Here in AZ, I've been asked for a DL when using a debit card, even though my debit card has a photo on it!
I can't say that's a bad thing.. If I lost my check/debit card, it does ME a service to insure that I'm really the one using it! (the pic on my debit card is 10 years old). (but then again, my current DL is valid until 2018)
We all understand that CA is kind of a "lost in the cosmos" kind of place.. I'm just waiting for CA to start siding up towards Alaska (it won't "fall into the ocean", as plate tectonics are the engine!) :)
But isn't CA one of the states that requires/or is about to require a photo ID to vote? Or get government benefits?