Michael Jackson will not be buried in Neverland

Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch is located in Santa Barbara, California (photo source unknown).

The King of Pop will not be buried at his Neverland ranch due to legal issues, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Jackson’s family initially wanted him interred at the Santa Barbara County estate, the site of some of the happiest and saddest times in his life, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had agreed to help clear any state bureaucratic hurdles, LA Times reported citing a source close to the matter.

But county officials could not find a way to quickly circumvent legal restrictions governing burial at a private residence, the source said.

California's health and safety code makes interring any uncremated remains outside of a cemetery a misdemeanor; cremated remains can be kept in a home or private mausoleum outside a cemetery, AP reported.

UPDATE: The family released the following statement after the publication of this blog post:

"Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland. Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly."

Law enforcement officials also had expressed concerns about thousands of cars driving up a narrow mountain road to Neverland.

Santa Barbara County sheriff's Lt. Butch Arnoldi said that the two-lane Figueroa Mountain Road is not designed for a crush of cars and that his department is discussing how to make the route to Neverland as safe as possible, the LA Times reported.

There have been reports the memorial might be held at Staples Center, according to the report.

Santa Barbara County spokesman William Boyer said Wednesday that despite meetings to prepare for the possibility of a memorial service, county officials had not heard from the Jackson family. "There's been no decisions that have been made as of last night," he said.

Meanwhile, heavy construction equipment and workers were seen entering Neverland Tuesday, and broadcast news vans continued to line up the road leading to the gates, AP and CNN reported.

More than a dozen vehicles, including a tractor, a cement mixer and a backhoe, along with groups of gardeners and florists bearing huge wreaths, were spotted in the 2,500-acre property some 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles, AP reported.

Sources: BNO, Los Angeles Times, AP, TMZ
Copyright © 2009

FLASH NEWS - Michael Jackson, Honduras, Sanford

King of Pop Michael Jackson stands on a brick road at his Neverland Ranch in this undated photo of unknown source.

- A seven-year-old draft of Michael Jackson's will that leaves his estate to his mother, his three young children, and some charities is expected to surface today.

- Meanwhile, private and public memorials have been set for the pop icon. His body will return Thursday to his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara for a public viewing Friday. A private memorial service has been scheduled for Sunday. No word yet on where he'll be buried.

Though it's not the Jackson's hometown, Neverland was his beloved place. Shouldn't he rest there? It's a tough call. It's too bad the amusement park was cleared out...too bad Michael spent money the way he did. The family must realize the earning potential of turning Neverland into a Graceland-like touristic attraction, and they'll probably need the money given Michael's debts. It would also be a constant source of income for years to come. Graceland reportedly generates some $50 million in annual revenues, though I've seen figures as low as $25 million and as high as $200 million. In any case, that's what the fans would want--a place to visit Michael.

The deposed president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, addressed the United Nations on Tuesday. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

President Manuel Zelaya could face 20 years in prison if he returns to Honduras, interim President Micheletti, who says he will not resign despite international pressure, said Tuesday after a Honduras court issued an arrest warrant on charges of corruption and narcotics trafficking.

Narcotics trafficking? I can't help but think this accusation is as "real" as the resignation letter Congress "accepted from Zelaya." (Isn't forging a signature illegal?)

- The interim government said Tuesday it will send a delegation of politicians, lawyers and business people to Washington for talks.

I have been in a room with delegations of politicians, lawyers, business people and their titles, and all I can say is that it sucks. There's no worse place on Earth...it's a torture chamber.

- The United Nations Tuesday condemned the removal of Zelaya as a coup and demanded his “immediate and unconditional restoration” via a one-page resolution passed by acclamation in the 192-member body.

I've no idea what's going to happen here. If over two weeks of violent protests did nothing to change the outcome of Iran's presidential elections (a council that recounted 10% of the ballots confirmed Ahmadinejad was the winner), then what effect could a UN resolution have in Honduras?

(Chastain/AP)

- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said he "crossed lines" with women other than his mistress but never had sex with them.

Oh, brother... this just keeps getting better and better. What is he still doing in office?

Sources: AP, Reuters, CNN, USA Today, US magazine
Copyright © 2009