L.A. Picks Up Jackson's Memorial Tab

$1.4 Million Cost Drew Criticism; Mayor Rips Web Site Aimed at Getting Donations

(AP)  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is trying to quell an escalating debate over who should pick up the estimated $1.4 million tab for police, traffic control and other services related to Michael Jackson's memorial service.

Villaraigosa, who was vacationing in South Africa a week ago when more than 17,000 fans flocked to downtown Los Angeles to watch the public memorial, asserted Monday that the city will pay. He said he will not ask the Jackson family or AEG Live, the owner of the Staples Center where the event was held, to help the city recoup its expenses, and he lambasted a city Web site set up to request donations.

"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period," Villaraigosa said during his first public appearance since returning from his weeklong trip. "The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical."

Despite his comments, the City Council was expected to take up the issue Tuesday when City Attorney Carmen Trutanich reports on the costs of the event. Trutanich launched an investigation into laws to force third parties to pay the municipal costs associated with unexpected events such as the Jackson memorial.

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Complete coverage of Jackson's life and death

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Villaraigosa told reporters that major events such as the memorial occur frequently in Los Angeles and other big cities. New York and Chicago do not ask others to cough up cash, he said.

The mayor called the city's donation Web site, which raised $35,000, "ridiculous." The site stopped operating Friday afternoon. It was unclear whether the money would be returned to donors.

Villaraigosa's comments was in contrast to a statement attributed to him in a news release distributed by his office last week. In it, he encouraged Jackson fans to memorialize the pop star by donating to the city.

The release quoted Villaraigosa as saying: "Michael Jackson's music touched millions of fans across the globe. Donations will help the City of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves."

Matt Szabo, the mayor's spokesman, said the idea to seek donations came from Councilwoman Jan Perry, who served as acting mayor while Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti were out of the country.

"Her office asked for donations to be mailed in," Szabo said. "The bottom line is our office then moved to support that effort with an online contribution form."

Perry could not immediately be reached for comment.

The issue took on political overtones last week when several council members asked who was going to foot the bill at a time when the city faces a $530 million budget shortfall and layoffs.

[curious51]

I paid the McGregor, Tx PD for my son's funeral escort, knowing that it was possible that they in fact murdered him.
McGregor PD did not investigate Joshua's death. Four of the five officers on scene, resigned simultaneously, in June, 2006, only 3+ months after his death!
www.americaiswatching.org (Joshua Robinson) Attached documents, including a crime scene photo, statement that a patrol officer was the last person to see Josh alive in Amsler Park @ 1AM, petition/comment section, and contact numbers.
If anyone wants to contribute to my fight for justice, I need to have my son exhumed and another autopsy done.
Contact me: [e-mail]

[psk123-2009]

His parents could have had a quiet, private funeral. Instead they turned it in to a very expensive public circus. I do not see where the public taxpayer should be footing the bill for this guy's funeral. Just like most folks here, I've had to pay out of my own pocket for funeral expenses in the past, and expect to be doing it again in the future with no help from the taxpayers in my city or state.

Jackson's parents WANTED this circus, Jackson's parents should PAY for this circus. Heck, I didn't know him, why should I pay for his burial? Why should the rest of the taxpayers foot this bill either?

[valentin73]

Why not have Jessi Jackson and Al Sharpton organize some funds drive from the Black Community in support of their lost brother, instead of just wanting the world to honor Mr Jackson. It takes money too, not just talk.......................................................

I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASSED FOOT THE BILL FOR ANY POLICE ESCORTS, GUARDS, ETC., WHY CHANGE NOW. I AGREE WITH OTHERS THAT THE FUNDS THE CITY PLANS TO EXPEND COULD BE UTILIZED FOR OTHER NEEDED MEANS. THE JACKSONS SHOULD FOOT THIS BILL.

[curious51]

I agree. When my son died, suspiciously I might add, I paid the escort fee to the McGregor, Tx police department. Of course, not one officer showed, explaining to me, "we were unavailable."
The Jackson family has more money than God and are expecting the taxpayes to foot the bill! Ludicrous!
My son's story: www.americaiswatching.org (Joshua Robinson) Attached documents, including a petition.

[avigil2]

Don't assume that "the Jackson family has more money than God". None of the Jacksons with the exception of Janet, is working in the biz.

Who paid for the vacation in South Africa?

[cdegolier]

Another reason why liberals are ruining the State of California.

[wasrinrime]

Was there an agreement prior to the Jackson Memorial that the city pick up the tab at the taxpayers expense? If so then so be it - even though they are complaining about the city being broke - if not then the estate should reimburse the city. Plain and simple! these are tough times and venues like these should not take presidence.

[rightthing]

No his family should not have to pay for his memorial service and sure hope his family did not have an agreement to do that. remember they had the memorial for us fans not for themselves. They could have just had a private service and not shared his life and musuc with any of us.

[AOCGUY]

Did anyone ask the taxpayers of Los Angeles if they wanter to foot the bill for the memorial service of a private citizen? I think not. If I lived there I would be furious if my tax dollars went to fund a private party. I'm sure there are more pressing needs that benefit the entire city rather than the privilaged view (probably most from outside of the city).

[rightthing]

I am sure your tax dollars like everyone else in this country is used to pay for many things that you are not in agreement with. this was the funeral of a huge american pop star who has entertained us all for many years. it is not his fault that he died at a time during an economic down turn. I wonder would you be saying this if it had been an entertainer that you cared for(frank sinatra perhaps?)I am certain that when he was alive and performing in america as well as other countries no one minded him being there because the cities made gobs of money from his fame on hotels, food etc.try to get over your sour disposition

[drivelphobe]

Our Mayor, who finally realized he couldn't win the Governor race, is worthless. Poster number one is right on about his egotistical derangement. $1.4 million is nothing to this guy. He sent $1 million to Jalesco Mexico for a library under the guise of cultural exchange. Where has he been ? Off with his new little flame on the taxpayer's dime. He is leading Los Angeles further into the cesspool. He is pandering now to the fans of Michael Jackson? I wonder if he's using the IOU's yet.

[GovernmentControl]

This state is going bankrupt but the tax payers are forced to pay millions for police protection for some child abusers funeral.

[TheMasses0009]

CA and especially LA and SF are cesspools. I hope an earthquake soon relegates CA back into the ocean from whence it came. And their little dogs too ................

aww your just jealous cause your not from there and you know you want to be

[avigil2]

Nice words, Hitler.

[Sloughfoot]

Villaraigosa-What you see is what you get-that is if you can see him. Looks like a smoke and mirror game myself. LA needs money to operate- however,donations not accepted. Egotistical self serving poli-bogs want the citizenry to foot the entire bill. Well that's great, how about using the donations to help feed or house some of the poor. Because the real issue this wasn't Villaraigosa's idea and his ego was offended by intrusions into his domain by a temp. interloper.