More bleak numbers

L.A. unemployment is likely to top out at 13 percent, and the area won't see significant growth until the fourth quarter of 2010. That's according to a forecast by Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics, delivered to the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce. The county's unemployment rate last month fell to 11.3 percent from 11.6 percent in May, but nobody believes that the worst is over. From the forecast (via the Business Journal):

"While Los Angeles is being hit hard, it is not suffering as badly as surrounding economies," the forecast states. "Los Angeles has real estate problems, but not like the Inland Empire. Los Angeles is experiencing turmoil in the financial industry, but not at the same level as Orange County. Los Angeles County will lead California's recovery."