Ukiah woman wins Miss California

FRESNO (AP)--Miss North Coast, an opera singer who aspires to manage a nonprofit, won the Miss California title Saturday night.

Melissa Chaty, 23, of Ukiah holds a degree in psychology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara and plans to pursue a masters degree in the same field. She currently works as a marketing assistant for the Alzheimer's Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter.

"I had to ask someone if the crown was on my head because I didn't believe it," Chaty, who won on her fourth try, said after the competition.

Chaty beat out Miss Sierra Nevada Sheri Gorin, who finished second. Miss Hollywood Kari Johnson placed third, Miss Southwest California Amy Yetasook placed fourth and Miss Yosemite Valley. Jennifer Lee placed fifth.

Chaty won a $10,000 scholarship and will compete next year in the Miss America pageant.

The Miss California contest has been held in Fresno since 1994.