U.S. Job Numbers Up; New Restaurant In East Valley Hires Dozens

The Labor Department reported Friday the U.S. economy added 200,000 new jobs in December.

The unemployment rate is down to 8.5 percent — its lowest level in almost three years.

One can find many happy workers at CiCi’s Pizza in Coachella. The family restaurant opened just last month, creating nearly four dozen new jobs.

“Everybody’s all excited,” said Sofia Gonzales, an assistant manager.

Gonzales, a mother of three, is grateful after an aggravating job search that lasted nearly seven months.

“Everywhere you go to apply, they don’t call you. They have tons of applications. They don’t even know you applied,” said Gonzales.

She eventually got the call that put her back to work. But not everyone was so lucky.

CiCi’s hired 45 people — but got 600 applications.

“Via fax, email, drop slot in our door, in person during construction — an immense amount of people and paperwork,” said General Manager Wesley Raye.

Raye said the planning and opening went smoothly, and business is good.

“Because the area was so welcoming to us — they supported us, and we were able to find great people,” said Raye.