California's Economy Strengthened in September | LA Times

A Los Angeles Times article notes that California's economy notably strengthened in September of 2017. Andrew Khouri writes that the state added 52,200 net new jobs, which left the unemployment rate unchanged at 5.1%. This was according to data released Friday from the state's Employment Development Department.

There were some California communities that lost jobs, however, including the San Francisco Bay Area. Khouri quotes economists on the matter, some of whom cite high housing costs as a deterrent to hiring. Khouri quotes Pepperdine Graziadio Associate Professor of Economics and Associate Provost for Online Programs David M. Smith, PhD, on the challenge of recruiting workers from out of state: "The fact that it is getting more difficult for employers is related to the fact we are doing well and we are getting more expensive."