There's a backlog forming with APs. My wife's AP ND3/17 got an RFE on 6/6. There are still 3/13 cases not yet touched. Probably they are slowing down because of EAD.
The best advice that I can give to anyone who needs to travel on AP:
1. File for extension 3 months in advance
2. Do not buy airplane tickets until AP is approved (I've seen too many disappointed parolees recently)
3. Do not leave the country without AP, even if you think there's someone available to send it to you once it's approved
4. If your AP is overdue, send a fax inquiry 30 days after the JIT report date (that would mean that most faxes are received on the 2nd and 16th of the month) - if you don't hear from them in 15 business days (you won't), send an e-mail inquiry - I did just that and that triggered an RFE
5. Emergency AP is available if you show evidence you need it. Airplane ticket and planned vacation are not good reasons. It seems that you don't need to go to Laguna Niguel after all (Tasse knows a guy who got it in SJ)