2015 Sagan Exoplanet Summer Workshop on
Exoplanetary System Demographics: Theory and Observations
Local Information
Exoplanetary System Demographics: Theory and Observations
Local Information
- Workshop Site and Internet Access
- Workshop Hotels and Other Accommodation Options
- Getting Around: to and from the airport / to and from the workshop
- Parking at Caltech
- Useful Maps
- Workshop Events: Registration Gathering, Workshop Dinner
- Food
- Pasadena Weather
Workshop Site(s)
The workshop will 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 bring a light sweater or jacket. Food and drink (other than water) are not allowed in the auditorium. Hands on sessions will be held in rooms (TBA) elsewhere on campus.
Internet Access
We will provide wireless internet access so you can follow along with the presentations. Please note that you will need a computer to take part in the hands-on sessions.
The Caltech guest wireless network is restricted to web, Secure Shell and VPN protocols only. Other uses are not allowed. Guests are expected to use their home institution's VPN to access email or other resources not available via a web browser.
Workshop Hotels and Other Accommodation Options
Workshop Hotels
Hotel room availability during the week of the workshop is limited since the California State Bar exam is being administered in Pasadena the same week. We have reserved room blocks at two hotels in Pasadena, each less than a mile from the Caltech campus (see map).
Saga Motor Hotel (1633 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena)
- Call 1-(800) 793-7242 to make your reservation. Ask for the "Caltech 2015 Sagan Summer Workshop" room block.
- Room rates at the Saga vary between $69-$81++ per night depending on the type of room and number of beds.
- Rates include free wifi, free continental breakfast, free laundry, and free parking.
- The reservation deadline for rooms at the Saga is June 25 after which all rooms will be released.
- Attendees who are awarded financial assistance for hotel costs will most likely be sharing rooms at this hotel; NExScI will make your reservation.
DusitD2 Hotel (928 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena)
- Call 1-(626) 898-7900 to make your reservation. Ask for the "California Institute of Technology" room block.
- Rooms are $138++ per night.
- Rates include free wifi.
- The reservation deadline for rooms at the DusitD2 is June 9, after which all rooms will be released.
Pasadena Area Hotels
If you prefer other accommodations in the Pasadena area, there are a number of hotels and motels close to the Caltech campus. Please note that if you are a speaker and we are reimbursing your hotel fees, the maximum base lodging rate you are allowed is $133/day.
Getting Around
To and from the airport
One of the best and least expensive ways to get from LAX to Pasadena is to take the FlyAway bus to Union Station, then take the Metro Gold Line to Pasadena. The FlyAway is an air-conditioned coach with bathroom facilities that departs from LAX every 30 mins, and takes around 30-45 mins to reach Union Station, depending on traffic. Once there, walk down the stairs towards the station and look for the Metro Gold Line to Pasadena.
- For the DusitD2, get off the Gold Line at the Lake Ave. station which is 0.5 miles from the DusitD2 hotel.
- For the Saga hotel, get off the Gold Line at the Allen station which is 0.6 miles from the Saga hotel.
Information on how to pay for the FlyAway ($8 each way, payable by credit card only on arrival at Union Station) and how to take the Metro ($1.50 each way, payable before you ride) can be found on the FlyAway and Metro websites.
You can also take a shared van ride or shuttle service which are available on a walk-up or reservation basis and usually cost between $25-$45. The vans are available outside of LAX baggage claim under the orange "shared ride van" sign.
To and from the workshop
We are not able to provide transportation between the hotels and the workshop at Caltech. Both workshop hotels are less than a mile from campus and are therefore in easy walking distance.
You can also use the Pasadena ARTS Bus #10 which runs Monday-Friday from 6 am to 8 pm. The fare is 75 cents each way. Click here Pasadena ARTS Bus #10 for the route map and schedule.
Parking at Caltech
In order to park on the Caltech campus, you must purchase a visitor parking permit at an automated pay station (see map) and abide by Caltech parking regulations. Visitor permits may be purchased at the rate of $6 per day, or $18 per week. A daily permit is valid through the end of the business day (5:00 pm) on which the permit is purchased. Visitors are required to display a permit if their vehicle is parked on campus between 7am-5pm, Mon-Fri. and can only park in commuter zones (parking spots that are not specifically marked for Students, Carpools, Reserved, or Handicapped parking). A map of Caltech parking lots and the locations of automated pay stations is available here.
Useful Maps
- Pasadena ARTS Bus #10 route map and schedule
- Map with the location of the workshop hotels relative to Caltech
- Caltech campus map with workshop and hands-on session locations marked.
- Caltech parking map - Visitors should park in commuter zones only (parking spots that are not specifically marked for Students, Carpools, Reserved, or Handicapped parking)
Workshop Events
Sunday Registration Gathering
4-6 pm: Please join us in the courtyard outside the Beckman Institute for the opportunity to register, greet colleagues, and put up your poster in advance of the workshop. We'll have light munchies available but you'll want to get dinner afterward.
Thursday Evening Dinner - El Cholo restaurant
On Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, we'll gather at El Cholo restaurant (260 E. Colorado Blvd., #203) in the Paseo Colorado shopping center. The cost for the dinner will be $35 and tickets will be available on the registration site when it becomes available in mid-February 2015.
Diners will enjoy a buffet including taquitos, enchiladas, and fajitas, with vegetarian options available. Dinner includes non-alcoholic drinks and a cash bar will be available. We may be able to provide limited transportation for the dinner; El Cholo is about 1 mile west of the workshop hotels. If you drive your own car, there is underground parking at Paseo Colorado with parking validation available at the restaurant.
Food
Food on or near the Caltech Campus
We are exploring options to offer attendees the option to pre-purchase box lunches during the workshop. More details will be available when the registration site becomes available in mid-February 2015.
Reminder: there is no food allowed in the Beckman Institute Auditorium.
- Information on dining options on the Caltech campus can be found here
- Ginger Corner Market (217 S. Michigan Ave.) is a short walk north of campus and is another option for a quick meal.
- South Lake Ave. dining options
Food in Pasadena
Pasadena Weather
The weather in Pasadena in late July is typically hot. Click here for the current forecast.
Questions? Sagan_Workshop@ipac.caltech.edu
last updated Feb. 6, 2015