Job Losses Increasing Each Month

"Although there are signs job growth has stalled, fewer people were looking for work last month than in any August in the past five years."

"Unemployment in Sonoma County fell in August as teachers returned to the classroom after summer vacation, the state reported Friday."

"Job growth, however, has slowed substantially since February. For the fourth consecutive month, there were fewer jobs in Sonoma County than the same period in 2005. And the rate of job losses has accelerated each month."

"The jobless figures reflect the number of people actively seeking work and do not include those who have stopped their job search without finding employment."

'"It's the best unemployment picture since 2001," said Cynthia Solorio, an analyst who tracks job data for the state Employment Development Department. "We have fewer people looking for work, and hopefully they are picking up jobs."'

"The county was down 2,900 jobs in August compared with a year ago, including 300 in construction, 300 in health services and 1,000 in hospitality."

"Census Bureau figures show that young families are leaving the county as the number of high-paying high-tech jobs dwindles and housing costs increase."

"State employment figures show about 241,800 county residents were employed in August, down from 247,800 a year ago. The figures track residents who work at jobs in Sonoma County and residents who work outside the county."

"Thirteen percent of 30- to 39-year olds left Sonoma County in the past four years, the latest figures show."

"Last month, an estimated 10,300 Sonoma County residents were looking for work, compared with 11,400 a year ago. Paradoxically, the number of employed people in Sonoma County has also decreased, Solorio said."

"Almost 6,000 fewer Sonoma County residents are employed now than at this time last year. Some of them may have retired or otherwise dropped out of the job market, but others have likely moved out of the area, Solorio said."