Today Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to launch Operation Welcome Home. The outreach campaign will use $20 million in one-time special funds from the Employment Development Department to hire 325 combat veterans to personally connect with newly-discharged service members in need of job assistance.

As part of the new initiative, Schwarzenegger will ask for more coordination among state agencies to help organize nine regional outreach teams in an effort to more effectively connect veterans with local offers, such as jobs in Los Angeles. In addition, he will ask cities, counties and nonprofit groups to increase cooperation and communication as they serve veterans.

In order to determine whether Operation Welcome Home succeeds, state officials will monitor: if the unemployment and homelessness rates among veterans eventually drop; whether more veterans enroll in college; and whether more veterans are screened and treated for mental illness related to combat.

According to an article by The San Diego Union-Tribune, California currently has more than 2 million veterans, and about 30,000 troops return from a combat tour each year. Operation Welcome Home reportedly came about after Schwarzenegger visited Camp Victory in Baghdad during November 2009.

"California has more returning veterans than any other state," he said. "So our state, as well as the federal government, has a special responsibility. We have a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."

Although veterans generally have high rates of unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health problems, as well as a higher tendency to commit suicide, they also return from combat with an education and other skills that are useful in civilian jobs.

In the future, Schwarzenegger plans to recruit 1,000 volunteers as part of a CalVet Corps to expand outreach for housing, healthcare and other services for veterans. The volunteers would help veterans access services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, municipal governments and professional organizations and charities, as well as stay in touch with veterans to monitor their progress.

There is currently no lack of competition for jobs in Los Angeles, even though the area has managed to see an increase in employment as of late.

During October, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale area's unemployment rate stayed flat at 12.6 percent, following an increase from 12.5 percent during September. The area's current rate is higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 10.2 percent.

The Los Angeles area had a total non-farm employment of 3,910,100 workers during October, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 3,873,500 workers during September, but a 3.7 percent decrease from last year.

The problem for job seekers in Los Angeles, according to an article by Young & Successful, is that the majority of people there want to snag flexible jobs so they can spend a good amount of free time interacting with the rest of the city, where everyone seems to have flexible work schedules.

"One of the hardest things about living in Los Angeles and going to the office every morning is that no one else seems to have to work," the article notes. "There are always people who are just 'hanging out' any time of day: sitting in coffee shops, reading the newspaper, walking their dog, surfing, working out at the gym, shopping ... you name it. People of all ages ... and I’m pretty good at picking out the tourists. So, I always find myself wondering, 'What do they do for a living?'"

With that in mind, the blog compiled a list of the top 10 possible flex jobs in Los Angeles:

1. Anything in show business - actors, singers, producers, directors
2. Anything related to sales - real estate agents, sales representatives, telemarketers, stuffing envelopes
3. Domestic services - nannies, dog walkers, housekeepers, butlers, yacht captains
4. Entrepreneurs - online and offline business owners, selling things on eBay
5. Anything related to nightlife - bartenders, servers, cocktail waitresses, club promoters, security guards, DJs
6. Independent contractors - writers, editors, construction, personal trainers
7. Anything with a "three days on, four days off" schedule - firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors
8. Anything related to the travel industry - flight attendants, pilots, travel agents, tour operators
9. Anything related to reviews - film and restaurant critics, secret shoppers
10. Seasonal employees - amusement park workers, ski instructors, sailing instructors, summer camp operators

The background check effort came about after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed that California's In-Home Supportive Services program is too vulnerable to potential fraud. That $5.5 billion program, which is funded by the government, is meant to provide a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes and other out-of-home care.

Under the effort, all new applicants for home health aide jobs would have to undergo background checks beginning this week. In addition, the 376,000 home health aides who already have jobs in the state would have to undergo new background checks by June, according to an article by the Los Angeles Times.

A debate has been brewing about the new background check rules, as some advocates for the elderly and disabled claim the administration's rush to begin the checks is actually an effort to dissuade new patients from participating in the state's home healthcare program.

For one, the program provides a lot of growth for labor unions, which have traditionally been opposed by Republican officials such as Schwarzenegger. On top of that, the governor previously fought to cut aid to 90 percent of the program's participants, but lost that effort.

Some counties - many who claim they have not yet received new enrollment forms - also are concerned with the rules surrounding the background check effort. One such rule requires prospective home healthcare aides to take an orientation session, which will require counties to hire new staff.

Lastly, because counties throughout the state receive more than 4,000 new applications for home healthcare jobs each month, many people are worried that the inability to approve new providers will cause a hardship for those who use the program.

Following 20 years of operation, officials from the Honeywell facility in Folsom recently announced plans to close the operation by the end of January 2010. That measure will result in nearly 30 employees losing their jobs at the facility, which manufactures civil and military avionics and aerospace products.

"Twenty eight employees are being affected by this,” James Green, a Honeywell business communications leader, told The Folsom Telegraph, adding that any displaced employees would receive severance pay and outplacement assistance in accordance with the company's plan.

