L.A. unemployment up

June's jobless rate in L.A. County was 4.9 percent, up from 4.7 percent the previous month and 4.6 percent in June 2006. That's still within 4.5 percent to 5 percent window that indicates solid growth in the area. Statewide, the unemployment rate last month was 5.2 percent, unchanged from May. The U.S. rate was 4.5 percent. Total nonfarm employment grew by 2,200 between May and June, with leisure and hospitality groups posting the largest gains (typical for the start of the summer vacation season). (EDD release)