Unemployment numbers for Santa Cruz County are up compared to a month ago. According to the Employment Development Department, the jobless rate jumped to 9.2% in December from 8.6% in November. Good news is the number is still below the 11.2% figure a year ago. Statistics show nearly 98,000 jobs in Santa Cruz County, a loss of 3,000 farm jobs and 100-non farm jobs from the previous month. Compared to a year ago, the farm sector is up 400-jobs and retail trade is up 300 jobs.
