Parole hearing soon,how to help?

No hard and fast rule but the Parole Board looks for remorse and responsibility for the crime as a general rule.

I would add that the Board of Parole Hearings in California will make a determination. The purpose of a parole hearing is to determine if or when an inmate can be returned to society.

In general, some of the factors considered by the panel and which are discussed in the hearing include:

counseling reports and psychological evaluations
behavior in prison (ie, disciplinary notices or laudatory accomplishments)
vocational and educational accomplishments in prison
involvement in self-help therapy programs that can range from anti-addiction programs for drugs and alcohol to anger management
parole plans, including where an inmate would live and support themselves if they were released.

If you want to help your friend, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney who can make a presentation regarding the above to the BPHs in order to give your friend the best chance at release on parole.