b7773897a.htm
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
SCHEDULE 13D

(Amendment No. 1)

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

First California Financial Group, Inc.
(Name of Issuer)


Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value 
(Title of Class of Securities)

319395109
(CUSIP Number)

Matthew Lindenbaum
Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
645 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 521-9500 
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

(with copies to)
Michael A. Schwartz, Esq.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 728-8000

May 10, 2012 
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box: o

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits.  See Rule 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
 
* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
 
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 2 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)            o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)         o
   
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
IA
 



 
 
 


CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 3 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Partners, L.L.C.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
738,407 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
738,407 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
738,407 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.5%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
OO
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 4 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Enhanced Long Short GP, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
529,228 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
529,228 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
529,228 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.8%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
OO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 5 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Opportunity Partners, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
500,826 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
500,826 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
500,826 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)         o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 6 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Financial Fund, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
229,898 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
229,898 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
229,898 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0.8%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
PN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 7 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Financial Enhanced Fund, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
7,683 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
7,683 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
7,683 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0.0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 8 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Enhanced Long Short Fund, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)       o  
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Delaware
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
529,228 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
529,228 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
529,228 (see Item 5)
 
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.8%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 9 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Basswood Opportunity Fund, Inc.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Cayman Islands
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
259,574 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
259,574 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
259,574 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0.9%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
CO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 10 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Matthew Lindenbaum
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
United States
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IN
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

CUSIP No.  319395109
  
Page 11 of 12 Pages
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
Bennett Lindenbaum
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP                                                                             (a)   o
(b)   x
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e)         o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
United States
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,527,209 (see Item 5)
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)      o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IN


 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.                  Security and the Issuer

This Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D (this “Amendment No. 1”) relates to the common stock, par value $0.01 (the “Common Stock”), of First California Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), and amends the Schedule 13D filed on April 2, 2012 (the “Original Schedule 13D” and, together with this Amendment No. 1, the “Schedule 13D”).  The address of the Issuer’s principal executive offices is 3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300, Westlake Village, California 91361.

This Amendment No. 1 is being filed on behalf of Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C. (the “Management Company”), Basswood Partners, L.L.C. (“Basswood Partners”), Basswood Enhanced Long Short GP, LLC (“Basswood Long Short GP”), each a Delaware limited liability company, Basswood Opportunity Partners, LP, Basswood Financial Fund, LP, Basswood Financial Enhanced Fund, LP, Basswood Enhanced Long Short Fund, LP, each a Delaware limited partnership, Basswood Opportunity Fund, Inc., a Cayman Islands corporation (collectively, the “Funds”), and Matthew Lindenbaum and Bennett Lindenbaum (together with the Management Company, Basswood Partners, Basswood Long Short GP and the Funds, the “Reporting Persons”).

This Amendment No. 1 is being filed to amend Item 4 and Item 7 of the Schedule 13D as follows:

Item 4.                  Purpose of Transaction.

Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is amended to reflect the following:

                On May 10, 2012, the Management Company sent to the Issuer’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) a letter (the “May 10 Letter”) expressing its deep concern that the Issuer has ignored the $7.25 per share acquisition proposal by PacWest Bancorp (“PacWest”); criticizing the flimsy basis for not entering into discussions with PacWest; and stating that if the Issuer fails to begin discussions with PacWest concerning its proposal or fails to undertake a sale process to better maximize shareholder value, the Management Company will not hesitate to begin the process of calling a special meeting to remove the FCAL board.  A copy of the May 10 Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.                  Material to be filed as Exhibits.

Item 7 of the Schedule 13D is amended to reflect the following:

Exhibit 99.2 – The Management Company’s Letter, dated May 10, 2012, to the Issuer’s Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of each of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned, severally and not jointly, certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
 
 
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD PARTNERS, L.L.C.
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD ENHANCED LONG SHORT GP, LLC
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS, LP
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD ENHANCED LONG SHORT FUND, LP
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD FINANCIAL FUND, LP
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
BASSWOOD FINANCIAL ENHANCED FUND, LP
   By: Basswood Capital Management, L.L.C.
  
       
   
By:  /s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                 
 
     
Name: Matthew Lindenbaum
Title:   Managing Member
  
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
/s/ Matthew Lindenbaum                                         
 
   
Matthew Lindenbaum
  
       
       
       
Dated: May 10, 2012
  
/s/ Bennett Lindenbaum                                           
 
   
Bennett Lindenbaum