A SPECIAL REPORT: WORKPLACE

NO ROOM AT THE LOT: By one not-very-scientific measure, Orange County is still mired in recession: Just try to get a parking space at the unemployment office in Santa Ana after 8 a.m. . . . These days, a “Lot Full” sign often goes up first thing in the morning at the 300-space parking lot, says Mary E. Nelson, manager of the office. “I wish I could give you some better news,” says Nelson, who watched 6,800 more people file claims for unemployment insurance this January than last. “Unfortunately, I can’t.”