Here are my submissions. I regrettably didn't come across your contest until today. I think these marks feel very California and I've tried to give some motion and activity to the designs. I've also incorporated some of the sea life native to CA. I really hope you like these. I check the site multiple times a day if you need edits, don't hesitate to ask. :)
Hey Melinda. Really Like #69. You're right. Very classic CA. Couple of options we'd like to see.
Can we go to a more traditional ampersand?
Wondering if we can try something a little different with the border. (these could look really bad but I'll throw them out there..... maybe rope? or make it look like a porthole of a ship?
Can you try one with a diver instead of the mermaid? (this is more out of curiosity than anything)
I've added a few of the border options you asked for. I also updated the female to a diver with gear. I also uploaded a version with a classic mermaid tail. Also some different positions with her arms.
I hope you like it. :)
If there are different elements from each design that you like, I can combine them.