In 2000, California's unemployment rate was 4.9 percent. Venture capital funding hit $41 billion. Jobs and income were rising after a five-year spurt during which California outpaced the nation in virtually every major economic measure.
In 2009, the state's unemployment rate will average 11.7 percent. The state has lost more than 1 million jobs in the latest recession. Venture capital funding plummeted in the first half of 2009. The state and nation have seen losses in the value of homes and retirement savings. Fear and caution abounds in the land. Both the state and nation will end the decade with fewer jobs than existed 10 years ago.
Original Article: The Oh Decade: Bumpy economy took us on a wild ride - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee
