California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 1272

(a) During the public hearing on the petition, the administrative law judge retains the discretion to direct additional briefing or presentation of evidence by the parties posthearing. All parties have the right to respond at the hearing and in writing posthearing to a direction by the administrative law judge for additional briefing or presentation of evidence, regardless of to which party the additional briefing or presentation of evidence are directed.

(b) During the public hearing on the petition, the executive director shall be in attendance and available to the administrative law judge. The administrative law judge retains the discretion to consult with the executive director in public during the public hearing. All parties have the right to respond at the hearing and in writing posthearing to a consultation by the administrative law judge with the executive director.