California Unemployment Rate Falls To 10.2 Percent

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's unemployment rate dipped in September to 10.2 percent, down from 10.6 percent the previous month.

The state Employment Development Department said on Friday that California added 8,500 nonfarm payroll jobs last month, showing the state's economy was continuing its gradual improvement.

The rate in September was more than a full percentage point better than the 11.7 percent unemployment rate at the same time a year ago.

Half a dozen sectors grew in September, including education, finance and hospitality.

The drop in California's jobless rate follows the national trend.

The overall unemployment rate dropped in September to 7.8 percent, falling below 8 percent for the first time since the month President Barack Obama took office.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.