During the week of Jackson’s passing, the property mostly saw small groups of visitors, some with a few flowers or trinkets, stop by to experience the mystery that surrounded the man, even in death.

Most people visiting the area the day after his death seemed to hail from different parts of the county, though few were from the valley itself.

Since then, however, much larger crowds have been arriving as rumors predict a return of the King, as it were, to Neverland Ranch on July 2 for a hoped-for public viewing of the body July 3 and 4, and a private family funeral July 5.

However, at press time, Santa Barbara County had still not officially confirmed — or denied — plans for a memorial or funeral service at Neverland Ranch.

According to a press release by County Communications Director William Boyer, county officials are preparing for an event. They’re strategizing on the parking situation on Figueroa Mountain Road and will be reminding visitors of the limited resources available in the Los Olivos area, especially on the Independence Day weekend.

Figueroa Mountain Road resident Willy Chamberlin, who owns the Chamberlin Ranch, with his brother, Fred, said he got concerned when he heard there may be thousands of visitors and called the Sheriff’s Department and the current owner of the Neverland Ranch to discuss the situation.

“There’s going to be so many people driving up there for an event,” he said. “And even if there’s not an event, it’s going to be an event.”

Other concerns surrounding an event are potential fires in the area from cars in the dry brush along Figueroa, activities by those illegally camping in the area, and fireworks due to the holiday weekend.

As of 4 p.m. July 1, over 100 vehicles representing the global media had descended upon Neverland’s entrance, along with a few Michael Jackson impersonators, in anticipation of a tribute.

According to Scott Corridan of Relevé Unlimited, whether or not Jackson does return to Neverland, an event will still be held in the King’s honor: The Michael Jackson, Heal the World Memorial Gathering, that will be held at the Ted Chamberlin Ranch, adjacent to Neverland.

However, Fred Chamberlin said he was only clearing off some farm land for additional parking for the area, and he did not and does not intend for any kind of event to be held on his property.

“As near as I can tell, this guy Corridan, that I never met, did indeed put out a press release,” Chamberlin said. “It is totally not going to happen.”

“What we do know is it’s just inevitable the fans will be here,” Corridan said. “There’s no control over that.”

A truck with 30 Porta Potties was spotted on Figueroa Mountain Road next to the Chamberlin Ranch, though a representative from Relevé Unlimited said they would not unload them until they have confirmation from the county, though Relevé Unlimited may not have yet known the Chamberlins will not host their event.

As the Journal went to press, details could not be confirmed or denied by county officials or event planners. Though the weekend’s events have yet to be made official, the hype surrounding any possible proceedings have already made some valley residents wary of what would happen should Neverland turn into a permanent tourist destination not unlike Graceland.

Santa Maria residents Stephanie Eppert and her daughter, Jesse, stood outside the gate to Neverland June 26.

Eppert wore a shirt that read “100% innocent until proven guilty” and “Michael Jackson: Leave him alone.”

“Who are they going to pick on now?” she asked, with a little hurt in her voice.

Chrystal Elliot, who was visiting California from Ohio, also compared the ranch to Graceland and said she and her two friends made the pilgrimage to Neverland June 26 from Santa Barbara. Though most of the grounds are not visible from the gate, Elliot and her friends still peered through the slats to look.

“I loved him, you loved him, everybody loved him,” she said, adding she once saw Jackson in concert in Cleveland and felt she had to come to the ranch.

Santa Barbara resident Stephanie Shannon and her baby, Sebastian, studied the flowers and notes left entangled on the gate. Shannon said she was not a die-hard Jackson fan, but she did grow up with his music, as did generations of people. She said she couldn’t help but follow his life.

“I thought there’d be more people, but I guess everyone’s in L.A.,” she said of the gathering of about 20 people around the gate June 26. “I guess death is a known part of life, but when a celebrity dies, it still affects you because they’ve touched your life.” Whatever Jackson did or did not do, his abilities as an entertainer and his music have left an impression on generations of people globally. The gathering spectators at Neverland’s gate attest to his achievements, not his failings, and maybe the hype is the populace’s way of acknowledging the performer who endured much tragedy.

Residents say they hope the crowds will show respect for this valley, a place Jackson obviously appreciated, and leave it the way they found it, as best they can. Whatever happens in the future with the large estate, for now, a legendary entertainer has died, and not with the intention to make it a burden upon the valley.

The day after his passing, a father and daughter could be seen holding hands and walking back to their truck after visiting the gates of Neverland. The little girl, dressed in pink and probably about 6 years old, looked up at her father and asked, “Was he the king of the music?”

Her father looked back at her and replied, “Yeah, he sure was.”

Reach Lauren Crecelius at lcrecelius@syvjournal.com.