Q: What is the latest on the work being done at the Isabella Dam? Are there any updates on the safety issues there? What is the current condition of the dam?

- Mona Twocats-Romero

Q: I know there is some testing going on at the dam but we really miss the lake being full. When will they restore the water level?

- Elroy Mann

A: There aren't a lot of answers to these questions yet.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just started exploratory drilling and trenching to help assess the integrity of the auxiliary dam due to seepage and seismic concerns. It's expected to last several weeks.

When the water levels will be restored depends on what work is deemed necessary to ensure the integrity of the dam and when that work is completed, said Army Corps spokesman Tyler M. Stalker.

Right now water conservation storage is limited to 2585.5 feet, or 360,000 acre feet, and that could be lowered after an evaluation is done, Stalker said. The lake's normal maximum storage capacity is 568,000 acre feet.

Q: I have seen a sign on the corner of Panama Lane and Gosford that advertises the coming of the Panama Grove Plaza. What is the status of this project? Is it going to be built or is it another recession casualty?

- Jay Bee

A: Bakersfield Planning Director Jim Eggert said:

"That shopping center was approved in February 2008 by the Planning Commission. It is a mixed retail center of approximately 580,000 square feet. We have had no further contact with the developer since its approval.

"Considering that housing development in that area slowed significantly to support this center, I would agree that it is another development waiting until there is an improvement in the overall economy."

Q: Living in an established neighborhood near Bakersfield College, we find an onslaught of alley cats that roam the neighborhood and poop all over our lawns. These cats clearly are not being vaccinated or altered.

I have seen a do-gooder stopping in the alleys to feed the cats and I don't believe this person realizes that her actions are irresponsible. She's only perpetuating the alley cat population that breeds pretty much like rabbits.

Our neighborhood has considered "doing something" about the cats, but I wonder is there something besides popping pellets into the cats that we can do? Should this cat-loving "good samaritan" be approached? Is there someone we can call to get a handle on this situation?

My main interest is controlling the population and reducing the spread of disease to our properly contained animals in our yards.

- Athena Cole

A: Here's some advice from Tammy Davis, animal control supervisor for the Bakersfield Police Department:

"Any private citizen can trap cats on their own property but must then transport them to the shelter, not relocate them. Neither animal control agency picks trapped cats up. You cannot set a trap anywhere other than your own property, though.

"There is also a private business that will provide the service, but there is a fee. It is called Bakersfield Cat Control. Contact Konnie at 616-8182. It also has a Web site, www.BakersfieldCatControl.com.

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