Of the displaced employees, five will be offered jobs in Sacramento at the Honeywell plant there. Any functions currently performed at the Folsom facility will be transitioned to company facilities in New York, India and China.

Officials from Honeywell said they regularly evaluate "operations to simplify processes and increase competitiveness to better meet the needs of customers. Our decision to transition work from our Folsom location will help us achieve greater efficiencies and growth for the business over the long term."

Honeywell, which is based in New Jersey, produces a variety of consumer products, engineering services and aerospace systems. The company is most famous for its home thermostats and automotive products sold under the Prestone, Fram and Autolite brands.

The lost jobs will only add to California's declining economy, which has continued to lose jobs, despite the fact that the state's unemployment rate recently declined.

During September, California saw its unemployment rate decrease from 12.3 percent to 12.2 percent, following an increase from 11.9 percent during August. However, the state's current rate was still higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 9.8 percent.

The state had a total non-farm employment of 14,200,400 workers during September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 14,239,700 workers during August and a 4.9 percent decrease from last year.

A new report from CollegeRecruiter.com found that California leads the nation in the number of available entry level jobs and internships being advertised on the site. Employers in the state had 13,760 entry level jobs available during November, an increase of 252 jobs from October. There were 1,899 internships available during November, an increase of 136 from October.

"We were quite happy but not surprised to see the significantly higher number of job openings advertised on CollegeRecruiter.com," Steven Rothberg, president and founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, said. "Many of our employer clients have been telling us that they are or soon will be hiring again and not just one person here and there but dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of people."

Following California with the most entry level jobs listed during November was Texas with a 5 percent increase to 8,550 jobs; New York with a 7 percent decrease to 6,824 jobs; Florida with a 4 percent increase to 6,053 jobs; and Pennsylvania with a .2 percent increase to 5,149 jobs.

Regardless of the report, California's economy is still struggling. The state continued to lose jobs during September - the latest month for which labor market statistics are available - despite the fact that the unemployment rate dropped.

During September, California saw its unemployment rate decrease from 12.3 percent to 12.2 percent, following an increase from 11.9 percent during August. However, the state's current rate was still higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 9.8 percent.

The state had a total non-farm employment of 14,200,400 workers during September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 14,239,700 workers during August and a 4.9 percent decrease from last year.

According to the California Employment Development Department, the number of available jobs for accountants and auditors in Los Angeles County is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, increasing by 12.1 percent, or 5,990 jobs, between 2006 and 2016. Employment for accountants and auditors throughout California is expected to increase by 23.3 percent, or 33,200 jobs, between 2006 and 2016.

Accountants and auditors work to ensure that firms are run more efficiently, public records are kept more accurately and taxes are paid properly and on time. They are responsible for examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting records in order to give advice or prepare financial statements.

Accountants must be able to use a variety of computer programs, including accounting, compliance, financial analysis and tax preparation software. Most accountants work in offices, while those who are self-employed may work from home and those employed by public accounting firms or government agencies may travel frequently to perform audits.

Anyone who likes to work independently, performs well under pressure, comprehends information quickly and has good analytical and communication skills should do well in an accounting position.

Most employers require accountants or auditors to have a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or a related field. Those wishing to become a certified public accountant must qualify for and pass a multi-part exam administered by the California Board of Accountancy.

The current median wage for accountants and auditors in Los Angeles County is $31.16 per hour or $64,812 per year. The current median wage for accountants and auditors in California is $31.46 per hour or $65,433 per year. The salary you will receive often depends on where you work, with CPAs at large firms often earning more than $100,000 per year.

Most accountants receive benefits such as vacation, sick leave, group health insurance, retirement plans and profit-sharing plans. CPA firms often pay for CPA exams, continuing education courses and professional society membership dues.

Officials recently announced that schools, cities and universities throughout San Diego County will receive $154.6 million for solar installations from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will increase the area's solar capacity by 40 percent.

"It means more green jobs and more renewable power for the people of San Diego," Lisa Bicker, chief executive of CleanTECH San Diego, a nonprofit group that coordinated some of the applications, told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The funding slated for institutions in San Diego County represents about 20 percent of the $800 million handed out throughout the country. The money will come in the form of bonds, and although the federal government will pay most of the interest through tax credits to buyers, agencies will still be responsible for paying back the money they borrow.

The region worked together to quickly submit applications that met federal guidelines. Agencies throughout San Diego County split up their requests into about 300 applications, knowing the Internal Revenue Service would allocate funds from the smallest application to the largest.

For the application process: students at the University of California San Diego developed software to use aerial images from Google to estimate the solar capacity of rooftops; a local firm designed a financial model to determine what applications would result in cost savings; and local engineers completed an independent analysis to make sure the applications met federal specifications.

