Tulare County is facing a severe unemployment crisis, with rates skyrocketing to 10. 3%, well above California's average of 5. 3%. This alarming trend is attributed to various factors, including seasonal employment fluctuations in the agricultural sector and recent closures in retail and the food industry. Craig Plath of Community Services Employment Training (CSET) noted that the fast-food sector is particularly struggling due to rising minimum wage requirements.

CSET is stepping up efforts to mitigate these challenges by offering a range of employment services and training programs. They are set to hold a job fair on October 2nd at the Visalia Convention Center, encouraging community members to explore available resources. The organization has observed an uptick in job seekers, especially among youth eager to enter the job market and seniors facing high medical costs. CSET's executive director, Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, emphasizes the importance of community awareness regarding these services. The situation in Tulare County reflects broader economic challenges that many communities in California are currently grappling with.