Former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold was sentenced today to 270 days in jail and three years of probation today with credit for one day served.

The woman who accused Arnold of ass… Click to Read More and see additional updates

Former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold was sentenced today to 270 days in jail and three years of probation today with credit for one day served.

The woman who accused Arnold of assaulting her also addressed the judge to plea for more jail time.

Last month, Arnold entered a plea agreement of no contest to charges of burglary and possession of child pornography.

The 46-year-old will also have to register as a sex offender for life and be on probation for three years.

Five other charges were dismissed as part of the plea, including one for assault with a deadly weapon on a woman involved in a love triangle with him and his wife.

That woman--his accuser--described what happened that night a year and a half ago in court, saying she had no other choice.

"I am as surprised as most of you today standing here having to do this," she said. "Am I happy to be here? No. I hate it. I hate that I have to be here because of what he's done to me. I'm scared to death but I need to be heard. We all need to be aware of what Ed Arnold is, what he has done to me and what he is capable of doing to others."

The woman had already moved out of the home she shared with Arnold and his wife, saying, "I was extremely fearful of him. When I moved away, I thought I'd be safe. I was wrong. He always told me, 'He who crosses Ed Arnold's wishes pays. I don't get even. I get ahead.'"

She said Arnold was hiding behind the door when she came home and bashed her repeatedly in the back of the head.

"I've never been so scared in my life, facing a losing battle with death at the hands of some lunatic who fails to control his emotions," she said.

The woman still works for the City of Arroyo Grande and says she has constant anxiety attacks because of that night.

"I am scarred very, very deeply," she said. "For the past 19 months now, I've had to watch Ed Arnold come to court and look at him and his nose in the air and strut around like we are wasting his time."

She begged the judge before sentencing that Arnold serve 180 days in jail with no chance of getting out, saying "his words are just like his soul--completely empty."

The woman also added her pain has extended far beyond that night.

"I've had to endure his pathetic attempts of bribery to drop charges," she said. "I've had to endure his threats, his lies, his insults. I've had to endure his constant gloating, and all the while dealing with the repercussions of the attack."

Arnold's lawyer, Ilan Funke-Bilu, said before her testimony that the woman skews facts.

However, neither Arnold nor his lawyer had any comment after the sentencing.

Arnold did not show emotion during the woman's testimony and later kissed and held hands with another woman he brought to the sentencing.

The woman said she was disappointed Arnold would not face trial for the five charges that were dropped, including assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, threatening bodily harm, possession of an illegal assault weapon and videotaping a minor for pornographic purposes.

"I was hoping he would be a man and face trial, but he is anything but a man," she said. "He is a coward. I knew he couldn't handle the truth coming out. A man would stand up and take responsibility for his actions."

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges; Arnold was arrested in 2009. Police say they found a video he secretly taped of a teenage girl in the shower. The girl was an exchange student staying at his home.

The district attorney today said she did not wish to address the court but wanted to move on with her life.

Funke-Bilu says Arnold has now moved out of state and that he feels terrible about what happened.

Arnold is scheduled to report for County Jail September 19th.

According to our KSBY News crew in the San Luis Obispo County courtroom, a judge Tuesday sentenced former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold to 270 days in jail in connection with child pornography and burglary charges. He will get credit for one day served and must surrender September 19. He was also sentenced to three years probation.

Arnold changed his plea for those charges to no contest last month. He had earlier pleaded not guilty. Arnold was arrested in 2009. Police say they found a video he secretly taped of a teenage girl in the shower at his home.

Former Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday morning.

Last month, Arnold changed his plea to no contest on residential burglary and child pornography charges. He had previously pleaded not guilty.

Following his arrest in 2009, police say they found a video he secretly taped of a teenage girl in the shower of his home. They say they found it while executing a search warrant.

Arnold's sentencing is set for Tuesday morning at 8:30am at the courthouse in San Luis Obispo.

Former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold changed his plea to "no contest" on charges of residential burglary and child pornography.

