Holly Terrace Happenings

Today was the first time I've been to Holly Terrace at Forest Lawn Glendale since the "new rules" for Michael Jackson fans have been in place. I went to document the monthly delivery of memorial items sent in from around the world.

In a nutshell, since around May 25th or thereabouts, Forest Lawn security personnel have been verbally instructing fans who visit that they are no longer allowed to congregate on the top porch where the entry doors are, but are welcome to linger on the lower porch, sidewalk and adjacent lawn.

Fans who send flowers, cards, stuffed animals and other gifts for delivery by The Official Michael Jackson Fans of Southern California as well as the original MJFSC have been abuzz on Facebook, Twitter and other MJ message boards, expressing concern that this new policy would have a negative affect on placement of their heartfelt tributes to the King of Pop.

They need not have worried. After eight months of such deliveries, Forest Lawn management understands the importance of this ritual. The June items were indeed placed at the door as usual, after which fans who made the delivery stayed in the approved areas. A few non-regulars who drifted were courteously yet firmly reminded to either move back or leave by security.

So, why the new rules? Last week Forest Lawn executives told me that they'd get back to me with official word, but that didn't happen. They didn't reveal any details to AOL Travel either, so I don't feel singularly snubbed. (Thank you to the admins at MJDreams.net and MJJNews for the link.)

Unofficially, according to Forest Lawn sources I spoke with, the main catalyst for the change in ground rules was TMZ's May 21st publication of photos of MJ's sarcophagus surrounded by Lisa Marie Presley-inspired sunflowers. I've been doing some investigation into the photographer but since I haven't had a chance to speak with that person directly for details, I'll save that for another post when I can give you first-hand quotes.

What I can tell you is that MJ fans have been in an uproar over these latest TMZ photos. Images of MJ's final resting place have long been a hot button topic since his entombment, sparking off heated debates and downright vicious catfights on the internet between those for and against, but that's a whole other Jerry Springer.

The crux of the matter is that fan anxiety has been further compounded by the fact that hundreds, if not thousands, of fans have made travel arrangements to be in Los Angeles on June 25th to mark the first anniversary of MJ's passing. Local fans have been equally distressed. Naturally, at the top of their agendas are plans to visit Holly Terrace to pay respects and process their grief, and most have worried that this latest incident has put that all in jeopardy.

Apparently, as of this writing, that is not the case.

Forest Lawn spokesperson Bill Martin told me last week that "nothing has been settled yet" for June 25th and that, overall, the cemetery is a private business on private property; visitors are welcome but those who don't follow the rules will be summarily removed from the premises. In other words, business as usual.

Randy Jackson recently tweeted about the matter but there's been no updates on his page since, as of this current screen cap tonight. Update: On Friday 6/4 X17Online.com reported that Randy has met with Forest Lawn and fans will be allowed up to the door on June 25 and thereafter. Stay tuned.

Have a story to share about your own experience visiting Holly Terrace? Please leave it in the comments section at the bottom of this post's page.

Want to see more photos of the gifts left at Holly Terrace today? Click here. Or watch the companion video below.

The June video is set to Stevie Wonder's "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer" -- the song he sang at the Staples Center public memorial. I chose it in honor of Stevie's fan-witnessed visit to Holly Terrace on May 31st, when he and his children brought birthday flowers to his mother Lula Mae Hardaway who is entombed two sanctuaries over (steps away) from MJ's location. 

And just how did TMZ get wind of Stevie's visit? No one tattled. TMZ sez they monitor MJ-related Facebook pages, where it was first revealed, then followed up with Stevie's reps.

Comments

[Laura Munroe]

Lisa thank you so much for this update. It needed to be cleared up for the fans who are travelling to FL in June.

Thanks for being so selfless as to bring fan gifts from all over the world...very thoughtful of you and the MJFOSC!

[MC]

thank you!

[Reema]

Thank you so much for this update.

[Patricia]

It disappoints me that we can no longer get close to the Holly Terrace doors. Did the fans abuse this privlidge and ruin it for everyone else wanting to visit? I will be visiting from Canada this July and this was the hilight of my trip, to be able to get close to MJ. Can I at least still bring flowers?

[debbie ovaginian]

Lisa...thank you so much for all the time you put into this, it is done with respect and love and it shows. So glad your gravehunting led you to Michael and us (his fans)...LOVE to you.

[Kim]

Thank you Lisa for the update. I'm not able to travel to LA in June, but it's good to know that those who are, should be able to visit FL without issue. We love you more Michael. <3 It's all for L.O.V.E.

[Kelley]

I think Fl needs to start with their own employees for breach of security. The last time I checked not one fan has keys to that door. All fans should not have to pay for what one has done. Ban the person who took the picture, fire the employee and then it will be business as usual!

[Lisa Burks]

Kelley, the fan gained access when the door was opened by legit visitors. Security personnel did not let them in, despite rumors circulating per eyewitnesses I spoke with. If you have information to the contrary that I can follow up on and verify, please email me with it. Thanks! Lisa

[Toni]

I recently visited Forest Lawn Glendale to visit Michael, and I have to say to other MJ fans that my visit was intended to put closure to my grief I have felt since we lost MJ, not to go there just to say that I had been there.
I am being totally honest when I say, that the visit to Forest Lawn made me feel as if I should have not been there at all, I can't really explain why I felt like this, but it just did not feel right, I now feel that Michael just wants to be left alone in peace, I personally think fans should not be permitted to go near the great mausoleum, when you look through the glass door, you can't hardly see anything at all because it is in such darkness. We all have wonderful memories of Michael, and we should all carry those memories in our heart.

[Kelly Marie]

At least we haven't been banished completely & can still leave gifts,cards,flowers etc. Thanks for the update Lisa =)