2005 California Government Code Sections 8700-8709 CHAPTER 8. OFFICE OF CALIFORNIA-MEXICO AFFAIRS

8700.  The Legislature finds and declares the following:
   (a) The United States and Mexican economies have become
increasingly integrated, particularly since the 1994 adoption of the
North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.
   (b) This integration has brought both California and Mexico
opportunities and challenges in the areas of economic development,
labor relations, and environmental protection.
   (c) The California Office of the Southwest Border Regional
Conference (formerly commission) was established as part of a joint
American border states effort to further and develop favorable
relations with the six Mexican border states.
   (d) The efforts of the California office of the conference
continue to be an essential part of California's interaction with
Mexico.
   (e) It is important for the state and for the nation that state
agencies continue to address important United States-Mexico issues.
   (f) The Office of California-Mexico Affairs provides a focal point
in state government to serve as a clearinghouse for information and
assistance to other state agencies which are involved with Mexico.
8701.  The following definitions shall govern the construction of
this chapter:
   (a) "Office" means the Office of California-Mexico Affairs.
   (b) "Conference" means the Southwest Border Regional Conference.
8702.  (a) There is in state government an Office of
California-Mexico Affairs. Within this office the operations of the
California Office of the Southwest Border Regional Conference shall
be continued.
   (b) The office succeeds to and is vested with all the duties,
powers, purposes, and responsibilities vested in the California
office of the conference and previously vested in the Commission of
the Californias.
   (c) The office shall have possession and control of all records,
papers, offices, equipment, supplies, moneys, funds, appropriations,
land, and other property, real or personal, held for the benefit or
use of the California office of the conference, or previously held
for the benefit or use of the commission, in the performance of the
duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of the
California office of the conference or the commission.
8703.  The members of the Southwest Border Regional Conference shall
be the Governors of the four American border states.  The California
member of the conference is the Governor of California or his
designee.
8705.  The office shall further and develop favorable relations with
the State of Baja California, the State of Baja California Sur,
other Mexican states bordering on the United States, and the
remaining states and territories of the Republic of Mexico necessary
for the completion of the office's tasks. The office shall cooperate
with similar organizations and agencies situated within California,
the United States, or Mexico, to further economic development,
improve working conditions and living standards, and foster the
protection and improvement of the environment in Mexico and
California. The office shall avail itself of the services of the San
Diego State University, which is engaged in educational, cultural,
and research activities with Mexico. The office shall be responsible
for carrying out the ongoing responsibilities of the Southwest Border
Regional Conference.
8706.  The Governor shall appoint a director of the office.  The
director may appoint and employ any personnel which he or she deems
necessary to carry out the functions of the office.  The office may
incur all necessary expenses to effectuate its purposes and may
accept grants from federal and state agencies. The office may also
accept funds from private organizations or individuals in order to
assist it in the accomplishment of its functions as set forth in this
chapter.
8708.  Members and employees of the office may travel outside of
California and may hold hearings and conduct investigations within
and outside of the state whenever necessary to carry out the duties
set forth in this chapter.  Members and employees may acquire any
available information from any governmental agency within the United
States or Mexico necessary to the completion of their tasks.
8709.  The office shall be responsible for the establishment of
committees in those topic areas deemed necessary by the director.
Recommendations of the committees shall not be binding on the
Governor or the Legislature but shall only be advisory in nature.