He previously plead "not guilty" to those charges, but everything changed today in a San Luis Obispo courtroom. A "no contest" plea is treated basically the same as a "guilty" plea in a criminal case.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's office says a judge recommended Arnold be sentenced up to six months in county jail. The residential burglary charge is considered a serious felony. Meanwhile, the child pornography charge mandates he register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

In December of 2009, Arnold was arrested on domestic abuse and assault charges. After searching his home, officers say they found a video that he secretly taped of a teenage girl in the shower at his house. Officers say the girl in the video was a foreign exchange student who lived at Arnold's home in 2005 when she was 16.

We posted the news on Facebook. Here's what a couple of you had to say. Janice Morgan LaMere writes, "So tired of all these politicians lying to us and doing what they want! If it was one of us they would hang us out to dry!!!"

Debi Rush Hamilton writes "How 'bout we start voting for new people that haven't been in office before. I am sick of politicians! Nothing would help him though. He is just sick."

The case has been turned over to the probation department to prepare a report. There is still a gag order in effect, so the DA's office couldn't say much else. They did say though that Arnold is *not in custody.

Arnold's sentencing is scheduled for July 12th.

Former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold has changed his plea in a San Luis Obispo court.

Today, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office says Arnold pleaded no contest to charges of residential burglary and child pornography.

The residential burglary charge is considered a serious felony. While, the child pornography charge mandates he register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The District Attorney's Office says a judge recommended Arnold be sentenced to six months in County Jail.

In December 2009, Arnold was arrested on domestic abuse and assault charges. Officer say, after later searching his home, they found a video that Arnold secretly taped of a teenage girl using the shower in his home. Officers say the girl in the video was a foreign exchange student who lived at Arnold's home in 2005 when she was 16 years old.

We'll have more on this story on KSBY News at 5 and 6.

A further arraignment is scheduled in a San Luis Obispo County courtroom Tuesday morning in the case against former Arroyo Grande City Councilman, Ed Arnold.

Arnold was arrested earlier this year, on assault charges. Other charges were later added after investigators say they found child pornography in Arnold's home. He has pled not guilty to all charges.

The former local city councilman accused of assault and possessing child pornography goes before a judge Tuesday.

Former Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold is expected in court Tuesday for a superior court arraignment.

He was arrested earlier this year, after officers say his wife reported he assaulted her. Charges were later added after investigators say they found child pornography in his home.

He's pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case against the former Arroyo Grande councilman facing seven felony charges is now moving to the next level.

Ed Arnold has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, burglary and possession of child pornography.

He waived his right today to a preliminary hearing to see if there's enough evidence to hold him over for trial.

That means his case will now go to an arraignment.

Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower.

"We thought it would be a routine hearing and an unnecessary expenditure of judicial resources," said Ilan Funke-Bilu, Arnold's defense lawyer.

He says the former council member is innocent and will fight all seven felony charges facing him.

Arnold refused to comment, but his lawyer says he will speak when the case proceeds to trial.

"Oh, there's a lot he wants to tell," Funke-Bilu said. "My client is not a reticent sort. He likes to keep his tongue busy."

Officers discovered a video of a girl showering in Arnold's home in January.

They say she was a foreign-exchange student who lived with Arnold in 2005 when she was 16 years old.

"When this matter proceeds to trial, I think you're going to discover that his wife plays a significant role," Funke-Bilu said.

Arnold is also on trial for attacking a woman who had been living with him and his wife.

In court documents from January, the alleged victim said Arnold's estranged wife was now her girlfriend.

Arnold is also on trial for possessing child pornography on his laptop, charges he denies.

"We're going to war, and we intend to win the war," Funke-Bilu said.

The other charges he's facing relate to burglary as well as terrorist threats.

Arnold resigned from his position on City Council in April.

His next court appearance is scheduled for October 5th.

The district attorney for this case didn't want to go on-camera.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday morning for former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold, after it was postponed last week.

Arnold is charged with assault and possessing child pornography. He's pled not guilty to those charges.

Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower. Arnold also faces five felony assault charges from an incident that happened in December.

Court proceedings for former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold have been postponed for a week, according to the district attorney's office.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for this morning, however, Arnold's lawyers requested proceedings be pushed back until September 14.

Arnold has pled not guilty to assault and child pornography charges. Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower.

Arnold also faces five felony assault charges stemming from an alleged domestic abuse incident that happened in December.

