PRER14A 1 p-pre14aspecial.htm p-pre14aspecial.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A
 
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. _______)
 
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¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-11(c) or § 240.14a-12
 
PACIFIC COAST NATIONAL BANCORP 
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
______________________________________________________
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
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905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100
San Clemente, California 92673
(949) 361-4300

November 21, 2008
Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of Pacific Coast National Bancorp. The meeting will be held on December 19, 2008 at 5:00 p.m., local time, at the main office of Pacific Coast National Bank, located at 905 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673.
 
The enclosed notice of special meeting and proxy statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the special meeting, which will include a proposal to approve an amendment to our articles of incorporation to authorize our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock.  We are asking for your approval of this amendment in order to enable us to take advantage of what we believe is a very attractive capital raising opportunity proposed by the U.S. government.  On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced the establishment of the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (the “TARP Capital Purchase Program”), pursuant to which Treasury plans to invest up to $250 billion in U.S. financial institutions by purchasing preferred stock from these institutions.  Shareholder approval of the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation is a prerequisite to our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, assuming our application to participate in the program is approved by Treasury.  The proposed amendment would also provide our board of directors with the flexibility to issue additional shares of preferred stock in other capital raising transactions, though no specific issuances of preferred stock outside of the TARP Capital Purchase Program are presently contemplated.
 
While we continued to be “well capitalized” as of September 30, 2008 under regulatory capital guidelines, we, like other financial institutions, continue to experience extremely challenging economic and financial market conditions.  Our board of directors believes that we should take all necessary steps to achieve higher capital levels, to ensure that we remain strong for the duration of the current industry crisis and as we continue to grow.
 
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation.  The vote required to approve the proposed amendment is the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock.  Your vote is very important - a failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against the proposed amendment.
 
Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible and return it in the enclosed envelope (to which no postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States) or submit your proxy over the Internet or by telephone. For further details, see “About the Special Meeting - How do I vote?” in the enclosed proxy statement.
 
We appreciate your continued support and your prompt attention to this important matter.
 
 
Sincerely,
   
 
 
 
Michael S. Hahn
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


 
 
 
 

PACIFIC COAST NATIONAL BANCORP
905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100
San Clemente, California 92673
(949) 361-4300

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on December 19, 2008

 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of Pacific Coast National Bancorp will be held at 5:00 p.m., local time, on December 19, 2008, at the main office of Pacific Coast National Bank, located at 905 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA, 92673, to consider and act upon the following matters:
 
 
1.
A proposal to approve an amendment to Pacific Coast National Bancorp’s articles of incorporation to authorize the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, to be issued from time to time in one or more series, with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as shall be designated by the Board of Directors of Pacific Coast National Bancorp;

 
2.
A proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies, in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the proposed amendment to the articles of incorporation; and

 
3.
The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Except with respect to the procedural matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, we are not aware of any other business to be brought before the meeting.

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of shareholders will be available for inspection for a period of 10 days prior to the special meeting at the main office of Pacific Coast National Bancorp at 905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100, San Clemente, California 92673 and will also be available for inspection at the meeting itself.
 
You are cordially invited to attend the special meeting in person. However, whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible and return it in the enclosed envelope (to which no postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States) or submit your proxy over the internet or by telephone. This will ensure the presence of a quorum at the special meeting and that your shares are voted in accordance with your wishes. For further details, see “About the Special Meeting - How do I vote?” in the enclosed proxy statement.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 
Michael S. Hahn
President and Chief Executive Officer

San Clemente, California
November 21, 2008


This notice of special meeting and proxy statement and form of proxy are first being distributed to shareholders on or about November 21, 2008.
 

 
 
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
PAGE
ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
1
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
5
PROPOSAL ONE: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO
AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
6
 
General
6
 
Reasons for Proposed Amendment
6
 
Terms of the TARP Capital Purchase Program
7
 
Pro Forma Financial Information
9
 
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect of Preferred Stock
13
 
Text of Proposed Amendment
 
13
PROPOSAL TWO: APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY
 
14
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
15
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
16
OTHER MATTERS
17


 
 
 
 

PACIFIC COAST NATIONAL BANCORP
905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100
San Clemente, California 92673

___________________________


PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 19, 2008

_______________________________

This proxy statement contains information relating to a special meeting of shareholders of Pacific Coast National Bancorp (sometimes referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to be held on December 19, 2008 beginning at 5:00 p.m., local time, at the main office of our subsidiary, Pacific Coast National Bank (sometimes referred to as the "Bank"), located at 905 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA, 92673, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.  Certain of the information in this proxy statement relates to the Bank.
 
ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
Who is soliciting my proxy?
 
Our board of directors is sending you this proxy statement in connection with its solicitation of proxies for use at the special meeting.
 
What is the purpose of the special meeting?
 
At the special meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying notice of special meeting, including:
 
 
·
Proposal One: A proposal to approve an amendment to our articles of incorporation to authorize us to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the “Articles Amendment Proposal”); and
 
 
·
Proposal Two: A proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies, in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the Articles Amendment Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).
 
Except with respect to the procedural matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, we are not aware of any other business to be brought before the meeting.
 
Why is the Company seeking to amend its articles of incorporation to authorize the issuance of preferred stock?
 
