I was not at the press conference this morning (July 15), at which Donna Frye, Cory Briggs and Marco Gonzalez claimed to bring out more details on why Mayor Filner should resign because of sexual harassment. But it was described to me by people who were there -- one a virulent Filner opponent -- and I read the account in the U-T, although of course I was suspicious that it was slanted against Filner.

The bottom line is no so-called victims came forward. No names of victims were revealed. No cases have been filed. No one can be deposed under oath about the truth of these charges. Gonzalez says he may file a suit against the City for Filner's alleged activities. But consider: Gonzalez stirred the pot, publicly claiming at two press conferences that the mayor has sexually harassed persons, and brought in an ex-councilmember (Frye) to agree with him. Then he said he will file suit on behalf of the so-called victims. He has already prejudiced the case. It seems to me that it is improper. It also seems to me that Donna Frye, someone whom I respect greatly, should have known better. And when protesters carried signs saying that Filner deserves due process, she stated that he has already received due process. She certainly knew better than to say that. There is no due process until the so-called victims can be questioned under oath. Were they harassed, and then warned Filner not to do it again, and he continued to do it? That is key to many of these cases.

Meanwhile, there is a reliable rumor that Filner is reaching out to the downtown corporate welfare boosters in an attempt to get their support. He is, according to this rumor -- and it is strictly a rumor -- going to Democrats who play ball with the downtown establishment. If Filner changes his stripes, that would be a disaster for San Diego.