Words from Neverland Neighbors

Michael Jackson’s fame and wealth have created a special appeal in the small, quiet city of Los Olivas in the U.S. state of California, located about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara—where Michael has appeared as a generous benefactor and an open-handed employer, while still keeping himself behind a veil of mystery. John Cody lives along a rural road that leads to the Neverland property. Even after more than a decade of living there, he does not know much about his reclusive neighbor. But even so, Cody—who is also aware of the trial—uses praise-filled words when describing Michael. Cody, a stonecutter, who visited Neverland with his 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter and also left behind a 700-pound stone sculpture there, says: “People here support him. He is a very intelligent and kind man. And I think the accusations are fabricated.” Another neighbor of Neverland says: “I’ve met Mr. Jackson several times. He is a good person. He is pleasant to talk to and very kind to the children. He has a very big heart. He has come to my store a few times, and I’ve seen him stand outside the store and sign for the kids. The children here are very upset about the things they’ve been hearing recently about Mr. Jackson. They know him better. I’ve seen them cry. They know these accusations aren’t true. Source: CBS News