Phil Matier: Tom Steyer's Big-Dollar Democracy
Phil Matier looks at the shift in politics on both sides of the aisle where large amounts of money are coming in from individuals with very specific agendas, but asks— is this Democracy?
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Phil Matier looks at the shift in politics on both sides of the aisle where large amounts of money are coming in from individuals with very specific agendas, but asks— is this Democracy?
First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to be at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel Friday morning for a sold-out fundraiser. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown says her "rare" factor could translate to more money.
First Lady Michelle Obama was in San Francisco on Thursday for the start of a two-day visit for various Democratic fundraisers.
It's rare but the two houses of the California Legislature are about to choose two leaders from Southern California: Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, as its president pro tem, and Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, its speaker.
Less than a year from now, voters head to the polls for the 2014 midterm elections.
The governor is still facing the federal mandate to reduce the population in state prisons, something he continues to fight.
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is leading an effort to put an initiative before voters allowing cities to renegotiate pensions for existing public employees—as well as new hires. Meanwhile, State Assembly candidate Steve Glazer from Orinda, is pushing an initiative preventing transit employees from striking in the future.
To the U.S. technology industry, there's a dramatic shortfall in the number of Americans skilled in computer programming and engineering that is hampering business. To unions and some Democrats, it's more sinister.
Gov. Jerry Brown is reaping the benefits of an economic turn-around and higher taxes as he prepares to release his update Tuesday for the coming fiscal year's budget. The state has collected $4.5 billion more than expected from personal income taxes.
As dozens of supporters and opponents packed the committee room, Democrats in the state Senate began to use their majority to advance a group of seven bills that would further tighten California's strict gun laws.
Some of the most conservative members of the Republican party gathered this past weekend for the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC, taking aim at President Obama, the Democrats, each other and the State of California.
The April 3 fundraiser in San Francisco will raise money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. According to an invitation obtained by The Associated Press, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will also attend.
A Democratic state senator from the Central Valley has resigned unexpectedly, dropping Democrats below the two-thirds threshold they need to pass tax changes or override vetoes.
It's long been the talk of Sacramento - and beyond - but now it appears the State of California may be closer than ever before to adjusting the percentage of support needed to approve sales tax measures on California ballots, from two-thirds of the vote to just 55%.
Lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Monday with a wide-ranging agenda that includes revisions to school funding, gun control laws and environmental regulations.
Democrats say meaningful action in the wake of last week's elementary school shooting must include a ban on military-style assault weapons and a look at how the nation deals with individuals suffering from serious mental illness.
Speaker John Boehner believes he holds a strong hand in fiscal cliff and debt limit talks. He is, once again, taking the global economy hostage and playing politics with the U.S. debt limit.
Obama is hoping to promote the discussion of the Bush tax cut extensions by getting people hooked on the topic and by getting them to use the #My2K hashtag on Twitter.
Liberals and their ilk obviously won the executive branch of the United States government for another four years with the reelection of President Barack Obama, but they still pick fights as much as they did before the election – if not more.
With supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature, Democrats have a historic opportunity to push their agenda on issues such as tax reform, workers' rights and changing the initiative process.
Democrats have gained a supermajority in the state Assembly, giving California's majority party complete dominance of state politics and the ability to raise taxes unilaterally if they choose.
It's almost to the point that the easiest way to spot a corrupt politician is to see who's winning in Chicago.
With the November 2012 election nearly a week old in the record books, one question lingers: what is the future for Rep. Nancy Pelosi? Will the popular Bay Area lawmaker retain her role as Minority Leader of the Republican-controlled United States House of Representatives?
The day after the voters spoke in our democracy, Republicans sought to set aside the results and focus on winning next time. It is not just a losing proposition for Republicans, it is a losing proposition for America.
Even the most liberal of Democrats must agree that Obama's inability to get foes to work with him is severely impeding any progress this country.
A deadly early morning fire at a San Jose apartment was sparked by a rechargeable e-bike battery, the San Jose Fire Department said.
Adrian Arias's work, entitled "Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience," is intended to bring attention to who he describes as real-life neighborhood heroes.
Oakland Blooms is the theme for this First Fridays event in Oakland. While there was a good crowd on Telegraph Avenue, some vendors, like Kai Smalls, said they noticed a difference after the fatal shooting in March.
Father James Michael of St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco said the Catholic Church's emphasis on nonviolence resonates in a time of global conflict.
Francisco Alvarez homered twice and rookie Nolan McLean retired his first 15 batters as the New York Mets snapped a three-game skid Friday night with a 10-3 rout of the San Francisco Giants.
A deadly early morning fire at a San Jose apartment was sparked by a rechargeable e-bike battery, the San Jose Fire Department said.
