Neverland Valley Ranch Could Be Auctioned

I live just a little ways south of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. And just last weekend, I had mentioned Neverland in conversation with a friend of mine, who I am convinced has led a very sheltered life. He had never heard of it. And it's not too far from our own back yard. The name Neverland came from the fictional island from the story of "Peter Pan," about a boy who wouldn't grow up, written by J. M. Barrie. It was said that people who traveled to Neverland, stopped aging.

Neverland Valley Ranch is almost three thousand acres large, and owned by star and singer, Michael Jackson. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, of Santa Barbara County (population about 20,000); it was established as his home and a private amusement park in 1988. Due to his massive legal issues and debt, it is no longer in operation and it is reported that Jackson has not visited the Ranch since 2005. It includes, but is not limited to, a zoo, and theme park, including thrilling rides.

Located at 5225 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441, north of Santa Ynez, California, it is in an area that used to be mostly working ranches. Today, the land around Neverland is devoted mostly to vineyards and the wine industry. There is a lot of tourism industry very close by, including the little Danish town of Solvang!

According to TMZ.com and their staff, on November 6, 2007 reported that Neverland was in Foreclosure, and was listed on local default reports in October, 2007. And according to Boston.com, February 26, 2008, Neverland Ranch will be up for sale in public auction, in March 2008, unless Jackson pays more than $24 million still owed on Neverland. Such an auction could mean personal property on Neverland Ranch, in addition to the real property, could be auctioned off piece by piece.

Some of the neighbors close by have included, or may still include such well-knowns as: David Crosby, Bo Derek, Bob Eubanks, Jimmy Conners, Robert Carradine, Dolly Parton, Fess Parker and Ronald Reagan. At http://www.gayot.com/travel/citytrips/santabarbara_winecountry/day1.html, you can find a comprehensive local guide of exactly what surrounds one of the largest local estates, more about the history of, and modern day tours, of local vineyards, sights, eateries, and entertainment.

There is a quaintness, and certain flavor to the whole geographic area, and something for almost everyone. What is done with the property, due to it's size alone, could have extreme and major impacts on the locals surrounding Neverland. I personally, feel it could be a multipurpose/multi use property, without subdividing it.

Given the claims involving children, I think a large part of the property should be dedicated to working with youth, whether it be through housing/sheltering underprivileged, or at-risk youth, or a facility for children without families to care for them. Educational, theatrical, science or cultural programs for children would be a great use for some portion of the property. With all the local alcohol/wine sold in the valley, surely there could be a tax, that would help to set up funding for such efforts to better the lives of children from all over the United States.

I feel the major part of Neverland should be kept, as much as is, as is possible. I moved to east Ventura, in 1966 and watched as Montalvo, lost its' identity and uniqueness due to Ventura gobbling up much of the agricultural land available for real estate. Forever losing the small town feel, giving way to big city trends and migrants from LA just to the south. I do not want to see Neverland suffer the same fate. Perhaps, a collective of people, who can live a "green" (as in earth friendly - not money hungry) lifestyle on the property, with a focus on developing skills in any of the arts, would be a wise use of such a rare piece of land, available in California. There is a group called Santa Barbara Print Makers which offers programs of residency, while artisans work on their crafts and is very much like what I am suggesting. http://www.sbprintmakers.blogspot.com The hills around Neverland, have stars that shine both at night, and in the daylight. Hopefully some of them would get involved with the preservation, and partial development of Neverland, with such noble enrichment in mind.

If another winery, of any type, were to be a part of the development, I would want to see it only be approved, if it could actually be a non-profit, which was set up in order to teach the art and responsibility of planting, growing, harvesting and distilling fruit into wine. It is such an expensive, and aristocratic lifestyle that people of lesser means will never experience the life style of such an experience that life at Neverland could offer.

Since the traditional equestrian life is a part of the local lifestyle of the local geographic area (for example: http://www.montyroberts.com/ab_about_monty.html), my mind wanders to the likes of schools such as Ojai Valley school where they invite children to enter equestrian programs, as early as the first grade. With two campuses, called Upper OVS and Lower OVS, and including stables, riding arenas, and access to trails, children are offered one of the most unique learning experiences available in the world. This suggestion is more about a lifestyle, than just the education. But I would again, like to see Neverland be used to break down barriers and offer such resources to children from all walks of life. See - http://www.ovs.org & http://www.boardingschoolsusa.com/factshts/ojai.asp . As it is stated on the Monty Roberts web site, "Monty never forgets the lessons he learns from the horses." It is about a symbiotic relationship that betters all that are a part of it.

And finally, I think of the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program at Moorpark College (See: http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/~eatm/). A unique vocational program offering education in care and training of animals, and education for the public which uses animals from the campus. The Moorpark college campus is called America's Teaching Zoo. The focus of the program is instilling an appreciation for wildlife and an understanding for the need to conserve the diversity of life. With the size, location and proximity to local, but major tourist attractions in California, Neverland Valley Ranch could support an equally effective vocational program, whether it be focused on exotics, or rescued and distressed animals. And again, I would like to see preference to admittance to programs on Neverland property, be given to the underprivilaged, with a focus on youth.

I can not think of greater uses for the emotionally blemished and tainted land, that started as the home of a dream of a fountain of youth, which somehow went wrong. I would want to see the property become a positive impact on the local community, and a moving force in the world, to show that recovery is possible. We, as a global community, need to heal and get past the dream that turned to nightmare and loss, make something positive of this, and move forward. Give Neverland new meaning: "Ever looking forward - through self-betterment & never giving up."

Sources:

http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/06/neverland-in-foreclosure/

http://www.solvangusa.com