Community reacts to Arroyo Grande Councilman's arrest

Posted: Dec 17, 2009 2:05 AM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Dec 17, 2009 2:05 AM

The community of Arroyo Grande is reacting to allegations surrounding City Councilman Ed Arnold. The 43-year-old was booked into the San Luis Obispo County jail Wednesday morning for charges that include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and domestic violence. Police say the crime involved Arnold and another woman, a woman who they say is not his wife. We wanted to give people both sides of the story. Arnold is only a suspect at this time and KSBY News was hoping to get his perspective on what happened. We paid a visit to the city councilman's home. A woman on the other side of the door told us she had no comment. An Arroyo Grande resident, who wants to remain anonymous, gave us his reaction. He said, "I'm surprised especially in a small town like this."

It all started when police were called out to the 800 block of Turquoise Drive Tuesday night. When they arrived, they discovered a 28-year-old woman with injuries to her head. Arroyo Grande Police Chief Steven Annibali said, "Mr. Arnold and the victim are alleged to have been involved in personal relationships with both the Arnolds. The only thing I can say at this point, is they were, at one point co-habitants and that's why there's the charge of domestic violence." There are still many questions regarding the relationship between Arnold and the victim, but city officials confirmed the woman was a city employee. An Arroyo Grande resident, who wants to remain anonymous, said, "Either way, it's alarming no matter who it is. The fact that it's not his wife is even worse. If it's true and he's convicted, he should be out." But this Arroyo Grande resident stresses, he first thinks all sides of the story should be presented. KSBY News was able to talk with one neighbor off camera. He described Arnold as "quiet." Arnold is scheduled to be arraigned on December 30th. As for Arnold's wife, police say she was not involved in the incident and was not at the scene.

So what's next for Arnold? We asked the mayor of Arroyo Grande how this affected Arnold's position. Mayor Tony Ferrara said right now it's up to Arnold. He said he has talked with him since the allegations but only about whether or not he wants to remain on the council. The mayor said Arnold has not made a decision. But if he decides to leave there are steps the council takes. Mayor Ferrara said, "If he chooses to do so there's a procedure we go through. It can involve appointing someone on an interim basis." The mayor also said if Arnold steps down it could involve a special election as well. A special meeting will be held on January 12th. The mayor believes Arnold will make a decision by that time.