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Gather 'round, children, it's that time of the month when we reveal the state's
Employment Development Department numbers -- which indicate our employment rates are (still) failing to thrive in this sluggish economy. Basically, the numbers are as lowly as they were
last month. Which makes one wonder, is bad news still bad news when it's old bad news? Is it even news at all? How much wood
would a woodchuck chuck? Anyway, we're already here and I brought a casserole so let's get on with it.
Between May and June, the number of jobs in the West Bay counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin decreased by 2,400. Private and public schools lost 1,700 jobs, Trade, transportation and utilities fell by 600. For the last 19 years retail has gained 900 jobs between May and June, but this year it lost 300. People, it is your American duty to KEEP SHOPPING. If you bought a Slanket, you have no excuse for shying away from Old Navy. They are practically giving stuff away.
But, lo! What have we here? An increase in jobs! Seasonal hospitality jobs grew by 900. Save your pennies, arts, entertainment and recreation workers, because apparently you won't be getting jobs at the mall when the tourists recede.
Since June of 2008, the West Bay has lost a sobering 50,600 jobs. The
only industry that's shown any growth is private health care, which
boasted 800 new jobs. This is thrilling news for all the unemployed
people without health care who rely on public services.
"Please,
sir, can I have some good news?," you ask shyly, stirring the dirt with
the toe of your shoe. Oh, okay. The state unemployment rate is 11.6 percent (holding steady from last month) but the San Francisco unemployment
rate is just 9.8 percent! Which is up from last month's 9.1. Damn.
Who wants casserole???
