This documentary follows the increasing economic divide through the lens of Jacob and his four homeless bandmates, who have become the house band for a hip eatery on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
That business owner is does not know this but being nice to those guys, provides his business protection. Those guys sleep around it at night and will not let anyone mess with there coffee supply lol.
@@EnlistedBombin strange thing is jonny rotten from sex pistols lived on/off the main beach front and put a big stink on all the campers coming in.....on tv
These homeless people are not to be pitied. They need mental help. Life is tough, and some of us just aren't strong enough. Sure, circumstance and opportunity are important factors but I know poor and unfortunate people who don't turn to drugs and alcohol for help and who are happy!
@@EnlistedBombin i was very aware of that. We allowed the band to sleep in our parking lot so they wouldn’t be bothered and the amount of break ins and issues they stopped was immense. We built them a storage cage in our parking lot so they could store their musical equipment because they weren’t allowed to take it to the homeless bridge housing.
It was '67 - '68, Venice Beach where I met Carlos Santana and his brother and we all joined in and kept time with anything that made a noise. Later we watched, as POP burned, late at night. I met Laurence Ferlinghetti that same year in SF. I was 13, homeless and doing just fine. Got work, as a runner, for a law office......I was 14 by then. Now when the young leave home it's drugs and abuse. These guys are so solid.....everyone should be fortunate just to know one of them. This is BEST Venice Beach, Homeless video, ever. No one could top this.......very engaged and transparent, thank you so much.
@@Bebedollie I am Heyoka Empath developing an Indian motorcycle venue in Kendall, Wisconsin. Is that crazy? I have lived 10 lifetimes in one, I love it. 3 homes in 3 states, yes I went far from the kid, homeless and alone on the streets of LA. Thanks for asking the question everyone wanted to know. It says a lot about you, nice to meet you.
I saw Santana in 1978 in Philly with funk band Slave and Kool and the gang great concert Santana played for over 3 Hrs $7.50 I still have part of the Ticket
I agree.. Unfortunately, I have the added burden of living nearby. It's shatters the soul to see their daily struggles and suffering. Something must be done to address this situation..
When America experienced lower poverty rates than any other advanced democracy, local governments designated specific areas known as "Settlers' Landings." These areas were intended for people across the country who intentionally left their previous homes behind in search of improved living standards. They allowed them to exchange ideas and share their creativity to progress in resettling. This initiative aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote creativity to advance society. In contrast, a sign of the times is that civic authorities now employ "Social Identity Deconstruction," which many people perceive as a form of isolation and humiliation. The California author Jack London captured the stark contrast between the "Homeless" and the American Settler tactic in his observation: "Class supremacy can rest only on class degradation," as expressed in his work, "The People of the Abyss."
Such compassionate film making. Somehow it stayed tender, factual, non aggressive and no tones of harsh blame and hatred. It should be entered in Sundance Film Fest. Touching and so full of humanity. Thank you.
I try and tell my kids how easy it is to get addicted to a substance and how lots of these guys were just like them. Don't try it. Any drug is legal where we live.
This video should be a award winner! It is so well made I can't believe I found it just sitting here on RU-vid like this. Jacob is a fantastic poet he has such heart and what he says he is living the life and he's narrating it in such poetic beauty, it goes so well with the sound of the ocean in the background . Being without a home has advantages sometimes but most of the time it is a hardcore struggle.I don't know what it's like to be without a home on the beachfront but in the desert it's a whole another story. I truly believe that there could be no other video the shows the intensity of the struggle America with the homelessness, the shelterless people. Jacob has put a very positive twist to this whole thing by the way he speaks I'm in love with him totally!
