EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

“BANK”

PLACER SIERRA BANK

“EMPLOYEE”

ROBERT H. MUTTERA

/s/ ROBERT H. MUTTERA

/s/ Harvey Ferguson

ROBERT H. MUTTERA

CEO President

EX-10.16 16 dex1016.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROBERT MUTTERA AND PLACER SIERRA BANK Employment Agreement between Robert Muttera and Placer Sierra Bank

EXHIBIT 10.16

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of January 1, 2003 (the “Effective Date”) by and between PLACER SIERRA BANK, a California banking corporation (“Bank”) and ROBERT H. MUTTERA (“Employee”) (collectively sometimes referred to as the “Parties”):

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into an agreement for the purpose of retaining Employee’s services as Executive Vice-President and Chief Credit Officer of Bank; and

WHEREAS, the Parties intend this Agreement to supersede any and all previous employment agreements between the Employee and Bank (and each of its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, including California Community Bancshares, Inc.), if any;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Employment and Duties. Employee is hereby employed by Bank as Executive Vice-President and Chief Credit Officer of Bank. Employee shall be responsible for performing such duties as are customarily and ordinarily performed by the executive vice-president and chief credit officer of a bank. Employee will also perform such duties as he may, from time to time, be called upon to assist companies affiliated with Bank, and such other attendant duties as he may, from time to time, be reasonably requested to perform by the Board of Directors of Bank (the “Board”).

2. Extent of Services.

(a) Exclusive Employment. Employee shall devote his full time, ability and attention to the business of Bank and its parent companies, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, during the Employment Term, and shall neither directly nor indirectly render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any other person, firm, corporation or organization for compensation without the prior written consent of the Board.

(b) Employee Investment Activities. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as preventing Employee from (i) investing his personal assets in businesses which do not compete with Bank in such form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Employee in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is solely that of an investor, (ii) purchasing securities in any corporation whose securities are regularly traded provided that such purchase shall not result in Employee collectively owning beneficially at any time five percent or more of the equity securities of any corporation engaged in a business competitive to that of Bank, and (iii) participating in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching so long as Bank approves of such activities prior to Employee’s engaging in them.

3. Term of Employment. Subject to prior termination of this Agreement as hereinafter provided in section 6, Bank hereby employs Employee, and Employee hereby accepts

employment with Bank, for a period of three (3) years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Employment Term”).

4. Termination of Prior Employment Agreements. Bank and Employee agree that as of the Effective Date, all prior employment agreements between Employee and Bank (and/or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof, including California Community Bancshares, Inc.) including but not limited to the February 29, 2000 Employment Agreement between Employee and Sacramento Commercial Bank, are hereby canceled, terminated, rescinded and superceded. It is expressly agreed by the Parties hereto that California Community Bancshares, Inc. is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement, and is released from any obligations under any prior employment agreements with Employee.

5. Compensation and Benefits. In consideration of Employee’s services to Bank during the Employment Term, Bank agrees to compensate Employee, subject to such limitations as may exist under any federal or state banking law or regulation, as follows:

(a) Base Compensation. Bank shall pay or cause to be paid to Employee a base compensation of $ 180,000 per year for the first twelve (12) months of the Employment Term (hereinafter the “Base Salary”), less payroll taxes and withholding required by federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which Employee agrees in writing. Said Base Salary shall be payable in semi-monthly installments in accordance with Bank’s normal payroll procedures. The Board shall review the Base Salary not less than sixty (60) days prior to the first and each subsequent anniversary date of the Effective Date and shall determine, in its sole, absolute and unreviewable discretion, whether to increase the Base Salary for the subsequent twelve (12) months of the Employment Term. Any increase in Base Salary so determined by the Board shall become effective as of such anniversary date. The Base Salary shall be prorated for any partial year in which this Agreement is in effect.

