There’s a little bit of everything. Anticipation. Excitement.  Frustration. Sadness. Uncertainty.

In the center of it all: a man who many considered the greatest pop star of this generation.

Every day has been different this week.

On Monday, speculation began that a memorial may be held at Neverland. Thus, we set to find out what actually was going on. Supervisor Doreen Farr held an afternoon press conference, in which she said they did not hear anything about a possible memorial in Santa Barbara County.

Press conference in Solvang, Monday

That was that. On Monday.

By Tuesday, everything changed. There was apparent confirmation by a source close to the Jackson family that indeed, a memorial was being held at Neverland. Several media outlets confirmed that information as well. I got pulled off my original story and we went to the Ranch again. The satellite trucks started to show up. Here was the scene Tuesday afternoon:

Satellite trucks, Tuesday afternoon

By Wednesday, it grew. Take the amount of cars and media in this photo, then double it. My iPhone picture couldn’t capture the entire scene, but I hope you get the picture.

Wednesday afternoon

By Wednesday afternoon, the Jackson family confirmed there will NOT be a public memorial at Neverland. That of course, changed the focus of the day.

Besides dealing with the actual information of putting together a story such as this, there were also other nominal factors my photographer and I dealt with.

Crowds. Traffic. HEAT. And working equipment. Just parking and getting to the front gates of Neverland Ranch was a slight challenge because of the narrow roads. That was one of the things that initially ran through my mind when we had heard a memorial would be held there. The Ranch is in such a rural area. There would be no place for fans to park or rest… that, on top of standing out in the heat for hours would not be a good thing.

On Wednesday, we tried to coordinate a satellite live with our NBC affiliate in Los Angeles. However, because of logistics and equipment, that ended up not working out (you learn to have a lot of back-up plans in this business).

And ultimately, there was the heat. I’ve lived in the desert, so I know how heat feels like. However, I have been so spoiled by Central Coast weather that the heat in the Santa Ynez Valley on Wednesday really got to me (and also made a semi-permanent tan line on my feet because of my heels).

Our photographer, Kim, editing the piece

There are a few things I took from all of this.

1) There are some fans who will do most anything to honor their favorite pop star.

2) There will always be some who criticize what they see as the media’s “over the top” coverage of pop culture.

3) There are certain entertainment icons who will attract unwaivering attention from media all over the world. Michael Jackson is one of them.

4) Santa Barbara County will always be tied to Michael Jackson. Both the good and the bad.

In the end, no matter how you felt about the man, he is a person… a man mourned by his family, friends… and in this rare case, millions of people all over the world.

This past year, I taught hip-hop classes for teenagers at The Dance Studio in Santa Maria. It was such a great experience so I wanted to share more about it here.

On Saturday, The Dance Studio held their recital. I spent a lot of the past week after work helping out with rehearsals leading up to this day.

Looking back at this past season, it was challenging at times to balance both a busy news day and a busy dance evening, but I wouldn’t change for anything!

Here are some photos from that final rehearsal:

Some of the younger kids in the program

While breaking news sometimes did change plans for a few of those classes, I absolutely LOVED being a part of it.

In regards to dance, this is one of my favorite quotes:

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” -Martha Graham

And to all the students… keep dancing, keep feeling the music, and keep those arts alive.

A day after the death of Michael Jackson, the reaction to his passing continues to flow in.

Today, I talked to Michael Stevens, one of the former jurors in his case. Stevens was juror #7.

Click on this link for the full story/video.

I also talked to my friend and co-worker, Carina, who covered the case back in 2005 in Santa Maria. Here’s what she had to say about it:

“I was just as shocked as the millions of others to learn about Michael Jackson’s untimely death. It truly is the end of an era. As I watch the endless media coverage on all the major networks, I’m taken back four years to when I covered the daily proceedings of his child molestation trial in Santa Maria. There I was, three years into my reporting career, sitting in on one of the biggest trials of the century against the biggest star of my generation. He seemed frail and not the phenomenon I grew accustomed to seeing on TV growing up, still it was hard not to be star struck. I kept to my journalistic integrity… and then after the trial was said and done, I went back to being a fan of his music, which will forever live on, but, as unbelievable as it is, the King of Pop’s reign is over.”

Besides the messages praising Jackson’s music, I’ve also heard the criticisms.

There have some who told me, “Why are we focusing on Michael Jackson SO much?” I’ve heard everything from “He’s just a celebrity” to “There are more important issues out there” and “He was just a crazy singer.”

Here’s my take. Yes, there are more important issues are there. Yes, he did behave strangely at times. And yes, there is a lot of coverage about his passing.

