Yuba 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
  Yuba County has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It’s important to be prepared for the heat during the summer months and stay informed about local weather alerts, as the area is susceptible to wildfires. While earthquakes are a potential risk, they occur less frequently.
  
  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

  Public transportation around Beale Air Force Base is limited, and having a car is heavily relied upon for getting around. However, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available as alternative transportation options.

• Neighbourhoods

  Due to high crime rates, CAF members are not allowed to live in Yuba City, Wheatland, or Marysville.

  • Lincoln is the closest and most favored option to the base, known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers convenient access to healthcare, grocery stores, and a variety of youth programs.

  • Roseville and Rocklin are also popular choices, though they are further from the base. These larger cities offer a wide range of shopping amenities, multiple libraries, and numerous recreational programs and facilities. There are plenty of bike and walking paths, as well as splash pads for children. Roseville and Rocklin are approximately 30 minutes from Sacramento Airport and 45 minutes from downtown Sacramento.

• 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.

• Beale Air Force Base

  Military spouses and dependents have access to Beale AFB once they've arrived and recieved 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

  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.
  • Beale Air Force Base - 9th 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! 
  • Beale 9 FSS Facebook Page
• On-Base Medical Facility

  9th Medical Group
  15301 Warren Shingle Road, Beale Air Force Base, CA 95903

  CAF members and their families have access to the 9th Medical Group on Beale AFB, which offers a wide range of primary, specialty, and preventative healthcare services. These include primary care, family health, pediatrics, optometry, pharmacy and more. There is no on-base emergency room. Dental care is available for active-duty members, but not dependants. For regular dental care, the TRICARE Dental Program can be used, allowing you to receive services from civilian providers in the local area.

• Children's Education

  Lone Tree Elementary is the on-base school, providing education for younger students. Additionally, the Childcare Development Center (CDC) on base offers childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old.

  Off-base, Lincoln is served by the Western Placer Unified School District, Roseville is part of the Roseville City School District, and Rocklin falls under the Rocklin Unified School District. All three districts offer excellent schools, from TK through Grade 12.

  California also has Charter Schools, which are independent from the public school system and are often religion-based. These schools are free and could be an option for some families, provided they apply early enough.

  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.
  
  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

• Additional Information

  Fun Fact:
  One unique feature of Beale Air Force Base is its extensive cow grazing program, which plays a key role in managing vegetation and reducing wildfire risks. By allowing cattle to graze on the base's open land, the program helps control invasive plant species and maintain pasture heights, both of which are critical for fire prevention. This initiative also fosters a beneficial partnership between the base and local ranchers, offering both economic and ecological advantages.

  Beale AFB is home to Moos & Brews, a popular restaurant offering a variety of burgers, milkshakes, and beer. It’s located near Beale Venture Park, which features fun activities like axe throwing, cornhole, and horseshoes.

  Nearby Attractions:

  • Lake Tahoe is just 90 minutes away and is home to several ski resorts, including Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, Boreal, Northstar, and Heavenly. In the summer, the lake offers a variety of trails and water activities.
  • Sacramento, less than an hour away, is known for its fantastic museums and the Golden 1 Center.
  • San Francisco, about two hours away, is famous for its great food scene, beautiful beaches, and ocean views.
  • The area also offers many excellent camping options, including the Redwoods to the north and Sequoias to the south.
  • Beale AFB is centrally located to some of the most stunning National Parks, with Yosemite National Park just a three-hour drive away.