TJ Johnston
@tjjohnston.bsky.social
Journalist. Editor. Recovering X/Twitter user.
Another 2025 milestone: I interviewed the co-plaintiffs of a lawsuit against San Francisco over how it conducts encampment sweeps. They settled with the City, which agreed to follow its own policies regarding storage of unhoused people's property.
DISCLOSURE: My publisher was also a plaintiff.
DISCLOSURE: My publisher was also a plaintiff.
PODCAST:
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
feeds.buzzsprout.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Another 2025 milestone: I interviewed the co-plaintiffs of a lawsuit against San Francisco over how it conducts encampment sweeps. They settled with the City, which agreed to follow its own policies regarding storage of unhoused people's property.
DISCLOSURE: My publisher was also a plaintiff.
DISCLOSURE: My publisher was also a plaintiff.
Major news on the homelessness front included SF's enforcement of a citywide 2-hour RV parking ban.
Its temporary permit program was just a series of half-measures focused more on reducing the visibility of RV dwellers than housing them. My story from November.
www.streetsheet.org/no-tows-with...
Its temporary permit program was just a series of half-measures focused more on reducing the visibility of RV dwellers than housing them. My story from November.
www.streetsheet.org/no-tows-with...
“No Tows Without Homes”: Activists Demand More Time for RV Permit Registration and Housing as SF Enforces New Ban
Still, the new law caught many who live in large vehicles off guard At the same time that advocates for San Francisco’s vehicle-dwelling residents charged the City to protect RV and large vehicle …
www.streetsheet.org
December 31, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Major news on the homelessness front included SF's enforcement of a citywide 2-hour RV parking ban.
Its temporary permit program was just a series of half-measures focused more on reducing the visibility of RV dwellers than housing them. My story from November.
www.streetsheet.org/no-tows-with...
Its temporary permit program was just a series of half-measures focused more on reducing the visibility of RV dwellers than housing them. My story from November.
www.streetsheet.org/no-tows-with...
As Street Sheet editor, I didn't submit that many stories this year.
One I did write focused on a trans resistance group fighting against GEO Group's contract renewal for the former site of Compton's Cafeteria at Taylor and Turk streets.
One I did write focused on a trans resistance group fighting against GEO Group's contract renewal for the former site of Compton's Cafeteria at Taylor and Turk streets.
More than 50 years ago, Compton's Cafeteria at 111 Taylor St. saw an uprising against police brutality and harassment toward LGBTQ+ people. Now, a private prison company runs the site. A group of trans activists hopes to turn it into a community hub.
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
Activists Seek “Liberation” of Trans Resistance Site from Private Prison Contract
On a bright Sunday afternoon on May 18, a group of transgender activists gathered at the corner of Turk and Taylor streets in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The group, Compton’s x C…
www.streetsheet.org
December 31, 2025 at 10:41 PM
As Street Sheet editor, I didn't submit that many stories this year.
One I did write focused on a trans resistance group fighting against GEO Group's contract renewal for the former site of Compton's Cafeteria at Taylor and Turk streets.
One I did write focused on a trans resistance group fighting against GEO Group's contract renewal for the former site of Compton's Cafeteria at Taylor and Turk streets.
PODCAST:
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
feeds.buzzsprout.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
PODCAST:
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in San Francisco, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts. Join us as we explore how this settlement protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans (42 min)
feeds.buzzsprout.com/726741.rss
"Stopping property destruction alone won’t offer unhoused people true dignity, safety and a path forward. Real improvements require a sustained commitment to housing — and health care — in policy and practice, not just words."
After years of having their belongings destroyed by city workers while homeless in SF, Apple Cronk and her partner fought back through the courts.
Their victory now protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans from routine property destruction.
Read Apple's story here: www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
Their victory now protects ALL unhoused San Franciscans from routine property destruction.
Read Apple's story here: www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
September 23, 2025 at 10:18 PM
"Stopping property destruction alone won’t offer unhoused people true dignity, safety and a path forward. Real improvements require a sustained commitment to housing — and health care — in policy and practice, not just words."
Donald Trump's edict to police homelessness in D.C. is more than an attack on unhoused people. It's also an attempt to roll back advances in the housing movement's struggle.
www.streetsheet.org/trumps-attac...
www.streetsheet.org/trumps-attac...
Trump’s Attack on the Movement for Housing for All
by Cathleen Williams and Sandy Perry Washington DC, August 12, 2025: “Yesterday, I walked from the White House through the National Mall… The streets are eerily empty for an August afternoon …
www.streetsheet.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Donald Trump's edict to police homelessness in D.C. is more than an attack on unhoused people. It's also an attempt to roll back advances in the housing movement's struggle.
www.streetsheet.org/trumps-attac...
www.streetsheet.org/trumps-attac...
"Who is San Francisco a city for?" - Maria Zavala
She needs a place for her daughter to recover from surgery, but city bureaucracy stands in her way
www.streetsheet.org/todos-somos-...
She needs a place for her daughter to recover from surgery, but city bureaucracy stands in her way
www.streetsheet.org/todos-somos-...
“Todos Somos Samara–We Are All Samara”
Homeless Activist and Mother Fights for Housing as Disabled Daughter Leaves Hospital by Lupe Velez On Tuesday August 27, Faith in Action, in collaboration with United Educators of San Francisco and…
www.streetsheet.org
September 17, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"Who is San Francisco a city for?" - Maria Zavala
She needs a place for her daughter to recover from surgery, but city bureaucracy stands in her way
www.streetsheet.org/todos-somos-...
She needs a place for her daughter to recover from surgery, but city bureaucracy stands in her way
www.streetsheet.org/todos-somos-...
"I don’t think [those responsible for the sweeps] would like people going into their homes and doing what they do to us out here." - Heather Lee, on city workers constantly seizing her possessions in sweeps
www.streetsheet.org/rest-in-powe...
www.streetsheet.org/rest-in-powe...
Rest in Power: Heather Lee
photos by Leslie St. Dre Heather’s testimonial highlighted injustices and cruelty toward unhoused people Heather Lee, an unsheltered woman who was interviewed by the Stolen Belonging project that d…
www.streetsheet.org
September 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
"I don’t think [those responsible for the sweeps] would like people going into their homes and doing what they do to us out here." - Heather Lee, on city workers constantly seizing her possessions in sweeps
www.streetsheet.org/rest-in-powe...
www.streetsheet.org/rest-in-powe...
In fact, it won't let me share anything😡
Facebook won't let me share this or similar stories
Trump says Washington DC will be ‘liberated’ as city mayor disputes claims of violent crime – live updates
August 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
In fact, it won't let me share anything😡
Facebook won't let me share this or similar stories
Trump says Washington DC will be ‘liberated’ as city mayor disputes claims of violent crime – live updates
Trump says Washington DC will be ‘liberated’ as city mayor disputes claims of violent crime – live updates
Trump to speak about Washington DC; mayor Muriel Bowser says ‘any comparison to a war-torn country is hyperbolic and false’
*
Trump vows to ‘clean up’ DC crime despite sharp drop in violence
Donald Trump said on Truth Social today that DC “will be LIBERATED today”.
Ahead of his press conference, in just over an hour, the president said that “crime, savagery, filth, and scum will disappear” from the city.
I will, MAKE OUR CAPITAL GREAT AGAIN! The days of ruthlessly killing, or hurting, innocent people, are OVER! I quickly fixed the Border (ZERO ILLEGALS in last 3 months!), D.C. is next!!! Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
August 11, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Facebook won't let me share this or similar stories
Reposted by TJ Johnston
The vibes on Bluesky are always a bit, er, different on the weekends but this weekend has been cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Is Facebook down or something?
August 10, 2025 at 1:14 AM
The vibes on Bluesky are always a bit, er, different on the weekends but this weekend has been cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Is Facebook down or something?
More than 50 years ago, Compton's Cafeteria at 111 Taylor St. saw an uprising against police brutality and harassment toward LGBTQ+ people. Now, a private prison company runs the site. A group of trans activists hopes to turn it into a community hub.
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
Activists Seek “Liberation” of Trans Resistance Site from Private Prison Contract
On a bright Sunday afternoon on May 18, a group of transgender activists gathered at the corner of Turk and Taylor streets in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The group, Compton’s x C…
www.streetsheet.org
June 5, 2025 at 8:49 PM
More than 50 years ago, Compton's Cafeteria at 111 Taylor St. saw an uprising against police brutality and harassment toward LGBTQ+ people. Now, a private prison company runs the site. A group of trans activists hopes to turn it into a community hub.
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
www.streetsheet.org/activists-se...
