When does a gift to a public official become a bribe? That's one of the difficult questions to be answered at a workshop on federal and California laws governing gifts, bribes and political contributions in Sacramento on Friday, Nov. 12. "The influence of money and private interests on government is one of today's most significant public issues," says Rex Perschbacher, dean of the UC Davis School of Law and co-author of "Problems in Legal Ethics" and "California Legal Ethics." The workshop is being presented by the law school, the Robert Mondavi Corp. and the California Chamber of Commerce. Professors Floyd Feeney and Diane Amann of the law school will moderate two of three panel discussions, held as follows: 9:10 a.m., legal standards governing gifts to public officials and employees; 10:45 a.m., laws governing corporate and related individual donations to political candidates and campaigns; and 1:15 p.m., encouraging compliance. Matthew Jacobs, chief assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, Sacramento, will speak at a noon luncheon. The workshop will be held in the California Room on the 12th floor of the California Chamber of Commerce, 1201 K St. Registration is required.