I have to admit, I think about stealing every day. My neighbors lemons, my other neighbors chard (large colorful leaves I can smell them sauteed with garlic and onions yum!!), and my boyfriend’s mother’s artichokes. 
This past fall my neighbors actually did steal from me. Well not me personally but the persimmon tree in front of my apartment. Although I felt robbed I didn’t have any use for them (I like the crunchy persimmons). They would have littered the front lawn and sidewalk had it not been for my neighbors. They collected at least 4 to 6 buckets worth of ripe persimmons and even left one for me. With which I made persimmon bread but much like zucchini bread it didn’t seem to taste like anything.
It reminds me of a day two summers ago when I was walking to my local market and I walked by a house where the owner had put out a box of fruit from her trees. There were funny looking purple things (some with dimples), apples and pears. I took home a few purple things, opened one up, smelled bubble gum and quickly researched my new find. Passion fruit! I never had a real passion fruit before so I was really excited! Unfortunately, I have not seen that box of fruit since but I still pass by regularly and stare longingly at the fruit trees. Do I knock on the door? Ask to have more? Is that rude? Does she eat it all? Can she eat it all?
I’m not alone in that thinking. Others also think about raiding their neighbors gardens and fruit trees. Some groups have actually done something about it. Why not create a space where people post where public fruit is ripe and ready, or let others know that their persimmon tree is full and you can’t eat it all? What about taking a couple of bikes and going around town harvesting for others? Donating excess to Seniors or low-income families? That’s what these groups are doing. I’ve complied a list of some of the most known and active organizations. I’m really curious to see if my corner house will share fruit this year. Maybe this year I’ll be able to ask.
Communities that are already practicing backyard harvesting / sharing:
People United for a Better Life in Oakland
p.s. If you live in Mtn. View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park or Portola Valley and have produce/fruit trees/eggs you always have too much of…please contact me.
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