Unemployment Rates Dip Only Slightly

The unemployment rate in most of Alameda County dipped slightly in February as jobs slowly returned to the East Bay.

For Pleasanton, it means the rate of employment is now 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent in December.

Overall, California's unemployment rate edged down to 12.2 percent from the previous reading of 12.4 percent. Alameda County's rate was 10.7 percent, slightly lower than the previous mark of 10.8 percent.

The state Economic Development Department reported Alameda and Contra Costa County gained 5,700 jobs last month, bringing the total employed in both counties to 941,700.

Government payrolls grew by 2,000 while schools added 1,700 employees. The professional and business sector increased by 1,800 jobs.

However, the retail sector lost 1,300 jobs due to seasonal layoffs. In addition, trade, transportation and utility industries declined by 1,100.

Here's a look at some other Alameda County cities:

The city of Alameda's jobless rate now stands at 7.3 percent, down from the previous 7.5 percent.

Livermore now has a 7.0 percent unemployment rate, down from 7.1 percent.

Dublin recorded a 6.5 percent jobless rate, down a bit from 6.6 percent.

Castro Valley's jobless rate dropped to 6.3 percent from 6.4 percent.

The Cherryland area still has the second highest rate in the county at 15.4 percent, down slightly from 15.6 percent. Oakland remains the highest at 16.0 percent.

San Leandro stands at 10.5 percent, a slight decrease from 10.7 percent.

San Lorenzo has a 7.9 percent jobless rate, down from 8.1 percent.

Union City's rate is 10.0 percent, slightly better than the previous 10.2 percent.

Newark's rate is 9.9 percent, down from the 10.1 percent.