40 Contestants to Vie for the Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina Crowns

LOS ANGELES - Oct. 31, 2014 - PRLog -- The largest Latina pageant in the state returns to Long Beach after two years in Pasadena. Forty contestants from all over the state vie for the title of Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina on Sunday, November 9^th at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach.

In its’ seventh year, Miss California Latina has grown into the largest competition in the state for women of Latin descent. It includes a Teen division, ages 13-18, and Miss division, ages 19-27. Miss California Latina is a preliminary to the national Miss U.S. Latina event, the most prestigious and well known pageant system in the world for Latinas living in the United States, as well as the longest-running, since 1983. Winner of Miss U.S. Latina goes on to compete in the worldwide competition of Miss America Latina del Mundo event.

Miss California Latina competition weekend kicks-off with the annual premiere media event on Friday, November 7^th where all 40 competitors are introduced to the media during the special Purple Carpet Event at Berri's Cafe located at 8412 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. The event is hosted by Miss California Latina 2014 Karina Heredia, and Miss Teen California Latina 2014 Sulema Barajas.

The coronation show will be hosted by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Félix Sánchez and entertainment personality and former Miss California Latina, Vivian Fabiola Valadez. The show features performances by Cesar Lizardo, Carlos Arturo, Fany Alvarez, and Josue Hernandez, celebrity guests, and the crowning of a winner in both the Miss and Teen divisions. The competition show begins at 6pm and will be held on Sunday, November 9^th at the Renaissance Hotel Long Beach at 111 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California.

“I am excited to see my vision continuing in its seventh year, mentoring and creating opportunities for Latinas to pursue their goals and dreams while impacting the community,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, State Director of Miss and Teen California Latina. “Our organization provides personal and professional opportunities for these young women. We encourage them to take pride in their culture, and in-turn make a difference in the community. We work to equip them with the tools needed to succeed beyond a crown and sash through the Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina pageants forum.”

Phases of competition include an interview competition, a swimwear competition for the Miss division, and fashion wear for Teen division, and finally an evening gown competition. During the interview portion, the judges will focus their scoring on personality, culture, intellect, success, talents, goals, and ambitions while paying special attention to each candidate’s poise, charm, self-confidence, as well as the substance of her answers. Throughout the swimsuit/fashion wear competitions, each candidate will be judged on figure, physical fitness, and confidence. During the evening gown segment, contestants will be expected to demonstrate self-confidence, sense of style, beauty, and grace while modeling the gown of her choice.

One lucky contestant from each division will be granted an automatic spot in the semi-finals if selected as the “People’s Choice Award” held via donation voting. Also, premier sponsor Naturade will present recognition award for “Most Fit” and Majestic Drug will present recognition awards for "Best Smile".

The judging panel for the Miss division are: Chief Information & Marketing Officer for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), MARCELA BAILEY, actress KIKEY CASTILLO, Project Runway Star and famed fashion designer MICHAEL COSTELLO, entrepreneur and business owner, JOSEPH GARCIA, President & CEO of Rose Park ProductionsDERRICK HEGGENS, choreographer and filmmaker, VERGI RODRIGUEZ, and host and executive producer of “PopStop TV,” XIXI YANG.  For the Teen division, judges include motivational speaker and actor, ERIC MARTINEZ, model and former Miss Ohio Latina, CAROLINA PEGUERO, manager with U.S. Bank RAHEL MENGISTE, and television producer BRIGIITE VALADEZ.

Winners of the Miss and Teen California Latina pageant will receive gifts, prizes, and cash valued over $5,000. Winner of Miss California Latina will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Latina America to represent California at the annual Miss U.S. Latina competition. California has a history of doing well at the national level, with all representatives placing in the top ten or above.

The Miss California Latina and Miss Teen California Latina event is generously sponsored by Goya Foods, Naturade, Majestic Drugs, ORS Hair Care, Shiekh Shoes, Wholesale Fashion Square, D'Milikah Swimwear, Clicks of Life Photography, Emmy Artistic Makeup, Hugo Benson Photography,Xtian Collection, Get Fit By Rob, HiRadios.com, and Salon Dominicano.