While we remained “well-capitalized” as of September 30, 2008 under applicable regulatory capital guidelines, the market outlook for continuing weak economic conditions requires that we take all necessary steps to achieve higher capital levels that will position us to remain strong throughout the remainder of the current industry crisis and as we continue to grow. If the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation is approved, we will have broader options to seek additional capital, including a possible investment by the U.S. Treasury under the recently enacted Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.  On October 14, 2008, Treasury announced the establishment of the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (the “TARP Capital Purchase Program”), pursuant to which Treasury will invest up to $250 billion in preferred stock of U.S. financial institutions, in an amount equal to not less than 1% of the institution’s risk-weighted assets and not greater than the lesser of 3% of the institution’s risk-weighted assets or $25 billion.  Our risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008 were
 

 
 
 
 

approximately $137.3 million, which would allow for an investment from Treasury of between $1.37 million and $4.12 million.  In conjunction with the purchase of an institution’s preferred stock, Treasury will receive warrants to purchase the institution’s common stock with an aggregate market value equal to 15% of the total amount of the preferred investment.  Because our articles of incorporation currently do not authorize us to issue preferred stock, shareholder approval of the Articles Amendment Proposal is necessary for us to be able to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, assuming our application to participate in the program is approved by Treasury.  If the Articles Amendment Proposal is approved by shareholders, the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation will be effective regardless of whether we are approved by Treasury for participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
 
What will the consequences be if the Articles Amendment Proposal is not approved?      
 
If the Articles Amendment Proposal is not approved by shareholders, we will not be able to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, even if we are approved by Treasury, or have the ability to issue preferred stock in other capital raising transactions.  This may place us at a distinct disadvantage against competitors in the current environment and may limit our ability to raise additional capital to support future growth.
 
Who is entitled to vote at the special meeting?
 
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date, November 14, 2008, are entitled to receive notice of the special meeting and to vote the shares of common stock that they held on that date at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the special meeting. The total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the record date and eligible to cast votes at the special meeting is 2,544,850.
 
Please note that if you hold your shares in “street name” (that is, through a broker or other nominee), you will need to bring appropriate documentation from your broker or nominee to vote in person at the special meeting.
 
How many votes must be present to hold the special meeting?
 
The presence at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on the record date, or 1,272,426 shares, will constitute a quorum at the special meeting. For purposes of determining a quorum, proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker or other nominee indicates on the proxy card that it does not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter because it has not received voting instructions from its customer, as the beneficial owner of the securities.  It is expected that brokers will not have discretionary authority to vote on the Articles Amendment Proposal or the Adjournment Proposal if they do not receive voting instructions from their customers.
 
How do I vote?
 
You may vote your shares either in person at the special meeting or by proxy whether or not you attend the special meeting. Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the special  meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person at the special meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares.  Even if you plan to attend the special meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting.
 
Shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names may vote by submitting a proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mailing a completed proxy card as an alternative to voting in person at the meeting. Instructions for voting via the Internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. To vote by mailing a proxy card, sign and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope, and your shares will be voted at the meeting in the manner you direct. Granting a proxy will not affect your right to vote your shares if you attend the special meeting and want to vote in person; by voting in person you will revoke your proxy. You may also revoke your proxy at any time before the vote at the meeting by providing our Corporate Secretary written
 

 
2
 
 

 
notice of your revocation or by submitting a proxy bearing a later date via Internet, telephone or mail. If you submit your proxy but do not mark your voting preferences, the proxy holders will vote your shares FOR approval of the Articles Amendment Proposal and FOR approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
 
If your shares are registered in the name of a broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from your holder of record that must be followed in order for the record holder to vote the shares per your instructions. Many banks and brokerage firms have a process for their beneficial holders to provide instructions over the telephone or via the Internet. If Internet or telephone voting is unavailable from your bank or brokerage firm, please complete and return the enclosed voting instruction card in the addressed, postage paid envelope provided.
 
Can I change my vote?
 
Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy, you may change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised at the special meeting. If you are the shareholder of record, you may change your vote by granting via the Internet, telephone or mail a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), by providing a written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the special meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares you hold beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or other nominee, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting and voting in person.
 
How are votes counted?
 
With respect to each of the Articles Amendment Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.”
 
If you submit your proxy without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors  (“FOR” the Articles Amendment Proposal, “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal and in the discretion of the proxy holders on any other matters that properly come before the special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof).
 
What vote is required to approve each proposal?
 
Proposal One: The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required to approve the Articles Amendment Proposal.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” the Articles Amendment Proposal.
 
Proposal Two: The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy and voting at the special meeting is required to approve the Adjournment Proposal, if this proposal becomes necessary.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the Adjournment Proposal.
 
How does the board of directors recommend I vote on the proposals?
 
Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, Terry A. Stalk and David L. Adams, the proxy holders, will vote in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors. Our board of directors recommends a vote FOR the Articles Amendment Proposal and FOR the Adjournment Proposal.
 
With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by our board of directors, or if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.
 
Who will bear the costs of soliciting proxies for the special meeting?
 
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies for the special meeting. We have retained Regan & Associates, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee estimated to be approximately $9,000, which includes reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.  We may also reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
 

 
3
 
 

 
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our shares of common stock. In addition to solicitations by mail, our directors, officers and employees, including those of the Bank, may solicit proxies personally, by telephone or otherwise, but will not receive any additional compensation for their services.
 
