[bolgenmod]

From what I understand (never been there), the SoCal card room scene is filled with "characters," so if you think they're acting strangely, you're probably right!

Other posters seem to have answered your question about collusion, so I'll just give you some extra advice (my speciality is giving unasked advice!).

If you have questions about odd things at the card room/casinos, it's probably best to post such things in the B&M forum (if you've just started you might not know that B&M means Brick and Mortar, as in real card rooms as opposed to the virtual ones!). There are a lot of people there who really know their stuff and would probably know more about whatever specific place you're playing at. (Personally, B&M is one of my favorite forums -- I prefer live play, and the posters there are generally full of good advice!) But do read previous posts: there are lots of threads about B&M etiquette that you might find helpful.

And if you feel like you have more general and total noob questions, the Beginners forum is a good place too: few flames and lots of experienced posters trying to help people.

I'm not trying to sound like a know-it-all -- I'm sure you're smart enough to figure it all out. And I know when I first started lurking here, I wouldn't dare to post until I figured it all out. Took me a while -- it's a big forum. But you really get better responses when you post in the forum closest to your question. (And when you post only one question per post!)

Poker really is a great game, isn't it? Good luck, and see you in B&M!