5 Things to Know in Murrieta Today: Aug. 20

1.) Today will start off cooler, according to the National Weather Service. Patchy fog is expected before 11 a.m. and after 11 p.m. Otherwise, today will be mostly sunny with a high near 84. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with a low near 55.

2.) Today is the last day to view artwork highlighting the region's history as a ranching community. Located at the this is the Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation's 14th Annual Art Show. This year's theme is "Ranching in the Heart of Nature." The art show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 39400 Clinton Keith Road. It is free and open to the public. Art sales benefit children's education programs at the Reserve.

3.) After doing some summer cleaning, Animal Friends of the Valleys is having a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their old shelter located at 29001 Bastron Ave., Lake Elsinore. Shop for gently-used animal and office supplies including desks, file cabinets, chairs, washers and dryers, chain link dog run panels, bowls, carriers, bird cages, aquariums and hamster supplies. Donations for the items are appreciated.

4.) It’s a back-to-school themed day at Lakeshore Learning Store.  Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., children have the chance to create and decorate flowers for their teacher. Located at 24420 Village Walk Place, all materials will be included.

5.) LifeStream invites all healthy residents to donate blood today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at at 40440 California Oaks Road. Donors will receive a coupon for a free round of bowling courtesy of LifeStream. Donors must be at least 15 years of age, be in general good health, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.

TRAFFIC TIP: The Riverside County Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation and the are working to widen Interstate 215 between Murrieta Hot Springs and Scott roads. Construction activity includes grinding and paving of the shoulder lanes, installation of concrete barriers along the center median and drainage work. Daytime bridgework continues at the Keller Road under crossing, requiring intermittent lane closures. A flagging operation is in place to direct motorists through the area. For tonight, closures are as follows:

INTERSTATE 215: Lane closures are scheduled for Interstate 215 between Murrieta Hot Springs and Scott roads. The south direction will experience intermittent freeway lane closures in the number one and two lanes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The northbound number one and two lanes are subject to intermittent closures as well between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. due to paving. For more information on the project, click here.