How can I receive future shareholder communications electronically?
 
If you received your special meeting proxy materials by mail, we encourage you to conserve natural resources, as well as significantly reduce printing and mailing costs, by signing up to receive your shareholder communications via e-mail. With electronic delivery, we will notify you via e-mail as soon as our next annual report and proxy statement are available on the Internet, and you can easily submit your shareholder votes online. Electronic delivery can also help reduce the number of bulky documents in your personal files and eliminate duplicate mailings. To sign up for electronic delivery, follow the instructions on your proxy card.
 
Who can help answer my questions?
 
If you have any questions about the special meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy, or if you should need additional copies of this proxy statement or voting materials, please contact:
 
Terry A. Stalk
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pacific Coast National Bancorp
905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100
San Clemente, California 92673
(949) 361-4300
 
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Our most recent historical financial information can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007, as amended on Form 10-KSB/A, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Copies of these reports are available upon request by writing or calling us at the address or telephone number provided above, under “Who can help answer my questions?”  These reports, and our other SEC filings, are also available, free of charge, via the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  Any document we file with the SEC may also be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the SEC’s public reference room.
 

 
 
4
 
 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
This following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of the common stock of Pacific Coast National Bancorp as of November 14, 2008, for:
 
 
·
each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock;
 
 
·
each of our directors and executive officers; and
 
 
·
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
 
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to the securities. Subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. In addition, shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options and warrants beneficially owned that are exercisable within sixty days of November 14, 2008, are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those options and other rights, and the group as a whole, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
 
Name and Address* of Beneficial Owners
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned
 
Percent of Class(15)
None
       
         
Directors and Executive Officers:
       
         
Thomas J. Applegate, Director
 
49,876(1)  
 
1.95%
         
Michael V. Cummings, Director
 
8,221(2)
 
*
         
Fred A. deBoom, Director
 
25,283(3)  
 
*
         
Colin M. Forkner, Vice Chairman of the Board
 
109,542(4)    
 
4.14%
         
Michael S. Hahn, Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
116,198(5)    
 
4.38%
         
David Johnson, Director
 
68,249(6)  
 
2.67%
         
Dennis C. Lindeman, Chairman of the Board
 
65,438(7)  
 
2.55%
         
Denis H. Morgan, Director
 
74,353(8)  
 
2.91%
         
James M. Morrison, Director
 
16,382(9)  
 
*
         
Charles T. Owen, Director
 
0
 
*
         
John Vuona, Director
 
33,115(10)    
 
1.30%
         
David L. Adams, Executive Vice President
and Chief Lending Officer
 
17,799(11)    
 
*
         
Stanley M. Cruse, Executive Vice President
and Chief Credit Officer
 
5,367(12
 
*
         
Terry A. Stalk, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
  69,919(13)     
 
2.68%
         
All directors and executive officers as a
 group (14 persons)
 
659,742(14)     
 
22.72%
 _______________________
       
*
The address of each of our directors and named executives is c/o Pacific Coast National Bancorp, 905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100, San Clemente, California 92673.

 
5
 
 


Notes to beneficial ownership table:

(1)
Includes options to acquire 2,777 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 4,212 shares of common stock.
(2)  Includes options to acquire 2,221 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 4,000 shares of common stock.
(3)  Includes options to acquire 1,851 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 6,106 shares of common stock.
(4) 
Includes options to acquire 100,542 shares of common stock. 
(5) 
Includes options to acquire 95,786 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 10,000 shares of common stock. 
(6) 
Includes options to acquire 2,221 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 12,424 shares of common stock. 
(7) 
Includes options to acquire 2,406 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 16,106 shares of common stock. 
(8) 
Includes options to acquire 2,221 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 12,106 shares of common stock. 
(9) 
Includes warrants to acquire 2,106 shares of common stock. 
(10) 
Includes options to acquire 1,851 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 8,212 shares of common stock. 
(11) 
Includes options to acquire 167 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 2,106 shares of common stock. 
(12) 
Includes options to acquire 4,167 shares of common stock. 
(13) 
Includes options to acquire 64,919 shares of common stock. 
(14) 
Includes options to acquire 281,129 shares of common stock and warrants to acquire 77,378 shares of common stock. 
(15) 
Calculated based on 2,544,850 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 14, 2008 plus options and warrants exercisable within sixty days of November 14, 2008 for the individual or the group, as applicable. 

PROPOSAL ONE: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO
AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
General
 
Under the existing provisions of our articles of incorporation, we have the authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock, but do not have the authority to issue preferred stock.  Our board of directors has approved an amendment to our articles of incorporation to authorize up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, subject to approval of the amendment by shareholders at the special meeting (the “Articles Amendment Proposal”).  If the Articles Amendment Proposal is approved by shareholders, our board of directors will be authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and, in connection with the creation of any such series, to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such series.  The shares of preferred stock would be available for issuance without further action by our shareholders, except as may be required by applicable law.
 
