Hotel Miss California
Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem Richard Montgomery and Miss California 2009, Nicole Johnson. Photo by Raphael Maglonzo
by Andrea Ruse
Over 300 girls and women between the ages of 14 and 28 packed into The Shade Hotel last weekend to learn tips on how to win next month’s Miss California USA and Miss Teen California USA pageants.
Contestants met with hair and make-up professionals, fitness and nutrition experts, Hollywood stylists, fashion designers and media trainers. They learned to walk the red carpet, give camera interviews, while winning over the paparazzi, all without breaking a sweat.
“I had an absolutely wonderful time in Manhattan Beach this past weekend and to have had the opportunity to meet the mayor and all the amazing women was such a blessing,” said Miss California 2010 Nicole Johnson, who hosted the event with Miss Teen California 2010 Emma Baker.
The South Bay was represented by Miss Hermosa Teen California 2011 and Miss Rancho Palos Verdes Kim Nelson.
The event was one of several intended to turn the Miss USA franchise into more than just a one-day pageant, where girls and young women can learn to speak properly, build confidence and be involved in charitable work.
“It’s nice to see that with the stereotype that’s out there [about pageants], lots of positive things are coming out of this of late,” said Heather Witbeck, who represents the Miss California organization. “Female-supportive events make it more than just a one-time judging event and not so superficial.” ER