Kern County

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Climate & Natural Disasters
  Kern County has a climate marked by hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 31°F in the winter to 100°F during the peak of summer, with July typically being the hottest month. The region is also susceptible to extreme weather events, including high winds, flash floods, and occasional earthquakes, due to its location within California's diverse landscape. These varying conditions contribute to the area's unique climate challenges throughout the year.
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov is a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. 
• Getting Around

  Kern County offers public transit via Kern Transit. There are fixed routes that connect communities such as Mojave, Ridgecrest and Lancaster. Kern Transit offers connections to Metrolink in Lancaster, which provides access to a broader regional transit network.

  Primary highways:

  • Interstate 5 (I-5): Also known as the Westside Freeway, it runs north to San Francisco/Sacramento and south to Los Angeles.
  • State Route 99 (SR 99): Known as the Golden State Freeway, it runs north to Fresno/Sacramento and south to Los Angeles.
  • State Route 58 (SR 58): Also called the Mojave Freeway, it runs east to Barstow and connects to I-15/I-40.

  Local Routes:

  • State Route 14 (SR 14): Connects Mojave to Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley.
  • State Route 178 (SR 178): Runs from Bakersfield to the eastern Sierra Nevada.

  
   
• Edwards Air Force Base

  Military spouses and dependents have access to Edwards AFB once they've arrived and received the appropriate documentation. On base you'll find a range of resources and services, such as:

  • BX - Base Exchange (tax-free shopping)
  • Commissary (grocery store)
  • Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
    • School Liaison Officer
    • Exceptional Family Member Program
    • Military Family Life Counselors (Social Workers)
    • Deployment Support
    • Career/Employment Support
  • ITT (Information, Tickets, & Travel) - Discount recreation and travel options
  • Outdoor Recreation Programs, Rentals, and Lodging
  • Child Development Centers (CDC) + Youth Center

  Welcome/Vistor Control Center
  Building 1004/West Gate Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93523
  
  Get to know Edwards Air Force Base better with these go-to links:

  • Military One Source: Edwards Air Force Base
    Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community.
  • 412th Force Support Squadron
    Here you'll find all of the incredible services you can access, including family support, child care, youth activities, entertainment, recreation and adventure resources, fitness, and more! 
  • Edwards AFB Outdoor Recreation Facebook Page
• Neighbourhoods

  There are a few notable areas to consider when choosing a place to live near Edwards AFB, with the most common being Lancaster and Mojave.

  Lancaster is located about 30 miles southwest of Edwards AFB and 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. This provides residents with convenient access to the amenities of a major city while still enjoying a quieter, suburban atmosphere. Lancaster is known for its family-friendly environment, with numerous parks, recreational facilities, and community events. The city offers a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing option for families and individuals alike.

  Mojave, located around 24 miles northwest of Edwards AFB, has a more laid-back, small-town vibe, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle. The town is surrounded by outdoor recreation opportunities, including Red Rock Canyon State Park, which is perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying striking rock formations. It’s a great choice for nature enthusiasts and those who prefer a slower pace of life.

  Additionally, on-base housing is available for CAF members and their families. The base offers a variety of housing options, including privatized single-family homes and duplexes with 2-4 bedrooms. These homes are situated in communities with amenities such as walking paths, playgrounds, and parks, creating a convenient and family-oriented living environment.

• Licensing & Registration

  California Department of Motor Vehicles
  If you're registering a vehicle in Kern County, you can visit the DMV office in Lompoc for vehicle registration, licensing, and plates. California requires annual vehicle registration and mandatory smog inspections for most vehicles. Be sure to keep all your vehicle documents up to date to avoid any legal issues.

  Importing a Vehicle from Canada to California
  If you're bringing a Canadian vehicle to California, there are several key steps to ensure compliance with both U.S. and California regulations:

  1. Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the U.S., your vehicle must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to submit the following forms:

     • CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
     • CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery)
     • CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration)

  2. U.S. Standards Compliance: Your vehicle must meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions standards. You will need:

     • A letter from the manufacturer confirming compliance with FMVSS and emissions standards.
     • FMVSS and EPA labels on the vehicle.

  3. California Emissions Compliance: In addition to federal standards, your vehicle must meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards. This typically requires:

     • A certificate from a CARB-licensed lab.
     • A smog certificate (for gasoline vehicles made after 1968 and diesel vehicles made after 1980).

  4. Vehicle Registration: To register your imported vehicle in California, you'll need:

     • Proof of ownership (out-of-state title or equivalent).
     • Documentation that the vehicle has cleared customs.
     • Applicable fees and the following forms:
       • Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
       • Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
       • Statement of Facts (REG 256)
       • Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008)

  5. Additional Requirements: Depending on the vehicle, additional documentation may be needed, such as a weight certificate for trucks or a bond release letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if applicable.

  For more detailed information or assistance, refer to the California DMV and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites.

  Driver’s Licenses
  CAF personnel and their spouses who are stationed in California can continue to drive with a valid Canadian driver’s license while they are settling in. California law allows military personnel and their dependents to use their out-of-state (or out-of-country) driver’s license as long as they remain active-duty military members or dependents of active-duty personnel.

  However, once they establish California residency—such as by obtaining a California address—they will need to apply for a California driver’s license. It's important to check with the California DMV for any specific requirements or updates related to military personnel.

• On-Base Medical Facility

  412th Medical Group
  30 Nightingale Rd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524
  Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm; Closed on weekends and federal holidays.

  CAF members and their families have access to the 412th Medical Group at Edwards AFB, which offers a wide range of primary, specialty, and preventative healthcare services. These include family practice, pediatrics, immunizations, and more. While the clinic provides emergency dental care, routine dental services are not available on base. 

• Children's Education

  Parents wishing to register their child for school should bring the following documents to the school office:

  • A birth certificate or another form of proof of age
  • The child’s previous school records
  • Immunization records

  For information on California’s minimum vaccine requirements for students in grades K-12, please visit the California Department of Education’s website at www.cde.ca.gov.
  
  School Districts
  Mojave Unified School District
  Lancaster School District
  Antelope Valley Union High School District
  Eastside Union School District
  Westside Union School District
  
  Age Requirements for School Enrollment
  Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to enroll in Pre-K programs and 5 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible for kindergarten.
  
   

  Edwards Air Force Base School Liaison Program Manager (SLMP)
  The SLMP is the central point of contact for school-related matters. The Edwards AFB SLPM works directly with base leadership, families, school districts, and local communities. The SLPM fosters and promotes quality education for military and civilian children by providing resource and referral services to family support agencies on Edwards AFB and in the local community. The SLPM is available to assist families in providing information on area schools, registrations procedures, required documents, and other issues involving student placement or adjustments.  

  The SLPM can be reached by email or phone at 412.FSS.School.Liaison@us.af.mil or 661-902-8335