Unemployment Rate Drops; So Do Number of Jobs

The unemployment rate in the East Bay fell significantly in April, but the region also lost more than 2,000 jobs.

The state Employment Development Department reported the East Bay's jobless rate dropped to 9.0 percent last month. That compares to 9.8 percent in March.

In Contra Costa County, it was 9.1 percent, compared to 9.9 percent. In Alameda County, the figure was 8.9 percent, down from 9.7 percent. 

However, the East Bay also shed 2,100 jobs in April, leaving it with a total of 959,900 people employed. In March, it gained 6,200 jobs.

The biggest decline was seen in private education and health services, which lost 1,000 jobs last month.

In addition, financial activities dropped by 800 jobs while leisure and hospitality services lost 600 jobs.

The only significant gains were seen in trade, transportation and utilities, which increased by 800 jobs.

The discrepancy in the figures is due to two factors.

One is people who give up looking for work aren't included in the unemployment numbers.

The other is the unemployment rate reflects people who live in the area while the jobs figures reflect employment at the businesses in the region.

Most cities in Contra Costa County saw their unemployment rates drop approximately half a percentage point.

Concord's jobless rate dropped to 9.9 percent while nearby Clayton still has the lowest rate in the county at 2.2 percent.

Walnut Creek recorded a 6.2 percent while Pleasant Hill has a 7.4 percent.

In the San Ramon Valley, Alamo tallied a 3.4 percent rate, Danville at 4.8 percent and San Ramon at 3.8 percent.

Martinez came in with a 7.3 percent while Hercules recorded 6.5 percent and Pinole had 6.3 percent.

In Lamorinda, Lafayette stood at 3.3 percent, Moraga at 5.4 percent and Orinda at 3.5 percent.