Imagine losing your job and ending up living on the street, where every day is a struggle to survive. That is what happened to Tony Rodriguez, a man who suddenly found himself homeless and living on the streets of San Diego. One day a documentary filmmaker by the name of Dennis Stein came along and interviewed Tony, and Tony agreed to allow the cameras to document his life. “Tony – the Movie” was born. The film is a powerful and raw look into homelessness, detailing the struggles, inequities, and hopeful solutions.
Dennis Stein, Aleida Wahn, and Tony Rodriguez
I learned of the film when I attended an event hosted by the San Diego Psych/Law Society entitled, “Homeless and Helpless: A Need for Change.” I was honored to meet both Tony and Dennis, and to watch parts of the film. Tony spoke, and I was deeply moved by his courage, with one statement particularly standing out to me. Tony said when you are homeless, you receive a constant message that you are worthless, and that beats you down. That broke my heart as no one should ever have to feel that way. Today, I am honored to share this moving film with you, with the hope that we can end homelessness. Thank you to Tony, Dennis, and all the other advocates who are working tirelessly to find the path forward!
“August 2017 – When Tony ends up homeless after losing his job as a waiter in San Diego, he is faced with the daily struggles of life on the streets. His search for housing begins, but then turns into a quest for solutions to homelessness, not just for himself, but for thousands of people living on the streets across the country. The investigation takes him to the top levels of government locally, but also to regions across the country where progress is being made. What do communities do to significantly reduce homelessness? What is happening in San Diego? And does Tony find housing?”
Please visit the website: https://tony-themovie.com/ for more resources and information. Learn about the Regional Task Force on the Homeless and the Regional Plan.
About Aleida K. Wahn, Esq.
I am an attorney, award-winning true crime writer, and legal analyst of criminal cases. I cover criminal trials and write stories and books about compelling, gripping, and unforgettable cases that impact our world. I take you into the courtroom in high-profile murder trials, rape cases, crimes of passion, cases involving mental illness, deviant behavior, and more. I have a deep passion for true crime, criminal law, and all aspects of the criminal justice system. I have appeared as an expert on true crime shows, including “48 Hours,” “Snapped,” and “The Dead Files,” and provided legal analysis on high-profile criminal trials on Court TV, the Law & Crime Trial Network, Fox 5 News, ABC 10 News, and KUSI News. I also create and host shows with the Del Mar Television Producers Group, addressing criminal justice and social issues in recent criminal trials.
I provided my insight and legal analysis on Court TV and the Law & Crime Trial Network of the high-profile trial of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. It was a trial that captured the nation as the heralded ex-football star with fame, fortune, and a famous name stood accused of multiple rapes and other sex crimes involving five women. As the trial delved into shocking facts, complicated legal issues, and unexpected twists and turns, I was there for every minute. After the trial, I wrote a book on the case, going behind the headlines to share the extraordinary details of what happened inside the courtroom. Judging Winslow Jr.: From NFL Star to Serial Rapist? Inside the Shocking Rape Trial of Kellen Boswell Winslow II is now available on Amazon.
I am passionate about telling true crime stories, as these penetrating stories have the power to move us all, while highlighting societal issues which need to be addressed. I have personally seen the human devastation which is present in each trial and believe there is a lesson to be learned in every single case. It is through awareness and examining critical issues society can effect change and even make new laws. To learn more, please visit: https://www.aleidalaw.com.
Read about the gripping and unforgettable trials that I have covered in my latest books:
