Morning Briefs and Outtakes with this Backstage Exclusive from the Jackson Memorial

"All of these Resources thanks to the kind Contributions from AEG"

We give you this exclusive from backstage at the Michael Jackson Memorial. This was send to me and I share it so one can gauge the "city resources" on hand. You will find references to city employees in bold.

On Tuesday I joined thousands of others at the funeral services at the Staples Center, the difference is that I was backstage with the artist and many high ranking Police and Fire Personnel. I entered Staples Center before 6:00am and spent a little time looking at the stage set-up and noticing the only people around were police officers and Staple's employee's. I felt a little out of place since I was the only one in street clothes, although I was in a suit, no other public was in the building at that time. Just before 7:00am I was asked by staff if I wanted breakfast, which I accepted (you know me...... I ate two plates) and felt very comfortable. Many high ranking L.A.P.D. Officer were walking around including SWAT Officers with high powered semi-auto-matic rifles. It was just shy of seeing Military type of presence. Some of the early arrivals included..... Smokey Robinson, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie with his daughter. Other artist arrived through a different entrance such as.... Brooke Shields, Usher, P. Diddy, Mike Tyson and Rev. Sharpton, whom I seen all backstage. When I walked to the Producers Office in Chick Hearns 'Room' shortly after 9:00am and looked at the T.V. monitor and seen the procession is when I started to get nervous. I had no idea that they were going to actually bring the family and services to Staples Center.

I had been recognized enough most of the morning, that my presence was accepted and even utilized for assisting with minor details for the arrangements. The time came when the procession approached and parked at the 'Ramp' (right next to a Heavy Armored SWAT Truck) and the Family brought in the casket. I was close enough to assist with holding open the black curtain and seeing all things take place within 6 feet from where I was standing. I had no idea how beautiful the casket was until I seen it and touched the high polished gold toned casket draped with red roses. They immediately placed the casket behind 2 double doors with about six Police Officers in the doors and about 10 Officers outside the doors. I stood about 10 feet away across the hall until the entire Jackson Family was ready to be seated. All the artist left the dressing rooms and the Family took their seats, that is when the double doors opened and moved the casket into position before the Ceremony was to begin. Again I was only within 6 feet of the casket while the Police Officers held the black curtains heading toward the entrance to the Arena area. This time I did not help as much since the program was about to begin. The choir started, the black curtain split and the ceremony commenced, with a walking procession just 3 to 5 feet in front of me before the light turned on and the audience had a first glimpse of the show that would be seen by billions world-wide.

During my time backstage I had a chance to have Stevie Wonder, Brooke Shields Usher, and Mariah Carey sign my Gold Program which will undoubtedly be a remarkable keepsake. As I was there, staff from the Mayor's Office asked if I could get them a copy for Mr. Villaraigosa, Fire Chief Berry, Chief Fry, and a couple of others. I also handed copies to Captain Chow, L.A.P.D public relations Officer and another copy for Police Chief Bratton. I thank them all for a wonderful job and handling this event. After all things closed, lunch was served and I walked outside to see the light of day and still thousands of people roamed the streets.

I will never forget this experience and the many pleasurable times I have had, not only at this event but all the events I attend regularly. Thanks to many of you reading this, that I may be able to proceed and achieve many great things with support of family and friends.

I am grateful to the Jackson Family and the City of Los Angeles for providing this exclusive opportunity. Thank you to Michael for be an outstanding humanitarian and his success as an entertainer.

"It's not what you know, It's who knows you."

.....and the rest of us pay for this exclusive thanks to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Other News:

** Judy Chu is going to Congress after convincing win in the 32nd Congressional District. No word whether Parke Skelton and Eric Hacopian were seen toasting one another for their joint efforts.

** Los Angeles Mayor chief counsel Thomas Saenz is leaving City Hall to become the head of MALDEF. Wonder if any anglos applied for the position ??

** Daily News editorial: Nudge Nuch to drop lawsuit against City Controller over audit of City Attorney office. One may want to consider the new respective office holders ??

** Ouch!! You pinched me. The City Ethics Commission issued a $2,000 fine Tuesday to a San Fernando Valley-based campaign committee that for the last year has been under investigation by Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley.

In a 3-0 vote, the commission fined Citizens for Dependable and Reliable Leadership, which spent more than $54,000 in the 2005 mayoral election, along with individuals affiliated with the committee -- three of them politicians.

And once again Stephen Kaufman is brought in to clean up the ethical mess.

Your thoughts.............