Homeless Suffer While Debate Drags On : Caltech as a Great Public Retreat

In the list of 10 campuses in the Los Angeles area worth a visit (“10 Campuses get A+ as Public Retreats,” Oct. 23), I think Pat Anderson missed one of the best bets of all by not mentioning the California Institute of Technology. For beauty, for architectural interest, and for cultural events (not to mention a possible glimpse into the scientific life of this notable institution), Caltech has few rivals.

A veritable garden spot within one of the quiet residential areas of Pasadena, Caltech recently won the Professional Grounds Maintenance Award. Seasonal flowers are always in bloom, and the many garden areas have benches for enjoying a picnic lunch or just enjoying the view.

Some of the finest examples of the early 20th-Century architecture of Bertram Goodhue and Gordon Kaufmann can be seen at Caltech, and architectural tours are held monthly.

Daily tours by Caltech students (3 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday; 11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 315 S. Hill Ave.) describe the history, research and student programs of Caltech, and self-guided tours (with maps and information available at the same address) can be taken anytime. For any tour information call (818) 356-6228.

Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium is one of the major concert halls of the L.A. area, and lectures, films, recitals, drama and free chamber-music concerts are held there and in other auditoriums and recital halls on campus.

I hope you will tell your readers about one more college campus well worth a visit.

ROBERT O’ROURKE, director

Office of Public Relations

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena