Latest news with #Pasadena
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Incredibly disturbing': docuseries goes inside jaw-dropping LA mortuary scandal
'I don't want to be cremated,' director Joshua Rofé said in a recent interview. 'I know that for sure.' After Rofé made the shocking HBO docuseries The Mortician, you can understand why. The three-parter focuses on a mortuary scandal that one of his interviewees called 'the ultimate incendiary point for which we now have massive regulations … regarding cremation'. Many who watch the piece may feel the same about their final arrangements as Rofé does concerning his. The Mortician is an exploration of a sprawling, twisted 1980s criminal case that vaulted the Lamb funeral home in Pasadena, California, and its co-proprietor David Sconce to national infamy amid charges of carrying out mass cremations at a ceramics kiln; stealing and selling corpses' gold jewelry and dental fillings; stealing and selling corpses' organs; delivering fake ashes to people mourning dead loved ones; and plotting violence against adversaries in the mortuary business. The series – debuting on Sunday – in part casts Sconce as an exceptionally malicious actor in a profession with mostly honorable practitioners. And his downfall led to industry reforms at protecting consumers of mortuary services in the US, including laws that allowed for crematorium inspections and made it a felony to furtively take dental gold or silver from corpses. But, as both The Mortician and a scan of news headlines establish, mortuary scandals that echo the one centering on Sconce and the families with whom he did business persist. Rofé alluded to a guilty plea in April from a Colorado funeral home owner accused of keeping a dead woman's body in a hearse for more than a year as well as improperly storing others' cremated remains. His series nods to other relatively similar cases over the years in Georgia, Vermont, Tennessee and Texas. None of that is to say the mortuary industry is particularly vulnerable to attracting the proverbial bad apples, Rofé said. He remarked: 'People do fucked up things in every business in the name of money.' Yet, he added, 'as it relates to the business of death, it becomes a bit more grotesque' when that happens. And there's so much grotesqueness in The Mortician that Rofé couldn't find a place for one of the most disturbing anecdotes he said he has personally ever elicited in his career. It's one that's included directing Lorena – examining the infamous case of the woman who cut off her husband's penis with a kitchen knife in Virginia in 1993 – and Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed, which partially delved into a fight over the renowned landscape artist's estate. The anecdote in question came from Louis Quinones, who used to drive a van that retrieved bodies for Sconce's mortuary to cremate. Quinones recalled how one day he was in a cold storage room where the mortuary kept bodies on shelves, and he instinctively kicked a blanket on the floor aside that he believed had been left there haphazardly. But he felt there was something under the blanket, which he removed and discovered was the corpse of a baby. Quinones told Rofé that he looked at the name written on the baby's ankle tag – and realized that he had delivered what was supposed to be the infant's ashes weeks earlier to the child's mother after she had paid for a cremation. 'That is another level of depravity,' said Rofé, who also made Sasquatch, which zeroed in on a mythical monster and a murder. But there was no space for that recollection from Quinones in a series that spends a total of about 180 minutes recounting how Sconce first cornered the cremation market in his community by charging just $55 a body, undercutting the competition. The funeral home he owned and ran alongside his parents then went from conducting fewer than 195 cremations in 1981 to more than 25,280 just five years later – inviting a law enforcement investigation that uncovered the brutal, illegal shortcuts he took to register that increase in volume of about 12,860%. It was impossible at that rate for the mortuary to determine whose ashes belonged to whom. So it handed ashes back to client families at random – which they had no idea about for years. Furthermore, investigators determined that, to maximize his profits, Sconce abided by his mortuary's taking – and selling – everything from rings and clothes to eyeballs, hearts and livers. Those efforts required the mutilation of bodies and had not received permission from people who had entrusted Sconce to care for their dead. The details of Sconce's legal fate – including in connection with criminal charges that he killed the owner of a rival mortuary – are out there for those who are so inclined to find out ahead of The Mortician's airing. But suffice to say he went on to a series of incarcerations from which he was paroled. That parole happened as Rofé researched Sconce's story in archived newspaper articles and weighed retelling it in a docuseries styled after the Los Angeles noir films the director said he devoured after moving to the city at the beginning of his career. He picked out Sunset Boulevard, DOA, The Long Goodbye, Chinatown and Mulholland Drive. The Mission Revival-style mortuary inextricably tied to Sconce would have been at home appearing in any of them. Rofé and his team, mostly based in LA and New York, had two days' notice that Sconce was being released from a prison in Sacramento, California. But they got there in time to greet him at the prison gates and subsequently capture what HBO billed as the first – and evidently only – interview Sconce had given since his parole, making it an easy decision for him to finish what became The Mortician. Some of the comments Sconce offered have already made the news. 'To me commingling of ash is not a big deal,' Sconce says in one rant on The Mortician, an excerpt of which was in a trailer clip that drew media coverage. 'I don't put any value in anybody after they're gone and dead – as they shouldn't when I'm gone and dead. That's not a person any more.' He continued: 'That's not your loved one any more. And it never has been. Love them when they're here. Period.' Rofé couldn't discuss much of his interview with Sconce without spoiling the series for prospective viewers. But what he could say is he was gripped with how Sconce shifted from demonstrating himself to be 'the king of deflection' – even with respect to things that court documents presented as proven facts – to 'being so upfront about other incredibly disturbing things that you couldn't believe somebody was not only coping to but trying to rationalize as something that there's nothing wrong with'. 'And I still can't believe some of the things he said on camera,' Rofé said. 'If you [are] shocked watching, do understand that I was shocked having it said to me in person.' The Mortician begins on HBO on 1 June with a UK date to be announced