Reasons for Proposed Amendment
 
Approval by shareholders of the Articles Amendment Proposal would enable us to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program recently established by the U.S. Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, if our application to participate in that program is approved by Treasury.  Financial institutions approved for participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program will be able to sell shares of preferred stock on standardized terms to Treasury, as described below under “—Terms of the TARP Capital Purchase Program.”  While we remained “well-capitalized” as of September 30, 2008 under applicable regulatory capital guidelines, our board of directors believes that the market outlook for continuing weak economic conditions requires that we take all necessary steps to achieve higher capital levels that will position us to remain strong throughout the remainder of the current industry crisis and as we continue to grow.  For this reason, we currently intend to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, if our application is approved by Treasury.  Because our articles of incorporation currently do not authorize us to issue preferred stock, however, shareholder approval of the Articles Amendment Proposal is a prerequisite for our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  The Articles Amendment Proposal would also afford our board of directors the flexibility to set the terms of and issue additional preferred stock in other capital raising transactions without incurring the time and expense of seeking shareholder approval for particular issuances, though no specific issuances of preferred stock outside of the TARP Capital Purchase Program are presently contemplated.  If the Articles Amendment Proposal is approved by shareholders, the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation will be effective regardless of whether we are approved by Treasury for participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.      
 
 
6
 
 
 
Terms of the TARP Capital Purchase Program

The following description of the TARP Capital Purchase Program is based on the information currently available regarding the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  Treasury has indicated that there may be separate terms applicable to companies, such as us, whose stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, but has not yet made those terms available.  Accordingly, some of the terms applicable to us could differ from those described below. The actual terms of our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, including the specific terms of the securities we issue, would be set forth in investment agreements and related documents to be issued by Treasury and executed by us. The current term sheet and current general forms of these investment agreements and related documents are available on Treasury’s website, at www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/application-documents.
 
Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, eligible financial institutions can generally apply to issue shares of preferred stock to Treasury in an amount equal to not less than 1% of the institution’s risk-weighted assets and not more than the lesser of 3% of the institution’s risk-weighted assets or $25 billion.  Our risk weighted assets as of September 30, 2008 were approximately $137.3 million, which would enable us to receive an investment from Treasury of between $1.37 million and $4.12 million.  We have requested the maximum possible amount.  It is expected that if our application is preliminarily approved by Treasury, we will then have 30 days to satisfy all requirements for participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, including receipt of shareholder approval of the Articles Amendment Proposal and the execution and delivery of an investment agreement with Treasury and other documents.
 
^ General Terms of Senior Preferred Stock. If we participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, Treasury would purchase from us shares of cumulative perpetual preferred stock, with a liquidation preference of  $1,000 per share (the “Senior Preferred Stock”).  The Senior Preferred Stock would constitute Tier 1 capital and would rank senior to our common stock. Cumulative dividends would be payable on the Senior Preferred Stock quarterly in arrears at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum after year five.
 
     Since the Bank first opened for business in May 2005, we have made substantial investments to create an infrastructure designed to support a much larger organization.  As a result of the incurrence of these expenses and the operating losses we have sustained since the Bank’s formation, the Bank had an accumulated deficit (negative shareholder’s equity) at September 30, 2008 of $11.1 million.  If the Articles Amendment Proposal is not approved by shareholders and we are unable to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program or issue additional shares of preferred stock in other capital raising transactions, we will likely be limited in our ability to grow our loan portfolio.  This would likely result in slower asset growth and prevent us from increasing the scale of our operations as we seek to enhance our profitability in order to eliminate the accumulated deficit.  The Bank is prohibited from paying dividends up to the Company without regulatory approval until this accumulated deficit is eliminated.  If we were to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, in an effort to ensure that we have sufficient funds at the holding company level to pay dividends on the Senior Preferred Stock, we expect that we would initially retain at the holding company an amount of the gross proceeds equal to the aggregate dividends payable on the Senior Preferred Stock for the first three years after the issuance of the Senior Preferred Stock (approximately $206 thousand if we receive the minimum investment from Treasury of $1.37 million or $618 thousand if we receive the maximum investment from Treasury of $4.12 million)  The remainder of the gross proceeds (approximately $1.16 million if we receive the minimum investment from Treasury and  $3.50 million if we receive the maximum investment from Treasury) would be downstreamed by us to the Bank.
 
The shares of Senior Preferred Stock would be non-voting shares, but would have class voting rights on (i) any authorization or issuance of shares ranking senior to the Senior Preferred Stock; (ii) any amendment to the rights of the holders of the Senior Preferred Stock; or (iii) any merger, exchange or similar transaction which would adversely affect the rights of the holders of the Senior Preferred Stock. In the event the cumulative dividends described above were not paid in full for six dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of the Senior Preferred Stock would have the right to elect two directors of the Company. The right to elect directors would end when dividends have been paid in full for four consecutive dividend periods.
 
The shares of Senior Preferred Stock would be redeemable by us after three years at their issue price, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Prior to the end of three years after Treasury’s investment, the Senior Preferred Stock could only be redeemed by us using the proceeds of an offering by us of other Tier 1 qualifying perpetual preferred stock or common stock (a “Qualified Equity Offering”) which yields aggregate gross proceeds to us of at
 
 
7
 
 
least 25% of the issue price of the Senior Preferred Stock. Any such redemption must be approved by the Company’s primary federal bank regulator, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  Treasury would be permitted to transfer the shares of Senior Preferred Stock to a third party at any time.  We would be required to file a shelf registration statement with the  SEC to permit the transferability of the shares of Preferred Stock, as well as the Warrants (defined below) and the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants, as soon as practicable after the date of Treasury’s investment in the Senior Preferred Stock.
 
