LA Asks Fans To Contribute To Costs

Deficit-ridden Los Angeles asked Michael Jackson fans to help pay the bill for police and other public servants needed for yesterday's memorial service. Costs are estimated at $1.5 - 4 million, according to Matt Szabo, a spokesman for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. A web site was posted Tuesday seeking donations to cover the costs,

However, Jack Kyser, founding economist of the Kyser Center for Economic Research of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, estimates the city could rake in $4 million from the event, thanks to the throng of visitors and media who stayed at hotels, ate at restaurants and shopped in Los Angeles.

Kyser believes the city also got a major image boost because the memorial service went off without any major problems.

"This thing went off very smoothly. I think you had some good exposure for downtown and for the entire city."

Source: MJFC / AP