How to anger your employees

"Michael Jackson's music touched millions of fans across the globe," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "Donations will help the City of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves."

The mayor, who had been on vacation in South Africa during the event, said he disagreed with his staff's decision to put up a website requesting public donations to help cover the city's cost.

"I thought it was ridiculous," the mayor told reporters during a visit to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.