Neverland Neighbors
Michael Jackson's wealth and fame have cast something of a spell over Los Olivos, Calif., a quiet, upscale community about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, where Jackson has established himself as a generous benefactor and employer; at the same time he has kept himself shrouded in secrecy.
John Cody lives on the rural road that leads to the pop star's sprawling ranch. After living there for more than a decade, he still doesn't know much about his reclusive neighbor.
Still, Cody has words of praise for Jackson, even after the entertainer was arrested last week for investigation of child molestation.
"He's got a lot of support from people in this valley," said Cody, a stonecutter who visited Neverland with his 2½-year-old daughter and created a 700-pound stone sculpture for the ranch. "He's an incredibly smart, kind man. He's a moving target, and I think the allegations are bogus."
Another one of Neverland neighbors said:
"I have seen Mr. Jackson several times... He is a good person, soft-spoken and very kind to the children. He has a great heart. He came down to my store many times and I saw him standing outside giving autographs to the children. Children in our neighbourhood are very sad because of what they are hearing about Mr. Jackson. They know him better... I have seen some of them crying... They know these allegations are not true."
Source: CBS News/eMJey CA