WSBA Western Sierra Bancorp (MM)

Western Sierra Bank and Lake Community Bank Named to Independent Banker 'Best Performer' List CAMERON PARK, Calif., July 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Western Sierra Bank and Lake Community Bank, subsidiaries of Western Sierra Bancorp (NASDAQ:WSBA), announced that they were recognized nationally as top- performing community banks in 2004 by Independent Banker, June 2005. This marks the third consecutive year that Western Sierra Bank has received this recognition of being one of the nation's top 20 community banks. Independent Banker determined the Top 20 list by grouping all community banks into one of five asset size groups and ranking each group based on return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) performance for the year- ended December 31, 2004. Lake Community Bank's performance was measured among peer banks with assets of $100 million to $250 million and ranked 11th in return on assets with an (ROA) of 1.96%. In the return on equity comparison, Lake Community ranked 17th with an (ROE) of 20.29%. Western Sierra Bank made the list of top performing banks despite being measured for the first time as a bank with assets exceeding $500 million and was one of two California community banks to make both the (ROA) and (ROE) list. In the return on assets top 20 list, Western Sierra Bank ranked 13th with an (ROA) of 1.87%. Western Sierra Bank also made the list at number nine in the return on equity category with an (ROE) of 21.79%. According to Independent Banker, the average industry-wide return on equity is currently 13.28% and the industry-wide average Return on Assets is 1.29%. "Our strong commitment, skills and a can do attitude among our team of relationship bankers has made it possible again to be identified as a top performing bank. With our ambitious goals and determination, Western Sierra Bank will strive to exceed performance expectations year after year," stated Kirk N. Dowdell, President and CEO, Western Sierra Bank. "Lake Community Bank is focused on delivering exceptional customer service and I am very proud of our team in making the Independent Banker top 20 list. What a tremendous accomplishment that we will strive to achieve again next year," stated Douglas Nordell, President and CEO, Lake Community Bank. Western Sierra Bancorp is comprised of Western Sierra Bank, Lake Community Bank, Central California Bank, Auburn Community Bank and has assets exceeding $1.2 Billion. The company operates in the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Lake, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Tuolumne and Butte. Western Sierra Bancorp operates 33 branches and loan production facilities. DATASOURCE: Western Sierra Bancorp CONTACT: Kirk N. Dowdell, President and CEO of Western Sierra Bank, +1-530-677-5600; or Douglas Nordell, President and CEO of Lake Community Bank +1-530-677-5600 Web site: http://www.westernsierrabancorp.com/

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