Warrants.  If we participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, we must also issue warrants (the “Warrants”) to Treasury to purchase a number of shares of our common stock having a market value equal to 15% of the aggregate liquidation amount of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock purchased by Treasury.  The exercise price of the Warrants, and the market value for determining the number of shares common stock subject to the subject to the Warrants, would be determined by reference to the market value of our common stock on the date of Treasury’s ^pre-approval of our participation in the ^TARP Capital Purchase Program .  The exercise price of the Warrants and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants would be subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments for any stock dividends, stock splits or similar transactions or certain below market issuances by us of common stock or securities convertible to common stock.  Assuming a market value per share of our common stock for these purposes ^ of ^$5.00 , the number of shares of our common stock that would be purchasable under the Warrants issued to Treasury would range from ^41,190 (assuming the minimum Senior Preferred Stock investment by Treasury of $1.37 million) to ^123,600 (assuming the maximum Senior Preferred Stock investment by Treasury of $4.12 million).  Based on the 2,544,850 shares of our common stock outstanding as of November 14, 2008 (which excludes an aggregate of 286,650 shares underlying warrants issued in connection with previous capital raising transactions, 399,474 shares underlying outstanding stock options granted to directors and employees and 79,326 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options that may be granted in the future under our existing stock option plan), the potential dilution to holders of our common stock resulting from the Warrants issued to Treasury would range from ^1.6 % to ^4.9 %.
 
The Warrants would have a term of ten years.  The Warrants would be immediately exercisable and would not be subject to restrictions on transfer; however, Treasury would only be permitted to exercise or transfer one-half of the Warrants prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which we have received aggregate gross proceeds of at least 100% of the issue price of the Senior Preferred Stock from one or more Qualified Equity Offerings and (ii) December 31, 2009.  If we received aggregate gross proceeds of at least 100% of the issue price of the Senior Preferred Stock from one or more Qualified Equity Offerings on or prior to December 31, 2009, the number of shares of our common stock underlying the Warrants would be reduced by 50%.  Treasury would agree not to exercise voting power with respect to any of the shares of common stock issued to it upon exercise of the Warrants; persons to whom Treasury subsequently transferred these shares would not be bound by this voting restriction.
 
Terms Affecting Common Stock and Any Other Preferred Stock. As long as shares of the Senior Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods on the Senior Preferred Stock are fully paid, we would not be permitted to declare or pay dividends on our common stock, shares of any junior preferred shares or shares of any preferred shares ranking  pari passu (equally) with the Senior Preferred Stock (other than in the case of preferred stock ranking pari passu with the Senior Preferred Stock, dividends on a pro rata basis with the Senior Preferred Stock), nor would we be permitted to repurchase or redeem any shares of common stock or preferred stock other than the Senior Preferred Stock.  Currently, we do not pay dividends on our common stock.  Unless the shares of Senior Preferred Stock have been transferred or redeemed by us in whole, until the third anniversary of Treasury’s investment in the Senior Preferred Stock, any dividends on our common stock would be prohibited without the prior approval of Treasury.  In addition, unless the shares of Senior Preferred Stock have been transferred or redeemed in whole, until the third anniversary of Treasury’s investment, Treasury’s consent would be required for any share repurchases other than repurchases of the Senior Preferred Stock and repurchases of shares of junior preferred stock or shares of common stock in connection with any benefit plan in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice.
 
Executive Compensation. To participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, we would be required to adhere to Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which Treasury holds any equity securities issued by us under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. These standards, which generally would apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, plus the next three most highly compensated executive officers (collectively referred to as “senior executives”), include the following: (1) ensuring
 
 
8
 
 
 
that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of our company; (2) requiring a clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (3) prohibiting certain severance payments to a senior executive, generally referred to as “golden parachute” payments, above specified limits set forth in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and (4) agreeing not to deduct for federal income tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive – for this purpose, all compensation paid to the senior executive for the applicable tax year is taken into account, including certain qualified performance-based compensation normally deductible under Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  The adoption of these standards is not expected to materially affect the existing compensation arrangements with our senior executives.

     The foregoing description of the TARP Capital Purchase Program is based on the information currently available regarding the TARP Capital Purchase Program ^ .  The final terms of our participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, including the specific terms of the Senior Preferred Stock and the Warrants, would be set forth in investment agreements and related documents to be issued by Treasury and executed by us. The general forms of these investment agreements and related documents are available on Treasury’s website, at www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/application-documents.          .
 
Pro Forma Financial Information
 
The following unaudited pro forma financial information as of September 30, 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 shows the effects of a minimum of $1.37 million and a maximum of $4.12 million of Senior Preferred Stock purchased by Treasury pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below may change materially under either the “Minimum” or “Maximum” scenario based on the actual proceeds received under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, if our application to participate in this program is approved by Treasury, the actual utilization of the proceeds received and the timing of that actual utilization.  We can provide no assurance that the minimum or maximum estimated proceeds included in the following unaudited pro forma financial information will ever be received.


