CISC Blog is a space for members to share their thoughts, experiences and tips on navigating life in Pasadena! Learn how to buy a used car, get a work permit with a J2 visa and which museums to visit this weekend. Share your travel experiences, life hacks or other interesting stories you have. This blog is a collaborative effort and we look forward to all the members contributing in some way!  Stay tuned for updates on how you can be a part of this initiative and share your experiences through the blog.

This group usually meets monthly at bars around the town. Our goal is to have a fun night out with other members. Want to try out a new restaurant or a bar? Tell us and it may be our next meeting place! Time: The time and location are announced through the CISC weekly Newsletter. Contact: Isabella

Come and meet Shan, our CISC social climbing organizer. "Outside of indoor climbing, I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities as well, such as hiking, running etc. I’m eager to meet more people through climbing social group and hope to meet you soon and hang out on the ‘climbing wall’! "

Join us for a playdate every week at the Casita! Open for parents, their kids & friends, we meet weekly (mostly Thursady afternoon at the Casita) for a play date. Check the newsletter or contact Tjolina or Laura for more details .

CISC Connect & Support is a volunteer support hub for Caltech and JPL international spouses, and their families. We offer friendly, practical guidance before arrival and throughout your stay in Pasadena—helping with day-to-day logistics, navigating local resources, and making community connections. How it works: Email us your question (and, if relevant, your arrival timeline). A volunteer will follow up by email and, if helpful, suggest a short call or in-person meeting. Contact: connect.cisc@gmail.com (Please note: we share peer guidance and local experience; we cannot provide legal or immigration advice.)

This group is a space for: - Practicing English conversation and sharing experiences - Discussing movies, books, music, and more - Visiting cafes, restaurants, and other locations Overall, it’s a great opportunity to get out of the house and connect with other members! Venue suggestions are always welcome. Time and Location: Please check our CISC members' Weekly Newsletter for details. Contact: Lina and Maki (spousesclub@gmail.com)

Have you always wanted to try your hand at gardening but don't know where to start or where to garden? Join the CISC Gardening group! We have three plots available at the beautiful Avery Garden on the Caltech Campus, where you can explore your gardening interests and develop your green thumb. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, our community garden is the perfect place to learn, share tips, and enjoy the benefits of growing your own plants. From flowers and herbs to vegetables and fruits, you can cultivate a variety of plants in a supportive and friendly environment. To get started, simply reach out to Qiong (spousesclub@gmail.com) for more information on how to become a member of the CISC Garden. She and other gardening members will guide you through the process and help you find the resources you need to begin your gardening journey. ​ ** Just a heads up! There is no place for kids to play and we are by 2 busy roads so children present will have to be watched closely** There are some golden rules we have put together for the garden, as we are sharing this space with the rest of the Caltech community. ​ 1) Be respectful. Don't touch products from other plots. 2) Bring a buddy if/when attending the garden, it's a pretty secluded area. 3) Wear gloves when gardening to protect against sharps and stinging insects. 4) Return all borrowed community equipment to the sheds after use. 5) Pesticides/non-organic amendments cannot be used in the garden. 6) Have fun - it's an experiment - let's see what happens!