Judge lifts restraining order on Paul Brown 

A Superior Court judge has lifted a restraining order issued against former SLO City Councilman Paul Brown more than a year before it would have expired.

The order had required him to stay at least 50 yards away from his now ex-wife Jayne until October 2010, but Paul Brown sought to have the order lifted early, explaining that he was concerned about repairing damage to his reputation.

The order was lifted in a hearing on the matter May 27.

“It’s nice to get my name back, because sometimes that’s all you have,” he said. “I’m just very relieved and I’m also relieved that the judge felt I wasn’t a threat or a concern for anyone, because I’m not.”

Jayne Brown said she fought against the change and was disappointed with the order.

“Honestly, it appeared that the judge had sort of already made up his mind before we got there,” she said, adding that she hopes the reversal doesn’t discourage other women from reporting domestic violence.

She said, however, that she doesn’t intend to pursue the matter further, saying she was relieved that the couple’s legal tangles and divorce are over.

“That’s the rainbow in all this,” she said.

The original 2007 temporary restraining order and a subsequent three-year extension grew from records and testimony about a series of arguments between the couple, including one that led to her going to the emergency room for treatment of injuries. Jane and Paul Brown gave different accounts of how she sustained the injuries. She had said he slammed her down during an argument. He had said he sought to restrain her while she was breaking furniture and she kicked her legs out, causing them both to fall backwards.

Brown did not seek another term on the City Council in elections held November of 2008.