Cal. Public Resources Code § 5024.6

There is in the department the State Office of Historic Preservation, which is under the direction of the officer. The office shall do all of the following: (a) Serve as the staff of the commission in carrying out its responsibilities, and as the staff of the officer in carrying out the responsibilities of that position. (b) Recommend properties of historical significance for nomination by the commission for the National Register of Historic Places, for registration as historical landmarks and points of historical interest, and for listing in the California Register. (c) Administer state and federal incentive programs for the preservation of historical resources, including the California Register. (d) Provide information on federal and state benefits for preservation projects and enhancement of historical resources. (e) Administer grant and loan programs to survey historical resources and assist the development and enhancement of these resources. (f) Assist other state agencies by providing information and education on the economic and social benefits of utilizing historical resources. (g) Provide public education and information on the preservation and enhancement of historical resources. (h) Provide information and technical assistance to local, state, and national organizations to promote preservation and enhancement of historical resources by developing model ordinances, financial mechanisms, educational programs, conferences, workshops, and other materials. (i) Cooperate with cultural and ethnic commissions, such as the Native American Heritage Commission, or other organizations or representatives when projects involve these groups’ concerns. (j) Review and comment on the impact on historical resources of publicly funded projects and programs undertaken by other governmental agencies. (k) Review applications for excavation and salvage permits for salvage in state waters. (l) Assist the State Lands Commission in administering Section 6313. (m) Administer the California Register in accordance with procedures adopted by the commission. (n) Administer and maintain the State Historic Resources Inventory in accordance with procedures developed by the office and adopted by the commission. (o) Administer the California Heritage Fund created pursuant to Section 5079.10. (p) Educate the public on the process required to nominate a resource for listing as a historical resource in the California Register pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 5024.1, with particular emphasis on educating the public regarding nominating resources associated with the labor movement, the civil rights movement, and the state’s modern history by providing information in its quarterly newsletter or other appropriate publications, and on the State Office of Historic Preservation’s Internet Web site. (q) By January 1, 2015, identify publicly owned resources that may be appropriate for potential listing as historical resources, historical landmarks, or points of historical interest for their association with the labor movement, the civil rights movement, or the state’s modern history. The State Office of Historic Preservation shall report its findings to the commission. (r) For the purposes of this section, “modern history” means history on and after 1940.