Media, fans to converge for Jackson funeral today

SOUTH GLENDALE — Media representatives for media outlets from around the world, fans and friends are expected to converge on the South Glendale Avenue entrance to Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park this evening to catch a glimpse of Michael Jackson’s funeral caravan.

The funeral is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., and already media outlets have set up camp within the restricted press area.

South Glendale Avenue is blocked between San Fernando and Los Feliz roads, as are a handful of neighborhood access streets surrounding the sprawling cemetery.

Security is tight, and Glendale police have discouraged fans from trying to converge on the site. Police helicopters were patrolling the skies overnight Wednesday with infrared cameras to guard against trespassers.

Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said the cost of providing public security for the event would be roughly $150,000, to be covered by the Jackson estate.

On Wednesday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge cleared the way for the estate to cover the costs after seeking assurances from attorneys that the tab could be absorbed.

For ongoing coverage of the funeral procession, including reports from the scene, check out www.glendalenewspress.com, our blog updates at www.tcnnorth.wordpress.com, or follow us on www.twitter.com/GlendaleNP.