California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 3079

(a) No application for parole shall be granted or denied except by a vote of the board at a meeting at which a quorum of its members are present. This paragraph shall not be applied to the denial of applicants who are ineligible by order of the superior court, or to the granting of parole in emergency situations.

(b) An applicant shall be permitted to appear and speak on his behalf at the meeting at which his application is considered by the board.