But Jackson’s music (even if you are not a fan) touched so many people throughout the years. I believe music to be a force which brings people together and heals the soul. 

Was he a troubled individual? Yes.

But you can’t deny what he did for music, dance, and people all over the world.

Where to begin.

The American culture is obsessed with celebrity and stardom. This week, we lost three influencial people in the entertainment world. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

Our producers already had planned coverage for the death of Fawcett. Then, my day changed when we found out Jackson had passed away as well.

Needless to say, it was quite hectic in the newsroom once NBC News was able to confirm Michael Jackson’s death. Jackson lived in Santa Barbara County for years. His long legal battle was also centered in this county.

On top of a few other stories I had to do, we put together this piece highlighting Jackson’s ties to the Central Coast under a tight deadline:

I still remember Jackon’s Bad record my family had at home many years ago. We would play it all the time. I’ve danced to Jackson’s music. I’ve choreographed to his songs. Whether you liked him or you didn’t, there is no denying his huge contribution to pop culture.

He did have quite a checkered past, including his trial right here in Santa Maria.

The Facebook and Twitter world blew up as word of Jackson’s death spread. Reaction was somewhat mixed.

Central Coast resident, Chuck, said this:

“He was a weirdo but his music was a big part of my childhood. I still turn up the car radio when he comes on. Makes me feel I’m getting old when two teen idols from the 80’s died on the same day.”

A few others on Facebook/Twitter:

“This is horrible news, the man was a great artist and performer. He will be missed.”

“Although he had grown stranger and stranger with each passing year, there was no denying that he was an extraordinarily gifted artist. What a sad day.”

“… childhood musical and dance inspiration, Michael Jackson. No words, no tears, nothing. I don’t think it’s hit me and I’m almost choosing to stay numb.”

Others on my Facebook/Twitter pointed to his controversial past, including his previous accusations of child molestation. Some pointed to how fast our attention has changed:

“Michael Jackson is receiving accolades he does NOT deserve. His victims still suffer. He is NO hero.”

“All of the facebook/twitter analysts have suprisingly shifted their focus from human rights in Iran to LA Laker trades to Michael Jackson’s death. ”

“let’s all jump on the michael jackson bandwagon now that he died and we feel bad for making fun of him for molesting kids and generally being a weirdo.”

So I’m not a hiker.

I’m not saying I hate the outdoors.

I do enjoy my occassional camping trip. I love the beach. I love the mountains. But if I had to choose between a vacation in a luxury hotel or an outdoor excursion, you will probably find me lounging in a comfy hotel room versus braving the elements.

HOWEVER, a new place in the Santa Maria Valley could change my mind (or at least, begin to change my mind).

Welcome to Los Flores Ranch Park.

The media got a sneak peak of this park Wednesday. You can hike, you can ride horses, photograph the nature… and it’s a pretty big open space too. 1,774 acres to be exact.

The recreation manager of the city of Santa Maria, Dennis Smitherman, says this park is a year in the making and it’s still not done. An outdoor education center is currently in the works. You can also expect dozens of more trees to be planted in the near future as well (and who doesn’t like to breathe clean air)?

For now, it is free to the public. We asked whether the public will be charged later on down the line. Smitherman says that is a possibility. However, for now, you can enjoy more than 1,700 acres of nature… right here in the Central Coast.

The park officially opens this Saturday at 9 a.m.

Okay, so who wants to take me on a hiking trip?!

If you asked me where I went on Tuesday for work, it would be a very long answer.

I started off my morning earlier than normal. After I brewed my morning cup of coffee, I hit the road to head down to Santa Barbara. I don’t mind the drive to Santa Barbara when I’m in my news car. On the way down, I either listen to news radio or I catch up on my morning phone calls. However, this morning was a different story.

Right before the Santa Barbara area, I came to a halt on the 101. We were not moving at all. I figured it was some type of accident. Turns out… unfortunately, I was correct.

I later learned that there was a fatal accident on Highway 101. 

CHP says the driver was not wearing her seatbelt properly. I was stuck in traffic on the southbound side of the 101 for at least an hour. At this point, there really isn’t anything I can do. I could complain about the traffic, but really–would it help? No. Plus, the circumstances surrounding what caused the traffic jam made me realize that my problems were far smaller than what others were perhaps dealing with that day. 

During my time stuck on the highway, many people were actually getting out of their cars to find out what was going on. I conversed with some of the fellow drivers next to me and made a few friends. I also listened to President Obama’s morning address (he talked about everything from Iran to smoking).

