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) January 18, 2013

SIERRA BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California	000-33063	33-0937517
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission File No.)	(I.R.S. Employee Identification No.)

86 North Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

(559) 782-4900
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Not applicable

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

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

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

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

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

Item 8.01 OTHER EVENTS

On January 18, 2013, Sierra Bancorp issued a press release announcing the reactivation of its stock repurchase plan, and an increase in the number of shares authorized and available for repurchase to a total of 700,000 shares. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit Number Description

99.1 Press Release dated January 18, 2013

SIGNATURES

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

	SIERRA BANCORP
Dated: January 18, 2013	By:	/s/ Kenneth R. Taylor
		Kenneth R. Taylor
		Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer