Stanton : Picketing Continues at Adult Book Store

Protesters from area churches took turns walking picket lines on the sidewalk outside the Earmark Books and Video store this week while store owner Ginger Cox argued that their strategy has backfired.

About 25 people marched Tuesday and 10 more on Wednesday and Thursday outside the store on Beach Boulevard north of Orangewood Avenue, according to a spokesman for the California Coalition for Traditional Values, a religious group organizing the picketing. “I think the enthusiasm is there and will continue for some time,” said Father Lawrence J. Baird of St. Polycarp Church, adding that the intent is to discourage customers and show that the community is opposed to the store.

“Business has never been better,” said Cox. “People know I’m here now.”

She said her only objection is that some marchers attempt to photograph customers. Baird said no members of his congregation will bring cameras to the protest.

Stanton officials have filed a lawsuit seeking to close the store, arguing that it violates an ordinance which prevents such businesses from locating within 500 feet of a residence, school, church or park. St. Polycarp Church is a block south of the store.

No trial date has been set for the suit, but a Superior Court judge has denied the city’s request for a preliminary injunction to close the store.