A federal judge recently ordered that Grover Beach's Diamond Adult World close by Thursday.

But will it?

City officials aren't sure, and they have postponed rejoicing in the success of the recent court case they won against pornography shop owner Steve Diamond.

"He likes the thrill of taking on municipalities and trying to beat them," said Ron Anderson, Grover Beach's manager. "Why would he say, 'Oh well, the judge says I need to close, so I'll close' ?"

Diamond, who owns similar stores in Santa Maria, Atascadero and Van Nuys, said he's hopeful -- but not overly confident -- that he'll be able to keep the Grand Avenue store open.

"I don't know with this judge," Diamond said Wednesday of Judge Cormac Carney of the U.S. District Court in Orange County, who sided with Grover Beach in mid-June. Diamond was confident during the four-month trial and then surprised when Carney ruled that Grover Beach's zoning ordinance barring adult businesses downtown does not violate Diamond's constitutional rights.

Diamond's attorney, Roger Jon Diamond (no relation to his client), has filed several motions that will be heard in Santa Ana on Monday, including a request to reconsider its ruling in the case.

If his motions are denied, Roger Diamond will ask that the store be allowed to remain open during the appeals process.

If that doesn't work, he'll take the request for a stay to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Meanwhile, Steve Diamond said he's received a handful of offers to buy his building from "prominent" Grover Beach residents and former officials. He declined to publicly state their names.

But if things go his way, Diamond won't be moving anywhere.

"You might want to check your facts," said property owner Brad Forde, when asked his opinion of Diamond's closing date.

Forde owns and manages commercial units in Grover Beach, some of which are within a block of Diamond's store on Grand Avenue. He said the store's presence has had a negative effect on his business.

"He's not going to be moving out," Forde predicted. "He's just going to fight to the end."

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