L.A. jobless rate eases

The September unemployment rate in L.A. County was 7.8 percent, which is a tad lower than the 7.9 percent rate in August. The state rate was unchanged at 7.7 percent (6.1 percent for the U.S.). More good news: The separate payroll survey shows that 29,200 jobs were added in L.A. County last month from August. Government hires (mainly in the education sector) made up most of that gain, though there also was a big jump for entertainment-related jobs. Compared with September, 2007, however, the overall drop in L.A. was 23,600 jobs. Sorry to say, but I wouldn't get too encouraged about September's report. Wall Street's financial meltdown is only six weeks old (seems like six years), and it could take a while before we really start to feel its effects. Here's the release.