The Press: Father Leaves Home

"Scott is the Chronicle. He embodies the spirit, the flair, and the insanity of this paper. It's like losing a father." Film and Pop Music Critic John Wasserman was only putting into words what staffers of the San Francisco Chronicle described as ''non-hysterical depression" over the departure of Executive Editor Scott Newhall, 57.

When Newhall left last month, he took with him much of the flamboyance and fun that has characterized the Chronicle during his 18 years as top editor. Almost singlehandedly, Newhall changed the Chronicle from a dull, gray daily loaded with international...