California:

Los Angeles Times: California’s unemployment rate rises to 12.2%
By Alan Semuels
09/18/2009
Despite signs an economic recovery has begun in the state, California’s unemployment rate inched up in August, once again setting a new postwar high at 12.2%.

National:

San Francisco Chronicle: Gov’t home loan agency faces cash squeeze
By Alan Zibel
09/18/2009
The Federal Housing Administration said Friday its cash cushion will dip below mandated levels for the first time, but officials insist it won’t need a taxpayer rescue.

Inman: Mortgage rates fall again
09/18/2009
Rates on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.04 percent for the week ending Sept. 17, according to Freddie Mac.