Melissa Fitzgerald

Where do you go to get away from the stresses of life? Balmy beaches may be an obvious choice for Cal State Fullerton students because of the close proximity, but there are other less obvious choices waiting to be discovered.

Gleb Zilberberg, a 25-year-old business management major, said that he goes for hikes to get away.

“I heard about Modjeska Canyon from a long-time high school friend who is a big-time tree-hugging nature boy,” Zilberberg said.

He said that it’s a way for him to unwind.

“It’s relaxing. And it’s a closer version of Yellowstone,” Zilberberg said.

The trails are for everyone and beginners will find them fun,

he said. The paths may not be too challenging for professionals, but regardless it is local, Zilberberg said.

Modjeska Canyon is located next to Irvine, while beautiful, the wildlife can prove menacing according to Zilberberg.

“Bring something – a knife, gun or big stick,” he said.

Hikers should beware of snakes.

Remember to bring a camera. If you get tired after hiking, there is a bird sanctuary on the premises, Zilberberg said.

“The bird sanctuary is a bit outdated and under-budgeted but it’s cool and it’s sponsored by CSUF,” he said.

Amanda Wiens, an employee at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon, said it’s a good way to get back to nature.

The sanctuary is run by CSUF and is used as a research location by students.

“We have a resident bobcat,” Wiens said.

Although Wiens smirks as she speaks about the wildlife, she advises to take precautions.

“I’d say go in a group,” she said.

For safety reasons, hikers should go in at least groups of two and also bring water to stay hydrated, Wiens said.

If the thrill of nature is not enough, some find the thrill of gambling as another way to get away from it all.

Losing money at the Santa Anita Race Track on a beautiful day may not be for everyone, but Miriam Solis, a 24-year-old English major, said all the excitement keeps bringing her back.

Solis goes every couple of months but wasn’t always a fan.

“I was a little girl and I went with my dad. I thought it was boring. I just wanted to see the horses,” she said.

But since growing up Solis said that she enjoys the atmosphere much more.

The sounds of the pounding horse hooves coupled with the pounding of the booklets in gamblers’ hands amplify the anticipation, Solis said.

“It is exciting and the day goes by really fast,” she said.

Between eating hotdogs and drinking beer, Solis said that she places small bets to make the races more interesting.

“It’s just laid back and you have those little rushes,” Solis said.

There’s more to the racetrack than betting and beer.

Solis said she has also noticed the class distinction at the racetrack, which she thinks is interesting to observe.

“The separation of classes … it’s interesting to see that. I like to be down with the rough crowd or ruffians,” Solis said.

Though Solis goes regularly she admits she does not always win.

“One time we actually won a decent amount. It was a long shot. We won over $100,” she said.

Solis said the grounds of Santa Anita are nice and the caretakers keep it up really well, which is also a plus.

She also said if you go to Santa Anita there is a lot to do in the surrounding area after the races.

“There’s so much other stuff to do out there. There’s the mall and a lot of good restaurants,” Solis said.

Solis’ offered this piece of advice to new gamblers: study up on the horses and make small bets.