A Man Stops For A Snack And Becomes A Multi-Millionaire With One Scratch

ROHNERT PARK-COTATI, CA — At the 76 station where Occidental Road meets the Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol, Edy Giron Ruiz became multi-millionaire.

It was Valentine's Day 2024. During a routine stop after work with his brothers at Husary’s 76 station, Ruiz decided to buy a Scratchers ticket. “When I scanned it and saw what it said, I couldn’t believe it. It was only happiness,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz discovered that he had won $5 million.

"I was with my brothers and we all celebrated together,” he said.

Nine months later, he has claimed the prize. Ruiz said he plans to visit his family, something he hadn't been able to do in years. He said he’s grateful for the opportunity and excited to reconnect with loved ones he hasn’t seen in a long time.

Ruiz bought the $20 Maximum Millions Scratchers ticket at Husary’s 76 gas station and convenience store, 2110 Gravenstein Highway North in Sebastopol.

But the process for claiming the winnings is long, said Yvonne Vazquez, a spokeswoman for the California Lottery.

The process of claims can take some time to allow for the vetting and verification, she said.

Four other tickets sold in Sonoma County have been big winners this year, according to reports.

In March, a winning Set for Life Scratchers ticket worth $1.2 million was sold at MD Liquor & Food on Mission Boulevard in Santa Rosa. A winning Mega Cash Scratchers ticket worth $1 million was sold at MD Liquor & Food at University Square in Rohnert Park. And a winning SuperLotto Plus ticket worth $30 million was purchased at My Good Market in Cotati. In January, a Winter Magic Multiplier Scratchers game worth $1 million was sold at Oliver’s Market on Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa.