Miss Santa Monica 2015 Press Release

STAR OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY CROWNS THE NEW
SANTA MONICA QUEENS AND RAISES MONEY FOR BEST BUDDIES

The new Miss Santa Monica USA Claudia Ethridge and Miss Santa Monica Teen USA Taylor Nelson were crowned at the beautiful Loews Hotel overlooking the Santa Monica Pier. Each year Miss Santa Monica promotes a local and national charity.  This year, they matched funds donated at the pageant to the Best Buddies California.  The winners will be joining Miss California USA Cassie Kunze and Miss California Teen USA Bianca Vierra at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 3^rd in Long Beach.

Miss Santa Monica USA Claudia Ethridge is a 20-year-old Film major at San Diego State, and plans to become a Production Designer for major motion pictures. She enjoys painting, singing, and recently won the “Art Direction Project of the Year” from the film department of her university.  Miss Santa Monica Teen USA Taylor Nelson is a senior at Coronado High School. She has served three years as a goodwill ambassador helping different organizations in her community. Taylor holds a 4.3 GPA, but still finds the time to enjoy paddle boarding, dancing riding her bike, and help with Autism and Diabetes awareness.

Star of the new reality show on VH1 “Suave Says”, Rico Suave (Gerardo Mejia) hosted this red carpet event along with Miss Malibu USA 2014 Natasha Martinez.  The judges included his wife Kathy Mejia along with Elizabeth Rovsek (Real Housewives of Orange County, BRAVO), Terrence Campbell (WET Swimwear), Devin McElvogue (Equinox), Joseph Goodman (Celebrity Dentist), John Vartanian (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon), London Scott (Hair Extension Specialist), Marla Esposito (LaserAway), Rafael Quezada (Loews Santa Monica), and Rita Mezrahi (Claire’s Collection). The pageant also featured vocal performances by Alicia Monique Blanco (Miss Arizona USA 2009), Nadia Mejia (Suave Says, VH1) and Herizen Guardiola.

The $10,000 prize package the winners in the Teen and Miss categories will receive includes products and services from: Carlos G. Design, Cinema Makeup School, Claire’s Collection, Crown Diva Beauty, Crown Diva Boutique & Pageant Academy, Equinox, Extensions by London, Get Fit by Rob, Ikonic, INTA Gems & Diamonds, John Cassese The Dance Doctor, Dr. John Vartanian, Dr. Joseph Goodman, Laser Away, Lisa G. Artistry, LVGLAMDUO, MD Lashes, OPI, Samira Gem Creations, Sheila Hughes, Urban Charm, WET Swimwear, Whiplash Eyewear.

More info www.misssantamonica.com and http://www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org/socalwalk/crowndiva