Court proceedings move forward for former Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in a San Luis Obispo County Courtroom Tuesday morning. Arnold has pled not guilty to assault and child pornography charges. Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower.

Arnold also faces five felony assault charges stemming from an incident that happened in December.

Former Arroyo Grande City Councilman, Ed Arnold, is expected in court Wednesday morning.

Arnold is scheduled to appear in a San Luis Obispo County courtroom for a pre-preliminary hearing. He's facing assault and child pornography charges. He's pled not guilty to those charges.

Last week, Arnold stepped down from the Arroyo Grande City Council after six years of service. He told the council he was resigning because his legal troubles were interfering with its work.

Ed Arnold's resignation last night from the Arroyo Grande city council leaves a vacancy.

All four council members agreed to appoint a replacement instead of waiting until the November election. They say there are critical budget issues that need to be resolved in the upcoming months. The council is opening its search to the public and asking interested Arroyo Grande residents to submit letters of intent. Council members will meet May 4th to work out formal details.

Ed Arnold says he's stepping down. He resigned Tuesday night from the Arroyo Grande City Council.

Arnold addressed the council saying he had become a distraction for the city. In December, arnold was arrested on domestic abuse and assault charges. Then earlier this month, prosecutors filed child pornography charges against him. Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower at his home.

Ed Arnold was not overly emotional. He came in sat down and read a statement.

"I do realize that I've become a distraction for the city and that's not beneficial for anyone," Arnold said.

Arnold spoke for a little more than a minute. He said the last few months have been very distressing for him.

"I hope that in the end that everyone will see that I'm not the bad guy that I've been painted to be," Arnold said.

"We want to both acknowledge and thank you for your years of service to the city," said Arroyo Grande Mayor Tony Ferrara.

Arnold then got up, walked to his car, and left. His resignation leaves the city with four councilmembers. They all agreed to appoint a replacement instead of waiting until the November election. They say there are critical budget issues that need to be resolved in the upcoming months.

The council is opening its search to the public and asking any interested Arroyo Grande residents to submit letters of intent.

Arnold served on the Arroyo Grande City Council for six years. Before that, he served two years on the city planning commission.

Ed Arnold resigned from the Arroyo Grande City Council Tuesday night. Our crew on the scene says that Arnold gave a short speech in front of council members, announcing his decision to step down. He said that he has become a distraction for the city and that is not beneficial for anyone. He also added that he hopes in the end everyone will "see I'm not the bad guy I have been painted to be." The mayor then thanked Arnold for his years of service on the council.

In December, Arnold was arrested on domestic abuse and assault charges. Earlier this month, prosecutors filed child pornography charges against him. Investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower at his home. We'll have more tonight on KSBY News at 10 on the CW 5 and on KSBY News at 11.

Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold tells KSBY News via e-mail he intends to issue a statement at Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

On the agenda for that meeting, is an action item in which the City plans to ask for Arnold's resignation. Arnold has been in the public eye since December, when he was arrested on domestic violence and assault charges. He's accused of beating up a 28-year-old woman in that case. But then earlier this month, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office filed child pornography charges against Arnold. They say while searching his home earlier this year, investigators found nude photos of underage girls and a video tape of an underage girl taking a shower in his home. Arnold has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

To get a look at Tuesday's complete agenda on Arnold's future and the letter the Council has written to Arnold, click here.

The Arroyo Grande City Council is preparing to discuss Ed Arnold's future as a city leader.

Tuesday night, the city council is expected to consider a letter from the council to Arnold asking that he resign from the council immediately. City leaders are also expected to take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of his resignation.

The following is an excerpt from the City Council's letter to Arnold:
"In order to serve the best interests of the City at this time, the Council formally requests that you immediately resign from your Council seat. This request and your resignation is no reflection on your guilt or innocence of the pending criminal charges. The City Council fully understands that you are presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise and respects the integrity of the judicial process, as well as your right to defend yourself."

Arnold has been in the public eye since December, when he was arrested on domestic violence and assault charges. He's accused of beating up a 28-year-old woman in that case. But then earlier this month, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office filed child pornography charges against Arnold. They say while searching his home earlier this year, investigators found nude photos of underage girls and a video tape of an underage girl taking a shower in his home. Arnold has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Later in the letter, the City Council goes on to say:
"Your current situation has a clear detrimental effect on the reputation and credibility of the City, diverts scarce personnel resources from urgent responsibilities, and is a distraction from our critically important efforts which are focused on addressing community needs and issues. It also raises a number of questions and concerns regarding compliances with the City's ethics policies and guidelines and other policies and regulations, as well as appropriate remedies."

