Trail Along for History and Health

Six times a year the Recreational Trails Board Committee of the City of Moreno Valley hosts a hike on the historical trails of San Timoteo Canyon. Gilbert Brooks recently did the honors of leading the hike with a group of almost seventy. “The purpose is to promote health, nature and history. You would be amazed at what is right in your backyard” said Brooks who has been involved since 1997 and didn’t mind hosting the 2 hour, 5.6 mile hike. Director Miquel Sarasa, who mentors young ladies for pageants, arrived with Miss Teen Moreno Valley Ashley Casillas, Miss Moreno Valley Isabel Guerra, Miss Sunnymead Melanie Villarreal, and Miss Teen Sunnymead Ariana Morales. “We came here today to initiate health and to support the city,” shared Sarasa. Miss Moreno Valley Isabel Guerra is the first to hold the title in eighteen years and she wanted to be sure to show how much she appreciated the honor of representing the city by being involved with the hike. Parents of Miss Teen Moreno Valley Ashley Casillas, Javier and Anna Casillas, were also present not only to support their daughter but to support the city they have called home for fifteen years. Javier shared, “It was really a great opportunity and it initiates appreciating the history of the city.” Boy Scouts Troop 214 Moreno Valley was led by Scout Master Jeff Ogan. The idea of taking the scouts on the hike was brought to the Troop by Rob Contraeras who thought it would a great idea for the boys and would teach them first-hand about the very canyon they are going to be exploring later in the year. Fathers Kenneth Grey and Ronnie Santizo were also present with their sons and thought the hike would be a good idea for the troop. The boys had a lot of fun and look forward to an exciting year of learning about the canyon. San Timoteo Canyon is rich in nature and hills. If you are interested in joining the next hike contact Recreational Trails Committee for information at 951.413.3000 or at http://www.moval.org/city_council/committees/rec-trails.shtml.