65572
. The powers and duties of the commission shall include the
following:
(a) To elect a chairman, and from time to time such other officers
as it may deem advisable, and to delegate to such officers such
administrative duties as may appear advisable.
(b) To adopt and from time to time alter, rescind, modify and
amend all proper and necessary rules, regulations and orders for the
exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties, including
rules for regulation of appeals from any rule, regulation or order of
the commission.
(c) To administer and enforce this chapter, and to do and perform
all acts and exercise all powers incidental to or in connection with
or deemed reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to effectuate the
purposes of this chapter.
(d) To employ, and at its pleasure discharge, a manager,
treasurer, secretary, employees and necessary personnel, including
attorneys engaged in the private practice of the law, fix their
compensation and terms of employment, prescribe their duties, and to
incur such expenses as it may deem reasonably necessary and proper to
properly perform such of its duties as are authorized herein. The
Attorney General shall aid and assist the commission on its request
and shall undertake such judicial proceedings as requested by the
commission to undertake on its behalf.
(e) To establish offices and incur expense, and to enter into any
and all contracts and agreements, and to create such liabilities and
borrow such funds in advance of receipt of assessments as may be
necessary, in the opinion of the commission, for the proper
administration and enforcement of this chapter and the performance of
its duties.
(f) To keep accurate books, records and accounts of all of its
dealings, which books, records and accounts shall be open to
inspection and audit by the Department of Finance of the State of
California or other state officer charged with the audit of
operations of departments of the State of California.
(g) To investigate and prosecute civilly violations of this
chapter and to file complaints with appropriate law enforcement
agencies or officers for criminal violations of this chapter.
(h) To promote the sale of fresh grapes by advertising and other
similar means for the purpose of maintaining and expanding present
markets and creating new and larger intrastate, interstate and
foreign markets for fresh grapes; to educate and instruct the public
with respect to fresh grapes; and the uses and time to use the
several varieties, and the healthful properties and dietetic value of
fresh grapes.
(i) In the discretion of the commission, to educate and instruct
the wholesale and retail trade with respect to proper methods of
handling and selling fresh grapes; to arrange for the performance of
dealer service work providing display and other promotional
materials; to make market surveys and analyses; and to present facts
to and negotiate with state, federal and foreign agencies on matters
which affect the marketing and distribution of fresh grapes; and to
undertake any other similar activities which the commission may
determine appropriate for the maintenance and expansion of present
markets and the creation of new and larger markets for fresh grapes.
(j) In the discretion of the commission, to make in the name of
the commission contracts to render service in formulating and
conducting plans and programs, and such other contracts or agreements
as the commission may deem necessary for the promotion of the sale
of fresh grapes.
(k) In the discretion of the commission, to conduct, and contract
with others to conduct, scientific research, including the study,
analysis, dissemination and accumulation of information obtained from
such research or elsewhere respecting the marketing and distribution
of fresh grapes, the production, storage, refrigeration, inspection
and transportation thereof, to develop and discover the dietetic
value of fresh grapes and to develop and expand markets, and to
improve cultural practices and product handling so that the various
varieties may be placed in the hands of the ultimate consumer in the
best possible condition. In connection with such research, the
commission shall have the power to accept contributions of, or to
match, private, state or federal funds that may be available for
these purposes, and to employ or make contributions of funds to other
persons or state or federal agencies conducting such research.
(l) To determine, subject to the limitations provided in Section
65600, not later than May 1 of each year, the assessment for the
following 12 months' period beginning May 1st and ending April 30th.
(m) In the discretion of the commission, to publish and distribute
without charge a bulletin or other communication for dissemination
of information relating to the fresh grape industry to producers and
shippers.