Catalina Residential Life

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With the number of tenants moving in and out of the Catalinas, you’re bound to get some mail that was incorrectly delivered or belongs to the previous tenant - here’s what you do:

Change of Address Forms (for when you move)

US Postal Service

California DMV

California Elections Office

Any bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial institutions

Cable, phone providers

Doctor, dentist, other medical professionals

Insurance companies (rental, car, health)

Magazines, newspapers, other subscription services

Mail for a Previous Tenant

DON’T OPEN IT OR THROW IT OUT! This is federal law.

Scratch out the address block and bar codes and write “No Longer at This Address” on the envelope.

Drop it in outgoing mail.

*Tip: Check to make sure it hasn’t been delivered to the wrong letterbox (sometimes this happens). If this is the case, see below!

Mail Delivered to the Wrong Apartment Mailbox

Return it to the outgoing mailbox – as long as it has not been opened, it should be re-delivered to the correct person.

Alternatively, it is common in many apartment complexes to leave incorrectly delivered mail out so that your neighbor might find it (though this does obviously not guarantee that they will receive it). The shelves underneath the mailboxes are handy for this.

*Tip: If it looks important, consider being neighborly and dropping it off at your fellow student’s apartment!

Forwarding Mail

Cross out your address, leaving the addressee’s name untouched. A bold, diagonal slash over the address with a pen is sufficient.

On the front of the envelope in a blank area, clearly write “Forward to ___________” writing in the new address.

Since the forwarded letter will NOT need a new stamp, it can be dropped directly in a mailbox for pickup and redelivery.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Mail-for-Previous-Residents

[caltechcatslife]

Bike Anti-Theft Tips

Below are practical and helpful tips from Caltech Security regarding protecting your bike from theft.  If you own a bike, you will find these tips useful.

Get Good Locks

No lock is totally thief proof-but the more you spend, the better the lock will be. As a rough –guideline, look to spend 20% of the value of the bike on locks. There are several types:

D or U locks are rigid steel locks that separate into two pieces. Get a lock that physically locks both ends of the U to the cross-bar. If you are going to get a cable lock for the front wheel, get the smallest lock possible, and lock it through the rim of the rear wheel.

Cable locks can be looped around the bike and around larger objects. Go for a thick one with interwoven threads-which will take a thief longer to cut through. However, any cable can be cut through in seconds with a good set of bolt cutters. In high –theft areas, they are only good for securing the front wheel to the frame.

There are also hardened bike chains which are the best option. If you have quick release mechanisms on your seat or wheels, you can buy locking nuts and bolts. These can be undone with a uniquely shaped key-so passing thieves can’t steel them.  

Lock it Somewhere Sensible  

Always lock your bike- even if you’re only leaving it for a minute. Leave it in as public a place as possible. Ideally lock it where you can see it-or where lots of other people can. If you’re just having a break, lock it up nearby where your sitting down.

Lock it to Something Solid

Make sure it is secured to an immovable object like a cycle anchor. Somethings that look solid are not, so check. If you are locking it to a post, make sure the post is at least 4M high, so thieves can’t lift it over the top.

Lock it Tight

Make sure your D-lock is tight, so the lock is not hanging loose and there’s no space between the bike and the object it’s locked to. This makes it difficult to lever the lock open. Make sure the key-hole is pointing down-so the thieves can’t fill it with a corrosive fluid, or with glue, which means you can’t move it, but they can come back and steel it later and when you leave it, remember to remove accessories like the lights-or the seat if you haven’t fitted locking nuts.

Register It with Security

If you are unlucky enough to have your bike stolen, this will help you get it back. Register your bike at the Caltech Parking Office X 8877 and the Pasadena Police Department. I recommend that you take a photo of your bike and record its details, like the model and color, as well as the frame number. Most importantly, make sure you TAG your bike in multiple places indicating where the bike is registered. If stolen, the thief will likely strip off what tags he/she easily sees, the one TAG he/she  misses will be his/her undoing.

If you have a drill, carve your name under the bike

If someone steals the bike, they can’t take off your name without breaking the bike. Even if they paint over your name, it will be rough, and your name will be visible.

Additional Caltech Resources

Consider using the bike cage (managed by Campus Security) located in the Holliston structure. This cage is accessed by your Caltech ID. It is on a monitored camera 24/7. There has never been a bike theft from this secured location. The cost is $50.00 a year! Less than $5.00 a month!!

Check out the Caltech Bike Lab, a bike cooperative run by volunteers at Caltech. Learn how to fix/maintain your bike, organize classes on how to ride safely in the streets, host rides and other club events, teach classes on bike repair, and participate in local Pasadena/Los Angeles bike community outreach. Visit the Caltech Bike Lab during Office Hours or sign up for their mailing list!

[caltechcatslife]

Community Standards: Noise & Rec Room Guidelines

Quiet Hours and Noise

Quiet hours begin at 10 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends. This applies not only to Rec Room events, but to resident apartments as well.

Courtesy hours are in effect 24/7.  You may have noticed that the walls are pretty thin and sound travels throughout the buildings. Here are some things you can do to be more considerate for your neighbors:

Use headphones when listening to music

Be aware of your foot traffic/door slamming, etc.

Utilize the Music House practice rooms for rehearsals

Rec Room Guidelines

Recreation rooms may be reserved for private, campus, or residential community events.

Events and gatherings should conclude at 10 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Be respectful of noise. The speakers are powerful and the walls are thin! Work with Security and your neighbors to monitor the noise; if we receive too many complaints, you may have reservation privileges revoked.

Only 2 of the 3 recreation rooms are available for reservation at any given time. One recreation room must be left open for general use at all times.

Clean up after your event and turn off all lights – this includes large amounts of trash and recycling, which MUST be taken to the large bins located throughout the Cats. Charges will apply for extra cleaning or excessive trash removal. If you’re stacking trash on top of other trash, that’s a sign it should be taken to the dumpsters.

There are cleaning supplies located in all of the kitchenettes – so wipe down the tables and mop up those spills! The expectation is that rec rooms should be ready to be used by anyone following an event. Email the RLC if supplies are low. 

Click Here to Reserve a Rec Room

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Community Standards: Respect & Inclusion

The Caltech Statement of Community

Caltech is a community dedicated to scientific and engineering exploration and to academic excellence. At the heart of this mission are unwavering commitments to honor, integrity, equity, and diversity, in all areas of work and campus life, which includes the Catalina Residential Apartments.

A multitude of perspectives is essential to all we do. As a community, we understand that civility and mutual respect for diversity of background, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, and marital and family status, are critical.

We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment in which such diversity will flourish.

Guided by these principles and the Institute’s Honor Code, members of our community are expected to treat one another with respect and dignity.

For more on the Caltech Statement of Community, please click here.

For more resources, please stop by the Center for Diversity (Center for Student Services, 2nd Floor) or visit their website.

[caltechcatslife]

For use of the Caltech parking garages or lots, please contact the Parking Office during business hours to obtain a permit. Their office is in the back of the building that houses the Caltech Credit Union (515 S. Wilson).

Temporary daytime parking can be found on the street on S. Catalina Ave (check street signs for more details).

Parking on the street is not allowed at night between 2am and 6am. (Pasadena Municipal Code 10.44.010)

More information about parking is available online at https://parking.caltech.edu/

[caltechcatslife]

Attraction: Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Phone: [phone] Hours: Tues - Fri: 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm, Sat & Sun: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, Mon: Closed Website: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/

Summary: The Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles’ most popular attractions and a historical astronomy site. Visitors can explore the exhibits, look through a telescope, and enjoy fantastic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. More details on the exhibits can be found here: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/exhibits/exhibitmap.html.

Best mode(s) of transportation: Car Directions / Parking Instructions: (From the Catalinas) • Head north on S Catalina Ave toward E Del Mar Blvd • Left onto E Del Mar Blvd • Take the ramp to CA-134 W • Follow signs for CA-134 W / Ventura and merge onto CA-134 W • Take exit onto I-5 S / Golden State Fwy toward Los Angeles • Take exit toward Los Feliz Blvd • Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Los Feliz Blvd W and merge onto Los Feliz Blvd • Right onto Hillhurst • Right onto N Vermont Ave • Continue onto N Vermont Canyon Rd • Continue onto Mt Hollywood Dr • Continue onto W Observatory Rd

The parking lot is located at the top of the hill. Visitors can also park along the road leading to the top.

