Matt Szabo, Los Angeles mayor's senior press secretary, talks with CNN.com's Nicole Lapin outlines the city's plan for Jackson's funeral. Since California is steeped in a financial mess, Szabo said the mayor is asking funeral goers to contribute money to help fund the costs of the service. Szabo said he didn't know how much the memorial will cost until the end of the day but will be "millions of dollars."

Danyel Smith, former editor for Vibe magazine, reflects on the impact Jackson had on her life with CNN.com's Melissa Long. Smith said Jackson was not only a death to her family but for "everybody's" family. "I don't remember a time when Jackson wasn't on the radio," Smith said. "I don't remember an era in my life when Jackson didn't provide some soundtrack."

Outside of the Staples Center, it resembles more of a mall than a funeral as sellers hawk different things in memorializing Michael Jackson.

Vendors are selling t-shirts with the late singer’s face, buttons that say “rest in peace,” flowers, and black arm bands as a nod to Jackson’s trademark wrist band.

Since only ticket holders are only allowed near the Staples Center, where the memorial will be held, sellers are forced outside the perimeter where funeral goers are waiting.

Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks with CNN.com's Nicole Lapin about Jackson's passing and how the Jackson family is coping. Rev. Jackson said the family is holding a private religious ceremony this morning before the more "secular," public service. "They are insulated, not isolated," Rev. Jackson said, "the family remains resilient."