To your comment I am a 63 year old woman living in my car with my husky dog of 11 yrs I've had him. I have 214 University College Credits in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Paralegal Coursework and Drugs did not put me here. Variables that pulled up on one another such as I had married a successful but diagnosed Narcissist that put me through decade of court battles over kids and property, an inheritance and 3 titled to homes free and clear my mother had stolen from me and a decade of TEDRA CASE BATTLES I went through in which I went under attack by the individuals who took everything. A pandemic at the same time I discovered my Due Process rights were violated and I would have one if my mother's beautiful homes. Fraudulent documents and online posts claiming I was missing when everyone knew where I was at in which I had started my own cleaning business back in Alaska where my adult children were at. I went through Identity Theft losing every memory and pictures of I and my mother and my children online during the Pandemic too. My information was leaked into the dark web on social media accounts and then came the stalking. When ppl push you into homelessness intentionally and herrass you in retaliation or fear and validation for what they did it's easy to then use a smeer campaign against you by the Stigmatized Label of homelessness. Everyone has a story and mine is quite unique or is it? Greed and corruption is brutal and I often wonder how many individuals as women may share parts of my story. As Mark Twain once said History Rhymes. In the 1800s women were committed to insane asylums women of great minds like the autobiography of Elizabeth Ward Packard in the Book titled THE WOMAN THEY COULDNT SILENCE. They did this for their endowments and the children. Like what we understand today as Narcissistic Abuse and Devaluation and Dismissal. So just as we closed these hospitals of those who truly did need mental help. We know they are in the streets today as my story is a frame of reference, I wonder how many women like myself are now experiencing homelessness by the same greed and families decided through Narcissistic Abuse and greedy hands of stealing inheritances etc. Senior women are the new growing crises of homelessness. It's something to analyze and explore if we can get over the stigmatization associated with the unhoused. One example is trauma induced by abuse can cause PTSD. Living on the streets whether in car or can also cause forms of it as I've had wallets stolen even while living in a nice car. I've had tires slashed and drove out of a rest stop with no breaks in which a dealership said the break line was cut. I've seen drug trafficking and the transport of and afraid that I could be endanger if anyone knew I had a criminal justice degree. I've seen signs of human trafficking and in one rest stop a dead body close by was found and a detective asking questions for information. That case today is on Portland news. So you see often what police will see but you are not a police officer and nor do you have back up. So there are my issues with my story and today my understanding of the issues surrounding these circumstances. When crime went up if stolen vehicles etc and I have a nice car I had just one more thing to worry about.
Read my response to the comment below because there is really too much to say on this very important issue. From the inner hurt and pain that grows as we see in the video when families take no accountability as with this man told he is stubborn for not reaching out to his father as he is the one homeless and as a child his father beat him. Families devided and abuse is one chapter in itself that can be written. I hope to write one book in all that in which I have learned about this valuable experience. Everyone has their story and if we dived more into it we could learn more. That in which includes wealth, power, control and greed. In scripture the book of JOB and how as a society we shift blame is one place to begin. The one book I hope to write on this issue is to cover more than my own story. Being unhoused in a world or country that honors success and image plays a major role in challenging your own spirituality and soul. For understanding that God loves you gives you emotional and mental strength to go on in a society in which there is so much judgement.
I work in a treatment center in Venice Beach, and it’s surprising how well spoken a lot of the meth addicts and heroin users are. They sometimes know words that I do not know and I have a masters degree and then have to look up what the word means. Lots of science and health terms 😂 it’s pretty funny.
This documentary deeply touched me. It's so sad to see the homeless struggling to survive, even sadder to see those who were once at the top lose it all. He said some very wise things, especially at the end, "even a mayfly is not forgotten." He's a man of faith who has a gift for intellectual poetry.
At 1:18:12 😮 that’s heartbreaking what Jacobs father said… THAT comment he made about the pictures hanging on the wall 😳 gives great insight to Jacobs trauma. So sad. Absolutely amazing documentary. Unless you’ve been homeless…you have no idea how soul crushing it truly is. Jacob is a talented writer, I wish him success. ❤God Bless the meek and homeless.
Yes, and the framed photo of young Jacob at 1:18:40 is heartbreaking. He looks like such a sweet and gentle boy, it's hard to understand why he was beaten so badly and often by his parents. And even after that abuse, his sweet and gentle nature has never left him. I hope he's finding peace within himself while helping his father to the end.
Respect to Dave for having an incredible compassion and love for these guys. Good luck Jacob. I hope you find your happiness and peace. Amazing story of friendships in the midst of difficulties.
