by Araceli Esparza
Features Editor
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.”
Journalism operations manager at the University of La Verne. Production manager and business manager of the Campus Times.
