Unemployment Rate Drops Significantly

After a disappointing March, the unemployment rate in most East Bay communities decreased significantly in April.

In California, the jobless rate last month fell to 11.7 percent. It was 12.3 percent in March and 12 percent in February.

In Alameda County, the rate fell to 10.3 percent in April, down from 10.8 percent in March and 10.7 percent in February.

In neighboring Contra Costa County, the jobless rate dipped to 10.5 percent, down from 11.2 percent in March and 11 percent in February.

State economic officials said the two counties added 5,500 jobs in April, bringing the total labor force to 945,300.

Trade, transportation and utilities led the way with an addition of 2,400 jobs. Leisure and hospitality rose by 2,000 jobs. Private education and health care increased by 900 jobs.

The hard-hit construction industry also saw a seasonal increase, adding 700 jobs.

The only losses were recorded in manufacturing with 300 fewer jobs in April than in March as well as information services with a loss of 200 jobs.

The drop in unemployment was seen in almost all East Bay communities.

In the city of Alameda, the jobless rate fell to 7.1 percent, down from 7.4 in March and 7.3 in February.