Though reports of a memorial for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles have been circulating, the news media feeding frenzy is stronger than ever outside the gates of Neverland Ranch, where an unending line of vehicles and trucks have been pouring in and out.

 

About a thousand people, mostly news media, remain stationed on Figueroa Mountain Road July 2 in case an event does take place at the pop star’s former home during the Independence Day weekend.

 

All around, “mike check” can be heard in at least a dozen languages, as reporters from all over the world continue to broadcast and report in front of the Neverland gates adorned in roses and orchids.

 

Erik Morsink, a reporter with the Netherlands’ Daily Telegraph, said he was sent to the valley about five days ago when the news in Europe claimed Jackson would be brought to Neverland in a glass coffin.

“Everyone is still saying something is going on here,” Morsink said, nodding to the circling media.

 

The only event he could think of that has stirred such media interest is when Princess Diana died more than 10 years ago.

Twelve-year-old Karson Avila, from Solvang, said he and his family have been camping on Figueroa for the last three days, and he has been “moon walking” for the news cameras.

“(We’ll stay out here) until the body comes,” he said. “They said he’s going to the Staples Center, but you can’t always believe what they say … Michael loved this place. I think he’d like to be buried here, like Graceland.”

 

Caterina Rossello and Alejandro Mevina said they left their homes, families and jobs to fly to California from Spain to see Jackson.

“We came here to see Michael for the last time,” Rossello said.

On June 30, they arrived in Los Angeles, rented a car and drove up to the valley. They’ve been sleeping in the car ever since, and while they were supposed to fly back to Spain on Sunday, if a memorial does happen for Jackson on July 7, they will wait to attend it.

“All my life, I dreamed of being here to see him, but not on this occasion,” Rossello said.

Meanwhile, all sorts of catering, gardening and unmarked trucks have been coming and going through the Neverland gates.

“There are so many vehicles going inside there — staging, lighting, I even saw a DJ go in there — I think something will happen,” said Jackson fan Elias Romero.

The New Mexico resident said he traded in his plane ticket to see Jackson’s London show to fly out to California and see his memorial.

 

In Los Olivos, flags continue to remain at half staff, in honor of the passing of the former resident, and businesses remain busy.

Chris Reid, an employee at the Los Olivos Café, said the restaurant has been receiving patrons from all over Europe in the last few days.

 

General Manager at the Fess Parker, Jessica Larsen, said the hotel remains full.

“Once the news came out that there’d be a viewing of the body, we sold out really quickly, in probably 20 minutes,” she said.

A lot of news media are staying at the hotel, and while rumors of a memorial for Jackson at the Staples Center did cause some cancellations, Larsen said most people are staying and the hotel is still filled.

 

Back at the ranch, the hopefuls continue their vigil in lawn chairs and fan themselves as they wait by the gate for … whatever.

Up Figueroa, away from the hubbub, a deserted sign proclaims, “We are waiting for you, Michael” standing solemnly in anticipation.

 

Reach Lauren Crecelius at lcrecelius@syvjournal.com.