Monterey Peninsula

Things to know...

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

• Climate & Natural Disasters

  The weather on the Monterey Peninsula is typically mild and temperate year-round, with cool, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons. The region is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which helps moderate temperatures but can experience extreme weather such as wildfires, winter storms, and earthquakes. Earthquakes and rainfall are the biggest threat, with potentional for landslides. 

  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

  The Monterey area is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), which offers convenient routes across Monterey County, extending south to Paso Robles and north to Watsonville and Gilroy. This public transit system provides easy access to key locations throughout the region.

  Key highways in the area include:

  • Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway): A major coastal route that runs north-south and is heavily traveled by both locals and visitors.
  • Highway 68 (Monterey-Salinas Highway): This route connects Monterey to Salinas and is essential for commuters and travelers.
  • Highway 218 (Canyon Del Rey Boulevard): Linking Highway 1 with Highway 68, this road is crucial for local traffic.

  Be mindful of local traffic patterns and parking regulations, especially during the busy tourist season, as these areas can get congested.

• Neighbourhoods

  There are several neighborhood options to consider when stationed at the Presidio of Monterey:

  • Monterey: Known for its stunning coastal views and close proximity to the base.
  • Pacific Grove: Located about 2.5 miles from the base, this charming small town offers a family-friendly atmosphere with good schools.
  • Seaside: About 6 miles from the base, Seaside offers more affordable housing options.

  Military families have the option to live in on-base housing, depending on availability. Ord Military Community, situated on the former Fort Ord, provides military housing along with amenities like a commissary, BX, and gas station. La Mesa Village, around 5 miles from the base, offers a variety of family-friendly activities and housing options.

• 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.

• U.S. Army Garrison

  Welcome/Vistor Control Center
  Building 1004/West Gate Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93523
  
  Get to know U.S. Army Garrison better with these go-to links:

  • Military One Source: U.S. Army Garrison
    Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community.
  • U.S. Army MWR: Presidio of Monterey
    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! 
• On-Base Medical Facility

  CAF members and their families have access to on-base medical treatment facilities. The U.S. Army Health Clinic at the Presidio of Monterey offers a wide range of services, including family medicine, pediatrics, mental health care, and more.

  U.S. Army Health Clinic, Presidio of Monterey
  473 Cabrillo Street, Bldg. 422, Monterey, CA 93944-5006

  Please note that dental care for dependents is not available on base. Instead, dental services are typically managed through the TRICARE Dental Program, which allows you to access care from civilian providers in the local community.

• Children's Education

  Both Monterey and Seaside are served by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD), which offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district includes a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools. Pacific Grove, on the other hand, is part of the Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD), providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
  
  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 [email protected] or 661-902-8335