When headlines beamed last month that the Great Recession was not only over, but that it had taken its last breath in June, 2009, did you scratch your head too? We thought so. If the recession is over, why does it feel worse now than when it started in 2007 and dive bombed in 2008?

A new Field Poll of California voters (PDF) finds a level of pessimism lower than in 2008: 93 percent of voters think the economy is bad versus 86 percent in 2008. The only time this number was lower was in March, 2009, with a 96 percent low.

” … Never before has the negative assessment of economic conditions been so deep and prolonged as it is now,” the poll states.

Two-thirds of voters think the economy will stay the same or get worse in the next year. And 62 percent of those with household incomes of less than $40,000 say they're worse off than they were a year ago. Nearly half of those whose homes saw more than $40,000 say the same.

The numbers hold across both major parties, too.

The standout difference between left and right is that Democrats tend to believe in higher numbers (42 percent) that employment will improve next year while only fewer (17 percent) of Republicans (those doing hiring?) believe so.

Bright spots? The marijuana business is booming. Just don't get high on your own supply. It tends to emphasize depression.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.