Michael Jackson memorial: Council members press to learn costs and benefits to L.A.

For those keeping track of potential Michael Jackson investigations, here are a couple of new requests to add to the list.

Los Angeles City Councilmembers Dennis Zine and Jan Perry are asking the city's administrative officer to review all city expenditures "made in response to the public reaction to the passing of Michael Jackson," and report on possible measures to offset those costs. They are also asking the city's budget and legislative analysts to come up with a policy that would create financial oversight and determine liability for "extraordinary, non-emergency, multi-departmental, large-scale events."

Zine, who shares City Controller Wendy Greuel's concern about a $48,826 boxed lunch order for 3,500 Michael Jackson first-responders from a sandwich shop in Wrightwood, has asked the city's chief legislative analyst to report back on how the city selects its vendors, particularly those outside city limits.

"The city's contracting requirements must not become so onerous that taxpayers are left footing exorbitant bills from non-local businesses," Zine said in his council motion.

While Zine has railed against the costs of the memorial, Councilwoman Janice Hahn offered a different view, saying the city benefited from the Jackson memorial. Today, Hahn introduced her own motion calling for a complete accounting of the tourism benefits derived from the memorial, saying it promoted Los Angeles as a global destination for Jackson fans.

“Los Angeles really looked good to the world,” she said.

Council members will take up the proposals later this month, and we hear there is more legislation in the works.

-- Maeve Reston and David Zahniser at L.A. City Hall

Photo: Police line the front of the Staples Center prior to the Michael Jackson memorial service. Credit: Sean Masterson / EPA 

Comments

[R.I.P M.J.!]

oh my god! Why can't people just treasure the memories of Michael Jackson instead of investigating ruining everything he worked so hard for!

[Great White North]

The Jackson Memorial was and event that LA got the opportunity to host - the revenue that will be earned by retaining LA as the resting home of MJ will far offset the costs incurred. The opportunity to show the world that LA can be orderly and civilized to host such an event is also a benefit.

[Bobby]

How about the TV networks caughing up some money for the costs to the city for overseeing the MJ memorial. I've sure they've made a ton of money off of their commercial sales during this entire ordeal.

[PEter]

Why didn't I get a free boxed lunch ?

Oh, that's right.............I'm home here in poor Oregon.

But I'd still like my BOXEd lunch, PLEASE !

[Nina]

To: R.I.P. M.J - What are in the 8th grade? This article addresses the cost of this event to the city in the way of extra personnel ie: Police Officers and Firemen to control crowds and to make sure the Jackson event was safe for all. This has nothing to do with Michael Jackson. Big events such of this COST BIG BUCKS...and what the city is attempting to do is discuss guidelines for possible future events that does not fall on the taxpayers. If you think about it why should tax payer moeny pay for this event? It would have made better sense if the promoters of this event would have charged a fee for tickets. That would have offset some of the city costs.

[Oh Boy!]

Politics & Big Name Entertainment go back a long way!! Michael Jackson & all expenditures of city funds need to be returned to LA. His passing is sad but AEG & the Jackson family need to step up!! They have and will continue to make BILLIONS of $ off the fans now and in the years to come. The rest of us do what good we can in life with in our means. Still we have to be responsible for what we bring upon ourselves. MJ exceeded most by far in many areas and did some good and ? things because he could. His family, premoters, and others chose to send him off in the LARGER THAN LIFE way. They should PAY THE BILL. His grandor of send off was not a LAW BUT A CHOICE! If you run up a tab at a store because you're broke and hungry one month- don't you pay it back when you get paid?? No-Just sell Memorbelia for life! $$$$$$$

[Valerie from Oregon]

$48,826 for box lunches? I read in thy LA Times yesterday that the same box lunch was available at a nearby Safeway for $17,00. It may be closing the door after the horses got out but thank God the L.A. City Council is doing a post-mortum on this event, people (agencies) need to be accountable.

[Bill Tilley]

I am happy that fans got an event to say goodbye, but I think like we did with the parade for the lakers we should of raised private funds to pay for it. I think there would of been plenty of people willing to donate.

[Michael Rules!!!]

L.A. was so incredibly lucky to have this event which ended up drawing attention to the renovated downtown area, the brand new, fabulous "L.A. Live" center and the surrounding areas like Hollywood. L.A. should pay the Jackson family for the privilege. The future benefits ftoor L.A. will be incalculable. However, why the City would spend near $50,000 in another county for their food supplies is just a tragedy. That money should have been paid for services and products that pay L.A. taxes.

[Lori McClure]

I think that selling the memorial booklet/program that the Jackson's gave out for free would raise a good amount of money to pay for this event. These booklets were given out for free at the memorial service, but I believe that they could sell millions of them to fans all over the world for $25.00 a piece. I know I would pay that much......Also this would devalue the books that are now being sold on Ebay, craigslist, etc. by the people who received them for free at the service....Just a thought....

[angela morris]

i watch the memorial and thought it was a very touching memorial! L.A did a fantastic job and i think michael would have been proud. as for his father Joe Jackson, he showed how much he loved [or disloved] michael when he tried to promote his record label at the BT awards ceremony. Thank God Catherine finally has had enough of him. Throw him out lady!!! Let the buzzards eat him alive! he just wants his name in the headlines. don't listen to him. he was the reason michael was the way he was!

[tij]

This is probably the biggest FREE GLOBAL MARKETING that LOS ANGELES got. Los Angeles and LAPD showed the entire world and all corners of the world that Los Angeles is a good and safe place to visit and attend EVENTS. International events may be hosted in LA and all. LA just needs to figure out to get the share of the pie by charging an event tax fee from the event host.

The marketing of L.A. is that people will want to go to LA and attend events because the city of Los Angeles gives all the guests of LA the best services.

Think positive and solve the money problem. In time, Los Angeles will be rolling in money.

[Janet]

The issue is not the MJ memorial but how a multi million dollar promoter like AEG, who has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to city council nembers campaigns got away with not paying up for city services. Why didn't the Times reporters include this bit of info in their stories?

[Gayle]

Dennis Zine should have been ashamed of himself. First of all, he could have waited for everything to die down, not during the family was mourning their loss--and the fans

. Secondly, This city, including politicians at first did not want a first class state of the art entertaiment venture has a love-hate relationship toward AEG, Tim Leiweke and the Staples Center since Staples opened. And that is a shame because the world is looking at us like a bunch of fools fighting over things like this instead of both parties working together graceously because of this issue.

No wonder the NFL or other events do not want to come here because there is too much infighting among our politicians.

[don d]

This is fascinating. As the saying goes, politicians use figures the way drunks use light posts, for support rather than illumination. There are so many ways of looking at this and a lot has to do with the bias you bring to the table (yes, I am looking at you, Zine and Hahn). I am just amazed that it took until 2009 for somebody to call for a policy for "large-scale, extraordinary events", like we are some kind of hicktown that has never hosted 2 Olympic Games,2 World Cups, Democratic Party conventions and a Laker's championship parade or two or three. But this is too small a space to do this issue justice. I am of the belief that the memorial was a net positive. As just one example, a guy was interviewed on the radio who had flown in from Zimbabwe for the occasion, meaning he had and was willing to spend money for airfare from Harare to Cape Town to London to Los Angeles, pay for food and lodging here and probably picked up some native trinkets for the folks back home.
As far as the direct cost to the city, I agree with the previous poster who called for a sort of event tax.
And next time, get Subway sandwiches from a local store. It's what I do when I have to work an extended shift.

[Mathew rodrigues-India]

Dear LA Mayor,
Hope you are enjoying your time out.vacation with ur friends and family.well i am shocked that LA has second thoughts of footing the bill for michael jackson memorial.may i ask it is becoz MJ(may his soul rest in peace) did pay his million $$ taxes on time over the years?? or is he becoz he is inducted 2 times in hall of fame??or is it becoz he is the most successful 'BLACK/WHITE' entertainer ever.?is it becoz he qualifies for state funeral??
developed countries like USA should set precedent to developing countries..and this is definetely more disgraceful than anyone can ever imagine.
India for eg can send millions on statues/and mindless state functions on alive person and still not cry about it..there is saying in India..'Dead person is worth much more than living'

Micheal jackson..world loves you!!may your soul rest in peace.

