San Diego

Things to know...

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

• Climate & Natural Disasters

  San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city averages around 266 sunny days each year, and most of its annual rainfall occurs between November and March.

  However, San Diego is also vulnerable to several natural hazards, including:

  • Wildfires: The region faces an elevated risk of wildfires, especially during the dry summer and fall months.
  • Earthquakes: Situated near several fault lines, San Diego is prone to seismic activity.
  • Flooding: Coastal flooding can occur, particularly during high tides and storm surges.
  • Heatwaves: Intense heatwaves are not uncommon, especially during the summer months.

  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. 

• Neighbourhoods

  Del Mar is a charming coastal city in San Diego County, California, renowned for its stunning beaches, upscale living, and vibrant community. Located about 20 miles north of MCAS Miramar and 25 miles north of Naval Base San Diego, Del Mar offers a mix of beaches, parks, hiking trails, and numerous recreational facilities.

  Poway, also in San Diego County, is a suburban city celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere, top-rated schools, and abundance of outdoor activities. Situated roughly 15 miles northeast of MCAS Miramar and 25 miles northeast of Naval Base San Diego, Poway is typically more affordable than coastal areas like Del Mar, making it an attractive option for families looking for a balance between suburban comfort and access to nature.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator. 

• Getting Around

  The NCTD COASTER train is a popular choice for commuters traveling between North County and San Diego. The nearest COASTER station to Del Mar is in Solana Beach, about a mile north of Del Mar. The train offers scenic coastal views and is a convenient way to avoid the traffic on Interstate 5.

  The NCTD BREEZE buses serve the North San Diego County region, including Del Mar, connecting it to neighboring cities such as Oceanside, Escondido, and San Clemente.

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  San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

  Poway is served by several MTS bus routes:

  • Route 944: Travels east to west along Poway Road, connecting the Garden Road - Floral Avenue loop to the Sabre Springs - Peñasquitos Transit Station. It runs every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on Saturdays.
  • Route 945: Extends north along Midland Road, reaching the Old Poway Park area. It operates every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 45 minutes on Saturdays.
  • Route 945A: Provides limited service with four weekday trips, following the Twin Peaks Road - Espola Road - Pomerado Road - Poway Road loop, timed with Poway High School bell times.

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  Main Highways in the Area

  Several key highways serve the San Diego area, making it easy to travel throughout the region:

  1. Interstate 5 (I-5): Also known as the San Diego Freeway, it runs north-south along the coast, connecting San Diego to Los Angeles and the Mexican border at San Ysidro.
  2. Interstate 8 (I-8): This east-west route connects San Diego to the Imperial Valley and extends further into Arizona.
  3. Interstate 15 (I-15): Running north-south, it connects San Diego to the Inland Empire and Las Vegas.
  4. Interstate 805 (I-805): A bypass of I-5, this highway runs parallel to I-5 and serves the central part of San Diego.
  5. State Route 163 (SR 163): Running through Balboa Park, SR 163 connects downtown San Diego to the northern suburbs.
  6. State Route 52 (SR 52): An east-west highway that links La Jolla to Santee.
  7. State Route 94 (SR 94): This highway runs east-west from downtown San Diego to the eastern suburbs.

  These highways are essential for commuting and traveling around San Diego and its surrounding areas. However, be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours, especially on the I-5 and I-15 corridors.

• Licensing & Registration

  California Department of Motor Vehicles
  If you're registering a vehicle in San Diego 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.

• Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar

  Visitor and Registration Center (VRC)
  Address: Miramar Way, San Diego, CA 92145, United States
  Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on weekends)

  MCAS Miramar has three gates:

  1. Main (East) Gate: Located on Miramar Way off I-15, open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  2. North (Housing) Gate: Located on Miramar Road, this is the only 24-hour gate.
  3. West Gate: Also located on Miramar Road, open Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

  For additional details, refer to the Miramar Base Guide.
  
  Dependent Access and Medical Care
  Please note that dependent access to the bases is not always guaranteed, and services may not be accessible. It is strongly recommended that service members include their spouses or dependents' names as NOK (Next of Kin) on any access forms. Additionally, medical care for dependents is typically provided off-base.

• Naval Base San Diego

  Naval Base San Diego has 14 gates in total, including 12 traffic gates and 2 pedestrian gates. Here are some key gates and their operating hours:

  1. Main Gate (Gate 6): Located at 32nd St and Harbor Dr, open 24 hours.
  2. Gate 15: Located at 28th St, open 24 hours.
  3. Gate 23: Located at 32nd St, open 24 hours.
  4. Gate 40: Located at 8th St, open 24 hours.
  5. Pedestrian Gates (5A and 43): Both open 24 hours.

  For further information, please consult the Naval Base San Diego Base Guide.
  
  Dependent Access and Medical Care
  Please note that dependent access to the bases is not always guaranteed, and services may not be accessible. It is strongly recommended that service members include their spouses or dependents' names as NOK (Next of Kin) on any access forms. Additionally, medical care for dependents is typically provided off-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
  Del Mar Union School District
  Poway Unified 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.

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