In a news statement on her Facebook page, Mollie Thomas tells news that her “life has taken me many amazing places. I’ve been blessed with the ability to travel the world, and my experiences living in Los Angeles have compelled me to run for Miss California.”

Thomas is from West Hollywood and now studies at UCLA. “By participating in Miss California USA I am able to fulfill my early childhood dream of pageantry, while staying true to myself. I am so grateful that K2 Productions is so accepting and inclusive to allow me to be a contestant.” She adds “I am taking this opportunity not only to fulfill some of my own aspirations, but also to be a positive role model and inspiration for the LGBTQ community and for girls everywhere. With your help, I would be honored to be the next Miss California USA.”

While Thomas will represent West Hollywood, Jenelle Hutcherson will represent Long Beach. Hutcherson hopes to be perhaps the first ever contestant to be crowned, on top of a Mohawk. She wore board shorts for the Miss Long Beach pageant and a tuxedo for evening wear. She reached the finals.

Jenelle Evyn Hutcherson’s Facebook page lists here as a hair stylist at The Den Barber Salon, and originally from Bakersfield. “That Miss California crown would sure look nice atop the ‘hawk” she has told news.

The changes “will emphasize individuality and push the envelope even further,” Keith Lewis, co-executive of the contest, said in a news statement. “This year’s event will be bigger and reflect the progressive attitudes of the contestants.” The final round is this Sunday.