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Community Corner

5 Things To Know In Murrieta Today: Oct. 8

Happy Columbus Day!

1. Columbus Day brings a chance of drizzle before 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Otherwise, today is expected to be cloudy with a gradual clearing and a high near 79. Tonight, expect increasing clouds and a low around 51.

2. Because of the holiday, post offices, banks and many federal government offices are closed. The state of California stopped observing Columbus Day as a paid holiday in 2009, therefore, state, county and local offices--such as Murrieta City Hall, Murrieta Valley Unified School District and Murrieta Public Library--are open. According to History.com, Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century but did not become a federal holiday until the 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus' achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. Throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have appeared in recent years.

3. Here's what's for lunch today at elementary schools in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District: crispitos. 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. The Murrieta Senior Center, located at 41717 Juniper Street, offers many free services for those 50 and older that you may not know about. For instance, movie night and game time. Plus, every Monday they offer free blood pressure screening. Those 50 and older can closely monitor their blood pressure by getting it checked for free. Blood pressure screenings are also held the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, click here.

5. Ryan’s Comics is hosting open gaming and two tournaments: Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic the Gathering. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, click here

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

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