Watch CBS News

Unemployment Numbers Bleak For California Latinos

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The economy was definitely on the minds of dozens of Latino business leaders who gathered in San Jose Thursday for the annual meeting of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The key note speaker at the chamber meeting was Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, who said the world looks to California as an example of how different races can live together and prosper.

"We're a state that at our best doesn't tolerate diversity, but instead celebrates it every day," said Newsom.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

He did note, however, that the state's 12.1 percent unemployment rate is much higher in minority communities.

Roberto Cortez, who owns Monarche Engineering in San Rafael, said there is a lot of uncertainty about the economy right now.

"It seems like we're starting to hit a soft patch, and we're starting to see a little bit of a slow down," said Cortez.

The focus of this year's meeting was helping small business utilize social media.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.