EXHIBIT 99


SONOMA VALLEY BANCORP  ANNOUNCES RECORD LEVELS OF ASSETS AND EARNINGS FOR SECOND
QUARTER 2005

SONOMA,  California,  July 8, 2005- Sonoma Valley Bancorp  President and CEO Mel
Switzer,  Jr. reported bank earnings of $1,501,000 for the six months ended June
30, 2005,  compared to $1,337,000  for the same period last year, a gain of 12%.
Earnings per share increased to $.70 from $.61, a gain of 15% over 2004. Year to
date  results  were  enhanced  by strong  second  quarter  earnings  of $771,000
compared  to  $692,000  for the same  quarter  last year,  an  increase  of 11%.
Earnings per share for the quarter increased to $.36 from $.32 last year, a gain
of 13%.

The bank  posted  assets  of $232  million  at June 30,  2005,  up 10% from $210
million a year ago.  Deposits  grew to $200  million,  up from $188 million last
year.  Loans  reached $158  million,  up $19 million or over 13% from the second
quarter  of 2004.  The  annualized  Return on  Average  Assets was 1.33% and the
annualized Return on Average Equity was 14.22%.  The Book Value for the stock at
period end was $10.14.

For the twelfth year,  Findley Reports,  Inc. named Sonoma Valley Bancorp to its
list of SUPER PREMIER  PERFORMING BANKS in 2004, based on the continued strength
of capital and earnings.

Sonoma Valley  Bancorp  shares are listed on the OTC Bulletin  Board (OTCBB) and
the stock symbol is SBNK.

This  press  release  may  contain  forward-looking  statements,  which  are not
historical  facts, but which management  believes are a benefit to shareholders.
These forward looking statements may include management's expectations regarding
future events and performance of its subsidiary,  Sonoma Valley Bank,  including
such items as operating  efficiencies,  projected  growth in loans and deposits,
future operating  results and forecasts,  net interest  margin,  strength of the
local economy where Sonoma Valley Bank principally operates,  and federal fiscal
policies.  Future  events  are  difficult  to predict  and such  forward-looking
statements  contained in this press release which are not  historical  facts are
subject to risks and  uncertainties  that could cause  actual  results to differ
materially and adversely from those  expressed,  including,  but not limited to,
certain  changes in the local  economy,  changes in  interest  rates and federal
fiscal policies, and changes in competition.  In addition, the Company discusses
certain other risks and  uncertainties  related to its operations in its reports
filed with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission,  which risks and discussion
should be read in conjunction  with this press release.  The Company  assumes no
obligation to publicly revise  forward-looking  statements to reflect subsequent
events or changed circumstances.

                                    CONTACT:
                                Christy Coulston,
          Vice President & Marketing Director of Sonoma Valley Bancorp
                                 +1-707-935-3200
                          Web site: http://www.sovy.com