|
Court:
September 17
My
Reflections (Part 1)
by Gail Felix
.
.
.
I have to start the
night before this time, because that's when the Santa Maria Inn really
went into high gear! I was in the lobby using the hotel computer (a
real dinosaur) to access my email for that day, and I heard the receptionist
telling the people who were calling in that the hotel was now at 85%
capacity and expected to be at 100% by end of his shift. He was saying
it was a majority media people in for the Jackson hearing. I must say
the hotel is very professional and does not engage in any debates on
the trial, Michael, or anything like that - at least not within my earshot.
LOL! (And by now we know I have great hearing!!) OK. So now to the big
day -September 17, 2004.
.
.
My day began at good old Building F because my assistant didn't attend
the day before, so we had to get her a badge to get inside the courtroom.
Standing behind me was Stan Goldman from Fox News. He's very much a
soft-spoken man and he held the door open for us when we went in. I
liked that. There were two fans sitting in there for the lottery, I
think, but the woman knew them and she smiled and said in a very nice
way, "Got to keep a check on my girls!" They were very cute.
.
.
We walked out to the front of the courthouse where all the cameras are
and where all the news people do their sound checks. I noticed Diane
was already in her seat doing her thing. I haven't figured out a proper
or printable name for what she does yet. Then I noticed Santa Maria's
Sheriff's Deputy Russ. I call him that because I don't know his last
name, but I will get to that next time.
.
.
I shared with you yesterday how Sheriff Silver Hair hugged Diane? Well,
he did it again, only today he wasn't in his green uniform. He was all
decked out in nice new blue suit! I don't know the reason for the change
in dress, and I won't even speculate, because we all know how we hate
that. (LOL!) Maybe he wanted to look nice on the news, or maybe it was
for the Jackson's? OK! I'll stop!
.
.
It was about 6:45 am and there were about 75 or so fans already out
in front. There were some in white, and one fan had a little boy dressed
in a white shirt and black pants and a black armband. He had a black
fedora on his cute little head and he was waving to the cars going by.
He was adorable. I asked a deputy how many fans he thought would show
up and he said he wasn't sure, but he did know that on days when Michael
was showing up in court, the school district sends out people to pick
up all the kids that should be in school since a lot of kids skip school
if they know Michael is going to be there. (Just a tidbit FYI.)
.
.
So now I'll share with you how it works when Michael is there. First,
the fans usually go in about 30 minutes before every one else. Then
Media get in line and get "corralled" inside. I swear its
like were cattle (present company excluded, of course) getting ready
to slaughter or to be slaughtered, depending on your viewpoint.
.
.
Our badges have different colored dots on them. Green is for electronic
media (That's me.) Blue is print. And then there are 2 sketch artists.
They have 2 front row seats on the left and right of the courtroom.
There may be some other colors, but I didn't notice them. Well being
the savvy reporter I am (LOL!), I remembered where the family sat before,
so I planted myself in the row right behind where they sat last time.
Thank goodness for seating arrangements!!!!
.
.
Then the lawyers came in. Susan Yu was first, then came Mez, Sanger,
and Brian Oxman - all pulling dollies that were full to the top with
huge brief cases!! Then Steve (a moment, please) Cochran came and, for
some reason, came over and introduced himself to me and asked who I
was with? I think he shook my hand, but I just cant remember. I went
blank (LOL!). You would have thought Michael shook my hand!
.
.
And then the most beautiful family in the world glided in ever so gracefully!
I felt a sharp pain on my arm and realized my assistant was pinching
me because Michael was right in front of us! He shook his attorneys'
hands and greeted the bailiff (a female sheriff) with this cute little
bow and beautiful smile. He shook her hand as well. What a gentleman!
.
.
He looked wonderful! He seemed to me to be more relaxed and comfortable
then the last time in August. He was strong and confident, but not arrogant.
I know the prosecution came in at some time, but I honestly don't remember
seeing them walk in. I think I was other-wise occupied.
.
.
Who sat in front of me? Well, from left to right there was a young man
sitting next to Grace, then Katherine, Latoya, Janet and Jermaine. Then
right across from me on the other side was Randy, Jackie, Jackie's wife,
and in front of them were Debra Opri and a family friend. I hope i haven't
left anyone out. If I have, blame it on lack of oxygen as I couldn't
breathe. Then a knock on the door, and the Bailiff said, "All rise."
.
.
..
..
..
|
.