When a government cuts a social service, it's not just something to note in the news and shrug -- suffering increases.
California might slash funding for a vital peer counseling line.
www.streetsheet.org/saving-the-c...
California might slash funding for a vital peer counseling line.
www.streetsheet.org/saving-the-c...
Saving the California Warm Line Will Save Lives
by Jack Bragen Editor’s note: This op-ed includes a time-sensitive call to action. If you or someone you know needs this service, the toll-free number is included in this column. As I listene…
www.streetsheet.org
May 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM
When a government cuts a social service, it's not just something to note in the news and shrug -- suffering increases.
California might slash funding for a vital peer counseling line.
www.streetsheet.org/saving-the-c...
California might slash funding for a vital peer counseling line.
www.streetsheet.org/saving-the-c...
That photo, though
Gov. Gavin Newsom has a new strategy to eliminate the large, long-standing homeless encampments that have been a thorn in his side throughout his administration: Push cities to make them illegal. buff.ly/kqKViFF
📸 Mike Blake, Reuters
📸 Mike Blake, Reuters
May 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
That photo, though
Today's the deadline to get a Real ID for particular uses, such as boarding airline flights and entering federal government buildings.
Here's a piece I wrote two years ago on how the lack of identification sets unhoused people back.
#WaybackWednesday #WBW
www.streetsheet.org/lose-your-id...
Here's a piece I wrote two years ago on how the lack of identification sets unhoused people back.
#WaybackWednesday #WBW
www.streetsheet.org/lose-your-id...
Lose Your ID, Lose Your Identity
In 2019, when I was homeless, I lost my ID. I retraced my steps to the stores where I knew I had taken it out when I fished for store cards and cash in my pouch. No luck—it wasn’t at any of them.&n…
www.streetsheet.org
May 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Today's the deadline to get a Real ID for particular uses, such as boarding airline flights and entering federal government buildings.
Here's a piece I wrote two years ago on how the lack of identification sets unhoused people back.
#WaybackWednesday #WBW
www.streetsheet.org/lose-your-id...
Here's a piece I wrote two years ago on how the lack of identification sets unhoused people back.
#WaybackWednesday #WBW
www.streetsheet.org/lose-your-id...
Here are a few things that the federal government has ignored at the federal level, but should address to prevent homelessness from growing further.
www.streetsheet.org/three-ways-t...
www.streetsheet.org/three-ways-t...
Three Ways the U.S. Government Can Prevent Homelessness
by Jordan Wasilewski Ever since Donald Trump was re-elected, I have been thinking about what led to this morass. As somebody who grew up in a working class Democratic household with one parent as a…
www.streetsheet.org
May 2, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Here are a few things that the federal government has ignored at the federal level, but should address to prevent homelessness from growing further.
www.streetsheet.org/three-ways-t...
www.streetsheet.org/three-ways-t...
An anti-criminalization bill represents a robust response but to get the bill out of committee, the author had to strike out parts of the legislation
www.streetsheet.org/despite-legi...
www.streetsheet.org/despite-legi...
Despite Legislative Stalls, the “Right to Rest” Movement Shows No Signs of Resting
By Cathleen Williams, Sacramento Homeward Street Journal Supporters of Senate Bill 634, which if passed would pre-empt ordinances in cities throughout California that criminalize survival activitie…
www.streetsheet.org
May 2, 2025 at 6:41 PM
An anti-criminalization bill represents a robust response but to get the bill out of committee, the author had to strike out parts of the legislation
www.streetsheet.org/despite-legi...
www.streetsheet.org/despite-legi...
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee sent Matt Dorsey's proposed "Recovery First" ordinance to the full board, but not before the measure went through redefining the term "recovery" and dozens of harm reduction advocates sounded off first.
www.streetsheet.org/dorseys-reco...
www.streetsheet.org/dorseys-reco...
Dorsey’s “Recovery First” Policy Amended Significantly Thanks to Treatment on Demand Coalition’s Advocacy
by Lupe Velez The Board of Supervisors Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee sent Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s proposed “Recovery First” ordinance to the full board at its April 24 meeting.…
www.streetsheet.org
May 2, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee sent Matt Dorsey's proposed "Recovery First" ordinance to the full board, but not before the measure went through redefining the term "recovery" and dozens of harm reduction advocates sounded off first.
www.streetsheet.org/dorseys-reco...
www.streetsheet.org/dorseys-reco...
