Latest Michael Jackson memorial plan focuses on Staples Center

[Updated at 7:30 p.m.]

The discussions over Michael Jackson's public memorial have now focused on a possible Tuesday service, though sources stress that the Jackson family has not made a final decision.

Five sources, who are familiar with the planning process but spoke on the condition that they not be named, said authorities are drawing up plans for a massive law enforcement deployment Tuesday morning.

But Ken Sunshine, a Jackson family spokesman, said in an e-mail that he could not comment.

The site of the memorial service has been the subject of nearly a week of speculation, and possible sites have included the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Neverland Ranch.

The financing for the memorial remains unclear. Security and crowd control for the event are likely to be costly. The Lakers championship victory parade and celebration at the Coliseum cost $2 million, about half of which covered L.A. police and public works costs. There was an outcry when the city initially said it would cover some of those costs -- and private donors eventually stepped forward, among them AEG, which owns Staples. AEG was also planning Jackson's comeback tour at its O2 Arena in London.

It's also unclear how much tickets to the memorial would cost.

The Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus has long been scheduled to appear at Staples next Wednesday through Sunday, July 12. Traditionally, the Parade of the Elephants — in which the circus’ elephants walk, trunk to tail, through downtown to Staples -- is held as circus performers arrive in town.

This year, that parade was scheduled for Tuesday morning — followed by a visit by local elementary school children who were to aid in the animals' feeding. One source familiar with the planning process said that the parade would continue but that the schoolchildren would have to wait.

-- Cara Mia DiMassa, Andrew Blankstein, Maria Elena Fernandez and Harriet Ryan

Photo: A memorial to Michael Jackson near the Jackson family's home in Encino, California. Credit: Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times 

Comments

[Lucia Quatro]

"This year, that parade was scheduled for Tuesday morning — followed by a visit by local elementary school children who were to aid in the animals' feeding. One source familiar with the planning process said that the parade would continue but that the schoolchildren would have to wait."

Mr. Jackson would not want the children to wait. This is a disgrace in his name!

[Frank F]

One presumes it is the estate of the deceased who pays for this "massive law enforcement deployment." If not, let them eat traffic!

[Peter]

Let the MULTI-RICH JACKSON FAMILY AND THEIR RECORDING COMPANY PAY FOR ALL OF THIS !!

After all, he is nothing more than a "private performer", and why should the rest of us working people pay for this "performance", which most of us will never get to see ?

Michael Jackson was NOT THE PRESIDENT, NOR GOD !

Just think about that for a moment. And then reconsider .

[Mongo]

GREAT !
THE STATE IS GOING THROUGH A FINANCIAL CRISIS.....WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY OUR TEACHERS......WE CAN'T AFFORD HEALTHCARE...... UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS SKYROCKETING.......SO SURE ! LET'S SPEND A FEW MILLION TO PAY FOR A "MEMORIAL" FOR SOMEONE MANY PEOPLE CARE ABOUT....BUT ALSO MANY PEOPLE DON'T.....HEY ARNOLD, ARE YOU GOING TO VETO THIS ONE???

[Jenny S.]

If Joe is running it, I am surprised they don't encase him in a glass coffin and parade him across the globe on a world tour so fans could pay to see him. Kinda like the state fair circuit.

[cheryl]

Barnum and Bailey circus parade?! - you couldnt make it up! The whole thing is a 3 ring circus
Bury the poor guy already.

[grace carbajal]

michal jakcosn is icon and he will alway be in heart jackson

[Patricia W]

I am sick and tired of you all disrespecting the Jackson Family. Michael had given so much of his time, his talent and finances to so many people and organizations. I am a Christian but you non-Christians, judgemental people are going to make me lose my religion for just a minute to stand up for the Michael and theJackson family. You don't know how it feels to loose a brother, a son, father, uncle, etc., I have been down that road a couple of years ago with almost the same similiarities when it comes to be a single father of three kids. That's what happen to my brother Sept 2007. Why don't you all just "Leave Them Alone" as Michael repeatedly told many of you long time ago. To the Jackson Family, my condolensces and love for you always!

[savvydude]

THis is so silly. The family should have a private funeral and internment. Later on, a multi-media memorial celebration could be scheduled at venues everywhere.

