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Umbrellas were in order as rain came to California for the first time this decade.

Powerful storms pummeled much of southern California, including the California Baptist University campus, on Jan. 20 and 21.

The city of Riverside had received nearly six inches of rain as of Jan. 28.

The lack of the city's ability to handle large amounts of rainfall was evident. Rain on Jan. 21 caused flooding on Magnolia Avenue that extended halfway across the eastbound lane near the Adams Street intersection. Nearly four inches of water rushed down the road in a river that slowed traffic and prevented pedestrians from making use of the bike lanes and sidewalks.

The storm also took a toll on the buildings and facilities on campus. Facilities and Planning Services Director Steve Smith said that he had his hands full maintaining buildings and responding to facilities calls during and after the outpouring of rain.

"We responded to a great many calls throughout the week," Smith said. "The demand severely tested our resources."

According to Smith, several of the power interruptions that affected campus resulted from the effects of the storm on the citywide infrastructure. In addition, leaks were reported in several locations on campus, including James 192, where water could be seen dripping from the ceiling onto the carpet near an electrical outlet. The four-story James building was also affected; the ceiling of the fourth story hallway appeared to cave in slightly, and trash cans were placed in several locations along the hall to collect dripping water.

Smith also said that the facilities department is continuing to respond to the after effects of the storm, including making preliminary plans to replace roofing on at least one campus building.

Jim Walters at the CBU Department of Public Safety noted that flooding in low-lying areas of campus also affected students.

"As always, footing is an issue, especially on the slippery sidewalks," Walters said.

Walters also said that, while no barricades had been set up around flooded areas, students should always take extra precaution when walking around campus during the storm season.

Many students noted that the weather affected their daily routines.
"I haven't been able to ride my skateboard," Alex Hannis said. "I don't usually ride it that much, but with this rain, there's not a chance."

Basic routines, like walking to and from living areas, also proved to be an interesting challenge for some students.

Richard Burdett, who lives in the Smith Hall dormitory, said that walking back and forth to class gave him a run for his money.

"I don't own an umbrella or a hooded jacket, or anything like that, so I've had to cover myself up with my backpack or whatever I'm holding. It's been nuts," Burdett said.

Other students, however, found that rain to be a refreshing change.

"I love this weather, we absolutely need it," Jacob Wilkins said.

Wilkins, who is a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps on campus, also enjoyed the fact that the pouring rain and drenched fields led to the cancellation of his early morning workouts on Thursday and Friday.