Southern California economy is expected to slow

“The ongoing housing slump and anticipated labor problems in the entertainment industry cloud Southern California’s economic horizon, according to a forecast to be released today. Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., described the nonprofit business support group’s two-year forecast for the region as “Goldilock-ish” — not too hot and not too cold. Six of the region’s industries, including aerospace, biomedicine and tourism, have good growth prospects, the report says. Economic growth in Southern California will be “slightly slower but still solid” this year, the report said. ‘However, there will still be a drag from the housing market,’ and two of the region’s signature industries, entertainment and international trade, ‘could encounter some rough going,’ Kyser said.”