Arnold's attorney, Ilan M. Funke-Bilu, says that Arnold has no intention of stepping down from his council seat.

If Arnold did decide to step down, the city says it would have to hold special election to fill the open seat. If that election is combined with November's regular election, it would cost the city $2,000. The cost would likely exceed $50,000 if a special stand alone election is required.

For a link to the entire agenda item regarding Arnold's future, click here.

New developments in, and out of the courtroom as Arroyo Grande City Councilmember Ed Arnold answers to child pornography charges.

Arnold did not say much during Wednesday morning's court proceedings, but he did plead not guilty to possessing child pornography, and using a minor for pornographic purposes.

This, after investigators say he secretly videotaped a teenage girl in the shower. Arnold also faces five felony assault charges stemming from an incident that happened in December.

"I feel very good about the defense to these two charges and I told you before I spoke to him, stay tuned," said Ilan Funke-Bilu, Arnold's attorney.

Meanwhile Arnold's seat on the Arroyo Grande City Council is now in question. Tuesday night at the Arroyo Grande City Council meeting, Arnold's seat was empty as the city's mayor read from a prepared statement.

"The most recent allegations against Councilmember Arnold are extremely serious and troubling," said Mayor Tony Ferrara.

The mayor also wants the council to consider asking Arnold for his immediate resignation.

"It is clear to me that in light of these allegations, Councilmember Arnold is going to need to focus his attention on personal issues," said Ferrara.

Still, Arnold's attorney says his client has no intention of stepping down. He says his client did not attend Tuesday night's meeting for personal reasons.

"It's a political lynch mentality of the worst kind," said Funke-Bilu. "Something I've not seen in my entire life in San Luis Obispo County."

The mayor wants the council to consider that letter of resignation, along with other steps in the recall process, at its next meeting.

Arnold is due back in court May 5 for a preliminary hearing.

Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold pleaded not guilty Wednesday to possession of child pornography and using a minor for pornographic purposes. Both are felonies.

Arnold appeared in a San Luis Obispo County courtroom but did not speak to the media. His lawyer, Ilan Funke-Bilu, says Arnold did not show up to last night's city council meeting because of what Funke-Bilu called some valid personal issues, and not because of the new charges. Funke-Bilu says Arnold does not plan on resigning, because he says his client has done nothing wrong.

As for the city council considering asking Arnold to resign, Funke Bilu says it is the "worst kind of political lynch mentality" he's ever seen in the county.

This is just the latest trouble for Arnold. In January, he pleaded not guilty to domestic violence and assault charges after being accused of beating up a 28-year-old woman. During the investigation, police say they found nude photos of underage girls in Arnold's home, along with a video tape showing a naked 16-year-old girl showering in Arnold's bathroom. Police believe that video was taken using a hidden camera. That new evidence led to the charges filed Wednesday.

A preliminary hearing on those charges has been set for May 5.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 p.m. for more on this story, including video from the courtroom.

Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold has run into more trouble with the law. According to documents obtained by KSBY News, police searched Arnold's home in Pismo Beach back in January on a search warrant. Officers got that warrant after Arnold was accused of breaking in a woman's home and battering and threatening her.

During the search, officers seized a personal computer. Documents filed last Friday show that officers found several pictures of naked girls. Officers sent those pictures over to a local pediatrician to determine how old the girls were. In the doctor's opinion, the girls were under 18.

Officers also found a videotape in Arnold's home and a naked girl showering in his bathroom. Documents state that the video looked to be taken from a concealed camera in the ceiling. Officers learned that the video was of a foreign exchange student who had stayed in Arnold's home over the summer of 2005. She was 16 years old at the time.

The prosecution is now looking to add two more felony counts to Arnold's charges. One felony is for possessing child pornography, and another is for using a minor for pornographic purposes.

