My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: California

I am working a temporary job that started in Aug 20, 2009 and ends on December 31, 2009.

1) Do temp jobs qualify for UI benefits? I get the deductions out of my paycheck.

2) If I file first thing thing January 1st the only 2 months that will be in the base period of August and September. Can I wait and file in April so my base period can be based on October, November, December?

Thank you in advance your help would be appreciated.