Can I request to read my employer's response to my appeal regarding my unemployment benefits ahead of the hearing ?

Right before the hearing you will be able to review the entire file, including your former employer's response. Best of luck.

Do I have any case against a former employer for treating employees extremely poorly

The poor treatment would not be considered illegal but here is some law on meal and rest breaks. Under California law: Rest Periods: Employees...

Is it legal to get payed on a 1099 when i was working a hourly job?

Sounds like you are definitely being misclassified as an independent contractor when you really are an employee. As an employee you would be...

Who's at fault

In California you are an "at will" employee and can be terminated for any time or any reason. Terminating you because of someone else made a...

Try, what have you got to lose. The worst thing that can happen is your benefits are denied. All the best.

I filed a sexual harassment complaint in Aug.

You should talk to a lawyer, sounds like you have been retaliated against for filing a sexual harassment complaint. Best of luck.

What are my rights when I am hired by a private citizen as a live-in to work taking care of an elderly person in their hom.

I'm not quite sure what you were asked to do that was against the law. I would talk to an attorney so they ca sort out your legal issues. The...

If i request a copy of my employee file, is my company legally required to supply me with it?

I agree with Mr. Weinman that your employer must provide you with a copy of your personnel file. Best of luck.

Non compete agreements in California are illegal. The contract would have to be reviewed by an attorney to see if it's subject to another states...

Can my old boss say negative things about me when potential companies call him for employment verification?

He can't say anything false about you as this would be slander. I would get a statement from a potential employer to say they would have hired you...