First Coastal Bancshares Announces First Common Stock Dividend.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. -- The board of directors of First Coastal Bancshares (OTCBB:FCST), parent company of wholly owned First Coastal Bank, N.A., today announced a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $1.00 per share, payable on January 10, 2006, to stockholders of record on December 16, 2005. This is the first common stock dividend issued by the company.

"The dividend reflects the strength of our financial performance," said Don M. Griffith, chairman and chief executive officer of First Coastal. "Over the past several years, while the Bank's earnings have been increasing, we have significantly reduced our expenses at the parent company level, which has resulted in steadily improved earnings in consolidation. The dividend acknowledges the steadfast support and confidence of our stockholders during that process."

First Coastal Bancshares is the parent company of First Coastal Bank. The Bank serves small- and mid-sized business, professionals and entrepreneurs in the coastal communities of west Los Angeles County with branches in Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Marina del Rey and Gardena.