Trees make the urban landscape more pleasant. They shade the sidewalk and provide space for birds to roost. But they don’t usually produce fruit — and that’s something a secretive group of amateur horticulturalists is looking to change. “When you take a stroll down the street and there’s all this free fruit, it changes your attitude,” said Tara Hui, one of the founders of Guerilla Grafters. Read More

Campers at the Occupy SF tent city are preparing to mount their last stand after city officials set a deadline of noon today to evacuate Justin Herman Plaza. During a meeting Wednesday with representatives of the camp, Department of Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru gave them the news.   “I have to tell you that time is short, and we don’t want tents on this property as of noon tomorrow,” Nuru said. Read More

As occupiers in San Francisco were hit with more city notices of violations Thursday, they attempted to make camp improvements to prevent a police raid they sense is imminent. Following issuance of violation notices, Department of Public Works head Mohammed Nuru inspected the Occupy SF Justin Herman Plaza camp around 4 p.m. Thursday, pointing out noncompliance issues such as camping on the grassy border and couches. Read More

The appointment of a city department head with a checkered past has pushed the once-innocuous San Francisco mayoral race further into an all-out brawl, with the recent injection of hostile race-card politics. Read More