Adrian Arias's work, entitled "Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience," is intended to bring attention to who he describes as real-life neighborhood heroes.
Oakland Blooms is the theme for this First Fridays event in Oakland. While there was a good crowd on Telegraph Avenue, some vendors, like Kai Smalls, said they noticed a difference after the fatal shooting in March.
Father James Michael of St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco said the Catholic Church's emphasis on nonviolence resonates in a time of global conflict.
On April 14, the Tamalpais Union High School District will be discussing and potentially voting on a plan that would restrict cellphone usage on campus.
Adrian Arias's work, entitled "Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience," is intended to bring attention to who he describes as real-life neighborhood heroes.
Father James Michael of St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco said the Catholic Church's emphasis on nonviolence resonates in a time of global conflict.
A man who police dubbed the "Rideshare Rapist" for posing as a ride-hailing driver outside San Francisco nightclubs and preying on women who mistook him for their driver was convicted of multiple rapes, the district attorney announced Friday.
San Francisco's Glide Foundation has inaugurated "The Shop," a new program that pairs free haircuts with access to health services and community support inspired by the historic role of barbershops in Black communities.
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck in Santa Cruz County early Thursday morning and was felt by residents throughout the Bay Area.
Oakland Blooms is the theme for this First Fridays event in Oakland. While there was a good crowd on Telegraph Avenue, some vendors, like Kai Smalls, said they noticed a difference after the fatal shooting in March.
Walk into The Sewing Room in the heart of Alameda on any given evening, and you would find a place bursting at the seams.
A home-based food movement has been heating up in California, with home cooks turning their beloved family recipes into small businesses.
A dead bat found at a Fremont home earlier this week has tested positive for the deadly rabies virus, according to authorities.
Five months after being mistakenly released from the Contra Costa County Jail, a homicide suspect has been arrested, authorities said.
A deadly early morning fire at a San Jose apartment was sparked by a rechargeable e-bike battery, the San Jose Fire Department said.
The Computer History Museum is more than a walk through the past; it is a reflection of how rapidly technology continues to shape everyday life.
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck in Santa Cruz County early Thursday morning and was felt by residents throughout the Bay Area.
A teenager has died, and another teen has been arrested on a homicide charge following a fight near Milpitas High School on Tuesday afternoon.
Police executing a search warrant in a Salinas home found a cooler filled with methamphetamine near a child's bed, among other drug and gun evidence, police said Wednesday.
On April 14, the Tamalpais Union High School District will be discussing and potentially voting on a plan that would restrict cellphone usage on campus.
A 12-year-old Santa Rosa girl missing since late Thursday evening was found safe, police said Friday afternoon.
A Sonoma County man has been arrested on multiple weapons charges and a hate crime charge, after he allegedly pointed a gun and made racist remarks from the roof of his home.
An American Canyon man was charged on Wednesday with manslaughter and driving under the influence following a weekend crash in Napa County that left three people dead and four others severely injured, prosecutors said.
A suspect was positively linked to the cold case murder of Marjorie Rudolph, a San Rafael woman killed inside her home in 1966, police announced Tuesday.
Francisco Alvarez homered twice and rookie Nolan McLean retired his first 15 batters as the New York Mets snapped a three-game skid Friday night with a 10-3 rout of the San Francisco Giants.
Donovan Mitchell had 25 points and six rebounds, Max Strus' 3-pointer with 54 seconds left helped seal it as he scored 24, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors 118-111.
San Francisco rookie catcher Daniel Susac went 3 for 3 with a walk in his first four big league at-bats and the Giants rolled over the New York Mets 7-2.
Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal in nearly three months and the San Jose Sharks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.
Macklin Celebrini scored with less than two minutes to play to tie the game then assisted on Alexander Wennberg's winning goal with 31 seconds left to complete a four-point game as the San Jose Sharks beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3.
A second teenage suspect in the killing of a 17-year-old boy in the San Francisco Bay Area was arrested in San Bernardino County, police said on Friday.
A man who police dubbed the "Rideshare Rapist" for posing as a ride-hailing driver outside San Francisco nightclubs and preying on women who mistook him for their driver was convicted of multiple rapes, the district attorney announced Friday.
An Oakland man has been arrested nearly three months after an attempted armed robbery in Suisun City, police said on Thursday.
Five months after being mistakenly released from the Contra Costa County Jail, a homicide suspect has been arrested, authorities said.
Police in Oakland on Wednesday released data that showed declines in crime during the first three months of 2026.
The Computer History Museum is more than a walk through the past; it is a reflection of how rapidly technology continues to shape everyday life.
NASA said they had more than 2,600 submissions from around the world for the zero-gravity indicator mascot. Officials added that the Artemis II crew was inspired by 8-year-old Lucas Ye's creativity.
