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:  December 22, 1998



                             BASSWOOD PARTNERS, L.P.

                             By: Basswood Management, Inc., its General Partner

                             By:/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                   Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
                                   Title:  President

                                   /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
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                                      Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx

                                   /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
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                                      Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx