WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 19, 2012) - First California Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ FCAL ]), the holding company of First California Bank, today announced the arrival of a banking team to service specific areas within Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. First California said the team brings established banking relationships of loans and deposits, and provides opportunities to broaden its footprint in key markets.

The team will be headed by Ken Kross, who was appointed Senior Vice President and Regional Manager. Joining Kross as Vice Presidents and Relationship Managers are long-term colleagues, Steve Rubinstein and Warren Chiang.

"This team brings strong client relationships and the opportunity to add new customers and broaden the industry sectors we serve," said C. G. Kum, president and chief executive officer of First California Financial Group. "Ken, Steve and Warren have extensive commercial banking management experience, as well as deep roots in desirable markets that further extend our footprint. Recruiting proven banking teams has been and continues to be an important element of our strategic plan to grow our business."

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 ].

Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain forward-looking information about First California that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and include statements related to First California's continued growth. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of First California. First California cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, revenues are lower than expected, credit quality deterioration which could cause an increase in the provision for credit losses, First California's ability to complete future acquisitions, successfully integrate such acquired entities, or achieve expected beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies within expected time-frames or at all, changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits, technological changes, the cost of additional capital is more than expected, a change in the interest rate environment reduces interest margins, asset/liability repricing risks and liquidity risks, general economic conditions, particularly those affecting real estate values, either nationally or in the market areas in which First California does or anticipates doing business are less favorable than expected, a slowdown in construction activity, recent volatility in the credit or equity markets and its effect on the general economy, loan delinquency rates, the ability of First California to retain customers, changes in the bank regulatory environment, demographic changes, demand for the products or services of First California as well as their ability to attract and retain qualified people, competition with other banks and financial institutions, First California's level of small business lending, and other factors. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, First California's results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by such forward-looking statements. First California assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. For a more complete discussion of risks and uncertainties, investors and security holders are urged to read the section titled "Risk Factors" in First California's Annual Report on Form 10-K and any other reports filed by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The documents filed by First California with the SEC may be obtained at the SEC's website at [ www.sec.gov ]. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from First California by directing a request to: First California Financial Group, Inc., 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Attention: Investor Relations. Telephone (805) 322-9655.