Michael Jackson fans spend night outside Neverland Ranch
Before the sun rose at Neverland Ranch this morning, a group of four women from Lancaster worked to pitch a tent on the side of Figueroa Mountain Road at the Santa Barbara County site.
"We're here to honor Michael Jackson," said Karless Osby, 50, a retired corrections officer. "We're going to be here until Friday."
The four took turns hammering in stakes and trying to keep warm by wrapping up in blankets. Osby's friend, 49-year-old Desiree Crossley, said she had always wanted to see the inside of Neverland and hoped it would be open Friday for a public viewing and memorial.
Crossley, her two daughters -- Antonae Martin, 17, and Desiree Bell, 19 -- and Osby piled into a PT Cruiser about 1 a.m. this morning and made the drive to Neverland. They wanted to be sure they got a parking spot and were among the first in line for any possible memorial event. They brought a cooler stocked with snacks. They also brought their own portable toilet, water, a heater and coffee mugs.
"We were expecting more people to be here," Crossley said at about 5 a.m.
Meanwhile, several media outlets prepared for their morning newscasts. Some represented local television stations, and others provided coverage for shows on the East Coast and across the nation. Some journalists from Australia and other countries also prepared international feeds.
None knew exactly what the Jackson family plans were through the rest of the week and over the July 4th weekend. When asked if they knew of any details of any possible events at Neverland, two Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies said they had no idea.
As light began to break through the darkness, Crossley said she hoped Neverland would be the place for a memorial. She also hoped the estate would be turned into a museum and mecca for Jackson's fans in similar style to Graceland in Memphis.
"This would be a great place for that," she said. "I would definitely come back."
-- Ari B. Bloomekatz in Los Olivos
Photos: (At top) In the early hours this morning, Karless Osby, left, Desiree Crossley, and Desiree Bell set up their tent on the side of the road near the gates of Neverland after traveling from Lancaster. (Above, right) A fresh wreath is put up at Neverland on Tuesday. Credit: Jay L. Clenenin / Los Angeles Times
Photos: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
I really want to be there, I am hurting inside knowing that I can't. I never had the opportunity to see Michael perform live, I never met him, and this would be my last opportunity to do so. I know that I won't accept that he's gone until I have this closure, but I am denied even that?!!! Life is so unfair sometimes. My heart still aches, is so heavy, from remembering what I/we have lost. I look at his videos and can't help but ask, "Why Michael?" He accomplished so much during his life, he did so much good, and brightened everyone's life with his talent. Now it seems as if the sun isn't nearly as bright, the sky isn't as beautiful, and nature itself is silent and has come to a standstill in mourning Michael's passing. Why God? Why Michael? Michael is gone, but so much evil lives on? Why? What a tragedy! A part of me died with Michael, I will never be quite the same. I have memories of Michael since I was 7 or 8 years old. Remembering that talent, his grace, his beautiful smile brings tears to my eyes. The only thing that keeps me going is my hope that when I die, he will be the one to greet me; I hope that I am not denied in death what I was denied in life. Dance in Heaven Moonwalker. We love you...always.
Posted by: Carla | July 01, 2009 at 09:57 AM
i felt the same and i cry every night while searcing lartes news of him online and watching his video...i desperately go online in whenre i can buy all michael jackson collection and feel bad hat they are all sold out here in japan. i would suggest that to all who brought michael jacksons concert ticket, pls dont refund it and i suggest the money will be deducted to pay all michael jackson'S debt... pls lets leave him no debt in this crazy world ho gives him so much pain while he is still alive..
i love u MJ....
Posted by: shara r | July 01, 2009 at 11:28 AM
It really stinks that Michael died. I feel so bad for him and his fans(me) and his family. I wish he lived to be 120 years old. That would be wonderful! I wanted to go to his concert in Londen. I feel really depressed since he passed away ]=
Posted by: Kalie | July 01, 2009 at 07:03 PM