 
9
 
 
 

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

   
Historical
   
Pro Forma (1)
 
   
September 30, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
   
Minimum
   
Maximum
 
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
  $ 7,382,951     $ 7,715,951     $ 10,462,951  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses and
      unearned income
    128,616,681       128,616,681       128,616,681  
Other Assets
    2,073,179       2,073,179       2,073,179  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 138,072,811     $ 138,405,811     $ 141,152,811  
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
                         
LIABILITIES
                       
Deposits
    124,312,738       124,312,738       124,312,738  
Other Liabilities
    1,586,585       546,585       546,585  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    125,899,323       124,859,323       124,859,323  
                         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
Preferred Stock(1)
    -       1,373,000       4,120,000  
Common stock
    24,922       24,922       24,922  
Additional paid-in capital
    26,591,810       26,591,810       26,591,810  
Accumulated deficit
    (14,443,244 )     (14,443,244 )     (14,443,244 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    12,173,488       13,546,488       16,293,488  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 138,072,811     $ 138,405,811     $ 141,152,811  

___________________________
(1)
The pro forma information gives effect to receipt of the proceeds of the issuance of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock as of September 30, 2008.
(2)
Reflects the issuance of a minimum of $1,373,000 and a maximum of $4,120,000 of shares of Senior Preferred Stock.  The proceeds received from the sale of the Senior Preferred Stock are assumed to be initially invested primarily in federal funds sold.  Subsequent redeployment of the funds is anticipated but the timing of such redeployment is uncertain.


 
10
 
 
 

 
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008)

   
Historical
   
Pro Forma (1)
 
         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
   
Minimum
   
Maximum
 
                   
Interest income(2)
  $ 6,353,270     $ 6,363,568     $ 6,384,170  
Interest expense
    2,293,861       2,293,861       2,293,861  
Net interest income before provision
     for loan losses
    4,059,409       4,069,707       4,090,309  
Provision for loan losses
    1,137,900       1,137,900       1,137,900  
Net interest income after provision
     for loan losses
    2,921,509       2,931,807       2,952,409  
Total noninterest income
    830,539       830,539       830,539  
Total noninterest expense(3)
    5,360,435       5,360,435       5,360,435  
(Loss) before income taxes
    (1,608,387 )     (1,598,090 )     (1,577,487 )
Income tax expense
    1,600       1,600       1,600  
Net (Loss)
  $ (1,609,987 )     (1,599,690 )     (1,579,087 )
Effective dividend on preferred shares
            51,488       154,500  
Net (loss) available to common
     shareholders
          $ (1,651,177 )   $ (1,733,587 )
                         
Share and Per Share Data:
                       
(Loss) per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (0.70 )   $ (0.72 )   $ (0.76 )
Diluted(4)
  $ (0.70 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (0.72 )
Average basic shares outstanding
    2,283,988       2,283,988       2,283,988  
Average diluted shares outstanding (4)(5)
    2,283,988       2,325,178       2,407,588  

______________________
(1)
The pro forma information gives effect to receipt of the proceeds of the issuance of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock at the beginning of the period.
(2)
The proceeds received from the issuance of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock are assumed to be initially invested primarily in federal funds sold, earning a rate of 1%.  Subsequent redeployment of the funds is anticipated, but the timing of such redeployment is uncertain and the rate of return earned following redeployment cannot be estimated.
(3)
The costs of the issuance of the Senior Preferred Stock are expected to be immaterial; accordingly, no effect is shown in this pro forma statement of operations.
(4)
Common shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options and warrants previously issued have not been included in the (loss) per share calculation or average diluted shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been antidilutive on (loss) per share.
(5)
The (loss) per share calculation and the average diluted shares outstanding include the estimated effect of the exercise of the warrants.


 
11
 
 


Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Year Ended December 31, 2007)

   
Historical
   
Pro Forma (1)
 
         
Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2007
   
Minimum
   
Maximum
 
                   
Interest income(2)
  $ 5,488,303     $ 5,502,033     $ 5,529,503  
Interest expense
    1,984,478       1,984,478       1,984,478  
Net interest income before provision
     for loan losses
    3,503,825       3,517,555       3,545,025  
Provision for loan losses
    1,383,220       1,383,220       1,383,220  
Net interest income after provision
     for loan losses
    2,120,605       2,134,335       2,161,805  
Total noninterest income
    617,874       617,874       617,874  
Total noninterest expense(3)
    6,778,548       6,778,548       6,778,548  
(Loss) before income taxes
    (4,040,069 )     (4,026,339 )     (3,998,869 )
Income tax expense
    1,600       1,600       1,600  
Net (Loss)
  $ (4,041,669 )     (4,027,939 )     (4,000,469 )
Effective dividend on preferred shares
            68,650       206,000  
Net (loss) available to common shareholders
          $ (4,096,589 )   $ (4,206,469 )
                         
Share and Per Share Data:
                       
(Loss) per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (1.77 )   $ (1.80 )   $ (1.84 )
Diluted(4)
  $ (1.77 )   $ (1.76 )   $ (1.75 )
Average basic shares outstanding
    2,281,686       2,281,686       2,281,686  
Average diluted shares outstanding (4)(5)
    2,281,686       2,322,876       2,405,286  

_________________________
(1)
The pro forma information gives effect to receipt of the proceeds of the issuance of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock at the beginning of the period.
(2)
The proceeds received from the issuance of the shares of Senior Preferred Stock are assumed to be initially invested primarily in federal funds sold, earning a rate of 1%.  Subsequent redeployment of the funds is anticipated, but the timing of such redeployment is uncertain and the rate of return earned following redeployment cannot be estimated.
(3)
The costs of the issuance of the Senior Preferred Stock are expected to be immaterial; accordingly, no effect is shown in this pro forma statement of operations.
(4)
Common shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options and warrants previously issued have not been included in the (loss) per share calculation or average diluted shares outstanding because their inclusion would have been antidilutive on (loss) per share.
(5)
The (loss) per share calculation and the average diluted shares outstanding include the estimated effect of the exercise of the warrants.


