MINUTES
FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
CALIFORNIA UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE APPEALS BOARD
Docket No. 5729
Open Session
The Appeals Board meeting convened at 11:00 a.m., September 15, 2026, with Chair Michael Allen presiding.
1. Roll Call: Members Present Absent
Michael Allen, Chair x
Mike Eng x
Bob Wieckowski, Vice-Chair x
Richard Roth x
2. Approval of Minutes:
The Board approved the August 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes.
3. Chair's Report:
Since the last meeting, the Board resolved approximately 942 second-level appeals, all of which were processed through CAMS. Chair Allen reported that he meets weekly with Chief Cutri to discuss matters and the security of each CUIAB office. Chair Allen commended former Vice-Chair Laura Kent-Monning for her service with CUIAB and announced that Member Wieckowski will now assume the role of Vice-Chair.
4. Board Member Reports:
Vice-Chair Wieckowski discussed a recent technical challenge resolving a case in the legacy system and complimented Kent-Monning for her work at CUIAB.
Member Roth commended Kent-Monning and congratulated Vice-Chair Wieckowski on his selection.
5. Public Comment:
ALJ Elena Rivkin commented on working conditions and telework.
ALJ Carol Kim commented on working conditions and telework.
Jamie Ormond commented on telework.
Peter Chau commented on telework.
Ivan Waggoner commented on telework.
Valerie Soltero commented on telework.
Kate Turner commented on telework.
Francesca Wander commented on telework.
Thomas Bennet commented on telework.
6. Chief ALJ/Executive Director, Michael Cutri Report:
In August, the average daily appeals intake remained stable, consistent with the past twelve months. The field offices issued 15,080 decisions, closing approximately 10.7% of first-level appeals within 30 days and 25.0% within 45 days. The average case age was approximately 36 days. CUIAB typically experiences a seasonal decline in production during the summer due to separations and increased leave usage. CUIAB is tracking leave and attrition, and will augment capacity with retired annuitants and ALJ recruitments as workload demands.
To normalize statewide wait times, CUIAB transferred 900 cases between field offices through CAMS.
On August 14, a caller made violent threats to an EDD and CUIAB office. CHP responded and closed the San Diego Office of Appeals. The suspect was located and apprehended, and is being prosecuted.
Chief Cutri commended Kent-Monning on her work with CUIAB and expressed his gratitude for her contributions to CAMS.
Member Roth offered his comments on the return-to-office order and suggested that CUIAB contact the CHP to conduct a risk assessment of CUIAB’s facilities. Chair Allen concurred.
Member Eng thanked Chief Cutri for his work during the incident and commended Kent-Monning on her contributions to the Board and CUIAB.
7. Supervising ALJ for Appellate Operations, Rebecca Bach Report:
In August, 89.1% of second-level appeals were resolved within 45 days and 98.8% within 75 days. The average case age was 21.4 days, well within the DOL standard.
Supervising Judge Bach expressed her gratitude for Kent-Monning and congratulated Vice-Chair Wieckowski.
Chair Allen thanked SJ Bach for her assistance.
Vice-Chair Wieckowski commended AO on their progress over the past three years, resolving second-level appeals within 150 days.
Member Eng congratulated Vice-Chair Wieckowski on his selection.
8. Chief Information Officer, John Caampued Report:
Chief Information Officer Caampued discussed generative artificial intelligence (AI), noting that while CUIAB is not currently participating in generative AI projects, it is identifying business needs where AI may support administrative services. Staff are currently training with AI to better understand the risks, opportunities and expectations.
Chief Information Officer Caampued reported that the migration of the Office of Tax Petitions to CAMS is expected to be implemented by the October Board meeting. IT continues to work on CAMS enhancements and modernizing technology platforms.
Chief Information Officer Caampued thanked Kent-Monning for her work and assistance with CAMS, and congratulated Vice-Chair Wieckowski.
Chair Allen thanked IT for their work.
Vice-Chair Wieckowski offered his thoughts and comments on AI and asked whether CUIAB collaborates with EDD on this. CIO Caampued advised that he meets with EDD’s Technology Division regularly to discuss modernization opportunities and data sharing.
Member Eng thanked the Pasadena Office of Appeals for hosting his remote appearance and thanked staff for their assistance resolving technical issues.
9. Chief of Administrative Services, Robert Silva Report:
Chief Silva reported that the AO Legal Support Supervisor position had been filled. Chief Silva also reported that there are four support staff recruitments pending. The Legal Support Supervisor in CUIAB’s Regional Support Unit will be retiring soon, and the position has been backfilled.
Following the Board’s adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, office supply ordering allocations have been distributed to CUIAB’s cost centers and procurement has commenced. Chief Silva also reported a meeting has been scheduled with EDD’s Fiscal Programs Division to discuss the upcoming October budget revise.
Chair Allen asked whether there is any anticipated impact on CUIAB. Chief Silva advised that CUIAB does not anticipate an impact on the current fiscal year; however, the May revise is unknown.
Member Eng inquired about CUIAB's efforts to fill upcoming ALJ vacancies. Chief Silva indicated that an ALJ recruitment is scheduled to begin prior to the October Board meeting and onboarding is underway for retired annuitant ALJs.
Closed Session:
There was no closed session.
Adjournment