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California Jobless Rate Grows To 12.1 Percent; 2nd Highest In Nation

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- California's jobless rate grew for the second straight month in August to 12.1 percent, up one percentage point from the previous month.

The state Employment Development Department reported Friday that nonfarm payroll jobs fell by 8,400. The construction industry had the biggest decrease, down 7,200 jobs.

Six categories lost 17,500 jobs: construction; information; financial activities; educational and health services; other services; and government.

Five categories added 9,100 jobs last month. They were mining and logging; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality.

The unemployment rate had been declining since March until it spiked back to 12 percent in July.

California's rate is the second highest in the nation, behind Nevada. The national unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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