            The following tables show the Company’s (consolidated) and the Bank’s historical and pro forma ratios of total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 capital as of September 30, 2008, giving effect to a minimum of $1.37 million and a maximum of $4.12 million of Senior Preferred Stock purchased by Treasury pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
 

 
12
 
 

Holding Company Consolidated Regulatory Capital Ratios
 
 
Historical
At September 30,
2008
 
Pro Forma
At September 30, 2008
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
        10.1%
 
    11.1%
 
    13.1%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
          8.9%
 
      9.9%
 
    11.9%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
          8.9%
 
      9.9%
 
    11.9%

 
Bank Regulatory Capital Ratios
 
 
Historical
At September 30,
2008
 
Pro Forma
At September 30, 2008(1)
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
    10.1%
 
    11.0%
 
    12.7%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
      8.9%
 
      9.7%
 
    11.4%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
      8.9%
 
      9.7%
 
    11.4%

__________________________
(1)
Assumes a downstreaming by us to the Bank of $1.16 million of the proceeds, if we receive the minimum investment from Treasury of $1.37 million, and $3.50 million of the proceeds, if we receive the maximum investment from Treasury of $4.12 million.   See “—Terms of the TARP Capital Purchase Program-General Terms of Senior Preferred Stock.”

 
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect of Preferred Stock
 
The Articles Amendment Proposal could have certain anti-takeover effects.  For example, shares of the authorized preferred stock could be issued (in a transaction other than pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program) in such amounts and on such terms so as to make it more difficult or time consuming for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock or otherwise effect a change of control. The presence of outstanding preferred stock could increase the total consideration to be paid by a potential acquiror, possibly, depending on the terms of the preferred stock, to the point of being cost-prohibitive to the potential acquiror or to the point of materially reducing the consideration to be paid to the holders of our common stock.  Our board of directors also could, although it has no present intention of doing so, issue shares of preferred stock to persons who indicate that they would support the board in opposing any unsolicited takeover proposal.
 
Text of Proposed Amendment
 
The full text of the proposed amendment to our articles of incorporation is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A. If the proposed amendment is adopted, our board of directors would be authorized to issue shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, with full, limited or no voting rights, and with such other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be determined by the board. The authority of our board of directors in this regard would include, but not be limited to, the determination or fixing of the following with respect to shares of any series of preferred stock:
 
 
·
the division of the shares of preferred stock into series and the designation and authorized number of shares (up to the number of shares authorized) in each series;
 
 
·
the dividend rate and whether dividends are to be cumulative;
 
 
·
whether the shares are to be redeemable, and, if so, whether redeemable for cash, property or rights;
 
 
·
the liquidation rights to which the holders of the shares will be entitled, and the preferences, if any;
 
 
·
whether the shares will be subject to the operation of a sinking fund, and, if so, upon what conditions;
 
 
13
 
 
 
 
 
·
whether the shares will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or of any other series of any class of capital stock and the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange;
 
 
·
the voting rights of the shares, which may be full, limited or none, except as otherwise required by law;
 
 
·
the preemptive rights, if any, to which the holders of the shares will be entitled and any limitations thereon;
 
 
·
whether the issuance of any additional shares, or of any shares of any other series, will be subject to restrictions as to issuance, or as to the powers, preferences or rights of any of these other series; and
 
 
·
any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions.
 
The actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock, other than pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program, upon the rights of holders of our common stock cannot be known until our board of directors determines the specific terms of any shares of preferred stock. However, the effects might include, among other things, restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock, reducing the market value of the common stock or impairing the liquidation rights of the holders of the common stock.  For a discussion of the what the effects would be upon the rights of holders of the common stock of the Senior Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program, see “—Terms of the TARP Capital Purchase Program-Terms Affecting Common Stock and Any Other Preferred Stock” above.
 
If the Articles Amendment Proposal is approved, the proposed amendment will become effective upon the filing of a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of California, which we expect we would do promptly following the special meeting.
 
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required to approve the Articles Amendment Proposal.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of votes AGAINST the Articles Amendment Proposal.
 
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.
 
PROPOSAL TWO: APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY
 
In the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the Articles Amendment Proposal, our board of directors may propose to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates in order to permit the solicitation of additional proxies. Pursuant to the provisions of our bylaws, no notice of an adjourned meeting need be given to shareholders if the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the special meeting.
 
