Michael Jackson is dead...a mile from my house

My neighborhood is under siege. I happen to live in Westwood, maybe a mile from the UCLA Medical Center. Helicopters continue to whirr overhead. It sounds like the opening of MASH on a loop. The media has descended like a swarm of locusts. And Michael Jackson fans are arriving in droves. This is real annoying for the Iran protesters who are waving flags and marching in front of the Federal Building.

Streets in the area are a complete snarl. Not a good night to attend any of the movies showing in the L.A. Film Festival, also going on tonight in Westwood.

And try getting a table at the California Pizza Kitchen.

His house, which is even less than a mile from me, is now surrounded by fans. And tourist vans. Lots of tourist vans. Do not try to get to the valley by going through Bel Air tonight.

In death as in life, the world of Michael Jackson is a circus. Media outlets from around the globe are here. So are fans hoping to catch a glimpse of other Jackson family members. Cellphone cameras are at the ready. Nearby frat houses are blasting Michael Jackson hits (although that’s something they might be doing anyway). There must be a thousand Tweets a minute being sent from the scene.

I’ll report back if anything else happens. Hey, you kids! Get off my lawn! There’s nothing to see here!

P.S.
Fans are also gathering at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But it's the wrong Michael Jackson. They're paying tribute to the radio talkshow host, Michael Jackson.