I looked up my assemblymans website and there was a section that said “If you need help navigating the California State bureaucracy or regulations, contact us.” I contacted him and the next day someone from their office called me and the day after that someone from the EDD called. He said my only recourse is to request my original appeal be re-opened, then I can go before a judge and explain the circumstances and see if he rules in my favor.
I’m still probably totally screwed...it just irks me to no end that the State has it on record that they owe you something, they give it to you and then demand repayment....
Thanks for the advice.