Arroyo Grande residents seem to be growing tired of all the negative publicity surrounding city councilmen Ed Arnold. Two charges of child pornogrophy are the latest reason many in the town think Arnold should step down from his position with the city. "It's kind of a disgrace to our city because it's kind of embarrassing. You want to have respect for somebody that's serving your community" says Kristen St. Peter of Arroyo Grande.

Arnold is being accused of having naked pictures of girls under the age of 18 on his computer and having video on his computer of a girl who was 16 at the time showering in his house. According to authorities the video appears to be shot from a camera concealed in the bathroom ceiling. Arroyo Grande's Kevin Helmer says the allegations should be enough to get Arnold off the city council. "He shouldn't be there, he just really shouldn't. Camera's in the bathroom, there's no reason for it. No excuse for it. There's no obvious answer for that so he shouldn't be there."

Arnold's attorney Ilan Funke-Bilu says his client will not step down from the city council and will plead not-guilty to all charges. The next city council meeting in Arroyo Grande is on Tuesday, April 13th and Arnold is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, April 14th.

A pre-preliminary hearing is expected to begin Wednesday morning for Arroyo Grande City Councilman, Ed Arnold. Arnold is facing domestic violence, and assault with a deadly weapon charges.

In January, he faced a judge for the first time, and pled not guilty. He was arrested in December, accused of assaulting a 28-year-old woman.

For weeks, people have wondered if and when Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold would show up for work. Tuesday night, they got their answer. Arnold did attend the city council meeting. On Monday, he faced a judge for the first time. Arnold pled not guilty to charges of assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. He was arrested last month accused of assaulting a 28-year-old woman. Two people did address the council regarding Arnold and his position. As for the accused, he issued a letter to the media answering some questions many want to know.

It was business as usual for Ed Arnold. He did not publicly address his personal life, but others at the meeting did. Patty Welsh, an Arroyo Grande resident, said, "We also hold our elected officials to a higher code of ethics." While most acknowledge one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Patty Welsh isn't the only wondering. She said, "I would like to ask Mr. Arnold if he were found guilty, would he step down on his own and vacate the seat without the city having to intervene?" But there were others who had a definite opinion. Former Arroyo Grande Councilman Jim Dickens said, "I would encourage and highly recommend any council member who can not focus their attention on their elected duties and who have lost the public's trust due to poor choices do the right thing and step down."

Ed Arnold issued a statement to the media. He said quote, "I've reached a decision. I will remain on the council." The councilman also stated, "I'm not guilty of the charges." He went on to say, "It will become clear that the divorce and criminal charges are intermingled and that my wife is attempting to enhance her position in disputes over child custody." The mayor did not address Arnold's controversy at the meeting. He just asked those speaking out to address the whole council and not to single out one council member.

Arnold has a civil case pending against him as well. His wife has accused him of domestic violence and other crimes. She along with the other woman have restraining orders against Arnold.

Ed Arnold appeared in court today for the first time since being charged with domestic violence.
The 44 year-old couldn't avoid media attention as he stepped up to answer to the charges filed against him by a 28-year-old woman. The unidentified woman at the center of this case says the Arroyo Grande city council man beat her with a club. She's accusing Arnold of other crimes that include, assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats.
Speaking on behalf of his client, attorney Ilan Funke-Bilu says Arnold is a well respected member of the city council and the community and will be absolved of all the charges against him. Funke-Bilu says, "My client is a good man. He's an honorable man and he's not guilty of any of these offenses."
Monday's court proceedings are separate from the civil case Arnold has pending against him. His wife has also accused him of domestic violence and other similar offenses. She along with the other woman have restraining orders against Arnold.
Before Arnold got caught up in a real life courtroom drama he was a popular city councilman. But now, Arroyo Grande residents aren't so sure about him. Naomi Harris says, "I think it's unusual to say the least. But, you're not guilty until you're proven otherwise."
So, the jury is still out when it comes to whether he will be able to salvage his career as an elected official.
Arnold is due back in court on March 3rd.
Arnold did not show up to the last city council meeting. His lawyer says Arnold will attend tomorrow's meeting. A council member can only be removed from his post if he misses all of the council meetings without permission in a 60 day period.

The Arroyo Grande City Councilman at the center of a domestic violence case shows up to be arraigned.

