425

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): November 6, 2012

PACWEST BANCORP

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	00-30747	33-0885320
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

10250 Constellation Blvd., Suite 1640

Los Angeles, CA 90067

(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (310) 286-1144

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

xWritten communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

oSoliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

oPre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

oPre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.Other Events.

On November 6, 2012, PacWest Bancorp (the “Company”) and First California Financial Group, Inc. (“First California”) announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement, dated as of November 6, 2012, pursuant to which First California will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”).  A copy of the press release relating to the Merger is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.  In addition, the Company will be providing supplemental information regarding the Merger in connection with a presentation to investors.  The slides to be used in connection with this investor presentation are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

Item 9.01.Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits.

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Joint Press Release, dated November 6, 2012
99.2	Investor Presentation, dated November 6, 2012

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	PACWEST BANCORP
Date: November 6, 2012	By:	/s/ Jared M. Wolff
		Jared M. Wolff
		Executive VP and General Counsel

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Joint Press Release, dated November 6, 2012
99.2	Investor Presentation, dated November 6, 2012

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EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Filed by PacWest Bancorp pursuant to Rule 425

under the Securities Act of 1933

and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Subject Company: First California Financial Group, Inc.

Commission File No.: 00-52498

PRESS RELEASE

PacWest Bancorp 10250 Constellation Blvd., Suite 1640 Los Angeles, CA 90067	First California Financial Group, Inc. 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300 Westlake Village, CA 91361
Contacts: Matthew P. Wagner Chief Executive Officer (310) 728-1020 Victor R. Santoro Executive Vice President and CFO (310) 728-1021	Contacts: C. G. Kum President and Chief Executive Officer (805) 322-9308 Romolo C. Santarosa Sr. Executive Vice President and COO/CFO (805) 322-9333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2012

PACWEST BANCORP AND FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AGREE TO MERGER

—PacWest to pay $8.00 per share for FCAL common stock or approximately $231 million in aggregate to FCAL stockholders —

— Acquisition of First California to add nearly $2.0 billion in assets to PacWest —

— Two valuable franchises combine to create the eighth largest publicly-owned bank headquartered in California —

LOS ANGELES, CA and WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, November 6, 2012 ... PacWest Bancorp (Nasdaq: PACW) and First California Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCAL) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger whereby PacWest will acquire First California for $8.00 per First California common share, or approximately $231 million in aggregate consideration, payable in PacWest common stock.

First California, headquartered in Westlake Village, California, is the parent of First California Bank and had approximately $2.0 billion in assets and 15 branches across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties at September 30, 2012.  In connection with the acquisition, First California Bank will be merged into Pacific Western Bank, the Los Angeles-based wholly-owned subsidiary of PacWest Bancorp.

Directors of PacWest and of First California unanimously approved the transaction.  Two independent directors from the board of directors of First California will join PacWest’s board of directors upon completion of the acquisition.

The transaction, currently expected to close late in the first quarter of 2013, is subject to customary conditions, including the approval of bank regulatory authorities and the stockholders of both companies. Stockholders of First California, including all current directors and certain other stockholders, owning or controlling approximately 22% in the aggregate of the currently outstanding shares of First California, have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.

As of September 30, 2012, on a pro forma consolidated basis with First California, PacWest would have had approximately $7.5 billion in assets with 81 branches throughout California.  The combined institution would be the eighth largest publicly-owned bank headquartered in California, and the 12th largest commercial bank headquartered in California (out of more than 240 financial institutions).

Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, First California shareholders will receive PacWest common stock for their shares of First California common stock in a tax-free transaction.  First California in-the-money option holders will receive cash, net of applicable taxes withheld, for the value of their unexercised stock options.

The number of shares of PacWest common stock deliverable for each share of First California common stock will be determined based on an average price of PacWest common stock over a measuring period prior to the receipt of regulatory approval, and will fluctuate if such average price is between $20.00 and $27.00 and will be fixed if such average price is below $20.00 or above $27.00.  Based on PacWest’s closing stock price of $22.27 on Monday, November 5, 2012, First California stockholders would have received 0.3592 of a share of PacWest common stock for each share of First California common stock, which would provide First California stockholders with aggregate ownership, on a pro forma basis, of approximately 22.4% of the common stock of the combined company.

The holders of 100% of the outstanding shares of First California Series A preferred stock have agreed to convert their shares into common stock, per the terms of the series of preferred stock, and have the resulting common stock exchanged in the transaction.  PacWest and First California expect to redeem First California’s outstanding Series C preferred stock for cash in accordance with its terms immediately prior to the closing of the transaction.

Matt Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of PacWest Bancorp and Chairman and CEO of Pacific Western Bank, commented, “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with First California.   The merger of these two organizations will create a valuable franchise for the stockholders of both companies, and meaningfully enhance the presence of the combined organization throughout California.”

C. G. Kum, First California’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “First California is proud of what it has built since its inception in 1979.  As a result of this transaction, two premier organizations will come together to create one of the leading commercial banks headquartered in Los Angeles, with more than $7.5 billion in assets.  The combined bank will continue to offer the same dedication and high quality service both institutions are known for, while providing customers with an even greater array of products and higher lending limits.  We also believe this transaction provides opportunity for future shareholder value.”

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Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. acted as financial advisor to First California in the transaction and delivered a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of First California. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP served as legal counsel to First California.  Castle Creek Financial acted as financial advisor to PacWest, and Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. delivered a fairness opinion to the Board of PacWest.  Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel to PacWest.

ABOUT PACWEST BANCORP

PacWest Bancorp (“PacWest”) is a bank holding company with $5.5 billion in assets as of September 30, 2012, with one wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank (“Pacific Western”). Through 66 full-service community banking branches, Pacific Western provides commercial banking services, including real estate, construction and commercial loans, to small and medium-sized businesses. Pacific Western’s branches are located throughout California in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo and Ventura Counties.  Through its subsidiaries, BFI Business Finance and Celtic Capital Corporation, and its divisions, First Community Financial and Pacific Western Equipment Finance, Pacific Western also provides working capital financing and equipment leasing to growing companies located throughout the United States, with a focus on the Southwestern U.S., primarily in Arizona, California, Utah and Texas. Additional information regarding PacWest Bancorp is available on the Internet at www.pacwestbancorp.com.  Information regarding Pacific Western Bank is also available on the Internet at www.pacificwesternbank.com.

ABOUT FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

First California Financial Group, Inc. is the holding company of First California Bank.  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 15 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 STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about PacWest Bancorp, First California Financial Group, and the combined company after the close of the transaction 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. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of PacWest, First California and the combined company.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we assume no duty to update such statements.  We caution 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 for each institution and the combined institution include, but are not limited to: lower than expected revenues; credit quality deterioration or

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a reduction in real estate values could cause an increase in the allowance for credit losses and a reduction in net earnings; increased competitive pressure among depository institutions; the ability to complete the proposed acquisition, including obtaining regulatory approvals and approval by the stockholders of PacWest and First California, or any future acquisition, successfully integrate such acquired entities, or achieve expected beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies, in each case within expected time-frames or at all; regulatory approvals may not be received on expected timeframes or at all; settlements with the FDIC related to loss-sharing arrangements; the possibility that personnel changes will not proceed as planned; the cost of additional capital is more than expected; a change in the interest rate environment reduces net interest margins; asset/liability re-pricing risks and liquidity risks; pending legal matters may take longer or cost more to resolve or may be resolved adversely; general economic conditions, either nationally or in the market areas in which the entities operate or anticipate doing business, are less favorable than expected; and environmental conditions, including natural disasters, may disrupt business, impede operations, or negatively impact the values of collateral securing loans.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

Investors and security holders are urged to carefully review and consider each of PacWest Bancorp’s and First California Financial Group’s public filings with the SEC, including but not limited to their Annual Reports on Form 10-K, their proxy statements, and their Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  The documents filed by PacWest with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at PacWest’s website at www.pacwestbancorp.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from PacWest by requesting them in writing to PacWest Bancorp, c/o Pacific Western Bank, 275 North Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821; Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at (714) 671-6800.

The documents filed by First California with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at First California’s website at www.fcalgroup.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from First California by requesting them in writing to First California Financial Group Inc., 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village, California 91361, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at Phone: (805) 322-9655.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. PacWest Bancorp and First California intend to file a registration statement including a joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents regarding the proposed acquisition with the SEC.  Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of either First California or PacWest Bancorp are urged to carefully read the entire registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of each institution seeking any required stockholder approvals. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus free of charge from PacWest or First California by writing to the addresses provided for each company set forth in the paragraphs above.

PacWest, its directors, executive officers and certain other persons may be soliciting proxies from PacWest Bancorp stockholders in favor of the approval of the acquisition.  Information about the directors and executive officers of PacWest and their ownership of PacWest common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for PacWest’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, as previously filed with the SEC.  Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus when they become available.

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First California, its directors, executive officers and certain other persons may be soliciting proxies from First California Financial Group stockholders in favor of the approval of the acquisition.  Information about the directors and executive officers of First California and their ownership of First California common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for First California’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, as previously filed with the SEC.  Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus when they become available.

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EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Acquisition of First California Financial Group, Inc. Investor Presentation November 6, 2012 Filed by PacWest Bancorp Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: First California Financial Group, Inc. Commission File No. 00-52498

Forward Looking Statements and Legal Disclaimer This presentation contains certain forward-looking information about PacWest Bancorp 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 references herein to PacWest are intended to refer to PacWest and its predecessor First Community Bancorp. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. We caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: planned acquisitions and related cost savings cannot be realized or realized within the expected time frame; lower than expected revenues; credit quality deterioration which could cause an increase in the allowance for credit losses and a reduction in net earnings; increased competitive pressure among depository institutions; the Company’s ability to complete announced acquisitions, to successfully integrate acquired entities, or to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within expected time-frames or at all; the integration of acquired businesses costs more, takes longer or is less successful than expected; the possibility that personnel changes will not proceed as planned; 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; pending legal matters may take longer or cost more to resolve or may be resolved adversely to the Company; general economic conditions, either nationally or in the market areas in which the Company does or anticipates doing business, are less favorable than expected; environmental conditions, including natural disasters, may disrupt our business, impede our operations, negatively impact the values of collateral securing the Company’s loans or impair the ability of our borrowers to support their debt obligations; the economic and regulatory effects of the continuing war on terrorism and other events of war, including the conflicts in the Middle East; legislative or regulatory requirements or changes adversely affecting the Company’s business; changes in the securities markets; regulatory approvals for any acquisitions cannot be obtained on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; and, other risks that are described in PacWest’s (including its predecessor’s) public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, PacWest’s results could differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by such forward-looking statements. PacWest 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 Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by PacWest with the SEC. The documents filed by PacWest with the SEC may be obtained at PacWest Bancorp’s website at www.pacwestbancorp.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from PacWest by directing a request to: PacWest Bancorp c/o Pacific Western Bank, 275 North Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821. Attention: Investor Relations. Telephone 714-671-6800. November 6, 2012 Acquisition of First California Financial Group 2

Transaction Highlights November 6, 2012 3 Compelling Strategic Rationale Attractive in-market consolidation opportunity strengthens our competitive position as one of the premier Southern California community banks Complementary business banking model with similar strong core deposit base Significantly enhances franchise value through improved profitability and scale in key geographic markets Financially Attractive Significant operating synergies due to considerable branch network overlap Estimated cost savings of $31.5 million(1) 11 of First California’s (“FCAL”) 15 branches within 5 miles of PacWest branches First full-year estimated earnings accretion: 12% Estimated IRR: >18% TBV dilution of 10% at (at 9/30/12) with goodwill earn-back of 3.5 years Execution Experience Mitigates Risk Track record of 25 successfully completed acquisitions and integrations since 2000 Due diligence complete Similar organizational structures and familiar operating markets Strong pro forma capital ratios Acquisition of First California Financial Group (1) Based on FCAL’s annualized YTD 9/30/12 non-interest expense less amortization of intangibles assets

Transaction and Assumption Overview November 6, 2012 4 Consideration Per Share Price: $8.00 per share Transaction Value: $231 million in the aggregate(1) Consideration Mix: 100% PacWest (“PACW”) Common Stock Exchange Ratio: PACW share price determined based on weighted-average over a measurement period (2) Collar: For purposes of exchange ratio, PACW share price floats within a collar between $20 and $27 and will be fixed at end of collar if PACW price is outside collar; if PACW price is > $27, exchange ratio is 0.2963; if PACW price is < $20, exchange ratio is 0.4000. SBLF Repayment Repay in full at closing, subject to regulatory approval Credit Adjustment $60 million (3.7% of net loans and 33.7% of FDIC indemnification asset) Projected Cost Savings $31.5 million(3) of FCAL’s core non-interest expense Merger-Related Costs ~ $16 million (tax-effected) Due Diligence Complete, including extensive loan review Required Approval Customary regulatory and shareholder approvals by both companies Anticipated Closing Q1 2013 Board Representation Two FCAL independent directors to be determined Acquisition of First California Financial Group (1) Excludes 1.1 million FCAL shares owned by PACW; includes cash-out of “in-the-money” FCAL options; includes 294,000 shares for FCAL’s pending PSBK deal (2) 20-day VWAP of PacWest common stock on Nasdaq for 20 consecutive trading days ending second trading day prior to last of regulatory approvals (3) Based on FCAL’s annualized YTD 9/30/12 non-interest expense less amortization of intangible assets

Strengthened Presence in Key Markets November 6, 2012 Acquisition of First California Financial Group 5 Central Coast Market (San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties) Southern California Market (Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, & San Diego Counties) PacWest First California Source: SNL Financial based on FDIC Deposit Data

Non-Covered NPAs / Assets (1) Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income Net Interest Income First California Overview November 6, 2012 6 Headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, operating in 7 Southern California counties As of September 30, 2012, $2.0 billion in assets, $1.2 billion in loans and $1.6 billion in deposits Credit quality has improved over the trailing two years with the percentage of non-covered NPAs to assets dropping to 1.54% Pre-tax pre-provision income has risen as a result of growth in net interest income $ in Millions Source: SNL Financial based on GAAP/Regulatory Data * Includes gains on bargain purchase of $34.7 million Acquisition of First California Financial Group $29.4 (1) Does Not include TDRs

PACW FCAL Pro Forma Gross Loans: $3,703.6 Gross Loans: $1,174.0 (1) Gross Loans: $4,877.6 Total Deposits: $4,787.4 Total Deposits: $1,599.9 Total Deposits: $6,387.2 Core Deposit %(2): 82% MRQ Cost of IBD(3): 0.46% Core Deposit %(2): 80% MRQ Cost of IBD(3): 0.53% Core Deposit %(2): 81% MRQ Cost of IBD(3): 0.48% Pro Forma Loan and Deposit Composition November 6, 2012 Acquisition of First California Financial Group 7 (1) Based on 9/30/12 Call Report Categories (2) Core deposits excludes all Retail and Jumbo CDs (3) Cost of average interest bearing deposits for Q3’12 Source: SNL Financial based on GAAP/Regulatory Data 24% FCAL Contribution 25% FCAL Contribution

Transaction Financial Rationale November 6, 2012 8 Acquisition of First California Financial Group Prudent Pricing PACW-FCAL Recent Transactions(1) Price / Book Value: 1.11x 1.51x Price / Tangible Book Value: 1.70x 1.76x Core Deposit Premium: 7.2% 11.1% Compelling Returns First full-year estimated EPS accretion: 12% Estimated IRR: >18% TBV dilution 9/30/12: 10% Estimated earn-back of goodwill: ~ 3.5 years Significant Potential Cost Savings $31.5 million(2) estimated cost savings 11 of First California 15 branches within 5 miles of PacWest branches Value creation from implied value of cost savings - $227 million - exceeds estimated premium paid Mitigated Credit Risk 3.7% net mark on loans and 33.7% mark on FDIC indemnification assets ($60 million combined mark) Estimated 5.7% mark on gross non-covered loans implies 9.3% credit cycle losses since 12/31/07 (1) Reflects median for non-assisted whole bank transactions announced since 12/31/11 for targets with assets between $1.0 billion and $10.0 billion and <4.0% NPAs to Assets (2) Based on FCAL’s annualized YTD 9/30/12 non-interest expense less amortization of intangibles assets Source: SNL Financial based on GAAP/Regulatory Data (3) Cumulative quarterly net charge offs as a % of average con-covered loans since 1/1/08 plus estimated mark on non-covered loans in proposed transaction

Pro Forma Capital Ratios Are Strong November 6, 2012 9 Acquisition of First California Financial Group At September 30, 2012 Capital Ratios PACW Standalone Pro Forma with FCAL Well-Capitalized Minimum PacWest Bancorp Tier 1 Leverage 10.26% 9.07% 5.00% Tier 1 to Risk-Weighted Assets 14.91% 13.39% 6.00% Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets 16.18% 14.65% 10.00% Tangible Common Equity 8.98% 7.67% N/A Strong combined profitability will restore the tangible common equity ratio Preliminary estimates using BASEL III NPR show pro forma capital ratios well in excess of fully phased-in requirements

Credit Evaluation and Fair Value Marks November 6, 2012 10 Acquisition of First California Financial Group ($ in Millions) 9/30/12 Balance Estimated Mark ($) Estimated Mark (%) Non-Covered Loans 1,067.9 (61.1) 5.7% Covered Loans 106.1 0.1 0.1% ALLL on Non-covered Loans (18.2) 18.2 N/A Total Loans 1,155.8 (42.8) 3.7% FDIC Indemnification Asset 50.5 (17.0) 33.7% Total Loans & FDIC Indem Asset 1,206.3 (59.8) 5.0% Other Estimated Fair Value Assumptions Aggregate other assets markdown of $5.3 million Core deposit intangible of $13.5 million Aggregate liabilities markup of $9.4 million Note: All above subject to revision at close Source: SNL Financial based on GAAP/Regulatory Data

Cost Savings Overview November 6, 2012 11 Acquisition of First California Financial Group Estimated cost savings of $31.5 million on FCAL’s core non-interest expenses(1) Significant branch consolidation opportunity given highly overlapping branch networks - 11 of FCAL’s 15 branches are within 5 miles of PacWest branches Based on FCAL’s annualized YTD 9/30/12 non-interest expense less amortization of intangibles assets Assumes a 40% tax rate Assumes 46.0 million shares outstanding on a pro forma basis Implied Value of Estimated Cost Savings ($M) Annualized Estimated Cost Savings(1) $31.5 After-Tax Cost Savings Benefit(2) $18.9 Assumed Valuation Multiple 12.0x Implied Value of Estimated Cost Savings $226.8 Value of Cost Savings / Pro Forma Shares(3) $4.93 Source: SNL Financial based on GAAP/Regulatory Data (2) (3) (1)

Conclusion November 6, 2012 12 Acquisition provides an attractive in-market consolidation opportunity of meaningful size to drive significant consolidated earnings accretion Combined company will be the 8th largest publicly-owned bank or bank holding company headquartered in California Both banks possess complementary business banking models with strong core deposit bases The resulting banking franchise will possess the capital resources, scale, management team and financial strength necessary to thrive in the current competitive environment Acquisition of First California Financial Group

Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find it Investors and security holders are urged to carefully review and consider each of PacWest Bancorp’s and First California Financial Group’s public filings with the SEC, including but not limited to their Annual Reports on Form 10-K, their proxy statements, and their Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The documents filed by PacWest with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at PacWest’s website at www.pacwestbancorp.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from PacWest by requesting them in writing to PacWest Bancorp, c/o Pacific Western Bank, 275 North Brea Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821; Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at (714) 671-6800. The documents filed by First California with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at First California’s website at www.fcalgroup.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge from First California by requesting them in writing to First California Financial Group Inc., 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village, California 91361, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephone at Phone: (805) 322-9655. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. PacWest Bancorp and First California intend to file a registration statement including a joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents regarding the proposed acquisition with the SEC. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of either First California or PacWest Bancorp are urged to carefully read the entire registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of each institution seeking any required stockholder approvals. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus free of charge from PacWest or First California by writing to the addresses provided for each company set forth in the paragraphs above. PacWest, its directors, executive officers and certain other persons may be soliciting proxies from PacWest Bancorp stockholders in favor of the approval of the acquisition. Information about the directors and executive officers of PacWest and their ownership of PacWest common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for PacWest’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, as previously filed with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus when they become available. First California, its directors, executive officers and certain other persons may be soliciting proxies from First California Financial Group stockholders in favor of the approval of the acquisition. Information about the directors and executive officers of First California and their ownership of First California common stock is set forth in the proxy statement for First California’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, as previously filed with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus when they become available. November 6, 2012 Acquisition of First California Financial Group 13