AGREEMENT

                                                                     EXHIBIT A

                                    AGREEMENT

         The  undersigned  agree that this  Schedule  13D relating to the Common
Stock of Foothill  Independent  Bancorp  shall be filed on behalf of each of the
undersigned.

Dated: April 28, 1999



                                            BASSWOOD PARTNERS, L.L.C.

                                            By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                                ----------------------------
                                                Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                                Title:  Managing Member


                                            By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                                ----------------------------
                                                Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                                Title:  Managing Member


                                            /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                            --------------------------------
                                                Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx


                                            /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                            --------------------------------
                                                Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx