JOHN ORTEGA vs. MONTEABARO MASONRY, YORK INSURANCE SERVICES GROUP, INC.

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the applicant's petition for removal, which sought to hold hearings in Santa Barbara instead of Oxnard. The WCAB cited insufficient space in the Santa Barbara district office following the closure of the Goleta office as the reason for the temporary relocation to Oxnard. The Board emphasized its statutory authority and inherent power to manage its calendars and facilities based on available resources, noting that venue is not jurisdictional. Applicants facing travel burdens can utilize telephone appearances via CourtCall.