N.J. native wins $38M Calif. Lottery jackpot

Posted: 5/4/2007 2:44:35 PM

Oceanside resident Eugene Salek told officials at the California Lottery that he followed his usual routine yesterday morning. He got up, made coffee and then checked his SuperLotto Plus tickets from the night before.

He knew then that he had won $38 million.

But, Salek said, he went ahead and made breakfast for himself and his wife, Lee, and intended to keep his big news a surprise, telling her only that they were heading out from their home.

Salek couldn't hold back when she questioned him, though, so out came the news that they were going to claim his prize.

The Saleks did not answer the phone yesterday afternoon, and the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community.

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Neighbors John and Bette Overman said they had not seen the winning couple all day.

As soon as they were told their neighbors had received good news yesterday, the couple guessed immediately: "They won the lottery," Bette Overman said because she, too, had bought tickets on the big jackpot.

According to a news release from lottery officials, Salek retired in 1990 as a Sears department manager.

Bette Overman said the couple moved from New Jersey upon retirement.

The news release quoted Salek as saying his only other strokes of luck were when he persuaded his wife to marry him 49 years ago and when he won two tickets to a luau in Hawaii.

Lottery spokeswoman Cathy Johnston said Salek opted to take his winnings over a 26-year period and said he probably will invest most of the money. Johnston said the payments, before taxes, will amount to $950,000 the first year and $1.9 million on the 26th year.

Johnson said the ticket was purchased at Stater Brothers on Sycamore Avenue in Vista. The store will get one half of 1 percent of the total, or $190,000.

Calls to the store manager for comment were not returned.

Source: Union-Tribune

hosni

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 2:52 pm - IP Logged

Hey Todd, A nice heart warming story. Right in my hood too. Glad to see a NJ native pick up some of the Golden States $$$. Escondido, CA John

Retired Grumman Aerospace Corporation F-14 Tomcat AVIONICS Field Engineer Extraordinaire

MissNYC

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 3:19 pm - IP Logged

That's great, but I think if I was already retired, I would probably opt for the lump sum payment, but that's me.

"If you just keep believing, that dream that you wish will come true"

Bed

rdc137

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 3:35 pm - IP Logged

Quote: Originally posted by MissNYC on May 4, 2007

That's great, but I think if I was already retired, I would probably opt for the lump sum payment, but that's me.

Perhaps they were thinking of their children and grandchildren who will be around in 26 years to collect the last payments. My grandmother told me if she won Powerball, she would have me take the annuity and she gets to keep the first check, which would be enough for the rest of her life. I guess I shouldn't complain about that deal, but I still think she'd be better taking the lump sum considering her age. Oh well, grandmas are like that.

fja

Just Guru to you!

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 3:42 pm - IP Logged

Well this out to start the famous cash option / lump sum debate going again,,,,,considering they are retired,,,,,

Anyway nice going, Congratulations,,,,enjoy the rest of your lives....

"Everybody has to believe in something...I believe I'll have another beer!" = W.C.Fields

eddessaknight

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 3:48 pm - IP Logged

"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '

Why don't the Lottery ooficials give out Salek's SS Number and finger prints while they are at it.....happy for their good luck but sorry that the CA lottery publicity navigator info makes them an unwitting target.

eddessaknight

DoubleDown

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 5:11 pm - IP Logged

Quote: Originally posted by eddessaknight on May 4, 2007

"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '

eddessaknight

"the blinds were closed on their whitewashed corner duplex home in the Mykonos section of the gated Ocean Hills retirement community. '

I agree eddessaknight:

This is why you want to claim it as a trust in the states that allow.

CA LotteryGuy

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Posted: May 4, 2007, 5:15 pm - IP Logged

eddessaknight....it wasn't the CA Lottery that gave out the information on where the Mr. Salek lives. This information most likely came from the local newspaper, the San Diego Union Tribune. The lottery in it's press release gave the winner's name and said he was a retiree from the San Diego area. In California the winners name is released, a trust will not keep the winner unknown.

Also of note in the press release was that Salek bought 5 quick picks. He doesn't like to get the picks on one ticket so he made sure he got 5 tickets each with a single line. The numbers were 3, 5, 12, 20, 24 and 6, all below the birthday/anniversary number 31. Interesting that the winner was from a quick pick!!!

Todd