WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 13, 2011) - First California Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First California Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ FCAL ]), today announced the appointment of Gonzalo Fernandez as Senior Vice President/SBA Group Manager, a newly created position responsible for overseeing all SBA lending activities for the bank.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs are designed to expand access to lower dollar loans and lending in traditionally underserved communities. SBA loans provide flexible terms and conditions, as well as a streamlined application process.

"Our SBA program provides an opportunity for First California to bring much needed financial backing to small and minority owned businesses throughout our geographic footprint," said Gilbert Dalmau, First California Bank's recently appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. "Gonzalo is an experienced banker with a strong track record of developing and growing lending programs, including SBA, throughout Southern and Central California."

Fernandez most recently served as Santa Barbara Bank & Trust's Senior Vice-President/Regional Manager for Commercial Banking in Southern California. Over his tenured career, he has overseen lending programs and held senior management positions at a number of regional and community banks operating in First California's key geographic areas, including Pacific Crest Bank, City National Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.

Fernandez currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ventura County Community Development Corporation and is an Advisor and Business Mentor Counselor for Women's Economic Ventures. He is an active volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, and a faculty member of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

"I am thrilled to be with this organization and be able to further expand and diversify our commercial customer base, while making such a big difference in the communities we serve," stated Fernandez.

About First California Bank
First California Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First California Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ FCAL ]). Founded in 1979 and with nearly $2 billion in assets, First California serves the comprehensive financial needs of small- and middle-sized businesses and high net worth individuals throughout Southern California. Led by an experienced team of bankers, First California is committed to providing the best client service available in its markets, offering a full line of quality commercial banking products through 19 full-service branch offices in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. The holding company's website can be accessed at [ www.fcalgroup.com ]. For additional information on First California Bank's products and services, visit [ www.fcbank.com ].