Average Cost: Free admission

Highlights: Since opening in 1935, Griffith Observatory has been a world leader in public astronomy, an icon of Los Angeles, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. The observatory is also a great place for a picnic to catch either the sunrise or sunset. After a rainy day, you can expect spectacular views of downtown Los Angeles. One notable exhibit is the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit where you can see how much you weigh on other planets, and be sure not to miss looking through the telescope!

Special Tips/Notes: Hours listed are for the observatory building and exhibits. The observatory grounds are open at all hours and are a great place to catch the sunrise over Los Angeles. When facing the observatory, walk around to the left of the building to find a private overlook of the cityscape.

Also, the Griffith Observatory is just up the hill from the Greek Theater, a wonderful outdoor concert venue. If attending a concert at “The Greek”, the Griffith Observatory lawns are a great place to picnic beforehand!

[caltechcatslife]

Apartment Hunting Tips

1. Identify your top three priorities. Make the budget one of your top three priorities; the other two could be anything important to you: great natural light, proximity to work or school, or a washer-dryer in the unit, for instance. If you are having trouble coming up with your top three, try listing everything you want and cross things off one by one until you are left with your most important priorities. 2. Have your paperwork and information ready. Be prepared to leap at the opportunity! Things you might want to prepare for:

• Information for standard applications (employment contact info, present and past landlords)

• Credit Report – free annual reports at www.annualcreditreport.com

3. Uncover hidden costs. Know what you could potentially be taking on, beyond the rent, by asking key questions whenever you look at a new place. A few to consider:

• Are window treatments included?

• Which (if any) utilities are included?

• Is there a fee to use building amenities or for parking?

• Are there cable hook-ups where you want them, or will you need to have a new line put in?

4. Rely on your senses. Odd smells and noises you notice during a showing could end up being a major problem when you move in. Natural light, or a lack thereof, can make all the difference in the world, so try to attend a daytime open house rather than looking at the apartment after work. 5. Watch out for scams. If you’re looking on Craigslist or any third-party site, beware of fake listings! Some common red flags and tips:

• Red Flag: Asking for payment in order to set up an appointment.

• Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing "deal" may not exist.

• Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.

6. Other things to consider or ask about:

• Laundry facilities

• Parking

• Air Conditioning/Heating

• Pet-friendly units

• Health and safety features

• Noise problems

• Poor condition (or unfinished repairs)

• Theft prevention

[caltechcatslife]

Insider's Guide to LA: the Eastside

The Eastside of Los Angeles, which includes (depending on who you ask) a bunch of neighborhoods from Silver Lake to MacArthur Park, has a ton of stuff to do and see, and really is more than just a bunch of hipsters in tight jeans. The area boasts the most beautiful parks in the city, great restaurants and bars and weird odds and ends and is only a short drive from Caltech.

How to get there: From Caltech, take the 134 W to the 2 S. Ride the 2 S until it merges with Glendale Blvd, then take Glendale Blvd south to Sunset and you're there. You can Uber there for around $20.

What to do:

Eat. The food options on the Eastside, like the people who live there, range from challenging to artisanal to weird to downright delicious.

Definitely, definitely, definitely get a pastrami sandwich from Langer's Deli on Alvarado. It can contend with the best NYC has to offer, and is a not-so-secret gem of Los Angeles.

Want some super hip tacos? (Of course you do!) Then go to Diablo taco "fabricators" on Sunset in Silver Lake. Despite the atrocious name, the food is actually really good and the Micheladas pop is super weird/good (a chilli encrusted cucumber popsicle that you dunk in you very large beer... yeah, it's Silver Lake). Also, Guisados on Sunset in Echo Park -- amazing, authentic tacos.

For authentic Mexican food, head down Hoover into MacArthur Park to El Taurino. Very tasty no frills food.

Did I mention Koreatown and Historic Filipinotown are adjacent? Korean BBQ spots galore on Vermont between 3rd and Wilshire.

Lastly, in the foods category, a disclaimer on a place to maybe not go: Malo on Sunset. Despite trending up among the hip, quality and everything else at this spot has been going downhill since 2011.

Parks. Echo Park, Silver Lake Reservoir and MacArthur Park are all beautiful and on bodies of water - something that's relatively unique to the Eastside. While all of these parks are nice and serviceable for all types of parkly activities, probably each has its own niche. Echo (and MacArthur) Park for a picnic, Silver Lake Reservoir for a hike (2 miles walk around the water), or MacArthur Park for tennis.

