May's unemployment rate was 10.4% - down slightly from April's 10.5%.

Sectors that gained jobs in the region include: farm, education and health services. On the downside, Justin Wehner with the state Employment Development Department says construction saw big losses.

"During this time of year construction usually will increase by 1,700 jobs. This month it declined by 500 jobs and most of that was concentrated in the specialty trade contractor component of that industry."  

Statewide, the unemployment rate dipped slightly in May to 10.8% - down from 10.9% the previous month.

California's figures contrast with the national trend. The U.S. jobless rate rose to 8.2% last month from 8.1% in April, the first rise in nearly a year.