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
These Fans Love ‘Pride & Prejudice' a Billion Times Over
'Ladies and gentlemen,' a voice announced over speakers, 'please welcome world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet!' A roar erupted from hundreds of people dressed in their Regency-inspired finest: tailcoats and dresses with puffed shoulders, costume jewelry and ringlet-curled hair. They crowded around a small Steinway piano to the side of a makeshift stage, whose backdrop was like a billboard: a purple expanse with the image of Keira Knightley in a bonnet and the text 'Pride & Prejudice: Twentieth Anniversary.' It was a Comic Con for the Jane Austen set, an enormous party thrown by Focus Features for one of its most beloved films, Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice.' Inside the Viennese Ballroom at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena, Calif., fans of the movie recently gathered for the rare opportunity to hear Thibaudet perform Dario Marianelli's soundtrack. Thibaudet, dressed in custom Vivienne Westwood designed for the occasion, took his seat at the piano and began to play 'Dawn,' the tone-setting theme from the start of the film, in which a freely repeating note gives way to an instantly endearing melody over gentle waves of arpeggios. A hush swept through the room, and people held up their phones to record. Two friends held each other and cried; one took a video as the other wiped away her tears. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Limo company accused of scamming Eaton Fire victims on prom night
A special night meant to bring joy to students recovering from the Eaton Fire turned into a troubling case of betrayal after the limo service paid to take them to prom never showed up. "I tried to be forgiving and not have a vengeful spirit, but that doesn't mean you're not held accountable for what you do," mom Angie DiClaudio said. "Aside from being just like, a huge letdown ... This wasn't even our money. This was a nonprofit trying to help kids who lost their homes in a fire." The Virginia-based nonprofit Alice's Kids , with the help of actor Steve Carell, donated roughly $175,000 to treat 800 Altadena and Pasadena students to the full prom experience, including free tickets and limousine rides. It paid Shawn Lasley, the owner of Wize Guy Entertainment, $4,000 to take more than 20 students to their prom. However, parents scrambled to find a ride for their children when the night came. "Very nervous, horrified and disappointed," Alice's Kids spokesperson Hilary Riedemann said. "For him to not say anything and then to not show up, after not only we reached out to him but multiple parents did, to not show up was pretty atrocious." Parents like Carrie Meyers said Lasley blocked them when they tried to reach him. "The plan is we got to make this guy suffer," Meyers said. "He failed us. He ripped us off. Word has to get out." Luckily, parents called Ubers to make sure their teens still made it to prom. Despite the disappointment, everyone had a night to remember. "It's just like we build all this stuff up in our head," DiClaudio said. "We want it to be the perfect night. Oftentimes it isn't. It's OK. Sometimes the ones you don't expect to be are the best ones ever. CBS News Los Angeles reached out to Wize Guy Entertainment for comment but did not receive a response. Alice's Kids said they are in the process of taking legal action against the limo company.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
AEG and Goldenvoice Hosts High-School and College Students for an Inside Look at the Making of a Music Festival
To educate high-school and college students about career opportunities in the live music industry, AEG and Goldenvoice hosted two career exploration events, AEG Futures, timed to Goldenvoice's popular music festivals Just Like Heaven and Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival. The AEG Futures' Just Like Heaven event took place on May 8 and included remarks by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo Pasadena City Council Member Tyron Hampton, as well as Jens Weiden, Chief Executive Officer of the Rose Bowl Operating Company. The Head in the Clouds event, took place on May 14 and included opening remarks by Terry Park of The Asian American Foundation, and Jens Weiden, Chief Executive Officer of the Rose Bowl Operating Company. At both events, students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the festival grounds, located at Brookside at the Rosebowl, to better understand how stage and sound design, festival layout, food and beverage concessions and merchandise and sustainability vendors coordinate to bring a music festival to life. Additionally, students participated in speed mentoring sessions, connecting one-on-one and in small groups with industry professionals Rachel So, Festival Operations Manager at Goldenvoice, and Chavante 'Tae' Flakes, a Talent Buyer at Goldenvoice. These intimate conversations gave students the opportunity to ask questions, explore career paths, and gain confidence in their aspirations. For the final activity, students participated in a Build Your Own Festival challenge, where they were tasked with putting their knowledge to the test by designing and pitching their own music festivals to a panel of Goldenvoice executives. 'These AEG Futures events are a great opportunity to expose students to career opportunities in live entertainment while providing them with a great educational opportunity. It's an incredible experience to have because many are still thinking about what to do when they graduate,' said Michael Ilves, Senior Director, Festivals, Goldenvoice. 'By giving students a hands-on look at how major music festivals come together and offering direct access to industry professionals, we're helping them build real-world skills and envision a future for themselves in this space. Early exposure to career pathways like these can increase students' confidence and help them make more informed decisions about their postsecondary plans.' Both AEG Futures events underscore the company's commitment to investing in the next generation of live entertainment leaders. To learn more about AEG Futures, please visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from AEG
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Enhances Its Corporate Responsibility Pillar Focused on Driving Educational Opportunities With Opening of New Learning Lab at Fred Hutch Dedicated to Inspiring and Training Future Scientists