Thank you @luciagonzales5752 ! Jacob inherited his fathers house and was driving around the country loving life and writing when he looked up “the girl who got away”, they reconnected and he’s now living with her and has a job in Maryland.
@@Davekharper1981 that's wonderful, thank you so much for the update! At 47:20 the man looked like my brother Kerry, I haven't seen him in over fifty year 😢 I would love to know where he is...💓
Man if I could right a whole essay on here I would! I had the pleasure of playing two summers with these guys. Most of the time it was trainwreck but still I learned so much playing sets with y’all. I can honestly say I feel so thrilled yall were filmed to tell your story. These guys will be forever remembered and for good reason. They gave the people music no matter what and just kept on keeping on to SURVIVE. Fresh out of highschool you guys were the first band I played with. I had just done my first live concert at Barnum hall at Samohi for the artist for arts foundation and got to meet Jackson Browne It was shortly after highschool that I started to busk and street perform but, Y’all helped me hone my skills and sharpen my improvisation 🎸 I just wanted to say. Thank you for helping me become a better musician and I’ll cherish our time together. Rip David Waller. Special shoutout to (AL, Jacob, Soldier, Steve-o, Benny, Jet, Davy Dee, Greg Bluebeard, Joey California, Panama and all the OG’s who hung around Venice before the pandemic. Like I said I could go on and on. School of hard knocks. God bless yall. I can honestly say I feel very fortunate to have played with this , rambunctious, wild, off beat and sometimes just ridiculous and insane group. Y’all had talent though. Plus good spirits and good hearts. Especially Jacob and Steveo and soldier. You had good days and bad days but on those days in the middle is where the magic happened and I soaked up every minute of it and I know I’m a better individual for it. Flyterisk 420 you inspired a young kid from a guitar player in his bedroom to a live player ready to pounce on a moments notice on any chord progression. And for that I’m truely grateful. You helped me turn my dreams of playing live into a reality. Thank you for all those enlightening experiences. I love you all🙏🫶🏻-Frankie
I'm certain I would have been cursed by this evil society of conceited over educated physicians. What boys need is discipline by men, disciplined societies and organizations that turn boys into men. This evil wicked woke culture we live in poisons the minds of many. The objective is to get people on the drugs whether legal or illegal and it's all evil. It destroys lives.
I thought this just going to be another run of the mill homeless doc, but i actually got into this one. I think its because i could relate to the whole band thing, being a professional musician for decades, we all know ppl whos dropped out, off, and strayed from it because of addiction. At first i thought the houseband was just forst chapter of many different stories, not the actual entirety of the doc.
If they can send billions overseas there is absolutely no reason why any one should be homeless in America. I couldn't watch this because I'm sickened by what has happened to this country.
Agree. The citizens of USA need to point the question to Biden, the Senate and Congress? It's not the politicians its the citizens of USA that need to hold the elected accountable and demand principle changes. You point the finger and three are pointing back. Go figure.
Thank you for the very interesting upload. I lived in Venice in the mid-80's. It was such a hive of artists, buskers & people from all walks of life. It was where the beautiful people flocked & was full of characters, all smiling, laughing & having a great time. I do miss those days.
One of my favorite docs of all time. It just goes to show that it is insanely hard to make a living as a musician. Those guys were very talented, but still homeless.
It means that there are plenty of talented musicians to go around and not enough demand to be able to support all these musicians, talented as they are.
@@dumdumgarcia2830 Sometimes demand is fabricated. Our souls need music far more than they need the overabundance of data or dumb AI systems we have now, yet the those who trade in the latter are living in in mansions while musicians in squalor. Ya'll talk like concepts like "demand" occur naturally, but usually what's in demand is whatever rich corporations decide is in demand, and if the general population doesn't agree that's okay, they'll manipulate you with marketing and advertising and psychological persuasion until you do
Am 74, born Santa Monica to parents who were surfers whose ocean dreams took me here and there. But never forgot how in the 50's Venice was a worthless dump. It is shocking to see what our world has turned into, especially since the lockdowns, where human life is no longer valued. And now without family or saving, living hand to mouth, this documentary brings up my own fears around aging in world that mostly does not care. The elderly are of no value as shown here.
