Dennis RomeroUpdated with photos by Ted Soqui. First posted at 7:05 a.m.
Contemporary L.A. County is home to Rodeo Drive, more than its share of billionaires, and some of the priciest real estate in the world.
But a Dickensian scene will unfold Wednesday when L.A. also shows its other, poorer side. About 1,440 bodies, unclaimed or simply from families unable to afford funerals, will be buried in a mass grave.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday held a moment of silence in honor of these paupers.
Supervisor Don Knabe:
“This holiday season many of us are reminded of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by our loved ones. Sadly, not everyone shares this blessing. On Wednesday, the County will bury the remains of approximately 1,440 individuals in a mass grave. These are individuals that, for one reason or another, have no one but the County to provide them with a respectful and dignified burial. Some are homeless. Many are poor. Some have no families to grieve for them. Regardless of what their status in life was, each one of their lives mattered. It matters to us, their County family.”
The mass burial site in Boyle Heights.; Credit: Ted Soqui
The burial happens at 2 p.m. at the county's Crematory and Cemetery at 3301 East First Street in Boyle Heights.
Creeped out? Don't be. Just be glad you're not there. And try not to end up there.
One last blessing for the masses.; Credit: Ted Soqui
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