My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: CA

My original claim for unemployment benefits was denied on July 2008 because "I quit my job due to dissatisfaction with the wages" according to the EDD. I was a substitute teacher who was on call on a daily basis, but the calls stopped 2 months before I quit due to a district budget crisis. I view this as being laid off, but EDD considers it quitting. I used my savings and family help to support myself since my mother was ill at the time and I needed to take care of her. I appealed my case on 9/2009 because by that time I had ran out of money and options to support myself. I also felt that I was deserving of benefits but could not fight it at the time because I was under a lot of stress already. I have my hearing tomorrow and was wondering if any one has any helpful advice. Thanks