In order to permit proxies that have been received by us at the time of the special meeting to be voted for an adjournment, if necessary, we have submitted this proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”) to you as a separate matter for your consideration.  In this proposal, we are asking you to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by our board of directors to vote in favor of adjourning the special meeting and any later adjournments. If shareholders approve the Adjournment Proposal, we could adjourn the special meeting, and any adjourned session of the special meeting, to use the additional time to solicit additional proxies in favor of the Articles Amendment Proposal, including the solicitation of proxies from shareholders who have previously voted against the Articles Amendment Proposal. Among other things, approval of the Adjournment Proposal could mean that, even if proxies representing a sufficient number of votes against the Articles Amendment Proposal have been received, we could adjourn the special meeting without a vote on the Articles Amendment Proposal and seek to convince the holders of those shares to change their votes to votes in favor of the Articles Amendment Proposal.
 
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy and voting at the special meeting is required to approve the Adjournment Proposal, if this proposal becomes necessary.  
 
 
14
 
 
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the Adjournment Proposal.  No proxy that is specifically marked AGAINST the Articles Amendment Proposal will be voted in favor of the Adjournment Proposal unless that proxy is specifically marked FOR approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
 
Our board of directors believes that if the number of shares present or represented by proxy at the special meeting and voting in favor of the Articles Amendment Proposal to approve Articles Amendment Proposal, it is in the best interests of the shareholders to enable our board of directors to continue to seek to obtain a sufficient number of additional votes to adopt the amendment.
 
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This proxy statement contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements.  These statements are made through the use of words or phrases such as “pro forma,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “will continue,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “would” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs.  These forward-looking statements, implicitly and explicitly, include the assumptions underlying the statements and other information with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business, including management’s expectations and estimates with respect to revenues, expenses, asset quality and other financial data and capital and performance ratios.
 
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control.  The following factors, among others, could cause our actual results and performance to differ materially from what is currently anticipated:
 
·  
the possibility that we will not be approved by Treasury for participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, or that Treasury will invest less than the amount for which we have applied;
 
·  
the loss of key personnel;
 
·  
changes in monetary and fiscal policies and regulations, and changes in policies by regulatory agencies, as well as other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;
 
·  
adverse changes in general economic conditions and economic conditions in Southern California, and adverse changes in the local real estate market and the value of real estate collateral securing a substantial portion of our loan portfolio;
 
·  
changes in the availability of funds resulting in increased costs or reduced liquidity;
 
·  
geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts which could impact business and economic interests in the United States and abroad;
 
·  
changes in market rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of financial products, including securities, loans, deposits, debt and derivative financial instruments and other similar financial instruments;
 
·  
fluctuations in the interest rate environment, and changes in the relative differences between short- and long-term interest rates, which may reduce interest margins and impact funding sources;
 
 
15
 
 
 
·  
changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios, and changes in the level of our non-performing loans and other loans of concern;
 
·  
competition from bank and non-bank competitors, and the ability to develop and introduce new banking-related products, services and enhancements and gain market acceptance of such products;
 
·  
the ability to grow our core businesses and decisions to change or adopt new business strategies;
 
·  
changes in tax laws, rules and regulations and interpretations thereof;
 
·  
technological changes;
 
·  
changes in consumer spending and savings habits; and
 
·  
management’s ability to manage these and other risks.
 
Any forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this proxy statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those anticipated in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements discussed in this proxy statement might not occur, and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
 
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS 
 
In order to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials for our next annual meeting of shareholders, any shareholder proposal for that meeting must be received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office, located at 905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 100, San Clemente, California 92673 by April 10, 2009.  Any such proposal will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.

In addition to the deadline and other requirements referred to above for submitting a shareholder proposal to be included in our proxy materials for our next annual meeting of shareholders, our bylaws require a separate notification to be made in order for a shareholder proposal to be eligible for presentation at the meeting, regardless of whether the proposal is included in our proxy materials for the meeting.  In order to be eligible for presentation at the next annual meeting of shareholders, written notice of a shareholder proposal must be received by our Corporate Secretary:
 
 
·
not less than 60 days nor more than 270 days prior to the 2009 annual meeting; or
 
 
·
in the event that less than 30 days’ notice or prior disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to our shareholders, notice by the shareholder must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such disclosure was made.
 
The notice must contain the following information, as specified in Article II, Section 7 of our bylaws:
 
 
·
a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting;
 
 
·
the name and address of the shareholder making the proposal as it appears on our record books;
 
 
·
the class and number of shares of our capital stock that are beneficially owned by the shareholder making the proposal; and
 
 
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·
any material interest of such shareholder in such business.
 

 
OTHER MATTERS
 
To the best knowledge, information and belief of our board of directors, there are no matters that are to be acted upon at the special meeting other than as described in this proxy statement. If such matters arise, the form of proxy provides that discretionary authority is conferred on the designated persons in the enclosed form of proxy to vote with respect to such matters.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
 
 
 
Michael S. Hahn
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
San Clemente, California
November 21, 2008
 

 
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APPENDIX A
 
The text of the proposed amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation described in Proposal One is as indicated below, marked to show the changes from the provisions currently in effect.  Additions are marked by underlining.
 
Article III would be revised to read substantially as follows:
 
ARTICLE III
 
Capital
 
This corporation has the authority to issue an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, having a par value of $0.01 per share, and an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, having a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).  The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series.  The board of directors of this corporation is authorized to fix the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock and to determine the designation of any such series. The board of directors is also authorized to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, and, within the limits and restrictions stated in any resolution or resolutions of the board of directors originally fixing the number of shares constituting any series, to increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any such series subsequent to the issue of shares of that series.

 

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