No parking problems, no traffic problems, no sweat.

[Silvia Sattler]

Hello LA,

greatings from Munich in Europe.
We love Michael Jackson for his beautiful way to say the world I Love you (Earth song etc.). I´m very sad. I say Good Bye with tears in my eyes everyday to the King of Pop. R.I.P. Michael

[Anjee]

Did it really take four reporters to write that story?

[Kenton]

Jackson would not want the children circus fun to be interrupted. We know that. But, Cali should cough up the cash because MJ is making the city and state money. Think of the sales taxes from the sudden boost in income due to his death. Hotels, Rental Cars, Food, Merchandise...heck his funeral will pay for itself. I say go for it and stop penny pinching.

[Realist2009]

If the Lakers had to be paid for with private money so too should this event! Since Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are the family spokesmen let them pickup the tab. Surely we can finally put all their extorted money to use for the public good (Finally)

[Makkoli]

Take this circus to someone else's neighborhood. Residents around the Staple's Center are still replacing windows from the Laker 'fans' that were here 'celebrating' a couple weeks back.

[Mark]

Notice how the story states without irony that it's not known how much will be charged for tickets to the "memorial."

This is not a memorial. This is a fundraising event for the Jackson family.

[tomh]

The state and Fed will rake on the inheritance tax they are going to collect from MJ's estate. Go ahead and spluge and spend some of the money now. His fans need a place to greive and a tribute to the King of Pop is certainly in order. He brought so much beauty and love to this world. Maybe now his poor soul can rest in peace..... God be with you Michael. We will miss you and your amazing music.....

[Lucinda J]

Farewell to a freak. Surely the California taxpayers aren't going to get soaked with this bill too? Between paying octo-moron's hospital and nanny bills, and now this circus, no wonder your state is out of money. Combine it with the circus, let the bearded lady read his eulogy. What could be more fitting?

[Andrea Pizzey]

It's one day. One day to remember a legend from the music business. I live in England, have been a fan of Michael's since I was 12, I'm now 38 and I'm still listening to his records. If I had a chance to pay to go, or if I was given a free ticket I would take it either way. One day to remember someone who has given so much to your community. I cannot understand the need for people to fuss over such a thing, it's disrespectful. How about taking the time to come together now, even if it's just for one day?

[yashica white]

would like to be at funreal

[judy p]

I AM SO SAD TO SEE HIM GO BUT PEOPLE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT HIM SO MUCH BUT FORGOT TO SEE THE GOOD IN HIM HE GAVE ALOT TO MANY PEOPLE AND YET PEOPLE LIED ON HIM SUE HIM FOR MONEY SAID BAD THINGS ABOUT MICHALE JACKSON IS THE ONLY KING OF SOUL AND ROCK NO ONE WILL EVER TAKE HIS PLACE OR WILL EVER WALK IN THE KINGS SHOES I LOVE YOU MICHAKE JACKSON GOD HAS SENT HIS ANGELS TO TAKE YOU TO A PLACE WHERE YOU NOW CAN REST IN PEACE MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY I SIT HERE AND CRY AS I TYPE THIS ABOUT YOU IT HURTS SO SO BAD YOUR FAN JUDY P. I LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER

[Guest]

The elephant walk should be cancelled due to too many mourners attending Jackson's funeral at Staples. I'm sure there will be massive congestion... cars and people everywhere.

Why can't Ringling wait a day... have the ele walk Wednesday. Out of respect for Jackson and all those people... and respect for the safety of the elephants... do it Wednesday.

[Charla Sims]

The fact that LA can afford to finance the memorial service for Jackson while teachers and healtcare providers are paying bill with IOU's is a disgrace and tribute only to the misdirected choices this country has been making for too long. It is time we focused on what is REALLY important-healthcare and education for Americans. Happy 4th?

[charity]

Please, Please help, I will like Micheal to be laid to rest in neverland as the rest of his fans.

[Katie]

Ringling Brothers should cancel all shows. They are involved in a massive lawsuit currently anyway in which the ASPCA and former employees accuse them of violating animal rights acts, like the Endangered Species Act. They abuse their animals. I would not want them in my town!!!!

[briana]

i miss u