Wildfires Destroy the 157-Year-Old Farmhouse at Pie Ranch | Eater SF

"I watched in dismay as an ember ignited the 157-year-old farmhouse at Pie Ranch (the Steele Family Home, built in 1863), which burned to the ground despite Pie Ranch co-founder Nancy Vail posting a video of the building engulfed in flames; the farmhouse had served primarily as housing for current team members, emerging farmers, youth meetings, campouts, and events like weddings and birthdays. Founded in 2004 on a 14-acre triangular property, Pie Ranch is best known for its educational programs—partnerships with Mission High and other local schools that give students hands-on experience with the food system—and for its farmstand, which sold pies, strawberries, and seasonal produce and was a popular stop along Highway 1. While the farmhouse is a total loss and spot fires remain on the property, other parts of the farm—including the barn that previously hosted monthly public dances—remain intact, and the organization is soliciting donations to assist staff and fund what will likely be a long rebuilding process." - Luke Tsai