California Ladies State Poker Championship

Already in its fifth year, the California Ladies State Poker Championship, hosted by Ocean's Eleven Casino in Oceanside, California, is not just another poker tournament – it is an event. Attendance grew again this year, as reflected by the larger prize pools and participation in the many affiliated activities.

Last year's overall points winner, Lulan Swanson, was once again in the hunt and hoping to repeat, but Heather Georges played strongly the entire weekend and was the happy winner of the championship and all of the honors that go along with the title. She will represent Ocean's Eleven Casino at many of the ladies events in the coming year, including the World Series of Poker, Commerce Casino's Ladies Dream Weekend, The Bicycle Casino's Luck Be a Lady, as well as many other California tournaments. Georges, a 21st Century Blackjack dealer at Ocean's Eleven, has been playing poker for about eight years. "I am surprised and grateful to have won this title, and am looking forward to representing Ocean's Eleven. We all appreciate the support given by the casino to make this such an outstanding event," she said.

Prior to each tournament, a scrumptious buffet prepared by Executive Chef David Kaminski and his assistants was available. Some of the activities planned by Marketing Director Billy Brown and Tournament Director Star McCormick included a welcome party with wine tasting, a "way-out and wacky afternoon adventure" that featured a dancing exhibition, comedian, Pat Benatar impersonation (great singing and dancing performed by Star McCormick), and entertaining celebrity game, a luncheon/fashion show, several brunches, and an awards banquet. Brown and McCormick made sure that every detail was meticulously handled in order to ensure a fabulous experience for the ladies. They bought and wrapped many door prize gifts, and with the help of Director of Engineering Carlos Lopes, they transformed the tournament area many times into beautiful settings with an animal motif.

The highlight of the weekend was the "Queen of the Jungle" awards banquet. Many ladies wore animal prints, and the decorations made the ladies feel as though they were in the middle of the jungle. General Manager Bob Moyer and owner Haig Kelegian gave speeches thanking the ladies for their participation. Following the presentation of the beautiful Waterford Crystal trophies, players danced the night away to the tunes of Diva Soul.

Throughout the weekend, players donated a great deal of money to Ocean's Eleven Casino's chosen charity, Ivey Ranch, which is a home for both able and disabled children. The room was adorned with pictures of many of these kids. Special thanks go to Cheri Dokken and Betty Egan, who matched the funds raised during the Omaha tournament. We are already looking forward to next year's event.

Results of the tournament were as follows:

$11 hold'em

Entrants: 163

Rebuys: 285

Prize pool: $4,928

1. Debby Iino $1,725

2. Georgia Mathis 840

3. Michelle Moulin 540

4. Robin Biroc 445

5. Pei Fang Zhon 370

6. Cheri Dokken 320

7. Willy Padiernos 270

8. Estella Sandy 220

9. Jeri Lee 198

$80 seven-card stud

eight-or-better

Entrants: 107 • Prize pool: $8,560

1. Heather Georges $3,000

2. Espy Enriquez 1,455

3. Suzanne Carter 1,025

4. Pia Pellegrin 855

5. Linda Monahan 685

6. Gail Abbott 600

7. Diana Forman 510

8. Robin Biroc 430

$100 limit hold'em

Entrants: 110 • Prize pool: $11,000

1. Linda Johnson $3,850

2. Jackie Clayton 1,870

3. Lulan Swanson 1,210

4. Laura Powers 990

5. Jo Starr 825

6. Rebecca Lippert 715

7. Zoila Perry 605

8. Jan Fisher 495

9. Elaine Brown 440

$80 Omaha eight-or-better

Entrants: 94 • Prize pool: $7,520

1. Lindsey Doan $2,630

2. Cheri Dokken 1,280

3. Tammy Brottish 830

4. Elaine Brown 675

5. Nina Goodspeed 565

6. Zoila Perry 490

7. Susan Evans 410

8. Maidi Zusman 340

9. Kathy Bohrer 300

Freeroll limit hold'em

Entrants: 94 • Prize pool: $2,000

1. Susan Evans $680

2. Lulan Swanson 340

3. Jan Fisher 200

4. Linda Monahan 180

5. Mila Showalter 160

6. Estella Sandy 140

7. Julia Meyers 120

8. Marie Sohn 100

9. Diana Formen 80