[Yvonne]

My mother, brother and I would like to make a trip next summer on MJ's anniversary to visit Neverland, the Staples and Nokia centres where the memorial was held, and the funeral home at Forest Lawn cemetery?

Is there a plan to set up Neverland the way MJ had it so we can experience it as authentically as possible?

Are these sites noted above very far from hotels and how much should we expect to pay to visit these sites?

Thanks

[zelda]

"oh my god! Why can't people just treasure the memories of Michael Jackson instead of investigating ruining everything he worked so hard for!"

Because those of us who live here don't want to pay for it. The Jackson's wanted it, let them pay for it. The whole event was ridiculous. MJ was not a head of state.

BTW, MJ owes millions to the IRS in back taxes.

[Steven Oliver]

I'm an Australian who plans to revisit LA one day to visit Michaels final resting place. I'm sure there are millions of other fans like me across the globe who will do likewise. The effects may not be immediate but LA will make it's money back!!

[thetrystero]

40k? 40K??? these guys have too much time on their hands. if only the government were this conscientious in scrutinizing Iraq, we could've saved Lehman 10 times over (not that it, or all of the ones that were saved, warranted saving, but i digress).

[patria]

look for all u know michael may have made amends with his dad...i doubt michael went to the grave hating his father ( he wasnt like that) & for ur information katherine & joe spend a considerable amount of time together because they are allowed to !!! at the end of the day, Joe Jackson is still Michael's Dad wether u like it or not, yes sure the mans made mistakes in the past-havent we all??? oh thats right...ur God aye???... regardless of what kind of parent he was like...maybe if Michael had of heeded his father's word when Joe busted in on his home, he may still be living today enjoying his 3 babies, Joe obviously loved his son on a tough note but at least he had the balls to reach out... so build a bridge, get your walk on & get over it !!!!

[Susanne]

I hope you will forgive me as a non resident of L.A putting in my pennyworth.

I live in Great Britain I was last in L.A. in 1992 ( stayed at the Biltmore) very nice.
Watching the MJ Memorial and the days leading up to it.I thought L.A. looked beautiful and remarked to my Hubby we must go back there for a holiday.

I think L.A. probably made / and will make a lot of money out of the people from overseas who will now visit L.A.
MJ probably paid millions of $s in taxes in his life and his legendary spending must also have boosted the local economy.

L.A I think came out of this looking very good to the world.(at least we saw it had a heart) dont cheapen that by arguing about a couple of million $s

[Confused Reader]

As I read the comments of the Councel Persons, I am shocked that they are more interested in an event tax from an event that brought international attention and visitors to its City, instead of who made the decision to pay that much for box lunches to a business outside the City.
It seems the Jackson family contributed to the economic impact on the City for the event, however someone getting paid by the City contributed to an economic impact for someone elses City!
SO SAD THAT AGAIN POLITICIANS MISS THE REAL ISSUE!!!!!

[mike]

LA will reap the benifit of michael jackson like memphis is with elvis for decades to come. now not only is california known for its stars of stage and screen and other celebrities. It is becoming famous for its inept politicians who have managed to place the state in such a mess it has to pay its bills with AN I O U . pathetic to think that the dead man you are whining about is the one who is going to help you out of your financial pickle. we have a little more respect for the dead here in canada.

[Bill]

My question? After all those people came there and spent countless dollars over the course of MJ's funeral..before and after, how much tax revenue did the City of Angels collect? How much over the years have people like Michael Jackson contributed to making L.A. such an attraction. When time is money, how often is it that your very own elected and hired City officials squander and plunder City Tax Payers Dollars by stopping by the doughnut shops or chatting on their cell phones or simply just blowing money and wasting time? It all adds up and the least you could do is help finalize any humans last appearance they'll have on Earth regardless. Save more money by watching your living than grunting about the costs of burying the dead.

