Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Dec 17, 2025 | Business

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Exclusive photos and article by Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

Sometimes the best stories begin with a scroll

After watching an Instagram post by Michelle Valles of NBC4 Los Angeles, curiosity and a serious sweet tooth led us east to Rialto, California, in the heart of the Inland Empire. What we discovered was more than a bakery. We found a family-owned business built on flour, faith, and sugar and a story that reflects the spirit of small business growth in the region.

Located on South Riverside Avenue, Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery has quickly become one of Rialto’s most talked-about local spots. Known for selling out early and drawing customers from across the Inland Empire, the bakery is the realization of a dream that began at home.

From Home Kitchen to Community Favorite

Founded in 2012 by Maribel Diaz, Sweet Tooth 909 started as a home-based baking operation. Word spread fast. What began with friends, neighbors, and social media posts soon turned into growing demand—and eventually the leap into a brick-and-mortar location.

Today, Maribel runs the bakery alongside her sister, Araceli Rodriguez, keeping the business rooted in family, culture, and community. Sweet Tooth 909 is often described as a Mexican family-owned bakery, a point of pride reflected in both its flavors and the way customers are welcomed through the door.

We arrived unannounced, cameras in hand, during the holiday season. Despite the busy pace, Maribel and Araceli took time to greet us, share their journey, and walk us through the space an interaction that says a lot about why customers keep coming back.

Faith in the Foundation

One of the most striking moments of our visit came during a conversation about the bakery’s construction. Maribel shared that while building out the space, she inscribed Bible quotations directly onto the wall studs placing her faith into the foundation long before the first pastry was sold.

Those words may be hidden behind drywall, but they remain central to the bakery’s purpose. It’s a reminder that for many small business owners, faith and perseverance are inseparable from entrepreneurship.

A Box Full of Favorites

Of course, no visit to Sweet Tooth 909 would be complete without tasting the offerings that have earned it a loyal following. We walked away with a box of treats that perfectly captured the bakery’s appeal:

Almond Croissant — flaky, buttery, and delicately sweet
Chocolate Chip Cookie — classic, comforting, and generously loaded
Strawberry Pastry — bright, balanced, and beautifully crafted
Cinnamon Roll — rich, warm, and perfect for the holiday season

Each item reflected care, consistency, and pride in craft qualities that define successful neighborhood bakeries.

A Growing Presence in the Inland Empire

Sweet Tooth 909’s popularity has been fueled not only by quality baking but also by strong community support and social media visibility. A viral moment in recent years helped expand its reach, drawing visitors from neighboring cities and reinforcing Rialto’s growing reputation as a destination for locally owned businesses.

Open limited days and often selling out by early afternoon, the bakery has become a reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we extend our best wishes to Maribel Diaz, Araceli Rodriguez, and the entire Sweet Tooth 909 team for a prosperous and sweet 2026.

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Dec 15, 2025 | Entertainment

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Actress Jearnest Corchado on Honoring a Living Legend in Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

At the 2025 Imagen Foundation Awards, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with actress Jearnest Corchado and legendary singer Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) on the red carpet about the emotional and creative journey behind the biopic Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

The film tells the powerful story of Lisa Lisa, the trailblazing Puerto Rican singer who rose to fame in the 1980s as the front woman of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, becoming one of the first Latina artists to achieve mainstream success in pop, freestyle, and R&B music.

For Corchado, stepping into the role of a living legend came with both gratitude and pressure.

“It was crazy because I was lucky to do a biopic of someone who’s a living legend,” Corchado shared. “It was really hard, but I’m very grateful that I got to have her after every scene… just having her there telling me, ‘You did a good job.’”

Portraying a real person especially one whose music defined an era was a demanding experience. Corchado acknowledged the emotional weight of wanting to honor Lisa Lisa’s legacy with authenticity and respect.

“It’s so hard because you want to do the best job you can. You want to make them happy,” she said. “So I’m glad that you’re happy.”

Lisa Lisa herself admitted she was initially hesitant to share her life story on screen.

“I really wasn’t ready for it,” she said. “About eight years ago, I got a call asking if they could put my movie out, and I said, ‘Does anybody want to know about my life?’ But they convinced me and here it is.”

For Lisa Lisa, choosing Corchado to portray her proved to be a meaningful decision one that resonated deeply with audiences and with the artist herself.

Corchado reflected on how telling Lisa Lisa’s story changed her personally.

“Lisa is an inspiration to so many women, and especially me now,” she said. “I feel like I came to the film set as one person, and I left as a completely different person.”

The role also gave Corchado a chance to connect across generations especially with her mother, an avid fan who grew up during Lisa Lisa’s rise in the 1980s.

“My mom is her number one fan,” Corchado shared with a smile. “To be able to play her in the film and experience even a glimpse of what it was like to be in the ’80s was a dream come true.”

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is now streaming on Prime Video, bringing Lisa Lisa’s groundbreaking journey to a new generation of viewers.

