IB Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly

Unemployment rose slightly in Imperial Beach in March, matching a statewide trend, the state's Employment Development Department reported last week.

That's up from 14.9 percent in February but down one percent from the same time last year.

The San Diego County unemployment rose slightly as well, up from 9.4 percent in February but down from 10.1 percent in March of last year.

This compares to 11.5 percent for California and 8.4 percent for the nation, according to the EDD. The figures are not seasonally adjusted.

An increase in job availability last month was offset by a larger labor pool, according to the state.

The agency reported large gains in leisure and hospitality in the county -- especially in restaurants and other food services, and government last month.

Over the past year, the biggest job-gaining sectors in the area were education and health services; trade, transportation and utilities; leisure and hospitality; and professional and business services.

2,200 Imperial Beachians were listed as unemployed last month, the agency reported.

City News Service contributed to this report.