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Community Corner

5 Things to Know in Murrieta: Jan. 15

Murrieta City Council meets tonight.

1. It will continue to be cool today, according to the National Weather Service. Otherwise, today expect sunny skies with a high around 59. Tonight, expect clear skies and a low of 36.

2. The Seventh Annual Battle of the Badges Red Cross Blood Drive—a friendly competition among Southern California's local police and fire departments—is underway. The Murrieta Police Department encourages the community to give blood during a two-day event between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. today and Thursday in the front parking lot of the Police Department at Two Town Square. Members of the public should make an appointment by visiting Redcrossblood.org. Participants will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt while supplies last. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Parents or legal guardians must accompany 16-year-olds wishing to donate.

3. Here's what's for lunch today at elementary schools in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District: Galaxy cheese pizza. 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.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4. If getting more organized and removing the clutter from your life is one of your New Year’s resolutions, professional organizer and author Nanci McGraw will teach you how to reclaim your life and de-clutter your home or office beginning at 6 p.m. tonight at the Murrieta Public Library. Author of “Get Organized – Now!”, McGraw is also an award-winning broadcaster and well-known motivational speaker. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Friends of the Murrieta Library.

5. The Murrieta City Council meets at 6 p.m. at One Town Square. Agenda includes acceptance of $39,000 in state and federal emergency management and homeland security grants; approval of a $185,832 contract with Upland-based CMV Electric Inc. to perform traffic signal modifications at multiple intersections; and an update from City Councilman Alan Long regarding a December workshop attended by the Murrieta Fire Department, American Medical Response and the Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency. The three agencies discussed ambulance service and medical response times within the city.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

BONUS TIP: Every week at 11 a.m. Reading Cinemas 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: “Parental Guidance” (PG).

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