Two lucky Los Angeles County Scratchers players are among three new multi-millionaires from California, lottery officials announced Thursday.
Putting a fortunate new twist on her morning crossword routine, Sonia Santiago won $2 million on an Instant Prize Crossword game purchased from Mimi’s Donuts in Downey, located at 10303 Lakewood Boulevard.
About 25 miles away, California Lottery officials said Helen Balaskas penciled in her $2 million payoff with an Instant Prize Crossword from the Glendora CVS Pharmacy at 435 Arrow Highway.
A player in the Bay Area also joined the $2 million winners club when Raul Tronco filled in the correct blanks on his Instant Prize Crossword from Roosevelt Liquor & Grocery at 1700 El Camino Real in Redwood City.
The $20 Instant Prize Crossword, released regularly since 2019, has remained a fan favorite with a top prize of $2 million, Lottery officials said in a news release.
“The sole purpose of the California Lottery is to provide extra money for public education in the state. Those funds support materials, sports equipment, afterschool programs, and more,” the news release stated.