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: May 19, 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