================================================================================
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
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
July 20, 2004
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
First Financial Bancorp
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 94-2822858
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or organization)
0-12499
(Commission File No.)
701 South Ham Lane
Lodi, California 95242
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(209) 367-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
================================================================================
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit
No. Description
- ------ -----------
99.1 Press release issued by First Financial Bancorp on July 20, 2004,
furnished in accordance with Item 12 of this Current Report on Form 8-K
ITEM 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
The following information is furnished under this Item 9 in satisfaction
of Item 12, "Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."
On July 20, 2004 First Financial Bancorp announced its earnings for the
second quarter and year to date for the 2004 fiscal year. A copy of the press
release dated July 20, 2004, is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
This information is being furnished pursuant to Item 12 of Form 8-K and
is being presented under Item 9 as provided in the Commission's interim guidance
regarding Form 8-K Item 12 filing requirements (Release No. 34-47583).
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 hereunto duly authorized.
First Financial Bancorp
By: /s/ Allen R. Christenson
----------------------------
Allen R. Christenson
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 20, 2004
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
- ------- -----------
99.1 Press Release dated July 20, 2004