Then there's Griffith Park, which has been called the Central Park of Los Angeles (although it's much larger) and really is in a league of its own. With parking and main entrances just north of Los Feliz, this park has too many features to list exhaustively - tons of hiking, several museums, there's a zoo, there's an outdoor amphitheater. The Griffith Observatory at night is wonderful.

Drink.

The Gold Room is loud and cheap and sketchy and wonderful. Order a beer and get a free tequila shot. Ask for tacos and you shall receive tacos (but you have to ask!)

Ye Rustic Inn, over on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. Great dive bar, fun mix of people.

The Bigfoot Lodge on Los Feliz Blvd, just east of the 5 Fwy, is a hilariously kitschy cross between a mountain/boyscout lodge and the "It's a Small World After All" ride at disneyland. Has to be seen to be believed.

Akbar is a little bit on the clubbier side of things - if you want to dance, pay the $3 to get into the back room.

4100 Bar offers a little more space to spread out, dim lighting, etc. they set the mood, and (bonus) is walking distance to El Cid which is great for cheap drinks and a punk show (but not food).

Taix is a strange French hotel/bar right on the border between Silver Lake and Echo Park, on Sunset, and is a great stop to make to switch things up. Expect a thinner/older crowd, fairly priced drinks, Sinatra and Dingo, or possible live music that's surprisingly not too loud.

So get out there and explore the Eastside - it's fun!

[caltechcatslife]

Community Standards: Laundry Guidelines

Leave the laundry room as clean as, or cleaner than you found it.

Please do not overload the machines.

Please remove clothes promptly from washer & dryer after use. Set a timer!

Please remove the lint basket & wipe out machine after use.

If you spill something, please wipe or sweep it up immediately.

Please dispose of lint and detergent containers properly. The laundry room cans should not be used for personal garbage.

Shelves are for folding, not storage! Take your detergent and laundry with you. Anything left out for an extended period of time will be discarded. 

Report problems with the machines by emailing [email protected] and include the location (which Rec Room) and number of the machine.

[caltechcatslife]

Community Standards

Recycling and Garbage

Personal garbage bags should NOT be left out by the sidewalk trashcans; they must be taken to the trash dumpsters located by buildings 1028, 1036, 434, and 450 (see map). When possible, please use plastic garbage bags and tie them up before throwing them in the dumpster to prevent pests and keeps the odor as contained as possible. And as much fun as it is to throw your trash off balconies into the dumpsters, DON’T – the bags will break open and create a bigger mess.

Recycling is encouraged but not compulsory. You can take your pre-sorted recyclables (cardboard boxes, plastic and glass bottles with Cash Redemption Value, et al) to recycling centers located adjacent to the dumpsters (see map).

[caltechcatslife]

Attraction: Porto’s Bakery & Café (Glendale) Address: 315 North Brand Boulevard | Glendale, CA 91203 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6:30am – 8:00pm | Sun. 7:00am – 6:00pm Website: http://www.portosbakery.com/

Summary: Porto’s Bakery & Café is a renowned Cuban restaurant chain that is a must-try for anyone living in the LA area. The super-long lines and extensive menu can be intimidating for first-time visitors, but the line moves quickly and the servers are more than happy to give their recommendations.

Best mode(s) of transportation: Car Directions / Parking Instructions: (1) Get on CA-134W (2) Exit N Brand Blvd. in Glendale (3) Turn left onto N Brand Blvd. Convenient Parking: The garage at 222 N Orange St. is a block south of Porto’s and has free parking for 90 minutes. From Brand Blvd, turn right onto W California Ave. and left onto N Orange St. to enter the garage.

Average Cost: Depends on the order. Sandwiches range from $5-$10, individual pastries can be as low as $1 each.

Highlights: When you get in, head to the main (full service) counter. The lines will be long, but they move quickly. Place your order with the next attendant, who will direct you to the proper register to pay. Any bakery items will be packaged for you to take with you, but if you order a café menu item, you can either dine in or take-away. Dine-in customers will be given a number and can go sit at an available table and wait for their food, while take-away customers will be directed to the pick-up window in the other room (towards the back exit).

