Students find life despite rainy season
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
Sophomore Janet Perez attempts to keep dry Monday, the fifth consecutive
day of torrential rains. The 21 inches of rain received so far this season,
as opposed to the 10 inches that fell last year, flooded La Verne streets,
including the area just outside of the Stu-Han residence halls. A makeshift
bridge was built to traverse a river that ran nearly five feet wide and
several inches deep. A new series of storms is forecasted for next week.
With continuous rainstorms and showers blowing through the Southern
California area, the winter season has at last taken its toll on the Inland
Valley and the University of La Verne.
When it arrives, the rain is equipped with persistence and strength,
engulfing city streets and highways without much hesitation.
Through the flooded gutters and drenching weather, however, many ULV
students often find themselves drained or discouraged by the lack of ideas
and plans for rainy days.
Aside from attending classes, going to work and maintaining a daily
schedule, making plans for such days may sometimes become frustrating --
one can never really predict how harsh the climate may be.
Yet there are many things students can do, whether pre-planned or spontaneous,
to keep busy, entertained and still comfortable during the stormy season.
For instance, some students prefer to sleep in or simply rest during
the rainy weather. Though it may not be wise to sleep-in and miss class,
the option of taking some time to rest during a break or on a day off seems
to be more favorable.
"When it rains, I like to sleep," said freshman Marcus Franco,
a business major. "Listening to the rain as I rest let's me catch up
on sleep; we all need that once in a while."
"The rain relaxes you, so I like to sleep all day," said Michelle
Crenshaw, a freshman sociology major.
If hunger becomes a factor, Subway Sandwich at the intersection of Foothill
Blvd. and C Street has a sale which is suitable for rainy days, specifically.
According to a recent advertisement, customers are entitled to a free
sandwich upon the purchase of any size submarine sandwich and a medium drink.
The free offer is valid with purchase of a sandwich of equal or greater
value, and is only redeemable on rainy days.
"Rainy days are so slow, so we try to increase traffic [in the
store] with a sale," said Ramon Garcia, manager of the La Verne Subway,
on the objective of the promotion. "The sale is only good when it is
raining, and it lasts until April 31."
Another option to satisfy hunger-while staying out of the rain-is to
have pizza delivered. This service is often at its busiest during rainy
weather, so it is wise to allow plenty of time for the delivery.
In the same respect, there are several sources available for entertainment
when it is simply too wet to go for a walk or remain outdoors.
"I like to rent movies that I can watch with my friends. We've
been kind of getting movies here and there recently," said freshman
biology major Gloria Ramirez, who said she enjoys watching comedies while
raindrops fall outside her residence hall window.
"It's an indoor activity and I don't have to get wet," she
added.
A manager on-duty at the Blockbuster Video, La Verne, said the recent
weather conditions have made an impact on the rate of business.
"With the rain, it [business] seems to be less," he said.
"It is very slow while it is raining, but once it stops, we are bombarded
with customers.
"I guess people figure 'OK, the rain stopped, let's run to get
a few movies.' It seems like people are renting more in quantity when it
rains."
No matter what the weather, there are always things to keep occupied.
Whether it be covering oneself with blankets while playing board games
or talking to a friend or relative on the telephone, the best day can be
brought about from even the most discouraging climates.
"Most people can keep busy by just listening to the sound of the
rain," said Franco. "It really depends on who you are with and
what you do to stay out of bad weather."
