Anaheim Man Wins $2 Million in Lottery ‘Big Spin’

An Anaheim grandfather and a Davis jewelry store clerk both won $2 million-plus grand prizes in the California Lottery’s “Big Spin” Saturday, and a retired Montebello schoolteacher won $1 million.

It was only the second time in the 1 1/2-year history of the lottery that there were two grand prizes in the same weekly spin. Altogether, nine spinners selected from among scratch-off lottery ticket players won $5,465,000 Saturday.

Arlie Ragle, 61, of Anaheim, a maintenance supervisor at the Hitco Co. aircraft equipment plant in Gardena, told reporters after his $2,325,000 spin that “I’ve been telling myself for 1 1/2 years that I was going to spin it and win the big one.

“I just believed it, and I did it,” Ragle said.

He said he planned to give his employer two weeks notice that he is quitting, and then “buy a nice customized van and go see the country” with his wife, Dolly.

“I’m at an age where I feel like I can retire,” the grandfather of 12 said.

Three spins later, after the progressive top prize started over again at $2 million, Gail Rains of Davis won a $2,050,000 grand prize. The 47-year-old jewelry store clerk and bookkeeper said she didn’t have any special plans for her prize except to “do all the dumb practical things” like pay off a car loan and possibly hire someone to help with housework.

Phyllis Hoover, 69, of Whittier, said she would use part of her $1 million prize to set up a scholarship at Montebello High School, where she taught for 29 years, for students who plan teaching careers.

All prizes of $1 million or more are paid in 20 annual installments, less 20% withheld for federal taxes. Ragle will receive annual checks of $93,000, Rains of $82,000 and Hoover of $40,000.

Another winner on Saturday was Fumie Lee, 55, of Anaheim, who won $10,000.