The Western snowy plovers-whose residence along the coast has turned parts of certain Santa Barbara County beaches into no-go area for humans-are once again about to begin their breeding season, prompting Vandenberg Air Force Base to announce the closure of beaches near the base effective 3/1. Portions of Surf Beach near the Amtrak platform known as the Lompoc Surf Station will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
