Well as far as I knew the crime rate wasn't bad. I never had any issues at all. Leave your AR-15 in NY, don't even bring it even when you get on base. The CA liberals love to prosecute military over there.
From Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, the area is incredible. So much to do and so much to see. The community around Lompoc really supports the military, but when you get away from Vandyland, people are not so much friendly when they find out you are military.
I would stay away from LA if you can, the place needs to be nuked and rebuilt. However San Fransico is a beautiful city with lots to do and EAT, OMG EAT. If you love seafood man you are going to be good to go there. They don't really care for the military either but I didn't have any problems with anyone.
In Lompoc, there is a Mexican restaurant called El Toro Bronco, or as we called it, El Bloat McFat, that have the best burritos I have ever had to this day. They are huge and they load them up. Can't be beat.
I had a good time at Vandy. Working Vehcles and Equioment, MMT and test launch gave me lots of opportunities to support NASA missions and like. I got to assist in the Taurus, Pegasus projects. Got to do shuttle support missions. A great time for sure.