Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? - 8 months and counting

My claim was denied after 3 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I am in Sacramento, in case local advice matters. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

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.