I did eventually reach Santa Barbara. It took me about 2 hours and 40 minutes (after finding parking in downtown).

I headed towards the courthouse to cover the Jesse James Hollywood trial.

Hollywood, 2005

Once I got to the security screening inside the courthouse, I come to find the courtroom is FULL. At this point, I explained my situation and why I was arriving so late. The sheriff’s deputies there had also heard about the accident as well. They were pretty accommodating and were able to squeeze me in the back of the courtroom. I fortunately, did not run into the problem I had the first time I covered this case. That, my friends, is a whole different blog post.

I stayed until the lunch break. I wanted to stay much longer. However, in this world of deadlines, sometimes it isn’t possible. After talking with my boss, we decided to do our editing in our main station (where most of the file video for this case was). Thus, I hopped back in the car, drove back up the 101, stopped for a few minutes for a bathroom break, then reached my final destination.

On most occasions, traffic and being on the road for such a long time makes me a bit irritable (c’mon, who isn’t annoyed by traffic)? But today, I was fine. I think sometimes, you just need to realize what is in and out of your control. This morning, nobody could have predicted the accident which tragically killed a mother of a 12 year old. And there was no way I could predict how long Hollywood’s direct and cross-examination would take. 

In the end, you realize sometimes you just need to take a deep breathe, work towards what you need to accomplish, and be confident that everything will turn out alright.

Under the new law, the President wants to make it a lot tougher for people to start smoking (especially young people).

I visited a cigarette store in Santa Maria (the owner wasn’t there so we couldn’t talk to that store) and one in Orcutt (very friendly owner). We talked to some long-time smokers who know that smoking is not the healthiest thing for them. Most we spoke to didn’t think the legislation would help.

Here’s the story we did on Monday. 

We did a poll (like we do everyday) on our home page.  61% supported this new federal legislation. The other 39% did not. Thoughts? Will it work? Will it fail?

I know it’s a little early to start thinking about this national holiday, but who doesn’t like to talk about a good party?

We have a list of celebrations taking place all across the Central Coast.

If you know of another celebration, feel free to shoot me an e-mail or leave me a comment. I’ll make sure to forward it along!

It’s a big toy. An expensive toy. About $340,000 to be exact.

This picture is courtesy of Direct Relief International’s Facebook page.

I just got off the phone with a spokesman over at Direct Relief International. DRI, as well as the SB Bucket Brigade, helped raise the funds to purchase this Type-III brush truck. They ordered it last July. The big present for the SB County Fire Department just arrived today.

It couldn’t have come at a better time. Since the summer of 2007, Santa Barbara County has dealt with four major wildfires (Zaca Fire, Gap Fire, Tea Fire, and Jesusita Fire).

With a long and dry summer ahead, I’m sure the SB County Fire Department will be putting this donation to very good use.

Wednesday = Lakers Parade Day.

Here I am with my siblings, celebrating the victory at the parade!

Okay, so obviously I’m a HORRIBLE photoshopper, but my brother and sister attended the parade on Wednesday and sat inside a packed Coliseum. Here’s a photo of the stadium (a few minutes after this picture was taken, my sister said the stands were filled to capacity).

I was a bit jealous of my brother and sister. Our whole family has always been Lakers fans. I’ve mentioned it before–my parents actually follow the game closer than I do.

However, with this parade came discussion about whether or not the city should even have such a large celebration. Immediately after the victory in Game 5 on Sunday, riots broke out resulting in several arrests and nearby stores being looted (c’mon folks, is this any way to celebrate a BASKETBALL WIN??) And the budget problems that most all cities are going through didn’t help the situation either. The price tag for the parade was estimated to be around $2 million dollars. In the end, however, private donors stepped up to pay for much of the cost.

So what were your thoughts about this? I reached out on Twitter to hear both sides of this argument. Here is what a few of you had to say:

Bradpirman: after the rioting, LA didn’t deserve a parade! Get it together LA!

LegendFox: I heard the Lakers put up 1 million of there own money. But what about the costs from all the rioting?

izaldivar: wow, as much as i love the lakers im not sure that was the best way to spend CA’s money.

asumorgan: I hope you realize that the Lakers and private companies paid for the parade, AEG, Wasserman group ect….Didn’t cost LA $1

DFNelson: I think I know where you’re going. Remember to note that a lot of private money went in to cover the cost of the parade.

 

 

So whether or not you thought it was a good idea to have this parade, hundreds of thousands of people (including my lovely siblings) showed up to support the NBA Champs. Either way, I’m still a Lakers fan and can’t wait until next season.