Big Dip In San Leandro Unemployment Rate

San Leandro's unemployment rate fell substantially to 8.8 percent in April from 9.6 percent in March, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The unemployment rate is calculated based on where people live, not where they work. So the dip says more about the fortunes of San Leandro residents than it does about hiring prospects at local companies.

Although the drop is welcome the number remains high. City-level rates are also prone to big swings because the number of households surveyed to calculate the percentage is too small for the highest statistical accuracy.

The unemployment rate in Alameda County was 8.9 percent in April, down from 9.7 percent in March.

In Contra Costa County, the comparable figures were 9.1 percent versus 9.9 percent.

Together, Alameda and Contra Costa County comprise one econcomic unit called the East Bay.

The East Bay lost 2,100 jobs in April, leaving 959,900 people collecting paychecks. In March, the East Bay gained 6,200 jobs.

How can unemployment dip when the region loses jobs?

Because once a person stops looking for work they are no longer calculated as part of the unemployment rate.

Looking at unemployment rates in other cities:

Albany, 3.8 percent

Pleasanton, 4.5 percent

Castro Valley, 5.3 percent

Dublin, 5.4 percent

Livermore, 5.8

Alameda, 6.1 percent

San Lorenzo, 6.6 percent

Newark, 8.3 percent

Union City, 8.4 percent

Ashland, 10 percent

Cherryland, 13 percent.

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