East Bay Unemployment Rate Rises After Summer Job Cuts

The jobless rate in the East Bay rose last month as various industries made their traditional summer cuts in jobs.

The July unemployment rate was 7.7 percent, up from 7.3 percent in June, according to the California Employment Development Department.

In Contra Costa County, the rate was 7.7 percent while in Alameda County it was 7.8 percent.

This was the second straight month the East Bay's jobless rate has risen. The June rise was mainly caused by job seekers re-entering the market.

In July, the East Bay lost 11,100 jobs, reducing the work force to 988,300. There are still 7,200 more jobs in the East Bay than there was a year ago.

In July, the biggest reduction was in education, where private and public schools did their annual summer scaling back and cut 9,600 jobs.

Health care and social assistance decreased by 1,200 jobs. Leisure and hospitality industries decreased payrolls by 900 jobs, more than the usual summer cutbacks.

Trade, transportation and utility companies added 500 jobs.

Cities across Contra Costa County saw their unemployment rates rise by several percentage points.

Among cities, San Pablo had the highest jobless rate with 15.6 percent. Right behind it were Crockett at 15.5 percent and Bay Point at 15.3 percent.

In West Contra Costa, El Cerrito's rate is listed at 6.8 percent while Pinole is 5.3 percent and Hercules is 5.5 percent.

In Central Contra Costa, Martinez's jobless rate is now 6.1 percent while Concord is 8.3 percent, Clayton is 1.8 percent, Walnut Creek is 5.2 percent and Pleasant Hill is 6.2 percent.

In Lamorinda, Lafayette's unemployment rate is 2.7 percent while Moraga is 4.5 percent and Orinda is 2.9 percent.

In the San Ramon Valley, Alamo has a jobless rate of 2.8 percent while Danville is 4.0 percent and San Ramon is 3.1 percent.