Santa Barbara 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

  Vandenberg, California, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. However, the region is increasingly experiencing "hydroclimate whiplash," a phenomenon in which extreme wet and dry conditions alternate rapidly. This can lead to severe droughts followed by heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of wildfires and flooding. The area is also prone to earthquakes, making it essential to be prepared for seismic activity.
  
  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

  Proximity to Nearby Cities

  • Lompoc: The nearest town to Vandenberg SFB, located just 5-10 miles away, offers a variety of services, including grocery stores, restaurants, and accommodations.
  • Santa Maria: About a 30-minute drive to the north, Santa Maria is a larger city offering more shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as connections to major highways and public transit.
  • Santa Barbara: About an hour and a half drive south, Santa Barbara is a major cultural and commercial hub in the area. 

  Navigating around Vandenberg Space Force Base (SFB) is relatively easy, with most residents relying on personal vehicles, as there are no toll roads in the immediate area. Public transportation options are available, including local bus services and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. The nearest major airport, Santa Barbara Airport, is about 50 miles away, providing convenient access for both domestic and international travel.

  Vandenberg SFB is located just off Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), which connects the base to Lompoc and other towns along the Central Coast. There are several highways you can use to travel to and from the base, depending on your direction:

  1. U.S. Route 101 (US-101): This major north-south highway runs along the California coast and connects to State Routes 1 (SR-1) and 246 (SR-246), both of which lead directly to the base.

  2. State Route 1 (SR-1): Known as the Pacific Coast Highway, SR-1 runs parallel to the coast, providing access to the base from both the north and south. It offers a scenic drive through coastal cliffs and agricultural fields, connecting Vandenberg SFB to nearby towns.

  3. State Route 246 (SR-246): This highway connects US-101 to SR-1, passing through Lompoc. It also links to the Santa Ynez Valley, making it an ideal route for those traveling to wine country or other scenic areas to the east.

  While public transit around Vandenberg SFB is limited due to its rural location, there are some regional options:

  • Clean Air Express: This commuter bus service connects Lompoc and surrounding areas to Santa Barbara, providing a convenient option for those working at the base and living elsewhere in the county.

  • Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD): MTD operates buses that serve the greater Santa Barbara area. While service around the base is limited, there are connections to nearby cities like Lompoc and Santa Maria.

  With these routes and options, getting around Vandenberg SFB and the surrounding areas is straightforward and offers several convenient travel choices.

• Licensing & Registration

  California Department of Motor Vehicles
  If you're registering a vehicle in Santa Barbara 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.

• Vandenberg Space Force Base

  Get to know Vandenberg Space Force Base better with these go-to links:

  • Website: Vandenberg SFB | 30th 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! 
  • Facebook Page: Vandenberg FSS. 

  
  Vandenberg SFB Visitor Center
  6 California Blvd, Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA 93437
  Hours: Monday to Friday; 7am-4pm; Closed on weekends.

• On-Base Medical Facility

  30th Medical Group
  Building 13850, 338 South Dakota Ave.

  Provides medical, dental, bioenvironmental and public health services for people assigned to Vandenberg SFB, their families and retirees. The group has multiple facilities to provide care in family medicine, space missile medicine, mental health, dental, immunizations, optometry, pediatrics, physical therapy, radiology and more. There is no on-base emergency room and dental care is only available to active-duy military.

• Children's Education

  To register your child for school, you will need to bring the following documents: a birth certificate or other proof of the child’s age, as well as the child’s previous school records and immunization records. For information on California’s minimum vaccine requirements for students in grades K-12, visit the California Department of Education website at www.cde.ca.gov.

  Vandenberg Space Force Base also offers the services of a School Liaison Officer to help military families navigate the challenges of frequent relocations. The School Liaison Officer provides essential information before, during, and after your move, helping to ease the transition for both parents and students. One of their key roles is to connect families, schools, and the military community to ensure a smooth educational experience for military children. Learn more >>

  Local schools serving the area include:

  • Buena Vista Elementary (K-6)
  • Clarence Ruth Elementary (K-6)
  • Crestview Elementary (K-6) – located on base
  • Fillmore Elementary (K-6)
  • Vandenberg Middle School (7-8) – located on base
  • Lompoc Valley Middle School (7-8)
  • Lompoc High School (9-12)

  For more information on local schools, please visit Lompoc Unified School District.

  If you're interested in charter schools, visit California Charter Schools Association.