(b) Executive Incentive Bonus. In addition to the Base Salary, Employee shall be eligible to participate in an Executive Incentive Plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of said plan, as the Bank, in its sole and absolute discretion, may establish from time to time which shall be no less favorable than the Executive Incentive Plans for Bank’s other executives.

(c) Deferred Compensation. In the event the Bank should establish a deferred compensation plan, Employee shall be eligible to participate in said plan, in accordance with the terms and conditions of said plan, as the Bank, in its sole and absolute discretion, may establish from time to time.

(d) General Expenses. Bank shall, upon submission and approval of written statements and bills in accordance with the then regular procedures of Bank, reimburse Employee for any and all reasonable necessary, customary and usual expenses incurred by him while traveling for or on behalf of Bank, and any and all other necessary, customary or usual expenses (including entertainment) incurred by Employee for or on behalf of Bank in the normal course of business, as determined to be appropriate by Bank.

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(e) Health, Life and Disability Insurance. Bank shall provide for Employee’s participation, at Bank’s expense, in group medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance benefits equivalent to the maximum benefits available under the group insurance programs maintained by Bank for its employees. Employee shall have the right, in Employee’s discretion, to designate the beneficiary or beneficiaries of any such insurance. Bank reserves the right to modify and amend such benefits from time to time. As provided under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) respecting continuation of any insurance coverage, Employee shall, upon a loss of any such coverage for himself under Bank’s health, dental, and/or vision plans (if any) resulting from (1) termination of Employee’s employment (for any reason other than for gross misconduct) or (2) a reduction in his hours, be entitled to exercise his COBRA rights. Employee shall pay all premiums for any such continuation coverage(s) elected by Employee. In addition, Employee’s current stand alone disability policy shall remain in effect during the term of the Agreement and Bank shall continue to pay such contributions as necessary to maintain this policy in the form of Exhibit “B” hereto.

(f) Automobile Allowance. During the Employment Term, Employee shall be entitled to an automobile allowance in the amount of $900 per month (less payroll taxes and withholding required by federal, state or local law). Except for this automobile allowance, Bank shall not be obligated to pay any other expenditure with respect to the ownership or operation of Employee’s automobile, and Employee will be responsible for all out-of-pocket automobile expenses, including, but not limited to, registration, insurance, repairs and maintenance. However, Employee shall also have use of a gas credit card for gasoline and other minor automobile expenditures. Employee shall procure and maintain an automobile liability insurance policy on the automobile, with coverage including Employee for at least $100,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person, $300,000 for bodily injury or death in any one accident, and $50,000 for property damage in any one accident. The Bank shall be named as an additional insured and Employee shall provide Bank with copies of policies evidencing insurance and Bank’s inclusion as an additional insured.

(g) Vacation. Employee shall be entitled to four weeks (20 days) paid vacation leave per year, which shall accrue on a daily basis. Such vacation leave shall be taken at such time or times as are mutually agreed upon by Employee and the Board and in accordance with Bank’s vacation leave policy, provided, that at least two (2) weeks of such vacation shall be taken consecutively. Employee acknowledges that the requirement of two (2) consecutive weeks of vacation is required by sound banking practice. For each calendar year, the Board shall decide, in its discretion, either (1) to pay Employee for any unused vacation time for such calendar year or (2) to carry over any unused vacation time for such calendar year to the next calendar year, provided, however, that Employee shall not accrue additional vacation time at any time that the Employee has accrued and unused vacation time of seven (7) weeks.

(h) Other Benefits. Employee shall be entitled to participate during the Employment Term in all employee benefit, welfare and other plans, practices, policies and programs generally applicable to similarly situated employees of Bank as are in effect from time to time, in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions thereof. Bank reserves the right to modify and amend such benefits, plans, practices, policies and programs from time to time.

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6. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated with or without cause during the Employment Term in accordance with this section 6.