I have 2 bachelor’s degrees and an honorable discharge from the military & I’m living in my car because I can’t afford rent (3x the rent amount just to qualify for a place) or the security deposit for an apartment. This country needs to get its priorities straight.
@@flanagamer There is too much bureaucracy and too many overpaid government employees making it expensive and difficult to build apt buildings in California.John Cox pointed out the above and that's why he didn't get elected governor.
@@flanagamerWhere do you live? Have you tried to get a VASH housing voucher? Have you considered getting a roommate? Maybe you should try this instead of saying what the countries priorities should be.
I love documentaries and this is one of the best I've every watched. Thank you for this profoundly moving and tragic one. You can see the respect and empathy of the maker of this masterpiece!!💖
I was close friend with Dave Waller and this is how I found out he passed away this is terrible I was the one that fixed bikes on the boardwalk down by Westminster from 2008 to 2013 I will miss him and the rest of the boardwalk I've only been able to visit once in the last 10 years and it just changed a lot I remember back in the old days in 95 I worked there as a tattoo artist and I would go down to rocking music at the Pavilion that's what the cop station is now there was a lot more grass back in the old days beautiful
I was running around out there in 85-86, not much has changed,obviously more despair,more homeless & more garbage. Other than that same old Venice bch.
When I was in Dago there was a homeless gentleman in my hood, whenever I saw him I'd offer him food and any recycling we had. He was a genuine, kind soul. Even though I was barely surviving paycheck to paycheck I'd always offer him whatever was on hand and he was always welcome at bbq's. Long story short, you can't do everything for everyone but you can try to help folks when you have the opportunity.
This is one of the most profound and thoughtful documentaries I’ve watched in a very long time. It’s amazing that Jacob found the importance of being there for his dad in his old age. Listening to Jacob talk, his wisdom and perspective on life was very refreshing. People like him are very rare, good luck on your journey🩷
seeing JACOB with his dad reminds me of my dad and brother seeing each other after 26 years terrible memories of childhood beating came rushing back he gave my brother during our childhood it wasn't good on my brother's mental health he roamed the usa in search of himself and died two years ago in a texas prison serving 10 years for dui i so hope Jacob finds happiness
Find a way, millions before you have. Most did things they did not want to. Get over it, unless you are genuinely not able to contribute to society. If that is the case, then submit to govt substance.
Such a beautiful documentary filled with abstract characters living each day to day without what some may say, any ounce of regret, just a passion and thirst to survive. Thank you for creating this film for the masses to view and be bewildered in awe.
On sundays, our local non profit feed 150-200 unhoused individuals in Venice, on washington and surrounding west la area. The non profit is called Grassroots Neighbors they are in Playa Del Rey. I am a volunteer there 🙏
Nice intro of each musician emerging to get ready for the set. Sad reality and so much the city can do, but does not. So much in this world that causes trauma, it's important to help and support. Reminds me of the Jack London book, People of the Abyss. Glad he was able to heal, forgive, and have strong will to make a change. One of the best documentaries I have seen.
I totally agree, but I've found the comments so far to be heartfelt. Wealthy, and a lot of not wealthy, do NOT understand. It doesn't take much to become homeless. I was almost there, myself. The powers that be want to keep us pointing the finger at each other - I know a lot of people who blame the homeless for their plight. But, it could happen to anyone.
I was part of this group until 2019 when I got into housing. Jacob was a decent guy. So smart, could remember and discuss just about any book/movie he had ever watched. Was good to watch this since i'm pretty sure a few of these guys are gone now.
Homelessness and despair isn’t good for anyone . My heart breaks for everyone in this situation. Wish I could help them all ! Everyone deserves happiness!
When Covid hit in this documentary I lost it, straight tears. Thank you for making this documentary from a fellow neighbor resident this was truly educational and heart breaking.
A heartfelt documentary. I visited Venice beach in the early 80s when I was an exhange student in California. I wish Jacob keeps on being creative and free. He has a great mind & heart, maybe he is an angel with his white sneakers...? Much Love from Stockholm, Sweden.
