ADVISORY/$220,000 Awarded to Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California for First-time Homebuyers in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties; Single Mom Earns $10,000 Grant to Buy Home.

Real Estate/Banking/Finance/Government Editors

ADVISORY...for Friday (Nov. 17)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:         As part of a Thanksgiving celebration of homeownership,
              the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco will
              announce the organizations that have been awarded $2.4
              million in Individual Development and Empowerment
              Account (IDEA) funds, including a $220,000 award to
              Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. The
              other awardees are located in California, Arizona and
              Nevada.

              The grant provides matching funds to low- and
              moderate-income first-time homebuyers in Stanislaus and
              San Joaquin Counties. A single mom from Modesto is the
              first recipient of funds in Northern California.

WHO:          Lisa Mantarro Moore, District Director for Gary Condit,
              18th Congressional District

              Kent Steinwert, President and CEO, Farmers & Merchants
              Bank of Central California

              Richard Chubon, Executive Director, Stanislaus County
              Housing Authority

              Jim Yacenda, Vice President and Community Investment
              Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco


WHEN:         Friday, November 17, 2000
              10 - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:        Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California
              3001 McHenry Avenue (at Rumble Road)
              Modesto, CA