Personal favorites:

Cubano sandwich (non-vegetarian)

Potato ball or chicken croquette (non-vegetarian)

Cheese rolls

Milk ‘n Berries cake

Special Tips/Notes: There are three different areas you can order: (1) Full Service (bakery and café), (2) Café only, (3) Coffee & beverages only. If you don’t want certain food, you can shorten your wait time by going to one of the limited counters.

[caltechcatslife]

Spring Break Potluck

Saturday, March 28th at 7:00–8:30 pm in the South Cats Rec Room

Come share your favorite recipes from back home! People from all over the globe come to Caltech, so let's all gather to celebrate a common interest: EATING! Bring a dish that means a lot to your or your family, or just bring something you're really good at cooking! Just bring something that many people can enjoy :)

NOTE: This is supposed to be an event for folks to gather and share food and fun. It is not an event for people to come grab a plate and take off. If you attend, please bring something to share with others.

[caltechcatslife]

Dating Relativity - Thursday, March 5th @ 6:30pm | Avery Courtyard

Dating can be an intimidating process – but the “laws of dating” are the same everywhere. Come connect with other graduate students and learn helpful tips for how to navigate the dating scene. Join us for an amazing night of skill-building, faux speed-dating, and refreshments! All graduate students welcome!

Co-sponsored by the CCD and Health Education

[caltechcatslife]

Attraction: The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens (Pasadena) Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6:30am – 8:00pm | Sun. 7:00am – 6:00pm Website: www.huntington.org

Summary: The Huntington is one of the beautiful and scenic sites in the LA area, conveniently located within a mile of Caltech campus. With over 200 acres of gardens and several art museums on site, it is a great place to explore over the weekend.

Best mode(s) of transportation: Walk or Car Directions / Parking Instructions:  Starting at the Athenaeum (on the Southeast side of campus) travel East on California Blvd for .5 miles, then take a right onto S Allen Ave and continue for .25 miles. Free parking, but the lots can get crowded on weekends.

Average Cost: With student ID, admission is $12 on weekdays and $13 on weekends

Highlights: I would highly recommend beginning with a tour of the Gardens – the Chinese Garden, Desert Garden, Jungle Garden, Rose Garden, etc. The Japanese Garden, in particular, contains several beautiful traditional Japanese structures. Afterwards, I would recommend checking out one of the art collections.

Special Tips/Notes: The Huntington has a variety of food options – a tea room (reservations recommended, dress code applies), coffee shop, and café. Be careful though, outside food is not permitted. The Huntington often runs special events, including free tickets once a month. Details are available at www.huntington.org

[caltechcatslife]

Attraction: Norton Simon Museum of Art Address: 441 W. Colorado Boulevard | Pasadena, CA 91105-1825 626-449-6840 Hours: Mon, Wed, & Thurs: 12:00pm-5:00pm, Tues: Closed, Fri & Sat: 11:00am-8:00pm, Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm Website: http://www.nortonsimon.org/

Summary: The Norton Simon Museum of Art is a lovely art museum that contains a variety of European and Asian artwork and is free to Caltech students with student ID. This museum also has special exhibitions throughout the year so check their current exhibits to see if there is something you are particularly interested in: http://www.nortonsimon.org/current-exhibitions. Located at the edge of Old Town, this museum is a great place to go before/after a nice meal in one of Old Town’s various restaurants and cafes.

Best mode(s) of transportation: ARTS Shuttle or Car Directions / Parking Instructions: (From the Catalinas) ARTS Shuttle Directions: Bus 10 towards Old Pasadena (Cost: $0.75)

Head north on S Catalina Ave toward E Del Mar Blvd

Take 1st left onto E Del Mar Blvd

Walk to shuttle stop at Del Mar and Mentor Ave in the direction of Old Town

Go 10 stops toward Old Pasadena and get off at Colorado Blvd and Terrace Dr

Walk about 400 ft west (going down Colorado away from Old Town) and the museum will be on your right

Driving Directions: (Distance: Approximately 2.2 miles)

Head north on S Catalina Ave toward E Del Mar Blvd

Take 1st left onto E Del Mar Blvd

Right onto S Lake Ave

Left onto E Colorado Blvd

441 W. Colorado Boulevard will be on your right after the edge of Old Town. The entrance is slightly hidden on a hill so be alert to looking for the entrance up the hill to your right after you have passed the edge of Old Town.

