California's unemployment rate dips in September

California's unemployment rate dipped below 12% in September, and nearly 12,000 new jobs were created.

The jobless rate fell to 11.9%, from 12.1% in August, and was the best performance since June.

"I'd say it's a good gain in jobs, better than what we've been getting," said Howard Roth, the chief economist with the state Department of Finance.

California in September had the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation, behind only Nevada with 13.4%. North Dakota had the lowest rate at 3.5%, while the national rate was 9.1%.

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-- Marc Lifsher

Photo: Employment seekers check the Internet at a Westminster job center. Credit: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press