1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 February 23, 1998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Date of earliest event reported) Hawthorne Financial Corporation - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 0-1100 95-2085671 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) 2381 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, California 90245 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (310) 725-5000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Not Applicable - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 2 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On February 23, 1998, Hawthorne Financial Corporation issued the press release which is included as Exhibit 99(a) hereto. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS (a) Not applicable. (b) Not applicable. (c) The following exhibit is included with this Report: Exhibit 99(a) Press Release, dated February 23, 1998 2 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. HAWTHORNE FINANCIAL CORPORATION By:/s/ Scott A. Braly --------------------------------------------- Name: Scott A. Braly Title: President and Chief Executive Officer Date: February 23, 1998 3