Monterey County farm worker wins $2 million playing Scratchers

A Monterey County farm worker is $2 million richer after scratching off a lottery ticket.

Before checking to see if he had the 10th word needed to win the top prize on the California Lottery’s Grand Crossword Scratchers game, Miguel Calderon blessed himself.

According to the California Lottery, what happened next caused his heart to start beating fast and prompted him to begin jumping and screaming. The 64-year-old farm worker discovered he had indeed uncovered that final word and was holding a ticket now worth $2 million!

“So happy, really happy when he knows he won $2 million. He can’t speak and he’s deaf, but he show it on his face. All happy. Excited,” said Estela Martinez, a store clerk at Greenfield Market and Deli who witnessed Calderon’s win.

This is not the first time he hit the jackpot. Martinez says he already won $150,000 playing at a different store.

Calderon struggled to put his thoughts into words. “The only thing I know is that I’m here,” Calderon said, humbled after submitting his claim for his divine prize at the Lottery’s Sacramento District Office.

Calderon said he believes this was the Lord’s doing and he’s not going to make hasty decisions regarding his good fortune. The only thing on his mind right now is his family and perhaps a new house. When asked if his winnings might even be viewed as a catalyst to simply quit working, California’s newest millionaire replied: “No, because if I don’t keep working, if I’m at home, I’m going to be bored,” Calderon said.

Calderon’s not the only winner in all of this. He purchased his lucky Scratchers at Greenfield Market, which is located at 348 El Camino Real in Greenfield. This retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the winning ticket.