California Unemployment Rate Falls To 11.3 Percent, Lowest Rate In More Than 2 Years

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State officials say California's unemployment rate fell to 11.3 percent in November, the lowest it has been since May 2009.

The state Employment Development Department released the new numbers Friday, signaling good news for a state that has been mired in a dismal economy for more than 2 years.

November's rate was down from 11.7 percent the previous month, as the state added another 6,600 jobs.

EDD says California has gained more than 211,000 jobs since the start of 2011.

The state's number follows a national drop to 8.6 percent in November.

Still, more than 2 million people remain out of work in the state.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.