A year after a scandalous affair and public confession to an alcohol abuse problem, Mayor Gavin Newsom said he continues to look forward — and not back at what transpired.

In February 2007, days after admitting to an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, his appointments secretary and the then-wife of his deputy chief of staff Alex Tourk, the young mayor announced he had drinking problem and entered an outpatient rehabilitation program at the renowned Delancey Street Foundation.

He did not blame alcohol abuse for his lapse in judgment during the affair but said he decided he would be better off without alcohol in his life.

Asked Friday if he remains sober and would be celebrating a year of sobriety, Newsom chose not to comment.

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“I don’t look back,” the mayor said. “I look forward.”

dsmith@examiner.com