Gov. Jerry Brown makes jobs czar official

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Gov. Jerry Brown appointed former Bank of America executive Michael Rossi as his senior jobs advisor Wednesday.

Announcing the appointment in a news release, Brown said Rossi will ‘streamline and invigorate the state’s economic development infrastructure’ and advise him on regulatory, legislative and executive actions that could drive job creation. The position is unpaid.

California has the second highest unemployment rate in the country, nearly three points higher than the national average.

Business leaders around the state have urged Brown to create such a post for months and the announcement comes as many in Sacramento are looking to the administration for a second act. Brown has said he is focused on implementing and defending the austere state budget he signed in June.

-- Michael J. Mishak in Sacramento