[jana lalewicz]

Glad the city reconsidered on footing the bill for the memorial costs. THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE MADE AN ISSUE OF IT TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!!!! MJ paid his taxes(as far as we know) & it seems alot of celebrities have a real problem doing that. He was a WELL DOCUMENTED humanitarian, giving more away to charity than any other star. He used his time, energy, & talent to give back to mankind. I wonder just how many lives have been touched by his kindness that we don't even know about?? This city should never have opened it's mouth about the cost as far as I'm concerned!! The boxed lunch cost sort of cracks me up though! Could it be just one more opportunity to take advantage of an event in Michael Jackson's name?? Hmmm.......I WONDER????

[Cathy]

I can't even believe this was an issue for L.A. As others have said, the tourism generated by the MJ memorial must have more than made up for any expense in this case. And if MJ is buried at Neverland or anywhere near L.A., the city's economy will be stimulated in his name for years and decades to come.

I mean give me a break! I'm all for not wasting tax dollars, but MJ had a huge effect on the cultural landscape of the 20th century. He worked hard all his life, paid taxes, and gave large chunks of money to humanitarian causes - more than any other celebrity. The memorial was tastefully done and certainly not overdone in terms of its presentation. The man deserved it.

[Beat It]

LA definitely made it's money back on the memorial participants. Figure that roughly 10,000 folks came to town (a low estimate, but about the amount of fans that filled the Staples Center). Let's say that they spent about $200 each (which will barely get you a hotel for one night and dinner). That adds up to... $2,000,000 folks! thrust (unexpectedly) into to the LA economy! Now that's being very conservative because we all know more people came than that and spent more than that, plus I agree that the long term effects for LA tourism will be nothing but positive.

The box lunch thing I believe is forgivable, as a recent article noted that your local Subway could not make 3,500 sandwiches with 12 hours notice (oh the poor pimply sandwich technician). The place they used provided an entire kit for the day including snacks, beverages and meals to keep the officers prepared. It was money well spent, we don't want any grumbling officers getting fussy because they're hungry do we? From the Article: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_12786871?source=rss

"This is a company that is under contract with the Fire Department and is the only one we know of locally who is able to meet our needs," (general manager of the Emergency Services Department) Featherstone said. "They were able to pull together meals for 3,500 people in 12 hours' notice. That is a box with two meals and all the materials we need."

Featherstone said the emergency packets meet state and federal standards on rations for emergency personnel, including quality, durability and caloric values.

An official at Jensen's said the store, which has catered lunches for the city of Los Angeles before, has a catering operation that often prepares box lunches for police and firefighters responding to large events.

For the Jackson event, Jensen's made 3,500 box lunches, averaging to $13.95 per lunch for a total of $48,826. The lunch consisted of two drinks, two sandwiches - a croissant and hoagie - cookies, a granola bar, chips and gum.

It took 10 to 12 hours to put them all together.

"We just have an assembly line that puts it all in," said the Jensen's official, who declined to give her name. "We can get it done on a moment's notice."

An informal survey of catering companies in the Los Angeles basin found several that said they could provide that many box lunches with two sandwiches and drinks on short notice for the same price or perhaps a dollar or two less per lunch.

[Nina]

Hi Everyone..
I DO live in Los Angeles..I know that the city and the State of California is broke. City jobs in Los Angeles have taken a huge hit. Though I think the memorial was wonderful and in the appropriate place as Michael and his family live in Los Angeles County, I do not think the taxpayers (ME) should not have to foot the bill for the security cost. This is the entertainment capitol of the world. There is lots of entertainment money here. I think the memorial service should have come with a ticket fee - modest but with a fee to offset costs. I do not think anyone realizes that freeways were shut down, for this funeral..that millions were effected in their daily lives. I adored Michael Jackson..but many don't..It is a cost to the tax payers that is rediculous. Michael Jackson was the King of Pop..but he was not the President Of The United States. If you lived here, you would understand what a huge thing this was, and how for a brief time, Los Angeles was at a standstill...Unheard off...Like any major city...to stop it..takes and "army"...and an army is what we had. THAT COSTS MONEY! Tourism may increase in the future because of this...but those of us who live here pay rediculous taxes...and it is my tax money that will end up paying for this. The entertainment industry is FAT with money...they should help offset some of these cost. Los Angeles is a wondeful city, and many celebrities make this their home..Entertainment cooporate sponsership would have been appreciated.

[Tina]

Why are people so shocked about the City trying to stretch it's money? The State is broke, the City has had to lay off people due to the recession. Los Angeles has tons of money mostly tied to the entertainment industry. This was an entertainment event, why should the city have to pay for this? I am a taxpayer in Los Angeles county..I would rather preserve jobs than have to pay for this. Just seems to me that the entertainment GIANTS of Los Angeles could of at least foot some of the bill...NOT the taxpayers. L.A. is my town...I pay taxes..BIG ONES at that...why do we have to pay for this? I love Michael Jackson but come on..The city at least at this time does not have millions lying around for an even like this. Tourism will always flourish...not worried about that....but the most immediate problem lies is the City has to pay for this lavish memorial service....the city folks are people like me a resident and TAXPAYER...when the money runs low guess who's taxes get raised????????? Come on BIG ENTERTAINMENT BOYS..help the city out...save some jobs!

[Tina]

and...to all the people who just want to preserve the memory of Michael Jackson and not talk about this...this is REAL WORLD stuff...nice if we could go through life not talking about budgets...money problems and how to pay for things..but as yopu "GROW UP".....that is real life. I am not saying the memorial for Michael Jackson was a bad thing...it was very nice...but SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR IT!..get it? It cost millions of dollars...and if YOUR tax dollar had to pay for it...you would be concerned as well.. Like I said in my other post..L.A. is the entertainment capital of the world. LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of money in L.A....I just think they should have "written a check" on this one. we are in a recession and money is not plentiful...the industries with millions sit quiet while the City budget is hit hard...and that includes jobs...and if things do not improve raised taxes for people like me....

[sharon]

LA had nothing to prove regarding the Memorial. We handled it with style class and in perfect order. We are used to celebs living amongst us..no big deal..and the entertainment industry surrounds us..This event went better than planned and we are greatful for that. BUT we have nothing to prove..The only problem I have with this is TAXPAYER money should not be spent for a private memorial...This was an entertainer's service..let the entertainment industry pick up the tab. As a resident in Los Angeles county I don't want my Tax dollars spent on this event. Our taxes are too high as it is...we are in a recession..and alot of City employees were laid off...Tax dollars are for jobs..not personal memorial services...Don't get me wrong I loved Michael Jackson...but to many people sitting on millions of dollars that are not offering to pay. Not fair for the city and taxpayers to foot the bill.

[Vivian]

I hope the Jackons will read these. Because after reading these they will make the right decision about where to bury Michael Jackon. Anywhere else, even out of country, or throw his ashes into the ocean but not letting him bury at LA. Poor Michael Jackson, even in death he can't still not rest. He should you keep that $300 million dollars that he gave out for charities to pay his own $1.4 million memorial cost and taxes that someone claimed that he owes. People just don't appreciate what Michael has done!

[Chris-Ann Clarke]

R.I.P M.J.I HAVE JUST FINALY EXCEPTED THE FACT THAT YOUR GONE. A LEGEND GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

[Michael]

I say, Michael Jackson has paid his taxes. He deserves to be honored and rested without this garbage from LA council. The fans will come for years on from around the world to pay their respect to the King. And the benefit to LA council is huge in the long term. LA council put your shoe in your mouth. The King is an honorable man who donated more money to charity than you ever will.

[julie pimblett]

i agree with the comment someone made about the LA moaning about how much micheal jacksons memorial cost! they will make alot of money out his death with using neverland as tourist place, and should have more respect for such a fabulous entertainer, who will never be replaced. i have always idolised mj all my life and he will be sadly missed, god bless micheal. love julie xx

[catherine Carter]

It takes the small minds of government to harp on an issue like this. Would this have been an issue with Elvis. Michael was the greatest entertainer on earth, and would you expect Europe to have the same difficulty accepting the expense. i think not.

Difficult times you must make different measures. Take it from there.

Love you Michael. Miss you terribly.