Officials in Foster City said Friday that they are making progress in restoring services, more than a week after a cybersecurity breach brought the city's network down and led to a state of emergency.
Experts say the rulings could expose tech companies to more litigation and pressure them to make changes to their apps.
The verdict, which caps a weeks-long trial in Los Angeles, could set a legal precedent for similar allegations brought against social media companies.
A dead bat found at a Fremont home earlier this week has tested positive for the deadly rabies virus, according to authorities.
An East Bay woman is using the sport of pickleball to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease.
An unlicensed cosmetologist from Florida has been found guilty in a California court for providing an injection that killed a model who was known as a Kim Kardashian lookalike, prosecutors said.
The early-season heat wave gripping the Bay Area also means the allergy season is already kicking into high gear.
He advises people to lie down, extend their arms, and hold the phones above their heads, or people should hold their phone at eye level, rather than looking down.
President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to find a way to pay "each and every employee" of the agency.
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
The search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is continuing, two U.S. officials said.
A key senator is demanding the TSA reverse its decision to let travelers keep their shoes on while passing through airport screening, a controversial policy at the center of a classified security warning.
For years, California leaders accused oil companies of price gouging at the pump, but a state investigation found no evidence of that. Instead, a CBS News California investigation found what's really driving the highest gas prices in the U.S.
Transgender women athletes are now excluded from women's events at the Olympics after the IOC agreed to a new eligibility policy on Thursday.
The Trump administration has given San Jose State University 10 days to change its policy on transgender athletes or face legal action and possibly lose federal funding.
A man has been arrested and accused of a hate crime after a San Francisco church was vandalized over the weekend, police said.
A Yosemite park ranger was fired last year after helping to display a transgender pride flag from El Capitan.
After more than two years of renovations, the historic Castro Theatre is back open for business.
Adrian Arias's work, entitled "Layers of the Mission: A Celebration of Memory and Resilience," is intended to bring attention to who he describes as real-life neighborhood heroes.
City leadership recently passed legislation that they say will help established event activators plan and execute at a much faster pace.
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
An unlicensed cosmetologist from Florida has been found guilty in a California court for providing an injection that killed a model who was known as a Kim Kardashian lookalike, prosecutors said.
Through his social media channel, "Festus Feasts," NBA champion Festus Ezeli is on a mission to give a boost to local restaurants throughout the region.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Unified School District has seen an alarming spike in the number of unhoused students in the school system who deal with a host of challenges far beyond what most children face.
Meteorologist and CBS News Bay Area's resident pilot Lt. Jessica Burch got a treat during Fleet Week, taking to the skies with one of the Blue Angels.
A Bay Area man discovered his devastating loss left him with a new opportunity to rethink how he lives -- follow his journey in virtual reality, 360-degree video.
A groundbreaking medical study involving the UCSF Medical Center has shown some colorectal cancer patients can safely skip radiation treatment and enjoy a potentially higher quality of life.
Every day, San Francisco bar pilot Captain Zach Kellerman goes through what might just be the world's most dangerous commute.
Sara Donchey reports on an artist who was featured for the 2026 Art on Market poster series.
Andrea Nakano reports on Oakland First Fridays.
with Zoe Mintz.
Father James Michael of St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco said the Catholic Church's emphasis on nonviolence resonates in a time of global conflict.
Chief meteorologist Paul Heggen got a fond farewell as he says goodbye to KPIX.
In 2025, KPIX is moving to a new community service award: the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award. Submit nominations for an outstanding community hero at kpix.com/icon.
It's the most wonderful time of the year for a South Bay woman who has played Mrs. Claus for more than 40 years for the children of North San Jose's Alviso District.
For residents of the Oakland Hills, the prospect of another wildfire always remains a concern. This week's Jefferson Awards winner has made it his mission to make the hills and other high-risk areas safer.
In East Palo Alto -- where state education numbers show more than nine in ten public school students are low income and more than half are English learners -- many are finding hope and connection at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula.
This week's Jefferson Award winner is Army veteran who continues to live a life of service into his 80s, by feeding hundreds of San Francisco families a week.
A Bay Area man who overcame tremendous obstacles to excel in school has made it his mission to gear up other students for success in the classroom and in life.
For Students Rising Above scholar Josh Collins it took moving across the country to realize the value of his Bay Area family.
Samir Hooker had to grow up fast after his stepfather was shot dead 12 years ago. Now he is watching over his mom and sister while attending UC Berkeley.
It's hard enough to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the country when you're the first in your family to go to college. Imagine doing that while you're also trying to protect your parents from being deported?
Some students who are the first in their families to go to college face the challenge of balancing a rigorous academic load while still working to help support their family back home.