But the jury was convinced of Olson’s innocence--and agreed with the San Diego mayor, who called the prosecution “stupid.” Olson was acquitted despite the fact that his lawyers were hamstrung by the judge’s decision not to allow them to argue that Olson’s actions were constitutionally protected.
But Mayor Bob Filner strongly disagreed with the case. Filner has frequently clashed with Goldsmith. “It's washable chalk, it's political slogans,” the mayor said. “I think it's a stupid case. It's costing us money.”