Chris Smith has been writing for The Press Democrat for more than 30 years and has been a full-time columnist with the newspaper since 2002. After graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in reporting and editing, he worked as a reporter for the Riverside Press-Enterprise and the weekly Independent Coast Observer in Gualala/The Sea Ranch before becoming a correspondent for The Press Democrat in Fort Bragg/Mendocino. He is married to Diane Peterson, who covers food and music for the PD.