Soumia Shamaoun — ADJ21262917, ADJ21262928

Applicant Soumia Shamaoun filed a petition for removal challenging a notice of hearing issued by the Van Nuys District Office that set the matter for a priority conference on June 18, 2026. Applicant argued the notice violated Labor Code section 5502(c), which requires a priority conference be conducted within 30 days of filing a declaration of readiness to proceed. Although the WCJ recommended granting removal and ordering the Administrative Director to comply with section 5502(c), the Appeals Board dismissed the petition because it lacks the power to award the requested relief. The Board reasoned that the establishment of the priority calendar at district offices is reserved to the Administrative Director under section 5502(b), not the Appeals Board. The applicant was encouraged to bring the petition to the Presiding WCJ, who is most responsible for scheduling at individual district offices.