Through Our Lens | Hollywood in Focus

Oct 2, 2025 | Entertainment

Through Our Lens | Hollywood in Focus

Highlight the achievements, talents, and stories of the entertainers shaping our culture.

By Richard Sandoval

I’ve been in the media industry for 30 years. I mark my “official” start in August 1995, when I picked up the very first edition of a newsletter I produced called the Inland Empire Hispanic Business Update.

What began with the printed word soon evolved into video postings and a television program that broadcasted on several PBS stations throughout the United States. My first celebrity sit-down interview was with actress Maria Canals-Barrera, and I vividly remember showing off my brand-new camera at the time. As technology advanced, so did my passion. I invested in better cameras, which opened the door to still photography.

By 2004, I began taking photography seriously, and by 2010, I was fully committed to honing my craft behind the lens. Since then, every interview I’ve conducted has often been accompanied by a camera in hand, capturing candid moments that bring stories to life. I love preserving the passions, expressions, and insights that emerge during an interview.

Capturing the Community at Its Best
I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve interviewed and photographed over the years it’s safe to say it’s a lot. My guiding belief has always been that our community deserves to be showcased at its very best. We work hard to select images that represent the authenticity and energy of each moment.
From Hispanic Lifestyle in-person productions to Hollywood red-carpet events, we’ve documented countless memories. Our platform has featured more than 30,000 photographs and received millions of views. Many of these high-resolution images appear on HispanicLifestyle.com and are often integrated into our video features.

Thank you for being part of my journey and for taking the time to view and share these images.

Behind the Lens: My Tools of the Trade

Today, I use a combination of tools to capture images and video:
iPhone 15 (with plans to upgrade to the 17 soon)
Canon XF605 Video Camera
Canon EOS R6 Mark II

For editing, I work on a Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip, using Final Cut Pro X for video and Pixelmator Pro for photo editing and graphic design. These tools help me deliver the quality content that reflects our community’s vibrancy.

Faces We’ve Captured
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing and interviewing a remarkable list of artists, entertainers, athletes, and community icons, including:
Gina Rodriguez, John Leguizamo, Eva LaRue, Justina Machado, Efren Ramirez, Michelle Rodriguez, Yvonne DeLaRosa, Aimee Garcia, Eva Longoria, Lana Parrilla, Cote de Pablo, Andy Garcia, Antonio Banderas, Cesar Millan, Aubrey Plaza, Francia Raisa, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, Mariachi Divas, Danny Pino, Christina Aguilera, Josefina Lopez, Daisy Fuentes, Natalie Martinez, Simone Biles, Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson, Mario Lopez, Kate del Castillo, Stephanie Beatriz, Lou Diamond Phillips, Wilmer Valderrama, Benjamin Bratt, Esai Morales, Charo, Jenni Rivera, Kenny Ortega, Constance Marie, Cheech Marin, Zoe Saldana — and so many more.

These moments remind me why I started: to highlight the achievements, talents, and stories of the people shaping our culture.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS by Richard Sandoval

2025 Red Carpet Moments | 40th Annual Imagen Awards

2025 Impact Awards Gala | Presented by the National Hispanic Media Coalition

2024 NALIP's Celebrating Latino Excellence: 25th Anniversary End of the Year Celebration

← A Day with Resurrection Blvd. Swing Auditorium Featuring Andrew Sandoval →

A Day with Resurrection Blvd.

Sep 18, 2025 | Entertainment

A Day with Resurrection Blvd.
Celebrating 25 Years of
Groundbreaking Latino Storytelling at Fox Tucson Theatre

The Fox Tucson Theatre, the crown jewel of downtown Tucson, is thrilled to announce A Day with Resurrection Blvd · The 25th Anniversary Celebration, a one-of-a-kind event honoring the legacy of the trailblazing television series Resurrection Blvd. This exclusive celebration, presented by Elephant Scout Films, will take place at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, located at 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ, on October 19, 2025. Fans and newcomers alike are invited to join in this unforgettable tribute to a series that redefined Latino representation in media.

“Resurrection Blvd. is the defining moment of my lifelong career in the television business,” says Dennis Leoni, show creator and executive producer. “I’m incredibly proud to bring the 25th Anniversary Celebration of this show to my hometown of Tucson, Arizona. It’s especially meaningful to host this event at The Fox Theater, where I saw my first feature film over sixty years ago. I’m excited to share the pilot, show clips from the series, and offer insights into the making of this groundbreaking series.”

Marking the 25th anniversary of Resurrection Blvd., the first dramatic television series with an all-Latino cast and creative team, this event promises a heartfelt journey through the show’s enduring impact on storytelling and culture. Attendees will enjoy a special screening of the pilot episode, behind-the-scenes insights, and a live panel discussion with cast and crew members, sharing exclusive stories from the making of this historic series. Rated PG for all audiences, the event is designed to resonate with longtime fans and introduce new audiences to the vibrant world of Resurrection Blvd.

Confirmed cast members who will be in attendance include Dennis Leoni, Tony Plana, Michael DeLorenzo, Ruth Livier, Nicholas Gonzalez, Esai Morales, Mauricio Mendoza, Lou Diamond Phillips, Daniel Zacapa, and Glynn Turman. The panel discussion will be moderated by acclaimed producer and performer Dan Guerrero.

Adding to the excitement, the event will also launch The Leoni Filmmaking Scholarship, created to nurture the next generation of storytellers. A $2,500 check will be presented at the event to a local high school film student. Students were nominated by their film studies teachers and selected based on their work. The scholarship winner will be announced at their school and invited to attend the celebration to be formally awarded on stage.

For an elevated experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available, granting access to an exclusive after-party. VIP guests will mingle with the cast and crew, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and toast to the legacy of Resurrection Blvd. This intimate gathering offers a rare opportunity to connect with the visionaries who brought this groundbreaking series to life.

“Resurrection Blvd. broke barriers and gave a voice to stories that continue to inspire,” said Chris Scott for Elephant Scout. “This 25th anniversary celebration at Fox Tucson Theatre is a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of Latino storytelling. We invite everyone to join us for this historic reunion!”

The Fox Tucson Theatre, a Southwestern Art Deco masterpiece listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides the perfect backdrop for this cultural milestone. With its state-of-the-art acoustics and intimate 1,164-seat capacity, the venue ensures an immersive experience for all attendees. Whether you grew up watching Resurrection Blvd. or are discovering it for the first time, this event promises to be a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and storytelling.

Event Details:
What: A Day with Resurrection Blvd · The 25th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
When: October 19, 2025. Doors Open at 2:00 pm MST
Tickets: Available at www.foxtucson.com/resurrection. General admission and limited VIP tickets for the exclusive after-party are on sale now.

Thank you to sponsor The Leo Kent, the Resurrection Blvd. 25th Anniversary official hotel partner.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a cultural touchstone at one of the nation’s most iconic venues. Secure your tickets today and share the excitement with friends and family!

About Fox Tucson Theatre
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fox Tucson Theatre is a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco movie palace and state-of-the-art performing arts center. Hosting over 100 events annually, the Fox brings a diverse array of live entertainment, classic films, and community events to downtown Tucson, welcoming over 100,000 patrons each year. For more information, visit foxtucson.com.

About Elephant Scout
Elephant Scout is dedicated to producing impactful cultural events that celebrate diversity and storytelling. Committed to fostering community engagement, Elephant Scout partners with iconic venues like Fox Tucson Theatre to create unforgettable experiences.

MILESTONE | Helen Hernandez

Sep 18, 2025 | Entertainment

Helen Hernandez Honored at 40th Annual Imagen Foundation Awards

At the 40th Annual Imagen Foundation Awards, President and Founder Helen Hernandez was celebrated for four decades of visionary leadership and dedication to the organization she built.
Her milestone was recognized by an extraordinary group of leaders and icons: Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos, award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. Together, they honored Hernandez for her lasting contributions to advancing Latino representation in entertainment and beyond.

About the Icons in the Photo & Exclusive Videos

Helen Hernandez
President and founder of the Imagen Foundation, Hernandez has championed accurate and positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. A former labor organizer and accomplished advocate, she co-founded the Imagen Foundation in 1985 with legendary television producer Norman Lear. The foundation’s signature event, the annual Imagen Awards, is often referred to as the “Latino Golden Globes.”

Hilda Solis
Currently serving as Supervisor for Los Angeles County’s 1st District, Solis previously made history as the 25th U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama, becoming the first Latina to hold a cabinet-level position in the U.S.

Dolores Huerta
An iconic labor leader and civil rights activist, Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers) with César Chávez in 1962. Known for coining the rallying cry “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, we can!), she has spent her life advocating for farmworkers, women, and marginalized communities. In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Edward James Olmos
A celebrated Mexican-American actor, director, and activist, Olmos has been a trailblazer for Latino representation in film and television. His influential roles have made him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.

Kenny Ortega
A director, choreographer, and producer whose career spans over five decades, Ortega is known for beloved works such as High School Musical, Hocus Pocus, and Michael Jackson’s This Is It. His artistry has shaped both film and live entertainment, from the Olympics to Super Bowl halftime shows. He was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and the Disney Legends Award in 2020.

Photos and video by Richard Sandoval