Average Cost: Caltech and other students with valid student ID get in for free (make sure to bring your Caltech ID!). If you have non-student guests you would like to take to this museum: Adults $12.00, Seniors (62+) $9.00, Children (<18) Free.

Highlights: The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a thirty-year period 20th-century industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Among the most celebrated works he collected are Branchini Madonna, 1427, by Giovanni di Paolo; Madonna and Child with Book, c. 1502-03, by Raphael; Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose, 1633, by Francisco de Zurbarán; Portrait of a Boy, c. 1655-60, by Rembrandt van Rijn; Mulberry Tree, 1889, by Vincent van Gogh; Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1878-81, by Edgar Degas; and Woman with a Book, 1932, by Pablo Picasso. Highlights from the Asian collection include the bronze sculptures Buddha Shakyamuni, c. 550, India: Bihar, Gupta period, and Shiva as King of Dance, c. 1000, India: Tamil Nadu; and the gilt bronze Indra, 13th century, Nepal.

Special Tips/Notes: The Norton Simon will often give out free pictures (> postcard size reproductions of art in their galleries) on Friday nights at closing.

[caltechcatslife]

GETTING OUT GUIDE: Going to the beach in LA

Where to go – depends on what you want to do.

There are a variety of different beach experiences to be had in the greater LA area. For a more secluded, natural beauty type of experience head north to/of Malibu. El Pescador and El Matador beaches are very scenic locales just a ways up the Pacific Coast Highway from Maibu.  Although, this is a bit more of a drive (about an hour with out traffic), they offer some of the more attractive coastline in southern California. For a “unique” Los Angeles experience (read: a little weird), head to Venice beach and enjoy some people watching. Venice beach is one of the closest beaches to Caltech, and whatever it may lack in scenic beauty it more than makes up for in character. Go in the summer to get the full Venice experience. For some good waves, head a little further south to El Porto beach in El Segundo. El Porto is one of the, if not the most, popular beachbreaks in the SoCal. It is crowded – but the crowds tend to be rather forgiving of novice surfers. Definitely seek out the assistance of Caltech Surf Club if this is your first experience surfing – they offer a little coaching and cheap board/wetsuit rentals, and regularly set up trips for beginner surfers. 

How to get there – drive your own car. Public transportation is not one of Los Angeles’ strongest features and trying to take public transit to the beach from Caltech can turn a 30 minute drive into a 2+ hour excursion. Zipcar is a reasonable option, has hourly rates, and has struck a deal with Caltech ($25 to join and $35 in free driving upon doing so). They have cars available in the south cats outdoor parking lot. Renting a car is a good option if you want to make a day of it – Enterprise rent-a-car has a location just East of Allen ave on Colorado Blvd.  Best case, co-opt a friend with a car.

Best Way to get to Malibu: Take the 134 W to the 101 N, exit Las Virgenes Rd., head N on the Pacific Coast Highway. Plan on about an hour and 15 minutes if you leave after traffic (i.e. later than 10 am)

Best Way to get to Venice beach: Take the 110 S to the 10 W, exit Lincoln and head S. hang a right at Venice Blvd and find parking around main st. 

Best Way to get to El Porto beach: Take the 110 S to the 105 W, continue onto Imperial Hwy, left at Vista Del Mar and right at 45th.

When to go – all year round This is Southern California, the weather is (almost) always beautiful! Head to the beach in the winter to avoid the crowds or in the summer to mingle.

[caltechcatslife]

With fall in the air and the weather cooling down, I'd like to remind you all that flu season is on its way. Despite the current hype about ebola, you are way more likely to get sick with or be around someone with the flu this winter. 

The best way to prevent getting the flu in the first place is to get your annual Flu Shot.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, the Student Health Center has some vaccines available until they run out. Go to the Health Center with your CALTECH I.D. starting November 3, 2014: M,T,Th,F from 8:15 am to 10:00 am. They are FREE to you (and have a shorter needle this year so the shot isn't as bad for you needle-phobes out there).

If someone is sick try not to share drinks, food, or utensils with them. Most importantly, eat well, get enough sleep, and wash your hands often. See the attached flyer for more details about staying healthy.