Your builds weren't bad, but they weren't anything over the top amazing. Like I said, you have more potential than most within the community as far as building goes. I expect great things from you. I can't really tell you specifics, but I can just say that I wasn't a fan. It was just one of those things that I can't explain.
And they apparently aren't waiting as long as I thought before the next map update.
There has never been a map update where they pick 3 maps based on "1 that looks nice, 1 that is good for pvp, and 1 that has both". They always pick 3 that have (supposed to have) both. Also, its always about pushing the maps that looks the best. I can assure you of that. Of course there are other factors that play into this, but the sure way to get a map accepted it to make it look the best. The way you were arguing made it sound like you think they should pick maps that don't look the best too.
As for your map, there is not really a way for me to explain how it doesn't look like California other than by saying that it doesn't look like California. The theme that you chose was hard to execute in a way where you accurately represent California as a whole and still make the map organized and presentable. You guys did a good job with the map, but calling it California is a long shot. You had the ideas, and the effort, but I feel as if it could have been done better. I am sorry if I didn't elaborate good enough, I enjoy your builds, but the map as a whole didn't strike me as something that would eventually be added. You, of all people, have potential to be great in this building community, but even my first map (first 3 maps...) didn't go to well. xD
