66585
. The powers and duties of the commission include, but are not
limited to, all of the following:
(a) To elect a chairman and, from time to time, any other officers
that it may deem advisable and to delegate to these officers any
administrative duties that may appear advisable.
(b) To adopt and, from time to time, alter, rescind, modify, and
amend all proper and necessary administrative bylaws, rules,
regulations, and orders for the exercise of its powers and the
performance of its duties, including rules for regulation of appeals
from any bylaw, 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 this chapter.
(d) To employ a person to serve, at the pleasure of the
commission, as president and chief executive officer of the
commission and other personnel, including legal counsel, that is
necessary to carry out this chapter. The Attorney General shall aid
and assist the commission upon its request and shall undertake
judicial proceedings 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 any liabilities and
borrow any funds in advance of receipt of assessments that 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 are subject to an annual
private audit by an auditing firm selected by the commission and
approved by the director. The audit shall be made a part of an annual
report to all handlers of iceberg lettuce, copies of which shall
also be submitted to the Legislature. In addition, the director may,
as he or she determines necessary, conduct, or cause to be conducted,
a fiscal and compliance audit of the commission.
(g) To investigate and prosecute civil violations of this chapter
and to file complaints with appropriate law enforcement agencies or
officers for criminal violations of this chapter.
(h) To maintain or expand the demand for iceberg lettuce
nationally and abroad by means of promotional, educational, and
similar programs and activities, including, but not limited to, the
advertising and publicizing of iceberg lettuce in all forms of media,
providing merchandising services and materials, conducting
educational meetings and demonstrations, and sponsoring or
participating in appropriate trade and food conferences.
(i) To undertake market, transportation, and other pertinent
studies and surveys; to present facts to, and negotiate with, private
and governmental bodies and agencies on matters affecting sales and
distribution and other concerns of iceberg lettuce production and
marketing; 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 iceberg lettuce.
(j) To make, in the name of the commission, contracts to render
service in formulating and conducting plans and programs, and any
other contracts or agreements that the commission may deem necessary
for the promotion of the sale of iceberg lettuce.
(k) To conduct, or contract with others to conduct, research as
authorized by this chapter. In connection with this research, the
commission may accept contributions of, or may match, private, state,
or federal funds that may be available for these purposes, and may
employ or make contributions of funds to other persons or state or
federal agencies conducting this research.
(l) To determine, subject to the limitations provided in Section
66621, not later than March 31 of each year, the assessment for the
following 12-month period beginning April 1 and ending March 31.
(m) To publish and distribute without charge bulletins or other
communications for dissemination of information relating to the
iceberg lettuce industry to producers, shippers, and handlers.
(n) To enter into cost-sharing advertising and sales promotion
with organizations representing other products, and with producers,
handlers, and other persons involved in marketing iceberg lettuce,
either individually or collectively, who are not subject to this
chapter.
(o) To fix the compensation for all employees of the commission.
(p) To appoint committees composed of both members and nonmembers
of the commission to advise the commission in carrying out this
chapter.
(q) To administer any state or federal program engaged in
activities affecting iceberg lettuce.