In his last scheduled court appearance pertaining to a restraining order, Arnold was a no show.

Last Thursday, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's office filed criminal charges against Arnold, including felony counts of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

Arnold was arrested last month. He is accused of beating a 28-year-old woman with a metal club.

The Arroyo Grande City Councilman, at the center of a domestic violence case, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.

On Thursday, The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's office filed criminal charges against Ed Arnold. The five felony counts include burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal threats.

Arnold was arrested last month. He's accused of beating a 28-year-old woman with a club.

The Arroyo Grande City Councilman at the center of a domestic violence case will face criminal charges.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's office is charging Ed Arnold with five felony counts.

They include:

-First-degree residential burglary

-Assault with a deadly weapon

-Inflicting corporal injury upon a spouse or cohabitant

-Criminal threats

-Possession of an assault weapon.

The burglary charge also carries two enhancements.

He faces up to 9 years, 4 months in prison.

Arnold was arrested last month on allegations stemming from his relationship with a 28-year-old woman.

Stay with ksby.com and tune into KSBY News at 5 and 6:30 for more on this story.

A local city councilman will face criminal charges.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office filed criminal charges Thursday against Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold.

Arnold is facing five felony counts and two enhancements.

The charges include assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

Arnold was arrested last month, accused of assaulting a 28-year-old woman.

If Arnold is convicted on all charges he faces up to nine years, four months in prison.

The five-page document from the district attorney's office details the five felony counts Ed Arnold is facing.

Count one is first-degree residential burglary, with two enhancements.

The district attorney claims on the day of the attack, Arnold entered the victim's home with a club and waited for her to return.

That is why count two is assault with a deadly weapon.

Arnold supposedly used that club to beat the victim with, "force likely to produce great bodily injury."

The third count is for domestic violence because the victim used to live with Arnold and his wife.

Counts 4 and 5 are for criminal threats and possession of a deadly weapon.

Arnold did not return our requests for comment Thursday but has said in the past there is not much accuracy to the allegations against him.

The district attorney will now issue an appearance letter.

If the councilman does not show, an arrest warrant will be issued.

Arnold was scheduled to appear in court earlier this month regarding two restraining orders filed against him, one by his wife the other by the alleged 28-year-old victim.

That hearing was postponed until next month, so both restraining orders remain in effect.

Arnold did not show up to the last city council meeting.

He can only be removed from his post if he misses all of the council meetings, without permission, in a 60-day period.

The council is scheduled to meet again next Tuesday.

Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold was a no show for a hearing on two restraining orders that were filed against him last month. The hearing would have potentially made the temporary restraining orders permanent.

Arnold was arrested last month on domestic violence charges. Since then, two restraining orders have been filed against him, one was filed by the 28-year-old female victim in the alleged December crime. The second was filed by his wife and the order states it is to protect her and her two children.

The hearing was continued until February 18, 2010. As of now, temporary restraining orders will stay in effect.

Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold faces a judge in San Luis Obispo Thursday.

Arnold was arrested last month on domestic violence charges. Since then, two restraining orders have been filed against Arnold. One was filed by the 28-year-old female victim of that alleged crime. The second was filed by his wife, meant to protect her and her two children. There are temporary restraining orders in effect right now.

The councilman is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, to learn whether a judge will make those orders permanent.

Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold was not in attendance for Tuesday night's city council meeting. Earlier, he had sent an e-mail to the city manager informing him he wants to avoid all of the recent attention focused on him.

Arnold made headlines when he was arrested back in December and charged with domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, and burglary. Those charges stem from an alleged relationship involving himself, his wife, and another woman.

We asked city mayor Tony Ferrara if the situation surrounding Arnold would be brought up in the council meeting, but he said he would have no further comment regarding Arnold until after the judicial process against him had run its course.

During the public comments section in the meeting agenda, no citizens asked about the Arnold controversy, but some city residents attending the meeting said outside afterwards they were curious about when he might talk about it. "We haven't heard anything from him, no word at all. He could have at least said I can't talk about my case now and I will come out in the future and say something," said Menetta Bennett.

Another resident in attendance, Bruce Hamilton said while he wasn't surprised about Arnold not showing up tonight, he thought he might return soon to the meetings. "Well, I would hope so, from what I understand he can't miss more than three meetings within 60 days and then they can ask him to be removed, but I would assume he would try and be here at least one of those."