The following agencies are on tap to receive bond funding:

• San Diego Unified School District - $74.3 million for 111 projects
• City of Chula Vista - $29.7 million for 34 projects
• Santee School District - $20. 6 million for 15 projects
• University of California San Diego - $15 million for 15 projects
• San Dieguito Union High School District - $8.3 million for 6 projects
• City of Santee - 3.1 million for 7 projects
• San Diego State University - $2.4 million for 1 project
• City of Lemon Grove - $1 million for 2 projects
• Fallbrook Public Utility District - $292,091 for 1 project

Most employers today require candidates to undergo some form of pre employment test - from drug testing to a virtual experience, like Agent Day in the Life - before they will offer a position. CSU Fresno hopes its potential random drug policy would help keep workers and students safer.

The policy would help ensure the safety and security of employees and others throughout the campus community. The Association Board of Directors is responsible for managing the on-campus auxiliary services commercial operations.

According to an article by The Collegian Online, operations that would be considered part of the screening process would include the Kennel Bookstore, Student Recreation Center, University Dining Services, University Courtyard and University Student Union.

Testing options would vary depending on an individual's circumstances and could include pre-employment drug testing, testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing based on work-related injury.

Random drug testing would only apply to employees working in safety-sensitive positions, which would include any position that involves the operation of equipment, driving vehicles, handling food or any other type of situation that presents danger of bodily injury or life threatening danger to the employee or others.

Alex Garcia, a student representative on the Association Board of Directors, said the random drug testing policy could be beneficial, especially to those working in the food service industry, but also thinks the random testing should only apply to certain employees.

"It is important because [dining services] provides food services to the students," she said in the article. "Not only would the quality of food be decreased if someone were doing drugs, messing around on the job, but also they would put themselves in danger."

"If [random drug testing] were for all employees, I almost see it as kind of a waste of money, because it does cost money to run those drug tests and have them analyzed," Garcia added. "It may be a preventative tool, but not necessarily for the students who sit at a desk for five hours."

The Association Board of Directors plans to vote on the measure December 8. If approved, it would begin Jan. 1, 2010.

The Los Angeles area has a strong healthcare industry that has managed to remain stable amidst the current economic recession. During September, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale area's education and health services industry employed 513,800 workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 499,000 jobs during August and a 2.2 percent increase from last year.

According to the California Employment Development Department, registered nurses are the largest group of workers among all the healthcare occupations. Most RNs work in acute care hospitals, private clinics or private homes. They're responsible for evaluating patients' health problems and needs and providing care to ill, injured, convalescing or disabled people.

In order to become a registered nurse, you must be licensed to practice in California by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Potential RNs have to meet educational requirements, pass a criminal background check, obtain fingerprint clearance and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

The median wage for registered nurses in California is currently $39.68 per hour or $82,535 per year. The median wage for registered nurses in Los Angeles County is $38.82 per hour or $80,756 per year. Most full-time RNs also receive medical, dental, vision, life and retirement benefits, as well as vacation and sick leave.

The number of available jobs for registered nurses in Los Angeles County is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, increasing by 14,440, or 23 percent, from 2006 to 2016. Jobs for registered nurses in California as a whole are expected to increase by 59,600, or 25 percent, during the 10-year span.

The California Board of Registered Nursing has reported that there are currently more than 330,000 nurses and more than 14,000 nurse practitioners with an active RN license. However, shortages of workers to fill RN positions still exist and are expected to continue during the next 10 year.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority recently voted to purchase 100 AnsaldoBreda cars to be used on the current and future light rail systems, including the Gold Line, the Expo line and the Crenshaw line. Construction of the AnsaldoBreda facility itself is expected to create 2,200 full-time jobs and nearly 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

"With this agreement, we have reinforced the foundation of economic prosperity in Los Angeles," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "The rail cars on the Gold Line to the San Gabriel Valley, the Crenshaw line, and the Expo line will proudly bear the label 'Made in LA,' and at a time when most cities are losing jobs, we will be bringing them back home."

The AnsaldoBreda factory will be built to green construction standards and will be LEED-certified. The project will create direct employment for researchers, designers and workers and trigger growth in indirect jobs like legal services, accounting and environmental consulting.

"The whole region stands to benefit from the creation of good paying "green" jobs in the industrial corridor where these rail cars will be manufactured," MTA Board Chair Ara Najarian said. "And the plant will be a lodestone for attracting other manufacturers who will tap into the market for clean technology to build for the future. This plant will be a catalyst for rebuilding the manufacturing base that will benefit the entire region."

AnsaldoBreda is expected to be one of the anchor tenants of the CleanTech Corridor, an important part of Villaraigosa's plan to make Los Angeles the cleanest, greenest city by attracting clean technology companies to a redeveloped site in the industrial core east of downtown.

"Today we’re saying yes to clean and green jobs that improve our communities and treat residents with respect and dignity, offering up a brighter future for them and their children," said Jose Huizar, councilmember and MTA director, said. "This is truly environmental justice delivered - for Boyle Heights, for East L.A. and for all Los Angeles."