Article 10. Investigations And Actions By The Commission of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 20. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 10.

The commission may receive and investigate complaints regarding alleged violations of this chapter. The commission may refer cases to the department for action.

(a) The commission shall provide notice to the person or persons, and to the secretary, alleged to have violated the provisions of this chapter informing him or her of the commission's decision to take further action pursuant to this article. The person may seek a review of the commission's decision by the secretary and thereafter may seek judicial relief.
  (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) and Section 55111.5, the commission may immediately seek injunctive relief, as specified in Section 55112. Any injunction obtained by the commission shall remain in full force and effect pending any review by the secretary.

The commission may enter into a written agreement with any person alleged to have violated this chapter that will cause the cessation of any alleged violation and avoidance of future violations.

(a) The commission may commence civil actions and utilize all remedies provided in law or equity for the collection of assessments and for obtaining a writ of attachment, specific performance, or injunctive relief regarding this chapter. The commission may seek a writ of attachment or injunctive relief, including, but not limited to, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunction, in order to prevent any violation or threatened violation of this chapter.
  (b) The commission shall provide notice to the person alleged to have violated this chapter prior to commencing a civil action.
  (c) A court shall issue to the commission any requested writ of attachment or injunctive relief upon a prima facie showing by verified complaint that a named defendant has violated, or has threatened to violate, this chapter. No bond shall be required to be posted by the commission as a condition for the issuance of the requested writ of attachment or injunctive relief.
  (d) A writ of attachment shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 485.010) of Title 6.5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the showing specified in Section 485.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall not be required. Injunctive relief shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the showing of irreparable harm or inadequate remedy at law specified in Sections 526 and 527 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall not be required.
  (e) Upon entry of any final judgment on behalf of the commission against any defendant, the court shall enjoin the defendant from conducting any type of business regarding rice until there is full compliance and satisfaction of the judgment. Venue for these actions may be established at the domicile or place of business of the defendant or in the county of the principal place of business of the commission. The commission may be sued only in the county of its principal office.
  (f) Prior to bringing an action for injunctive relief pursuant to this section, the commission shall review all available information, recommend specific enforcement action to the secretary, and allow the secretary the opportunity to respond. Notwithstanding the secretary' s response, nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the commission from bringing the action.

The commission shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for any reasonable attorney's fees and other related costs, including, but not limited to, investigative costs, involved in enforcement of this chapter.