Ranch near Neverland to hold a Jackson tribute
A ranch near Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County is set to host an event Friday commemorating Michael Jackson's life and legacy, according to a spokesman for management company Relevé Unlimited.
For $40 per motor vehicle, fans can park at the Ted Chamberlin Ranch, listen to DJs play music from the late pop star, eat food from vendors and watch music videos on large screens, among other activities, said company spokesman Scott Corridan.
A portion of proceeds from the event, called "The Michael Jackson Heal the World Memorial Gathering," will benefit the Heal the World Foundation, according to a statement from the company. Gates to the Ted Chamberlin Ranch are scheduled to open at 5 a.m. Friday.
Today, outside Neverland Ranch, media representatives seemed to outnumber fans and spectators at times. Trucks with large satellites and news vans lined both sides of Figueroa Mountain Road, and traffic was congested as trucks carrying construction vehicles and large landscaping vans drove in and out of the compound.
Most fans visited for only a brief time, standing in front of the gates, snapping photos and leaving. But a few people brought tents and chairs and were determined to see what events, if any, would be held at Jackson's onetime home.
Ramon and Rosa Canales drove Tuesday night from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara to see Neverland. Rosa, 50, posed in front of the gates today, holding a commemorative Michael Jackson issue of Time magazine.
The couple immigrated to the United States from Chile in 1975, but they heard Jackson's music before they ever set foot in North America.
Ramon, 59, said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard Jackson died. They decided earlier this week that they wanted to make the trip to California.
"I think it's good. It's very well controlled, it's not overwhelming," he said about the crowd at Neverland.
Rosa opened her issue of Time to a picture of Jackson's star on Hollywood Boulevard and said the photo made her want to visit it. They said they were heading to the star next and then returning to Las Vegas tonight because they have to get back to work.
-- Ari B. Bloomekatz in Los Olivos
