California Republic Bank opened its new branch in Westlake Village on Jan. 12, its first location in the greater San Fernando Valley area. California Republic acquired the branch, located at Westlake Boulevard and Townsgate Road, from National Bank of California. California Republic also has branches in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach. “As one of the strongest banks in California, we look forward to expanding into the Ventura County market,” California Republic CEO Jon Wilcox said in a prepared statement. “We are proud of our experienced staff and we are confident that they will be successful with the California Republic Bank brand behind them.” Senior Vice President and Regional Manager Janice Armijo will head up the new office. California Republic and National Bank of California agreed in October on the sale of the branch. As of Sept. 30, 2011 deposits at the branch totaled approximately $16.2 million. National Bank of California also has branches in Sherman Oaks and Glendale.