FCAL First Trust California Municipal High Income

First California Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCAL) today announced the appointment of Donald W. Macaulay as its new executive vice president and manager of the business banking division at First California Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary. Macaulay will oversee all commercial lending offices and specialty lending departments, as well as serve as a member of the executive management group and officers loan committee.

Macaulay joins First California Bank with 33 years of banking experience. Most recently, he held management positions with Union Bank of California and Community West Bank, both in the Southern California area. Prior to that, Macaulay served as an area president at First Community Bancshares, responsible for the Virginia and North Carolina markets. He was also an area president managing the west coast region of Florida for SouthTrust Bank, which was acquired by Wachovia Corporation. He began his banking career in 1976 at Cape Cod Bank and Trust in Massachusetts, where he assumed positions of increasing responsibilities, including regional loan manager, overseeing ten loan offices. Macaulay received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Bryant University in Rhode Island and is a graduate of Williams College School of Banking.

"We are pleased to welcome Don to First California Bank," said C. G. Kum, president and chief executive officer. "Don is a seasoned banker with more than three decades of relevant experience, adding to the overall strength of our management team. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to prudently grow the First California Bank franchise in the current economic environment."

About First California Financial Group, Inc.

First California Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCAL) is an emerging force in Southern California banking. With assets exceeding $1 billion, the company operates throughout Southern California, primarily under the First California Bank brand. The bank's focus is the commercial market, particularly small- and middle-sized businesses, professional firms and commercial real estate, development and construction companies. With a commitment to provide the best client service available in its markets, the bank offers a full line of quality commercial banking products through twelve full-service branch offices. 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.

For further Information: At the Company: Ron Santarosa 805-322-9333 At PondelWilkinson: Angie Yang 310-279-5980 Corporate Headquarters Address: 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300 Westlake Village, CA 91361