San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said this morning that reports of an affair with an assistant in his office 18 months ago are true and apologized for the ``personal lapse of judgment.''

``I want to make it clear that everything you've heard and read is true, and I am deeply sorry about that,'' Newsom said about the affair with the aide, who is also the wife of his former campaign manager.

The usually smiling Newsom appeared grim and would not take any questions from the dozens of reporters who packed his City Hall office.

Newsom apologized to Alex Tourk, who resigned Wednesday after reportedly confronting the mayor about the affair, and Ruby Rippey-Tourk. He said ``they are friends of mine.''

Newsom also apologized to his staff and his family.

``I'm also sorry that I let the people of San Francisco down,'' he said.

Newsom dismissed reporters questions about calls for him to resign. He said he would work hard to restore trust of San Franciscans and continue his daily work as mayor.

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the G-man said:
Who Knew They Had Heterosexuals in San Francisco?

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PJP said:
His wife at the time was even hotter.

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Mayor Newsom was once married to Fox News Channel host Kimberly Guilfoyle:

the mayor of San Francisco, who admitted he had an affair before their divorce was finalized - announced yesterday he will begin treatment for alcohol abuse.

"Upon reflection with friends and family this weekend, I have come to the conclusion that I will be a better person without alcohol in my life," Newsom said.

Newsom will be counseled by Mimi Silbert, who founded San Francisco's Delancey Street Foundation, which treats mostly hard-core addicts, including ex-cons and prostitutes.