Less farming, more drinking in San Diego County

San Diego County lost 3000 nonfarm jobs in December, although the unemployment rate remained at a very low 3.3 percent, according to the state Employment Development Department. That 3.3 percent rate bettered the 4.2 percent rate in California and 3.9 percent for the nation during the period.

Educational and health services jobs fell by 2400 in the month. Construction jobs dropped by 1300, but local citizens and visitors kept drinking and eating in style: employment in food and drinking places rose by 1100.

In the year from December 2016 to December 2017, employment went up by a so-so 1.5 percent. Farm jobs dropped by 100. Over the year, food and drinking places added the most jobs: 3100 jobs.