Imperial Valley press., 1921-05-10
COST
IS SLOWLY
DROPPING
IN STATE
Department of. Labor Sur
vey of Business Conditions
in Larger Cities Gives OPP
timistic Outlook for Fu-
ture. I,
(By Associated Pressl

(By Associated PreSSl
SAN FRANCISCO, May 10.-Living
costs are slowly declining in Califor-
MIA, but not on a scale justified by the
wholesale prices, according to report
made public here by the department of
labor. The report was based on y
survey made recently Of conditions in
the state.
Greater activity in building opera
tions, particularly in San Francisco
and Los Angeles, prevails" the report
said. "Retail trade is fairly brisk and
deflation of commodity prices con-
tinues."
"No important changes have Oc-
Cured in the employment situation
aside from slight reduction largely
due to seasonal activities. Reports
from nine cities indicate an increase
in the number of workers obtaining
employment. Decreased industrial ac-
tivities is evidenced in part time opera
tions by many industries. Slack bust
nesS conditions produced by the lull
in buying is the principal cause for
the present unemployment.
The canning and fruit industries
are diligently endeavoring to dispose
of their last seasons crop to prevent
curtailment of production this year.
Relief from prevailing freight rates il
being sought by fruit growers and
others. In San Francisco district in
dustres are in general working at al
most full capacity. The ship yards
on both sides Of the bay are very ac-
! tive at present. Enthusiastic support
j is being given by commercial organi-
cations and others to the "California
: Boost Campaign" which is statewide in
its influence" ~
Reports covering the situation in
California cities among others, were
made as follows:
Los Angeles.-Several important
building projects have been launched
during the present month. These
have included business structures and
an increasing number of dwellings.
New manufacturing enterprises are
gradually being inaugurated here.
Flourshing conditions are reported in
the motion picture and automobile in
dustries. Unemployment still con-
tinues in all classes of iaDor, common
labor being principally effected. The
large building program is absorbing
many workers and new industrial de-
! velopment is expected to afford fur
ther relief. An increase in the em-
ployment of Mexican farm hands is
reported. Advertising Market and
Buyers Week" and the Southern Cal
ifornia Booster" campaign are in
! cluded among efforts made to stimu-
late business. Retail trade is brisk
and the business generally reflects
favorable conditions. Condolences re-
garding the future is general Indus
tries are aggressively working to Sc
cure domestic and foreign business.
The consensus of opinion is that there
will be slow but steady return to
normalcy.
San Diego.-Industria conditions
local. yare considered good The num-
Der of workers lacking employment is
not serious and consists of common
labor to a great extent. A shortage
of domestic help, cooks and mattresses
is reported. Several large govern
ment naval improvement projects are
contemplated. These include naval
hospital training station and ware
house. The renting situation has i'm
proved with departure of winter visit
ors, and purchase prices are high.
Building activities are not brisk No
factories are working on part time
basis; none are closed with the excep-
, tion Of seasonal industries. Business
conditions are gradually returning To
, normal and further improvement 10
anticipated.