The policy as we were told says that he can be removed from the city council if he misses all the meetings within a sixty day period without permission. The next scheduled Arroyo Grande city council meeting is Tuesday January 26th.

The Arroyo Grande City Councilman accused of domestic violence does not plan to attend tonight's city council meeting.

In an email sent to the Arroyo Grande City Manager, Ed Arnold said he wants to avoid all of the recent attention focused on him.

Arnold was arrested last month after officers say he beat up a 28-year-old woman with whom he had a relationship.

Arnold will have to miss three consecutive meetings to be removed from his post as councilman.

We could learn whether the Arroyo Grande city councilman accused of domestic violence will stay in office.

Councilman Ed Arnold was arrested last month. Officers say he beat up a 28-year-old woman in which he had a relationship.

City officials say they see no indication Arnold will not show up for Tuesday night's meeting. Arnold would have to miss three consecutive meetings to be removed from his post.

Arroyo Grande City Manager Steve Adams says he expects councilman Ed Arnold will show up for a planned city council meeting tomorrow evening.

Adams says last time he spoke with Arnold, the councilman gave no indication that he planned to be absent, and there's been no request for permission to do so. He says he "assumes Arnold will be there tomorrow night, but there is no way to really know."

Adams also wanted to clarify that the council and its members have no control over whether or not Arnold keeps his seat, because he is an elected official.

Adams says only the public can remove a city council member, or Arnold would have to miss three consecutive meetings.

KSBY News has obtained more court documents revealing more allegations against Arroyo Grande councilman Ed Arnold. A second woman filed a temporary restraining order against 44-year-old Ed Arnold claiming she too was the victim of domestic violence.

It was filed December 24, 2009 in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. We told you on Monday, his wife, Kathryn Arnold filed a temporary restraining order against him the day before. The woman who filed the second request says she was involved in the incident that took place on the 800 block of Turquoise Drive in Arroyo Grande back in December. She makes some strong claims in her request for the restraining order. It states, during the incident, he "bludgeoned me from behind with a club to the back of the head." She also states, he "told me repeatedly while he struck me in the head that he was going to kill me."

In those court documents, the woman asks for protection for Kathryn Arnold, the city councilman's estranged wife, and refers to her as her girlfriend. There are also claims in the court documents, "Ed and I had a few sexual encounters and Ed Arnold stated that he was obsessed with me." Once again, KSBY News tried to get reaction from Ed Arnold. He sent KSBY News an e-mail stating, he will refute the allegations in court in a little more than a week. He also told us on Monday on the phone, there's not much accuracy to those allegations In his e-mail he also stated his wife is living with the alleged victim and supports a good portion of her lifestyle.

We were able to confirm one of Ed Arnold's claims. The temporary restraining order states that Kathryn Arnold and that alleged victim, do in fact live together in the Arnold's home. Both hearings for those temporary restraining orders against Ed Arnold have been set for January 14th. If they become permanent, they could last for up to five years.

KSBY News obtained more court documents including another restraining order against Arroyo Grande Councilman Ed Arnold. The restraining order was filed on December 24, 2009 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court by an alleged victim in a domestic violence case involving Ed Arnold.

In the court documents, the alleged victim said Kathryn Arnold, Ed Arnold's wife, is her girlfriend. The woman who filed the temporary restraining order claimed she lived with Ed Arnold and his family from July to November 2009 and had a few sexual encounters with Ed Arnold. KSBY News contacted Ed Arnold by email and he responded by e-mail and said he will refute the allegations in court. He also claimed the alleged victim is living with Kathryn Arnold and Kathryn is supporting a good portion of the woman's lifestyle. KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero will have more on this story on KSBY News at eleven o'clock.

Even more startling details in court documents obtained by KSBY News in an exclusive report.

The wife of an Arroyo Grande city councilman is making some serious allegations against her husband. Kathryn Arnold filed a request for a permanent restraining order on December 23, 2009 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. It's meant to protect her and her two children of 44-year-old Ed Arnold. A temporary restraining order is currently in effect. When asked to describe the abuse, Arnold's wife stated there had been both physical and verbal intimidation. There are pages upon pages of allegations. Court documents state, "I am fearful that Arnold may escalate his behavior, as he did with the assault and battery on December 15th and that both the children and I are at risk of harm."

