Katherine Blesie is a reporter and editor for the Daily Californian’s Weekender magazine.
Remembering Alando Williams: Friend, father, Uncle of South Berkeley
Editor’s note: Alando Williams died early this year. He was 64 years old.
Remembering Olantis Livingston: The Big Man
Olantis will be missed by the community in Downtown Berkeley, where he sold the paper for ten years.
Remembering Barbara Brust: Founder of Consider The Homeless!
Barbara Brust died on February 25 at the age of 69. She is remembered by the many who knew and loved her on the streets, in Berkeley’s advocacy community, and beyond, for whom we hope this article serves as a celebration of her life.
The battle over Union Point Park
Oakland has been trying to close the encampment at Union Point Park for years. But a new legal battle will likely close the camp in February—for good.
Olantis Livingston: the Big Man of Downtown Berkeley
Meet longtime Street Spirit vendor Olantis Livingston. “I’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and this right here is my therapy.”
Alando Williams: friend, father, South Berkeley staple
Around 12 years ago, Alando began selling Street Spirit. “I’m out here every other day,” he explains. “Some days I come out here and don’t make nothing. I just like conversating with people.”