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 16, 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