While unemployment in California soars- it now stands at 8.2 percent, compared with 5.7 percent a year ago-Santa Barbara’s unemployment has risen less significantly. In October, unemployment in Santa Barbara County was 5.9 percent, compared with 5.6 percent in September and 4.3 percent in October 2007. By contrast, the national unemployment rate is 6.5 percent, up from 4.8 percent a year ago.
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Eleven lifeguards from Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada in Baja California Norte, Mexico, traveled to Santa Barbara last week to train with the County Parks Department lifeguard service and the American Red Cross. With limited resources and training, Baja fire departments benefit from the many public safety agencies in Southern California contributing free training and equipment. Training included first aid and CPR, water rescue skills, and watercraft training. (/lifeguards1126)