1. There is a special weather statement forewarning of stormy weather, according to the National Weather Service. Otherwise, today will be mostly sunny with a high near 56. Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies and a low near 40.
2. The is hosting a holiday cookie decorating party for children in grades K-5 today at 4 p.m. The Library will supply an assortment of cookies, trimmings and colorful icing, and the children will supply the imagination to decorate them. This activity is limited to 50 children and tickets will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Parents are encouraged to come early and carpool if possible. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Friends of the Murrieta Public Library. The Murrieta Public Library is located at Eight Town Square (Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street). For more information about the program call 941-304-BOOK (2665) or visit the Library’s web site at www.murrietalibrary.info.
3. Here's what's for lunch today at elementary schools in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District: taco nada and a holiday cookie. Lunches are served with a fresh fruit/salad bar and a choice of juice or milk. Lunches average about 658 calories and 16.29 percent fat. To see middle and high school menus, click here.
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4. Today is Valentine's Day and across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. The history of Valentine's Day—and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery, according to History.com. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor's daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. For more on the holiday, click here.
5. Every Tuesday at 11 a.m. presents the "Crybaby Matinee." Relax and enjoy a movie without worrying about unexpected tantrums or feedings in the dark; they keep the lights dimmed and the sound volume down. Baby-changing tables and stroller valet are also provided for the convenience of our parents. Showing today: “Big Miracle” (PG), a drama romance starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski. Admission is $8; children under 5 get in free.