Since 1990, city police departments have been given more than $7.5 billion worth of retired military equipment straight from the U.S. Department of Defense. But who faces the brunt of these attempts to militarize our police force? Homeless folks, of course!
www.streetsheet.org/what-militar...
www.streetsheet.org/what-militar...
What Militarized Policing of Homelessness Looks Like
By Nicole Rowland and Lukas Illa Banner hung at Lake Merritt in Oakland on April 22, 2025. Courtesy of Western Regional Advocacy Project. The following speech was delivered at a teach-in sponsored…
www.streetsheet.org
May 2, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Since 1990, city police departments have been given more than $7.5 billion worth of retired military equipment straight from the U.S. Department of Defense. But who faces the brunt of these attempts to militarize our police force? Homeless folks, of course!
www.streetsheet.org/what-militar...
www.streetsheet.org/what-militar...
"When WRAP says 'we,' we literally mean every single group and person that built and sustained our community organization for the past 20 years!" - @withouthousing.bsky.social
www.streetsheet.org/wrap-hits-a-...
www.streetsheet.org/wrap-hits-a-...
WRAP Hits a Milestone: 20 Years of Unhoused People Fighting for Dignity and Respect
by the Western Regional Advocacy Project When the Western Regional Advocacy Project (WRAP) says “we,” we literally mean every single group and person that built and sustained our community organiza…
www.streetsheet.org
May 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"When WRAP says 'we,' we literally mean every single group and person that built and sustained our community organization for the past 20 years!" - @withouthousing.bsky.social
www.streetsheet.org/wrap-hits-a-...
www.streetsheet.org/wrap-hits-a-...
San Francisco's economic forecast is dire. But downsizing our homeless support will result in greater costs to our emergency management, physical and behavioral health systems, community safety and addiction recovery efforts.
www.streetsheet.org/keeping-san-...
www.streetsheet.org/keeping-san-...
Keeping San Franciscans Housed and Healthy
presented by the Homeless Emergency Service providers Association The Homeless Emergency Service Providers Association (HESPA) is a coalition of more than 30 community-based organizations serving t…
www.streetsheet.org
April 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
San Francisco's economic forecast is dire. But downsizing our homeless support will result in greater costs to our emergency management, physical and behavioral health systems, community safety and addiction recovery efforts.
www.streetsheet.org/keeping-san-...
www.streetsheet.org/keeping-san-...
"A lot of us don't want to keep getting high. We are looking for help or housing."
www.streetsheet.org/an-alternati...
www.streetsheet.org/an-alternati...
An Alternative Pilot Proposal: Evidence-based, Effective SF Street Response
“Their tactics, what they’re trying to do, they’re just using force. I think they can turn it down a notch, not be so forceful. They come up and tell us we’re detained right…
www.streetsheet.org
April 16, 2025 at 6:26 PM
"A lot of us don't want to keep getting high. We are looking for help or housing."
www.streetsheet.org/an-alternati...
www.streetsheet.org/an-alternati...
Political oppression pushed Juan, Maria and their daughters from Venezuela to Colombia to the United States, where their future remains uncertain.
Via @denvervoice.bsky.social and INSP
www.streetsheet.org/love-on-the-...
Via @denvervoice.bsky.social and INSP
www.streetsheet.org/love-on-the-...
Love on the Run
story and photos by Giles Clasen Political oppression has pushed Maria, Juan and their daughters from Venezuela to Colombia to the United States, where their future remains uncertain. Maria and Jua…
www.streetsheet.org
April 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Political oppression pushed Juan, Maria and their daughters from Venezuela to Colombia to the United States, where their future remains uncertain.
Via @denvervoice.bsky.social and INSP
www.streetsheet.org/love-on-the-...
Via @denvervoice.bsky.social and INSP
www.streetsheet.org/love-on-the-...
"It's illegal to sleep in the city now if you don't have a home, or even sit or lie down -- and that's exhausting."
www.streetsheet.org/the-underbel...
www.streetsheet.org/the-underbel...
The Underbelly Project
A group of San Francisco based public health practitioners and community members began organizing in January in response to the City’s attack on drug users and harm reduction services in San …
www.streetsheet.org
April 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"It's illegal to sleep in the city now if you don't have a home, or even sit or lie down -- and that's exhausting."
www.streetsheet.org/the-underbel...
www.streetsheet.org/the-underbel...