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Chris Pugh
I am the Managing Editor of the Fort Bragg Advocate-News and Mendocino Beacon. My work explores memory, place, and the overlooked details of daily life.
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I am the Managing Editor of the Fort Bragg Advocate-News and Mendocino Beacon. My work explores memory, place, and the overlooked details of daily life.
This is a place where I try to make sense of things. Through stories, photos, and the occasional rant, it’s a space for personal essays that lean into the messiness of life with a mix of honesty, humor, and quiet observation. Think of it as my attempt to document the absurdity of being human, one post at a time.
As Editor-in-Chief of a weekly newspaper, I manage all aspects of editorial operations, from assigning stories and editing copy to overseeing staff and ensuring consistent, high-quality journalism. I lead the newsroom in developing coverage that reflects the community’s needs and interests, while upholding and maintaining ethical standards and editorial integrity.
My role involves coordinating both print and digital production schedules, guiding the publication from initial pitch to final layout. I work closely with reporters, photographers, and designers to maintain the newspaper’s voice, adapt to breaking news, and produce engaging, timely content. I also collaborate with the publisher and other departments to align editorial direction with broader organizational goals, keeping an eye on innovation, audience growth, and community impact.
Before stepping into editorial leadership, I worked as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper, where I was responsible for capturing and editing compelling images that brought the news to life. My work spanned breaking news, community events, human-interest features, and long-form visual stories, each requiring a sharp eye for detail, quick decision-making, and a strong narrative sense.
I collaborated closely with reporters to ensure visual coverage complemented written stories, often working on tight deadlines in fast-moving environments. From photographing public officials to documenting grassroots events, I focused on storytelling that was both timely and impactful, always aligned with the publication’s journalistic standards. This experience refined my editorial instincts, deepened my understanding of newsroom dynamics, and laid the foundation for my transition into a broader editorial role.
As co-director of MEDIUM Art Center, I help lead a dynamic nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists, fostering creativity, and enriching the cultural life of our community. I assist with all aspects of programming and operations, from curating exhibitions and organizing public workshops to building artist support systems that are accessible, inclusive, and community-driven.
My work includes developing original programming, such as juried shows, figure drawing sessions, open mics, and socially engaged art workshops, while cultivating an environment where artists at all levels can experiment, grow, and connect. I assist with outreach and engagement efforts, forming partnerships with local organizations, educators, and community groups to broaden our impact and make art a more visible and vital part of everyday life in Mendocino County.
In addition to programming, I support the organization’s fundraising strategy, writing grants, managing donor relationships, and coordinating public campaigns to ensure the sustainability of our mission. I also contribute to long-term planning efforts aimed at expanding MEDIUM Art Center into a permanent, full-service creative hub that reflects the evolving needs of both artists and the broader public.
As co-founder of the Ukiah Photography Club, I help lead a vibrant community of photographers of all experience levels. I organize monthly meetings, facilitate discussions, lead workshops, and host critiques aimed at fostering growth, connection, and creativity.
I coordinate guest speakers, exhibitions, and collaborative projects that engage both members and the broader public. I also support outreach, communications, and long-term planning to sustain and expand the club’s impact, building partnerships that promote photography as a tool for both personal expression and community engagement.
©2025 Chris Pugh | Thoughts and opinions are my own.