The district may do all of the following:

(a) Sue and be sued in all actions and proceedings in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

(b) Adopt a seal and alter it at pleasure.

(c) Take by grant, purchase, gift, devise, lease, or otherwise, and hold, use and enjoy, and lease, or otherwise dispose of, real and personal property of every kind and description within or without the district necessary to the full and convenient exercise of its powers.

(d) Cause assessments to be levied, as provided in Article 5 (commencing with Section 6296), to pay any obligation of the district and to accomplish the purposes of the district in the manner provided in this chapter.

(e) Make contracts, and employ, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all persons, firms, and corporations necessary to carry out the purposes and the powers of the district, and at any salary, wage, or other compensation as the district board of directors shall determine.

(f) Respond to the effects and spread of Pierce’s disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, and other winegrape plant pests and diseases and collect and disseminate to winegrape growers in the district all relevant information and scientific studies concerning the pest or pests or diseases, as well as to chart and determine the extent and location of any infestations.

(g) With reasonable advance notice in writing to the landowner, as determined by the district, enter into or upon any land included within the boundaries of the district for the purpose of inspecting the winegrape plants and any other host plants and fruit growing on them.

(h) Perform any and all acts, either within or outside the district, necessary or proper to fully and completely carry out the purposes for which the district is organized.

(i) The district’s administrative costs are to be limited to 5 percent of the annual assessment revenues.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 442, Sec. 1. Effective October 3, 2001.)