TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Q: Why is it taking so long to get a new driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles and what happens if it doesn't arrive before your current one expires?

-- Californian staff

A: One in 10 people who apply for a new driver's license aren't receiving it within the normal four to six weeks, according to the DMV, because of manufacturing problems associated with the new security features on them. The agency says it's been having to send some licenses back to the manufacturer because of the problems and has taken other steps to head off future issues.

In the meantime, the DMV is allowing people to obtain a 90-day temporary extension on their driver's license when submitting a renewal request online, by mail or in person. The temporary paper licenses used to be valid for 60 days and only issued at DMV field offices.

Also in the past, people who renewed their licenses by mail did not receive a temporary license. As of Feb. 28, they now do.

The agency noted that when drivers renew their licenses, their driving record is updated in the DMV system within five business days, regardless of when they actually receive the new license.

Still, customers who haven't received their new license within six weeks can e-mail the DMV at LODDLIDSP@dmv.ca.gov to get help with the renewal process. The DMV said customers should send their full name, date of renewal and any two of the following: street address, driver's license number or date of birth. They also should send a phone number.

The DMV also offered these tips:

* Renew your driver's license or identification card early. You should receive your renewal notice up to 60 days before the expiration date.

* Check the expiration date on your temporary license. About a week before it is due to expire, call the DMV at 800-777-0133 if you haven't received your new license yet, and the agency will extend your temporary one and mail you a new one.

* Keep your temporary license along with your old driver's license.

* If you have moved since you applied for your license and or identification card, you can change your address online or complete change of address form DMV14 and mail it in.

Q: Who regulates where lighted street signs go? If it's only on major intersections, why isn't there more put in place, for example at Gosford Road and White Lane?

-- Tina Valle

A: Ryan Starbuck, an engineer with the city of Bakersfield, answered:

In the past, the city installed the lighted street name signs at major intersections. However, the lighted signs cost $2,500 each, so a total cost of $10,000 for a typical four-approach intersection.

The maintenance to replace the fluorescent lamps, which are a custom size, is also expensive and requires a substantial amount of time for crews to replace. Often, it requires having to block traffic lanes so the bucket trucks can be in position to reach the lighted signs for repairs. In addition, there is the continuing cost for electricity to light the signs.

The city no longer installs the lighted signs and when an existing lighted sign fails, it is replaced with a state standard flat panel sign with high reflectivity lettering. The signs are only $150 per sign and require very little maintenance. The signs are slightly less noticeable and not as aesthetic, however they do have a significant cost and maintenance time savings for the city.

Q: There is a federal program, that I thought all counties were required to participate in, called Secure Communities. I believe that when people are arrested for a crime, their information is run through a federal computer base to check on their legal status, and they are reported to the feds. Is Kern County participating in this program and if not, why not?

-- Arthur Ramirez

A: Yes, the Kern County Sheriff's Department participates in the Secure Communities program, said spokesman Ray Pruitt. When the department arrests and books people, it runs their fingerprints through a federal database. One clarification: the database just contains information on people with an arrest history who've been identified as being in the United States illegally. When there's a hit, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may put a hold on that person, depending on the severity of the crime committed.

Q: What is the construction that is going on in the grass area of the parking lot for the bike trail at Truxtun Avenue and Commercial Way? They dug a deep hole and then put some blue pipes under Truxtun, which I believe is for water but what for?

-- Dana Mills

A: Art Chianello, Bakersfield water resources manager, answered:

This is a part of the various main line extension projects by JO-SH General Engineering on behalf of the city of Bakersfield Water Resources Department. Specifically it bored under Truxtun Avenue to install a main line to "loop in" the isolated water system on the south side of Truxtun from Mohawk Street to Commercial Way, giving the various commercial/medical vicinity customers a desirable two-point connection for the city water main supply line making the system more robust and operationally effective.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield. com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.