Resources available for those affected by layoffs and cutbacks.

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The current 10 percent unemployment rate in California
is about to grow, as 10,000 state workers were sent layoff notices Tuesday
because of the budget stalemate.

School districts, adjusting for budget shortfalls, are
sending pink slips to teachers and administrators, cutting back 10 percent of
their workforce.

Empty buildings in Santa Clarita are growing in number.
Abandoned car dealerships, department stores, restaurants, once lively with
commerce, now stand empty, devoid of the business and people who bustled about
just months ago.

Layoffs. Cutbacks. Downsizing. No matter how you put it, it
means a paycheck once depended upon is gone. Now, comfort is replaced by
uncertainty and financial hardship.

But it’s important to remember that it’s also not the end of
the world.

Dealing with unemployment is a family affair and it’s
important to keep those close to you in your communications loop. Tell your
family what you’re going through and work on a solution together. Above all,
don’t panic.

Despite the state’s current problems, unemployment funds are
available and you should apply for them as soon as you lose your job. Take a
financial inventory of the assets you have available and what you need to
survive. Make cutbacks in your spending; sort your “wants” from your “needs”
and budget accordingly. There’s no way of knowing when the current unemployment
crisis will end, so be flexible.

KTHS reporter Leah DiPaola has compiled a resource guide,
full of websites and links to help and job sites, which is available by
clicking here .