The new online system appears to work well as I just went and purchased my 2010 license tonight--no, unlike those of you who have already fished 4 days, I won't get out until tomorrow.
Go to:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html
Pretty painless. You can print a temporary at the conclusion of the action and a permanent will be mailed to you within 10 days. I like this.