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Street Spirits is a monthly feature in which someone who lives on the street tells us their story.

Alando Williams: friend, father, South Berkeley staple

By Katherine Blesie on October 1, 2020

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.”

Ken Jones: Cat owner, Street Spirit vendor, Berkeley staple

By Alastair Boone on July 1, 2020

Features Street Spirits

Ken Jones stands on the corner of Addison and Shattuck, waiting for people to exit a concert at the Freight and Salvage, or a play at the Berkeley Rep. In the cool evening light, he catches the eye of patrons spilling out of the theaters, flashing a broad smile at each person who looks up as he broadcasts his patter over the crowd.

Celebrating the life of Mike Zint

March 1, 2020

Features News Street Spirits YSA youth contributions

Michael “Mike” Zint, an outspoken activist whose “Poor Tour” around Berkeley thrust the plight of homeless people in city officials’ faces, died on February 14. He was 53.

Jojo: singer, writer, free spirit

By Emma Arnesty-Good on February 1, 2020

Features Street Spirits

JoJo doesn’t always consider herself homeless. The twenty-nine-year-old prefers to live outside of that label. “I consider myself a part

Danny McMullan: Advocate, agitator, longtime contributor

By Julia Irwin on January 1, 2020

Features Street Spirits

in 1984, Danny McMullan was zipping down the highway on his motorcycle —eager to join his friends by the bay—when he hit a power box. The force of the impact tore his right leg clean off and left Danny, then 21, with broken bones in his pelvis, ribs, arms, clavicle, and back.

Travis: Sommelier, traveler, clothing designer

By Emma Arnesty-Good on December 1, 2019

Features Street Spirits

When Travis moved to San Francisco in 2011, he was 21 years old and had $174 in his pocket. His first job was tossing salads at a restaurant on 2nd and Market. But soon, his career in the service industry would take off. His next job was at Quince, a fine dining restaurant that now has three Michelin stars.

Derrick Hayes: Street Spirit vendor, community member

By Alastair Boone on October 1, 2019

Features Street Spirits

Walking down Franklin Street in Downtown Oakland you’ll see a larger than life mural of a man in a baseball cap. With gentle eyes and a wide smile, he looks east over the city, watching over the people passing by. Small businesses line Franklin Street to the left and right. Below the mural is a parking lot, and shiny office buildings tower above. In between lies the portrait of Derrick Hayes, a 59-year-old homeless resident of Oakland who has been selling Street Spirit for almost 20 years.

Alunita Nicola: Mother, survivor, Swiss street paper vendor

By Dina Hungerbühler on September 1, 2019

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My name is Alunita Nicola. My surname is the only thing that I inherited from my father. He died when

Vida: bookworm, caretaker, mountaineer

By Julia Irwin on August 9, 2019

Features Street Spirits

In West Berkeley, not far from Fourth Street’s bright, bustling retail mecca, rows of old trailers hide in the shadows

Tokuchika Nishi: Dancer and street vendor in Tokyo

By Mariko Kazuki on July 1, 2019

Features Street Spirits

Tokukicha Nishi, 39, has a purposeful gaze and long hair that he has been growing out since his beloved cat passed away. He became a Big Issue Japan vendor in July 2017. Monday through Friday, Mr. Nishi sells papers from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in front of the ‘Konaka The Flag’ store, near JR Shimbashi Station’s Ginza Exit and from 8 to 10pm in front of the bus terminal at JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit.

Domongoe Scott: writer, musician, mentor

By Lulu Orozco on June 1, 2019

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Domongoe Scott wants to lead by a good example. At 44 years old, the Oakland native believes there is no better opportunity than the present to change the direction in one’s life.

Cella Jones: Mother, sci-fi lover, Richmondite

By Kate Wolffe on April 1, 2019

Features Street Spirits

The first time I meet Cella Jones, she popped her head out of her tent at the 22nd Street Richmond encampment, the largest camp in Richmond. The camp, where about 60 people live, has been ‘posted’ for two weeks later, which means the residents have been scheduled to be evicted soon, and all their belongings will be cleared away.

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