Jacksons set up LV memorial area

Michael Jackson's family announced Friday that a memorial area has been set up outside the late entertainer's last Las Vegas residence.

Flowers and cards are being accepted at the home at 2710 W. Palomino Lane, Jackson family friend Rutt Premsrirut said in an e-mail.

Jackson, who died June 25 at a rented mansion in the exclusive Holmby Hills area near Hollywood, was staying the Palomino residence at the time of his 50th birthday last Aug. 29.

A moving truck was seen outside the house a day after Jackson's death.

Premsrirut, whose family is well-known in the Las Vegas real estate community and longtime friends with the Jackson family, also sent a separate e-mail to media members defending Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, in wake of what Premsrirut characterized as "negative media coverage."

Joe Jackson, wrote Premsrirut, "has always been the man of steel, the go-to person during times of crisis" and, even at age 80, he took charge the day his son was rushed to a hospital after suffering cardiac arrest.

"The security guard's first instinct was to call Joe in Las Vegas to find out what to do," wrote Premsrirut. "Joe screamed into the phone 'Get yourself together and call 911, now, now, now!"

Premsrirut said he witnessed Joe Jackson in action during another crisis. It was late November 2003 when California authorities filed an arrest warrant against Michael, alleging child-molestation charges. Michael was in Las Vegas at the time doing his "One More Chance" music video at a recording studio near the Palms Hotel.

"We were all curled up behind the gates of the CMX Entertainment complex ... with no idea what to do," said Premsrirut. "When Joe walked in, you would see Michael's eyes light up. He was running the show with Michael listening to every word Joe was directing."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Longtime Las Vegas entertainer Helen Joy died Friday. Between 1975 and 1989, her group, Helen Joy & The Joy Bells, performed on the Strip at the original MGM Grand, the Dunes, Jockey Club, Sahara, Aladdin and Landmark hotels. On three occasions she took Helen Joy's Young Entertainers to the White House to perform. The Australian native was awarded a Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal by Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain for entertaining the troops in Vietnam. ...

SIGHTINGS

LeBron James, with some NBA friends, and actor Matt Dillon, dining Thursday at separate tables at Tao Asian Bistro (Venetian), and Trevor Ariza, at Tao nightclub celebrating his move to the Houston Rockets after helping the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA title. ... Spotted at the opening day of the 40th World Series of Poker main event Friday at the Rio: actor Jason Alexander, rapper Nelly, actor Brad Garrett and actress Jennifer Tilly. ... At separate tables at Lavo (Palazzo) on Thursday: Cedric the Entertainer, with former NBA star Kenny Smith and friends, talk show host Montel Williams, and "Superman" Dean Cain. ... At the third annual Ante Up For Africa tournament, co-hosted by actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Charles Barkley, Alexander, Hershel Walker, Garrett, Cedric the Entertainer, Tilly, Sarah Silverman, Williams, and poker stars Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, Joe Hachem, Jennifer Harman and Phil Gordon. Alex Bolotin of Brooklyn, N.Y. won the event. ... At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Wednesday night: Cleveland Cavs star James and teammate Delonte West, huddling with Ariza. ... Las Vegas baseball phenom Bryce Harper, filming segments of racing scenes for ESPN at Pole Position Raceway on Thursday. The 16-year-old Harper was on the cover of Sports Illustrated last month and is being projected as the No. 1 overall selection in the big league draft next year. ...