And the meek shall inherit the earth. I lived in Venice in the 80s, on Rose across from that golf course. I was homeless then, 17 years old, abandoned by my family. I let my therapist rape me in order to keep a roof over my head. I put myself through college, made the Dean's list the semester he started raping me. Now I'M homeless again because my SSI is not enough to pay rent. My family have six spare bedrooms and a house in Mexico. I'm not welcome there. I don't do drugs, have a degree and TBI. Imagine: What if family members with spare bedrooms were legally required to take in their own? What if municipalities rewarded and subsidized home owners for taking in their homeless relatives? THAT would put a dent in the homeless problem.
There has to be a reason your family aint takin ya bro. Greed? Your own history? Either way, laws aint gona change humanity, this must come from the heart.
I’m not trying to be offensive, but you have a degree, have you ever been able to use that degree to get a job? It is sad that your family will not help you, also if you’re still in California you have no chance of surviving, but if you can get somewhere else you may be able to afford to live..
This is by far the best documentary on the subject I have seen. Thank you so much for making it. I'm so glad I watched it I almost skipped it thinking it was just going to be more of the same stuff already found on RU-vid. I was so wrong about that. It was heartwarming and sad. Such a talented group of people. I'm glad that you're able to document some of it and I wonder if some form of the band is still playing today?
As a spirit having a human experience, you can choose not to merely exist but to be fully conscious and aware of living in a limited world. When you take a conscious part in life and its multitudes of choices, you won't let life happen to you - you will make life happen for you. Poignant documentary. Love and light from a very cold winter in South Africa. 🎉😊🥶🤗🇿🇦🥳🤞🏾
This was fantastic. Tragic and beautiful all at once. I'm so glad Jacob went to visit his Dad. Soul healing for both of them. I'd like to think Jacob will have some peace in his golden years. Thank you for making it with such love and care.
Im going to suceed in this business and buy a house for the band. No one should have to live like that Oppurtunity ignites Brillance Glad he got a van Jacob is an increíble narrator
I am compelled to throw out my comment. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the 70s and my mother would take four kids to the Venice Beach at least twice a week. We kind of grew up there and in the valley. I have since been gone 40 some years and I am looking for a way to get back to the beach. Venice beach that is. I live in San Antonio Texas For the last 30 years. My soul longs to be at Venice Beach. One day hopefully within the next year, I will make the transition to the next chapter in my life. I don’t necessarily want to move there and be homeless, but I’m not totally against it. I am not rich or wealthy but I know who I am and I know what I want. I want to thank you for making this documentary. It is very well put together and a truly interesting story. Hope to see you soon my first true love, Venice Beach.❤❤❤😊😊😊
I hear you. Totally get it. I grew up in Thousand Oaks, CA and my parents took us to the beach every weekend. Good luck with your quest. Let us know how it goes.
I'm from SA too. Live in the SF Bay area Marin but I love the time I have spent in Venice. It still has the vibe somewhat while most places are too genderfied/cookie cutter with no soul just bland clone. Up from venice on the coast is tons of RVs people with their cars next to it for work and life. Also besides RVing consider maybe a hostel to start in LA. Heck you can get a free or cheap RV out here in Cali. Especially north me but in northern Cali up to the Oregon border.
What a great documentary this show really touched me and Jacob is awesome. I hope he’s doing well. I would like to know about him now. He’s great if you’re listening to this or see this Jacob, you are awesome.
everyone who lives paycheck to paycheck is just 1 unfortunate moment from being homeless…i was homeless at one point in my life and luckily i had a vehicle to live in..took me over a year to save up and get my own place with a bit of luck..id like to see all these rich people live 30 days as a homeless person and i bet all of them would get what is needed to build enough homes to get all the homeless off the street after the 30 days was over..you cant live another persons life till you lived it yourself and experience what their going through
Well done documentary. Wow! I'm so inspired by these gentlemen who have been through so much. Their lives and outlook are so intriguing. I would watch them on any docu any other day. Jacob is amazing! Great personality and mind. Would be nice to have his writings published somehow. I wish all of them the best. I hope Al's okay. God bless and provide.
