Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Michael Jackson's Former Valley Home Could Become A Tourist Trap
Michael Jackson fans might soon be arriving by the busload to visit the home where the late star recorded classic jams like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It."
The Encino home where Jackson recorded some of his biggest hits could eventually open up for tours, according to TMZ. The Michael Jackson Estate—which handles his affairs on behalf of Jackson's mother and three children—is considering a plan that would allow tour buses and individuals to visit the Hayvenhurst mansion, as the Tudor-style home is known, and tour the home room-by-room.
Hayvenhurst—considered the first Neverland by some—was first purchased for the family by Joe Jackson in 1971, but was then bought by Michael when his father ran into financial trouble. In the early '80s, Michael reportedly spent two years renovated the property, adding a two-story wing with separate living quarters, as well as "a Japanese koi pond, a movie theater and a six foot-tall Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs diorama." But the biggest addition for Michael's career was the construction of a recording studio. There he reportedly laid the tracks for masterpieces from Off The Wall and Thriller, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," and "We Are the World."
Sources tell TMZ that the Estate is currently exploring plans to offer tours, though nothing is set in stone yet. They would still need to determine if zoning laws would permit the tours or if they would need to get a variance.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist