The latest statistics show a slight rise in unemployment for the Central and South Coasts, but a brighter picture statewide. In Ventura County, the jobless rate went from 3.6% in June to 3.9% in July. Santa Barbara County’s unemployment rate climbed from 3.4% to 3.7%. And, in San Luis Obispo County the percentage of people out of work went from an even 3% in June to 3.2% in July.
The statewide numbers show a month to month drop from 4.2% to 4.1%, which is a historic low. Officials with the state Employment Development Department say California has now added jobs for 113 straight months, the longest period of growth since the 1960’s.
