Authorities worry about road safety if Michael Jackson memorial is held at Neverland Ranch
Authorities have safety concerns over apparent plans for a memorial for Michael Jackson at the Neverland Ranch, saying that the narrow hillside road could be overtaxed by thousands of vehicles.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Lt. Butch Arnoldi said two-lane Figueroa Mountain Road is not designed for a crush of cars and that his department is discussing how to make the route to Neverland as safe as possible.
There have been reports that the Jackson family would like to have some sort of ceremony for Jackson at the ranch, located north of Santa Barbara in Los Olivos, perhaps after a public ceremony at Staples Center. Although the plans remain unclear, sheriff's officials have been planning for such a contingency for a few days.
“We have not been approached by any family members of the Jackson family about an event that’s to occur in our county,” Arnoldi said. “We don’t want to be caught behind the eight-ball here.”
News vans and media vehicles have started to line up along the road outside Neverland Ranch. Notes, balloons and flowers for Jackson have also been left at the gate.
On a piece of cardboard, someone wrote “Thank you for being such a ‘Thriller.’ ”
On a lined piece of white paper, a fan wrote “ Michael, you will never be forgotten! We love you! You are an idol and will always be the king of pop!”
The gates have opened for some vehicles, including a fire vehicle. Only a few fans waited outside the ranch. Many people drove up, took pictures and left.
--Ruben Vives, and Ari B. Bloomekatz in Los Olivos, Calif.
I just hope that the people who caused him SO much pain by complete FALSE accusations can live with the fact that they are responsible for causing his death. What he gave the world, what he shared with us all and where his inspiration transcended all, they can live with it. He gave so much to all and in his final years to deal with how much he gave to be completely disrespected and falsely accused is a crime in itself. He died from a broken heart. No one self medicates unless they give and give and give and only get taken advantage of......we lost an icon. A one of a kind because of greed, money and motives that are SATAN. It all comes full circle and I work in the media and am embarrassed. For one reporter to say how much he hurt families, etc has NO clue what she is talking about. A 12 year old Michael dreams of music and wanting to adopt 15+ children of all races because of love is NOT abuse. He loved children as a child. The Media and 2 very greedy families killed this man who gave the world SO much. May he know that 99.9% of the world loved him and that .01%...used him for money only. Yet, his sadness is what caused his addiction to fill the shotgun blown thru his heart. I just pray, he is watching over the world right now so he can rightly understand how truly loved he was......and with that he can find peace. I pray for that and unfortunately, the things that broke his heart can't be taken back, just like he can't be brought back to us. I pray, I pray through his legacy that people will really think about what matters the most....Love for all. Please bless his family and soul. I pray through death he will have the peace he deserves, the love, the security, the happiness and obtain in death what he truly gave the world. True Happiness.
May his family move forward and never forget the gift they gave the world through Michael. We thank his mother for sharing her son with us.
Respectfully,
Karen Waller
Spot Media Group Advertising Agency
1-925-674-1200 x 22
Posted by: Karen Waller | June 30, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Yes, I know from traveling up here numerous times that it's a narrow two lane road all the way up from LA, not just once you get off to go to Neverland.
Hwy 101 is just as bad, two lanes, lots of traffic always in Santa Barbara. I don't don't know how all of the traffic for this event could handle it all. It would end up taking hours upon hours to get there.
Posted by: MercyMe | June 30, 2009 at 07:01 PM
i hope they keep this circus going for as long as possible. its a nice diversion from the economy and wars. thanks michael for keeping us entertained!
Posted by: jeffsd | June 30, 2009 at 07:35 PM
This is crazy and shows no regard for the rest of us Californians who regret that Michael died too soon, and have little interest in the Jackson circus, but who had hoped to spend our holiday weekend on the California Coast. So much for that, with clogged roads and empty minds. Why not get a special refrigerated coach on Amtrak and take a funeral train across the nation?
Posted by: JA | June 30, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Well said, Karen.
And to the insensitive, self-absorbed Californians who are complaining about the impending traffic. Get over yourselves! It's one freaking day! I for one will be flying in for this and will be fine to sit in traffic for as long as it takes to honor the man that meant so much to me as a child growing up and ALWAYS treated his fans with love and respect. It's too bad others can't seem to do the same for him.
Posted by: Natasha | July 01, 2009 at 11:41 AM
enough already.......let the man rest........it's been milked enough
Posted by: jack english | July 21, 2009 at 06:51 PM