Arnold's wife was referring to the incident that took place on the the 800 block of Turquoise Drive in Arroyo Grande. It's what brought the story to light. A domestic violence case against Ed Arnold involving a 28-year-old woman who's now been described as a mutual friend of Ed and Kathryn Arnold. A declaration signed by the alleged victim stated, "During the attack, Mr. Arnold blamed me for the break up of his marriage and stated that if he killed me, he could restore his marriage to Kathy Arnold." She claims he also stated, "His marriage would not end in a divorce, only a death. If his wife ever tried to get a restraining order against him, he would take her down."

To make it fair, we also got reaction from the councilman himself. It's his first time speaking with us. He told KSBY News his attorney is advising him not to talk about the allegations. But he claimed there's not much accuracy to them. There were also allegations of Ed Arnold placing a hidden camera in his daughter's bathroom to keep surveillance on his wife and others. As for Kathryn Arnold's attorney, he said he did not want to elaborate on the allegations out of concern for the couple's children. Arroyo Grande's mayor would not comment on the restraining order request. He said Arnold will remain on the council unless he resigns or stops attending council meetings

In court documents obtained by KSBY News, the wife of an Arroyo Grande city councilman is making some serious allegations against her husband. It's a story exclusive to KSBY News. Kathryn Arnold filed a request for a permanent restraining order on December 23, 2009 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. It's meant to protect the wife and two children of 44-year-old Ed Arnold. A temporary restraining order is currently in effect.

It all started after a report of domestic violence on the 800 block of Turquoise Drive in Arroyo Grande back in December. It involved a 28-year-old woman who's now been described as a mutual friend of Ed and Kathryn Arnold. In the restraining order his wife stated, "On December 7, 2009, Ed Arnold agreed to move out of the house. He did so based in part on my discovery of a hidden camera in our daughter's bathroom that I believe he was using to keep myself and others under surveillance." Mrs. Arnold stated that her husband, "prevented me from leaving our home on over 50 occasions and blockaded me in our daughter's bedroom and would not let me leave the room until I talked to him."

The restraining order also stated, the victim of the alleged December attack said, "Arnold struck me repeatedly with a two foot metal club." Also referenced in the order, a text message from Arnold on Dec. 14th. It stated, "I do not see how I am going to survive this divorce. I am not sure I want to. We always said there would be one marriage and no divorce, only death, natural or otherwise." KSBY News did talk with the person who received the text message. She said she didn't want to comment but said she was a close friend of those involved.

We also got reaction from Ed Arnold himself for the first time. He told KSBY News his attorney is advising him not talk about the allegations. He claims there's not much accuracy to them. Kathryn Arnold's attorney said he did not want to elaborate on the allegations out of concern for the couple's children. Arroyo Grande's mayor would not comment on the restraining order request. He said Arnold will remain on the council unless he resigns or stops attending council meetings.

Court documents filed against Arroyo Grande City Councilman Ed Arnold show his wife, Kathryn Arnold, filed for a restraining order following a domestic violence incident back in December.

In a statement on that incident from the 28-year-old victim, she says "Mr. Arnold blamed me for the break up of his marriage and stated that if he killed me, he could restore his marriage to Kathy Arnold. He also said his marriage would not end in a divorce, only a death... And if his wife ever tried to get a restraining order against him, he would take her down." According to her statement, the victim was beaten with a two foot metal pole.

In the request for a restraining order for herself and her two kids, Ms. Arnold says that she feared for her health and safety after Mr. Arnold "attacked (the victim) with a club and threatened to strangle her with zip ties."

Ms. Arnold said she personally had never been physically abused by her husband, but that he was verbally abusive and threatening. She says her husband prevented her from leaving their home "on over 50 occasions."

She also says in her request that her husband "agreed to move out of the house, based in part on my discovery of a hidden camera in our daughter's bathroom... that I believe he was using to keep myself and others under surveillance."

The request for the restraining order will be heard in court on January 14. Until then, an emergency restraining order is in place. Ms. Arnold has filed for divorce, as well as full custody of her children.