First California Bank has made inroads into the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego County with the acquisition of 1st Centennial Bank in Redlands. The holding company for First California announced that it assumed the insured deposits of the wholly-owned subsidiary of 1st Centennial Bancorp after it was seized by the FDIC Friday. The move adds six branch locations and two loan production offices to FCB’s operations which now include 18 banking centers spread throughout six Southern California counties. The bank was keeping its eye open for opportunities to expand its reach in Southern California. “Although we are disheartened to see a bank in our community struggle, we are pleased that First California is positioned to help protect the depositors and financial health of the communities served by the former 1st Centennial Bank branch locations,” said First California President C.G. Kum.
