ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- Farmers and other agricultural workers who find themselves unemployed as a result of the recent crop-destroying cold snap can find assistance at a newly opened center in Escondido.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office Tuesday announced the opening of the center in North County, along with the opening of similar facilities in 18 other communities included in his recent state of emergency declaration for counties hardest hit by crop damage caused by freezing temperatures.

The centers provide job and unemployment assistance, support with food programs, and information on health care and other services, according to the governor's office.

The Escondido location is at the North County Inland Career Center, 463 N. Midway Drive. Help will be available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The assistance centers will remain in operation for as long as necessary, and more will be opened if the need arises, according to the governor's office.