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2006 Michelson Summer Workshop

Local Information

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Workshop Site

   The 2006 Michelson Summer Workshop will again be held in the Beckman Institute Auditorium (not to be confused with the Beckman Auditorium) on the Caltech Campus.  The Auditorium can get cold at times, so it is advised that you bring a light sweater or jacket. Food and drink (other than water) are not allowed in the auditorium. 
 
  Internet Access

  We are happy to provide wireless internet access during the summer workshop so everyone can follow along with the speakers' presentations.  Please note, we will not be providing computer access.  If you wish to make use of the internet access, bring a laptop, or make arrangements to use a colleague's. Instuctions for connecting to the wireless will be included in your registration packet.

Hotels

  Workshop Hotel

  This year the workshop hotel is the Four Points by Sheraton in Monrovia, CA.  http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1259 The hotel is less than 9 miles from the Caltech campus, and offers several amenities including free wireless internet access in guest rooms. 

  A block of rooms at a workshop rate of $96/night single/double has been set up for all workshop participants.  To make a reservation, call (626) 357-5211 or 1-800-368-7764, and mention the group code: MSW.  You will not be able to book a room in this block through the website.  Rooms must be booked before June 23, 2006 to be eligible for the workshop rate.  Please note:  If you have applied, or will apply for financial support (before March 3), please do NOT call to book a room.  Financially supported workshop attendees will be assigned two to a room (by gender) at the workshop hotel; therefore their rooms will be booked for them.

   Bus transportation will be provided between the workshop hotel and the workshop site.  See below for more details.

  Pasadena Area Hotels

   If you would prefer to stay in Pasadena, there are a number of hotels and motels close to the Caltech campus.  Please see: http://www.pasadenacal.com/accomoda.htm for more information.  Please note that all financially supported workshop attendees must stay at the workshop hotel (see above).

Getting Around

  If you arrive at LAX  International Airport and need ground transportation to Pasadena, try one of the shuttle services (also known as "shared ride vans") available on a walk-up or reservation basis.  The vans are available outside of LAX baggage claim under the orange sign.

  One way, per person fare for Super Shuttle (1-800-BLUE-VAN; fares subject to change without notice) to the Four Points by Sheraton in Monrovia from various airports are:
 
   LAX: $43.00
   Burbank: $32.00
   Ontario: $45.00
   Long Beach: $47.00


  For those who are driving to campus and require parking, you will be required to obtain a visitor parking permit and abide by Caltech parking regulations.

  Visitors are required to display a permit if their vehicle is parked on campus between the hours of 7am-5pm, Mon-Fri.

  Visitor permits are available at automated pay stations at the following locations:

  • Structure #1 (North Wilson Structure)
  • Parking Lot #6 (Tournament Lot)
  • Structure #3 (California Structure)
  • Structure #4 (Holliston Structure)
  • Parking Lot #12 (Lura Lot)
  Visitor permits may be purchased at the rate of $1 per hour, $5 per day, or $15 per week. A $5 daily permit is valid through the end of the business day (5:00 pm) in which the permit is purchased.  Visitors must park in the Commuter (General) parking area, see the Caltech campus parking map for more details.

   Check here for alternate Pasadena transportation options
 
 Bus Transportation between the Four Points Sheraton in Monrovia and the Caltech Campus   

  Each morning the bus will make 2 trips (the first departing at 7:25 AM and the second at 8:10 AM) from the Four Points by Sheraton in Monrovia to the Caltech Campus. One bus may not be able to accommodate all of the workshop participants. A limited amount of breakfast foods will be available starting at 7:45 each morning. Get on the 7:25 bus if you want some! We will also have internet access available.

   Once the presentations are over on Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri, the bus will make 2 trips from the Caltech campus back to the Four Points by Sheraton. There will be no bus transportation back to the hotel on Wednesday before the Mt. Wilson Tour.

Workshop Events

  Sunday Evening Reception & Registration

   There will be a reception at the Four Points by Sheraton in Monrovia from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. This will include an opportunity to pick up your registration materials. Hors d'oeuvres (not dinner) will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

  Wednesday Afternoon Tour of Mt. Wilson

  On Wednesday afternoon we will take 2 buses up to Mt. Wilson for a tour of the observatory's telescopes.  The price of the tour is included in each workshop participant's registration fee.  Guests are welcome on a space-available basis, and guest tickets can be purchased on the registration website for $7 (to cover the cost of lunch).  Please note that we will NOT issue refunds for purchased guest tickets.

  It will likely be hot at the observatory, so please dress appropriately for walking in hot, dry weather.  We will provide each of you with a bottle of water.  If you would like to have more water, please bring it with you, as there is no food or drink available on the mountain.  The tour will last approximately 2 1/2 hours, with an additional travel time of about 1 hour each way. For more information on the Mount Wilson Observatory, please see: http://www.mtwilson.edu/

Once we return to Pasadena, the buses will have stops at both the Caltech campus and the workshop hotel.

  Thursday Evening Banquet

   The workshop banquet will be held from 6:00 - 8:30 pm at Domenico's in Monrovia, 236 West Huntington Drive, 0.5 miles from the workshop hotel (see map below).  Domenico's features wonderful Italian food.  The price of the dinner is included in each workshop participant's registration fee. A limited number of guest tickets are available and may be purchased on the registration website for $20.  Please note that we will NOT issue refunds for purchased guest tickets.  A cash bar will be available.  We will not be providing bus transportation for this event.

Food

  Pasadena Area Restaurants

  Visit the Pasadena Complete Dining Guide

  You can't go wrong with some of the local places to be found in Old Town Pasadena.  A complete listing

  Food on Campus

   There are a number of options for lunch on the Caltech campus:
  • Visit the Caltech Dining Services page for detailed information on campus eateries.
  • The Red Door serves coffee, blended drinks, pastries, muffins, and. when available, some salads, soups and sandwiches. Located next to Chandler, and the Convenience Store. Open from 7:45am-6pm.
  • The Chandler Dining Hall is open from 7-10:30am for breakfast, and 11:30am-2pm for lunch. It features a made-to-order grill, pizza (very good; made to order, but the line-ups can be long, especially right at 12 noon), Mexican food, a deli, salad bar, and an Asian food. See the website for weekly menu items. Chandler is located on the corner of San Pasqual and Holliston, directly across from Physical Plant.
  • The Caltech Convenience Store is open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-midnight, and 10:30am-11pm on Saturday and Sunday. The have a small, but impressively complete selection of foodstuffs, and assorted necessities. Hot dogs on a rotisserie, salads and sandwiches in the refrigerators. Good assortment of fine cheese!
  • Every weekday, around 12:30pm, the famous Ernie's food truck appears in the parking lot in front of Spalding on California. Good sandwiches, grill items, friendly service and all very affordable.
  • The Atheneum (the Caltech faculty club) is open for lunch and dinner. However, you need to be a member, or the guest of a member to eat there, since all food/drinks are charged (no cash!).  Cozy up to one of the locals to sample the finery.  Bonus points for the attendee who can identify the major motion picture the Ath has appeared in.

  Restaurants Nearby Campus

   Nearby food locations:

  Restaurants Nearby the Four Points Sheraton, Monrovia

   A list of restaurants will be provided in your registration packet.

Things to do for Traveling Companions

Pasadena and the surrounding area has a great many diversions for individuals traveling with you while you're in class.  A few suggestions:

Pasadena Weather

Current forecast

Local Maps

Maps are available for:

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2006 Michelson Summer Workshop
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, July 24-28, 2006