EXHIBIT A

                                                                       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 6, 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