“It’s streaming now,” Lisa Lisa said. “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is on Prime—so watch us.”

Bio Information

Jearnest Corchado is an award-winning Puerto Rican actress known for her dynamic performances in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Little America, Sneaky Pete, and The Blacklist. Corchado is celebrated for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional range to stories that spotlight culture, identity, and resilience.

Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) is a pioneering Puerto Rican singer and cultural icon who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. With chart-topping hits such as “Can You Feel the Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” she became one of the first Latina artists to achieve crossover success in mainstream pop music. Her influence continues to shape music and culture today.

About the Film
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is a biographical film chronicling the life, career, and cultural impact of Lisa Lisa from her early beginnings to her rise as a groundbreaking Latina voice in the music industry. The film highlights themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of representation.

Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

Dec 10, 2025 | Education, Latinas of Influence

Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

A Latina of Influence, Dr. Flores, has been recognized as the Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards presented by Hispanic Lifestyle.

A first-generation college graduate and second-language learner herself, Dr. Flores has held a variety of leadership positions in her more-than 25 years of service within the California Community Colleges system, including most recently as superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College in Whittier, Calif.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

Dr. Marilyn Flores

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Flores has been named president of San José City College (SJCC).

“Dr. Flores is a distinguished educational leader with a proven track record of advancing institutions and improving student success,” said Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) chancellor. “After reviewing dozens of applications from a deep and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, conducting two rounds of interviews, and virtual candidate forums, I’m confident that we have identified the right leader for SJCC.”

Prior to her role at Rio Hondo, Dr. Flores served as interim president of Santa Ana College and vice president of academic affairs at Santiago Canyon College. Her prior experience also includes having served as both chief instructional officer and accreditation liaison officer. Her experience also includes instruction and deanships at Santiago Canyon College and Las Positas College as well as earlier leadership roles at Riverside City College.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

A Wheelhouse Fellow from UC Davis, Dr. Flores earned her Ph.D. in institutional leadership and policy studies from the University of California, Riverside. She also holds a master’s degree in education from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in education and Spanish, also from UC Riverside.

While her appointment was approved by the SJECCD board of trustees during its meeting on December 9, 2025, Dr. Flores is scheduled to assume her new role as SJCC president on January 12, 2026.

The Business of Surviving to Thrive | Canales Furniture

Dec 5, 2025 | The Business of Surviving to Thrive

The Business of Surviving to Thrive | Canales Furniture

The Canales Family and the Power of Latino Entrepreneurship in Texas

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

For more than two decades, Canales Furniture has grown from a modest door-to-door operation into one of the most respected Latino-owned retail businesses in Texas and Oklahoma. Their story rooted in family, resilience, and a commitment to helping others is the kind of entrepreneurial journey that defines our Business of Surviving to Thrive series.

Founded in 2003 by Veronica Canales, an immigrant and visionary Latina entrepreneur, Canales Furniture began with a simple but powerful idea: create opportunity through hard work and serve families with dignity. What started with catalogs, personal deliveries, and the collective labor of 10 brothers and sisters has become a multi-location enterprise with 24 showrooms across Texas and Oklahoma.

Today, the company employs 380 families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area alone, reinforcing the powerful economic footprint of Latino-owned businesses in the region.

The Latino Business Boom: A National and Texas Success Story

The story of Canales Furniture is not an outlier it is a reflection of one of the most significant economic transformations in the United States.

According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (2024):

Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. grew 44% over the last decade, compared to 4.5% for non-Latino-owned businesses.
Latino entrepreneurs now contribute over $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy.
Nearly 1 in 4 new businesses in the United States is Latino-owned.

Texas, in particular, has become a powerhouse of Latino entrepreneurship:

More than 850,000 Latino-owned businesses operate in Texas.
These businesses generate over $150 billion in economic output annually.
Latino business creation in Texas is happening at three times the national rate.

Canales Furniture embodies this momentum scaling, hiring, and investing in communities while preserving the family-first values that built the foundation of the business.

Resilience, Reinvention, and the Commitment to Family

Second-generation leaders like Andrea Osorio Canales and team members such as America Renteria carry on the passion and discipline of their founding generation. Their roles in real estate, interior design, community outreach, and operations reveal a business that is more than retail it is a service to families seeking comfort, stability, and home.

“For us, family means everything. Helping other families whether it’s finding their first home or furnishing it is what keeps us inspired,” shared Andrea.

This philosophy is echoed throughout the company. Every morning, team members are reminded that their work supports hundreds of families, not just individual paychecks. The staff are affectionately referred to as “Gallos and Gallas”, a tribute to the Canales family’s grandfather, whose work ethic and leadership shaped their values.

Growing Through Challenges, Thriving Through Community

Like many immigrant-founded businesses, the Canales family faced significant challenges along the way competition in the retail market, rapid scaling, and navigating customer needs across diverse regions. Yet their resilience remains unwavering.

Their approach to business goes beyond the showroom floor. Canales Furniture actively partners with:

Local police and first responders
Community organizations and nonprofits
Families in need of interior design, staging, or furnishing support

This community-centered strategy has strengthened their reputation and contributed to long-term growth.

The Next Generation: A Legacy in Motion

As the third generation begins to enter the business, the Canales family is preparing for a future defined by continued expansion, innovation, and service. Their vision is simple but powerful:

Help as many families as possible.
Stay rooted in culture.
Grow with purpose.

With their expanding footprint and unwavering commitment to community, Canales Furniture stands as a powerful example of what Latino-owned businesses can achieve when passion, family, and resilience come together.

The Business of Surviving to Thrive

The Canales story is one of faith, determination, and strategic growth from surviving the early challenges of entrepreneurship to thriving as one of the largest Latino family-owned furniture retailers in the Southwest. Their journey reflects the strength of the Latino business community nationwide and the bright future that lies ahead.

The Way We Travel | Conquering Bronco Mountain

Dec 4, 2025 | Autos • Motion • Mobility

The Way We Travel | Conquering Bronco Mountain

Our Off-Road Driving Experience at AutoMobility LA 2025

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

America has long been fascinated with the freedom of the open road but more than ever, that passion extends beyond the pavement. Off-roading has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive and outdoor lifestyle markets. According to recent industry reports:

Over 32 million Americans participate in off-road driving or overlanding activities each year.
The U.S. off-road vehicle market is projected to surpass $18 billion by 2027, fueled by consumer demand for adventure, outdoor recreation, and versatile vehicles.
Nearly 50% of SUV buyers say off-road capability influences their purchasing decisions—even if daily driving happens in the city.

This cultural shift made Ford’s Bronco Mountain experience at AutoMobility LA 2025 one of the event’s standout attractions. Designed to simulate real-world terrain inside the Los Angeles Convention Center, the demonstration brought to life the very spirit of exploration that defines American mobility today.

Hispanic Lifestyle had the opportunity to ride through the course, and the Bronco proved why it remains an icon of capability, confidence, and pure fun.

Exclusive Photos 2026 Ford Bronco

photos by Richard Sandoval

The Ascent: Tackling a 40-Degree Climb

Our journey began at the base of a towering 40-degree incline, a feature that instantly set Bronco Mountain apart from typical auto show displays. Before the ascent, our Ford specialist locked the rear differential, ensuring consistent traction as we climbed.

As the Bronco powered upward, the sensation felt like navigating the steepest parts of San Francisco but magnified. At the summit, we paused momentarily, taking in the view before descending at the same dramatic angle.

It was a thrilling reminder of just how much modern engineering can do when matched with adventurous spirit.

Sideways at 21 Degrees: Feeling the Tilt

The second obstacle shifted from vertical challenge to lateral suspense. As the Bronco leaned into a 21-degree sideways tilt, we experienced the kind of off-camber terrain that sends adrenaline through even seasoned off-roaders.

With the doors removed, the view intensified the drama.

Yet, the Bronco handled it effortlessly. Our driver noted that 21 degrees isn’t even the danger zone some serious off-road rigs can approach 35 degrees depending on conditions.

Here, we also experienced a momentary three-wheel stance before the Bronco’s sway-bar disconnect systemautomatically increased suspension travel and rebalanced the vehicle. A once-manual, get-under-the-truck task now handled by a button press.

Rock Crawl Mode: GOAT Modes in Real Time

Next, the Bronco switched into Rock Crawl mode, one of Ford’s innovative G.O.A.T. Modes—Go Over Any Terrain. With a quick transition, the vehicle:

Shifted into 4-Low
Locked the rear differential
Disconnected the front sway bar
Activated off-road cameras, including the tire-view side cameras
Delivered pinpoint visibility of wheel placement

These features eliminate guesswork for drivers who would otherwise rely on a spotter especially near cliffs, boulders, or narrow trails. As our guide joked, “Friendships last longer when I don’t have to make someone spot for me.”

Bronco’s technology isn’t just impressive; it democratizes off-roading for anyone willing to try.

Approach, Departure & A Hollywood-Style Finale

The final feature, a dramatic elevated ramp, showcased the Bronco’s approach and departure angles using a visual that felt straight out of an Indiana Jones scene.

With the 360-degree camera system giving a crisp view of every angle and clearance point, the Bronco descended the platform with confidence and grace another example of capability meeting control.

Why This Matters: Off-Roading and the Way We Travel

As off-roading continues to grow in popularity especially among Latino adventurers experiences like Bronco Mountain highlight how automakers are responding to consumers who want versatility, technology, safety, and adventure all in one vehicle.

For Hispanic Lifestyle, this coverage expands our evolving vertical “The Way We Travel: Autos • Motion • Mobility,”spotlighting how we move through the world, what inspires us, and the innovations shaping new experiences.

Bronco Mountain was short, but unforgettable—proving that the future of mobility isn’t just electric or autonomous. It’s also adventurous, experiential, and driven by the spirit of exploration.