server's time zone

Where is the server's time zone defined? When I check it using this PHP code:
$serveroffset = (int) date("Z") / (60 * 60);
I get the value -7. My server is sitting in Calif. First off, shouldn't the value be -8?

How is the time zone defined? How can I change it? Any help will be greatly appreciated? I need this urgently.

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

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