Santa Clara County. (California)(includes graphical and tabular data)(Bay Area Market Fact Guide 1997)

Santa Clara County's robust economy demonstrates how quickly the California economy shifted from a focus on real estate, defense and aeronautics to technology, trade and entertainment.

The problems facing Santa Clara County stem from an economic engine that continues to churn out thousands of new jobs. Finding housing and qualified employees have become two of the most critical issues for county employers.

"When Silicon Graphics let people go, there were recruiters in the parking lot looking to pick them up," said Ann Winblad, a principal in Hummer Winblad Venture Partners in Emeryville.

The growing popularity of home computers, the Internet and Hollywood's …