Tropic Beauty model crowned at Quechan resort

Cay Ukkos is officially the most beautiful girl in Southern California, at least as far as the judges of the Tropic Beauty-Southern California Finals were concerned.

Ukkos, who lives in Los Angeles, competed with 29 other models Saturday at the Quechan Casino Resort. She, along with four other finalists, will head to the 2013 World Finals in Las Vegas. The winner of the World Finals in 2012 was Ligia Hernandez of Venezuela.

All five of the top-placing contestants received a $1,000 prize. Diana Grant received second place, Tawnie Jaclyn third, Jessi Cabanne fourth and Coryn Salazar fifth.

Judging events included an introduction in cocktail dresses, a meet and greet, bikini contest and other tournaments.

The contestants were judged on their overall beauty, personality, ability to work with others and to be a good brand ambassador.

The Tropic Beauty production is a spin-off from the early 1970s Miss Hawaiian Tropic International.