has been talking a new vision for downtown. For more on what the mayor has said, KCBS Radio's Megan Goldsby and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What will London Breed's aggressive anti-drug program look like?
May 24, 2023 15:23 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBMayor London Breed's administration is ready to get aggressive when it comes to the city's drug crisis by tackling the issue of drug addiction with a new program. For more KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
How Mayor London Breed plans to tackle San Francisco's fentanyl crisis
May 24, 2023 04:31 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MBAs we've been reporting on KCBS, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed led a short-lived outdoor meeting at UN Plaza this afternoon to speak with the public about the city's drug crisis. But the event was cut short, with the crowd shouting out more jeers than cheers, and even someone hurling a brick at the stage. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier
Matier: Mayor's outdoor Q&A will make great theater, but will it help solve SF's drug crisis?
May 23, 2023 18:04 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MBAs we've been reporting, Mayor London Breed, along with other San Francisco politicians, will gather at United Nations Plaza today for a public hearing about the city's drug crisis. This space is known for rampant open-air drug dealing and use. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
Will the 2026 Super Bowl counter the negative headlines?
May 23, 2023 01:08 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBYou won't be blamed for doing an end-zone dance right about this time if you've heard the news. the Bay Area will host Super Bowl 60 in 2026, about a decade after football fans from all over poured into the region for Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Can this news and the lead up to Super Bowl 60 dispel the negative headlines that has been circulating about the Bay Area?
How will Super Bowl LX affect the Bay Area economy?
May 22, 2023 15:30 - 2 minutes - 2.5 MBAs speculation circulates about the possibility of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara hosting Super Bowl 60 in 2026, there is also anticipation regarding the potential impact it could have on the Bay Area economy. However, the question remains: How sufficient will the influx of cash be to the Bay Area's economy be? For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
What is the fate of Feinstein's career and legacy
May 19, 2023 15:02 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MBSenator Dianne Feinstein's return to Capitol Hill has taken a downward turn as more health complications have come to light, but for voters in California, the calls for Feinstein to resign are producing some mixed feelings. For more, Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former Mayor Willie Brown.
Questions swirl around Sen. Feinstein's health amid complication rumors
May 19, 2023 02:39 - 2 minutes - 2.08 MBIn this afternoon's chat with KCBS insider Phil Matier, KCBS Radio news anchors Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with him about new concerns over Senator Dianne Feinstein's medical condition, including alleged complications related to her recent shingles diagnosis.
Will BART and other public transit agencies get a bail out amid deficit?
May 18, 2023 15:15 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBThere's one month left before Governor Newsom and lawmakers have to pass a state budget, but will transit agencies get a 5 billion dollar helping hand? Signs seem to point to no. For more Eric Thomas and Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
San Francisco's "woke movement" affects some of the cities public art
May 18, 2023 01:06 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MBA new survey takes a look at the most loved, and most hated statues in San Francisco. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.
London Breed announces Union Square revitalization program - will it work?
May 17, 2023 15:24 - 3 minutes - 3.01 MBSan Francisco Mayor London Breed unveiled a revitalization plan for the Union Square area yesterday. But considering the significant investments that have been made in the past to revamp the area, what sets this plan apart from previous efforts? For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Extending parking meters will help fund Muni but might discourage shoppers
May 17, 2023 01:39 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBTransit officials in San Francisco are rolling out a plan to extend metered parking hours in the City. Most meters currently operate between 9am and 6pm, with free parking on Sunday. Starting soon, drivers will have to pay until 10pm Mondays through Saturdays, and between noon and 6 on Sundays. The City has been trying to get people to come back to Union Square and to patronize other local businesses. This isn't going to help. What's behind the plan? For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burk...
Calls for charges in Banko Brown case continue, but will officials take another look?
May 16, 2023 16:29 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBSan Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins will not prosecute the security guard that shot and killed 24-year-old Banko Brown. This decision has prompted San Francisco lawmakers to call on state and federal officials to review the evidence. KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier for more on this developing story.
What pressures collided in the Banko Brown case decision?
May 16, 2023 01:08 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MBAs we've been reporting, San Francisco District Attorney has decided not to file charges against a Walgreens security guard who fatally shot a suspected shoplifter. DA Brooke Jenkins released the security footage from the store as well as the police department's interview with the suspect as she laid out what led to her decision. DA Jenkins initially refused to released the security video while the police investigation was underway, saying it might compromise the case. What do you think was ...
CA moves to "essentials only" budget in sharp pivot from last year's surplus
May 15, 2023 15:22 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBGovernor Newsom, who celebrated a remarkable $97.5 billion budget surplus just a year ago, revealed his strategy on Friday to address the recently projected $31.5 billion deficit. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
State lawmakers are having second thoughts over reparations for Black people
May 12, 2023 01:07 - 2 minutes - 2.47 MBSome state lawmakers who've been voicing their support for reparations for Black people in California appear to be having second thoughts. What's going on here?
CA lawmakers might bring automated speed cameras to the Bay
May 11, 2023 16:53 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBDrivers in San Jose and Oakland may soon think they're getting away with speeding, only to find a ticket in the mailbox. That's if California lawmakers go forward with a bill that would bring automated speed cameras to some Bay Area cities, the first time the tech would be used in California. For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Violent attack at BART paints a grim outlook for ridership numbers
May 11, 2023 04:06 - 3 minutes - 3.31 MBAs we've been reporting a suspect is in custody after police say he pulled out a cleaver and slashed a rider on a BART train in the Transbay Tube this afternoon before grabbing the victims backpack and running off the train the West Oakland station, only to be greeted by awaiting police officers. This comes a day after a poll was released showing that crime was a major concern to a large number of riders. For more, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider, Phil ...
Does Dianne Feinstein's return to the Senate actually make a difference?
May 10, 2023 15:27 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBAs we've been reporting, Senator Diane Feinstein has returned to the Capitol, following a prolonged absence for health concerns. The news comes after increasing calls from both Democrats and Republicans to either come back to work or resign. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Political debates sparked in the absence of Diane Feinstein's absence
May 10, 2023 01:32 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MBSenator Dianne Feinstein is returning to the nation's Capitol for the first time in nearly 3 months after being hospitalized for shingles in the Bay Area. The Senator had missed 91 votes in that time, which had some Representatives in the House calling for her to step down. For more on this, KCBS Radio's Bret Burkhart and Patti Reising spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
SF Supervisor Safaí: another moderate to challenge Mayor Breed in 2024
May 09, 2023 15:24 - 3 minutes - 2.82 MBSan Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safaí has officially thrown his hat into the ring of contenders to take on Mayor London Breed in the 2024 election. For a closer look on who Safaí is KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
California unsure if monetary slavery reparations will become a reality
May 09, 2023 02:25 - 3 minutes - 3.05 MB2 years after California formed a state task force to look at possible reparations, it approved its recommendations during the weekend. And while it didn't include an overall price tag, it does provide a way to determine individual payments to some Black residents based on a number of factors. For more on this, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
T-Mobile flagship store closure: point of no return for San Francisco
May 08, 2023 15:28 - 2 minutes - 2.63 MBOne of T-Mobile's flagship stores in San Francisco is now permanently closed, marking just another vacancy in the city's downtown. For more KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer and Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.
Senator Feinstein eyes return to work, but health concerns linger
May 05, 2023 16:26 - 3 minutes - 3.47 MBSenator Dianne Feinstein has expressed her interest to resume her duties in the Senate following a lengthy medical leave, although specific information regarding her health condition and the precise timeline for her return remains scarce. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Eric Thomas spoke with KCBS insider Phil Matier.