Santa Clarita Daily Briefing for February 17, 2026

Santa Clarita, CA — February 17, 2026 — From a multimillion-dollar lottery win to a homicide arrest in Castaic and new arts programming on the horizon, here’s a quick look at what’s shaping Santa Clarita today.

Santa Clarita liquor store sells $2 million winning ticket

A local shop in Valencia is getting attention after selling a California Lottery Instant Prize Crossword ticket worth $2 million to winner Hermilo Ruiz. The ticket was purchased at Valencia Liquor & Wine, which also receives a retailer bonus for selling the top-prize scratcher. The big win is part of a broader run of recent lottery payouts statewide, and it sends a fresh reminder that some of that money ultimately helps fund California public schools.

For neighbors, it is also a boost for a small local business that now gets to advertise itself as a “lucky” store, a label that often draws extra foot traffic in the weeks after a major win.

Stepson arrested in fatal Castaic stabbing

Detectives are continuing to investigate a deadly stabbing in Castaic that left a 62-year-old man dead inside his home over the weekend. Deputies from the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station responded to the residence on Ridge Top Lane after reports of an assault and found the victim with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities later arrested the victim’s 19-year-old stepson on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area and booked at the Santa Clarita station. Investigators have not publicly detailed a possible motive and are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau as they work to piece together what led up to the attack.

Upcoming concerts and cultural events on the calendar

Looking ahead, Santa Clarita’s arts scene is gearing up for a busy late winter and early spring. A candlelight benefit concert titled “Strings of Light” is scheduled for April 11 at the Bella Vida senior center, promising a mix of classical and contemporary string music to raise funds for local programs. On March 8, the Santa Clarita Symphony Orchestra plans its “Dreams & Destinies” concert at the Canyon High Performing Arts Center, highlighting symphonic works built around themes of fate and aspiration.

Meanwhile, the city’s community calendar is filling up with theatre productions, fundraisers, and family-friendly outings across venues like The MAIN, Canyon Theatre Guild, and Rancho Camulos Museum. Residents can expect a steady stream of weekend events, from new plays and live music to charity galas and bowling fundraisers that support local nonprofits.

Ramadan preparations for local Muslim community

With Ramadan set to begin in Santa Clarita around February 19, local families are preparing for a month of fasting and evening gatherings. Online prayer and meal schedules tailored specifically to Santa Clarita list detailed pre-dawn and sunset times, helping residents coordinate suhoor and iftar. Community leaders are encouraging neighbors to plan ahead for traffic and late-night activity near local mosques and gathering spaces as observances get underway later this week.

Sources

• https://abc7.com/amp/post/southern-california-man-wins-2-million-scratcher-sold-santa-clarita-1-won-hawthorne/18605039/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/los-angeles-county-man-arrested-stabbing-stepfather/
• https://scvnews.com/
• https://calendar.santaclarita.gov/calendar/2
• https://news.google.com/
• https://www.urdupoint.com/islam/santa-clarita-ramadan-calendar-sehar-aftar-timing.html