Forty-one contestants from across the Golden State arrived in Fresno on Monday to kick off the 25th straight Miss California competition in the city.
The contestants visited Fresno City Hall, meeting with Fresno Mayor Lee Brand.
Competition begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday with a new Miss California crowned for the 2020 Miss America competition.
The incumbent Miss California, Mackenzie Freed, is a Lodi resident and graduate from California Baptist University.
The San Joaquin Valley is fielding the following contestants:
Lauren Herring – Miss City of Fresno
Age: 23
Attending: Fresno State
Talent: Dance/Jazz
Social Impact Initiative: Learn Like a Girl: Women in STEM
Marion Carpenter – Miss Fresno County
Age: 20
Attending: Fresno State
Talent: Vocal
Social Impact Initiative: Agricultural Education
Gaby Muro – Miss Merced County
Age: 18
Attending: San Francisco State
Talent: Monologue
Social Impact Initiative: Epilepsy Awareness
Meghan Verheul – Miss Kings County
Age: 18
Attending: Fresno State
Talent: Dance/Ballet
Social Impact Initiative: Leadership in Youth
Taelor Hire – Miss Tulare County
Age: 19
Attending: Clovis Community College
Talent: Vocal
Social Impact Initiative: The Opioid Crisis