PASADENA, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), the first, preeminent, longest-tenured and pioneering owner, operator and developer of collaborative Megacampus™ ecosystems in AAA life science innovation cluster locations, today celebrates the opening of the Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Learning Lab at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, an innovative laboratory environment to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and advance Fred Hutch's rich legacy of research and development in cancer and other diseases. The new state-of-the-art learning laboratory — designed and built out by Alexandria in close collaboration with Fred Hutch's Science Education and Facilities teams — will engage high school and college students, as well as school and community groups, in scientific education and training programs run by Fred Hutch. 'We are deeply grateful for Alexandria's generosity and commitment to Fred Hutch and its vital role in constructing the new Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Learning Lab,' said Thomas J. Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. 'Alexandria's support of this space will have a profound impact on our ability to advance science education and reflects our shared belief that the best way to inspire future scientists is to provide incredible mentorship and training programs in a vibrant space that brings learning to life.' The new Learning Lab provides Fred Hutch with a permanent, purpose-built space to host its scientific training programs, including those that involve hands-on experiments built around real-world scenarios in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Students will gain basic laboratory skills, such as pipetting and gel electrophoresis, while also learning about science education and careers. Over 225 high school and undergraduate students take part in scientific training programs at Fred Hutch's South Lake Union campus every year. To enrich the learning experience of future participants in Fred Hutch's science education and community partnership programs, the laboratory features modular benching, retractable screens, integrated audiovisual systems, an open central space to gather for discussions and an interior picture window that will showcase the students at work. This new environment, which is uniquely embedded within a Fred Hutch research facility, will expand the reach of the non-profit's education programs and transform its engagement with Seattle's students and community groups. 'Since 1996, Alexandria has been at the forefront of cultivating a world-class life science innovation cluster in Seattle through our acquisition and leaseback of the original Fred Hutch campus — which marked the beginning of our relationship with Fred Hutch — and our first-ever strategic venture investment in Corixa Corporation (which was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline in 2005),' said Joel S. Marcus, executive chairman and founder of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and Alexandria Venture Investments. 'By bringing together leading-edge innovation across a diverse mix of life science and technology companies, top academic and medical institutions, skilled talent and investment capital, Alexandria — with the help of collaborative organizations like Fred Hutch — has led Seattle's growth into the thriving life science ecosystem it is today. The new Alexandria Learning Lab at Fred Hutch will further bolster our ecosystem-building efforts by training and mentoring future scientific innovators in this globally recognized region.' 'Fred Hutch is an important innovation engine and steward in the Seattle life science cluster, and we are honored to further strengthen our trusted relationship through our collaboration on the Alexandria Learning Lab,' said Hart Cole, executive vice president of capital markets and strategic operations and co-regional market director for Seattle at Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. 'Our leadership in the Learning Lab at Fred Hutch demonstrates our deep commitment to supporting STEM education, cultivating the next generation of innovators and shaping the future of life science in Seattle and of human health around the world.' The Alexandria Learning Lab at Fred Hutch is an important new initiative within the company's corporate responsibility pillar of building principled leaders through education. It highlights Alexandria's highly impactful action-oriented efforts to drive educational opportunities for students and provide needed resources to develop their talents and achieve academic and career success. About Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500® company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. With our founding in 1994, Alexandria pioneered the life science real estate niche. Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator and developer of collaborative Megacampus™ ecosystems in AAA life science innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, Research Triangle and New York City. As of March 31, 2025, Alexandria has a total market capitalization of $28.8 billion and an asset base in North America that includes 39.6 million RSF of operating properties and 4.0 million RSF of Class A/A+ properties undergoing construction. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A/A+ properties clustered in highly dynamic and collaborative Megacampus environments that enhance our tenants' ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns and greater long-term asset value. For more information on Alexandria, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the potential impact of the Alexandria Learning Lab and Alexandria's partnership with the Fred Hutch Cancer Center; future opportunities for participants in Fred Hutch's community programs and student collaborations; and the likelihood of continued commitment to and sponsorship of programs relating to scientific training programs and initiatives. These forward-looking statements are based on Alexandria's present intent, beliefs or expectations, but forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by Alexandria's forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties detailed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Alexandria assumes no obligation to update this information. For more discussion relating to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in Alexandria's forward-looking statements, and risks and uncertainties to Alexandria's business in general, please refer to Alexandria's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. CONTACT: Sara Kabakoff, Senior Vice President – Chief Content Officer, (626) 788-5578, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
