Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 9 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I am in San Diego, in case local advice matters. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow.

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.