(a) Termination for Good Reason. Employee may terminate this Agreement for “Good Reason”. “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence (without Employee’s express written consent) of any one of the following acts by Bank or its successor:

(i) The assignment to Employee of duties or title inconsistent with Employee’s status as Executive Vice-President and Chief Credit Officer or a substantial adverse alteration in the nature or stature of Employee’s responsibilities from those described herein, which is not cured by Bank within seven (7) business days after Employee delivers written notice to Bank of such assignment or alteration;

(ii) A reduction by Bank of Employee’s then current Base Salary;

(iii) Any material breach by Bank of any provisions of this Agreement, which breach is not cured by Bank within seven (7) business days after Employee delivers written notice of such breach to Bank.

In the event that Employee terminates this Agreement for Good Reason, Employee shall be eligible to receive a single sum severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of his then current Base Salary, as defined in section 5 (a), plus any incentive bonus prorated, if necessary, for a partial year of employment (less payroll taxes and withholding required by any federal, state or local law, any additional withholding to which Employee has agreed, and any outstanding obligations owed by the Employee to Bank) and any and all stock options previously granted to Employee under any stock option plan of Bank or any affiliate of Bank and held by Employee at the date of termination shall become fully vested and shall be exercisable for a period of two (2) years after the date of termination. No portion of such severance pay shall be payable, nor shall stock options become fully vested, until eight days after delivery to Bank of a duly executed release in the form of Exhibit “A” hereto (“Release”).

Such severance pay shall constitute liquidated damages in lieu of any and all claims by Employee against Bank and each of its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, and each of their respective directors, partners, officers, employees and agents, arising out of this Agreement or out of the employment relationship or termination of the employment relationship between Employee and Bank, and shall be in full and complete satisfaction of any and all rights which Employee may enjoy hereunder, and is expressly conditioned upon receipt by Bank of an executed, unconditional Release from Employee in the form of Exhibit “A”.

In the event that Employee terminates this Agreement for Good Reason, Employee also shall be entitled to receive (i) those benefits, if any, that have vested by operation of state or federal law or under any written term of a plan (“Vested Benefits”), and (ii) health care coverage continuation rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA Rights”).

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(b) Termination Upon Change in Control. “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) The consummation of a plan of dissolution or liquidation of Bank;

(ii) The consummation of a plan of reorganization, merger or consolidation involving Bank, except for a reorganization, merger or consolidation where (A) the shareholders of Bank immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation own directly or indirectly more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and the individuals who were members of the Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such reorganization, merger or consolidation constitute at least 50% of the members of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation, or a corporation beneficially directly or indirectly owning a majority of the voting securities of the Surviving Corporation, or (B) Bank is reorganized, merged or consolidated with a corporation in which any shareholder owning at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of Bank immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, owns at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation;

(iii) The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Bank to another person or entity;

(iv) The acquisition of beneficial ownership of stock representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of Bank then outstanding by another person or entity.

In the event of a Change in Control and, during the twelve month period following such Change in Control, Employee terminates employment with Bank (pursuant to section 6(e) below) following a reduction in the Employee’s duties or title, Employee shall be eligible to receive a single sum severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of his then current Base Salary, as defined in section 5(a), plus any incentive bonus prorated, if necessary, for a partial year of employment (less payroll taxes and withholding required by any federal, state or local law, any additional withholding to which Employee has agreed, and any outstanding obligations owed by the Employee to Bank) and any and all stock options previously granted to Employee under any stock option plan of Bank or any affiliate of Bank and held by Employee at the date of termination shall become fully vested and shall be exercisable for a period of two (2) years after the date of termination. No portion of such severance pay shall be payable, nor shall stock options become fully vested, until eight days after delivery to Bank of a duly executed Release in the form of Exhibit “A” hereto.

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided herein, in the event the amounts payable to Employee in the event of a Change in Control would, if they included such termination payments and stock option vesting accelerations to be made pursuant to this section 6(b), constitute Excess Parachute Payments for purposes of Sections 280G(b) and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“IRC”) or any successor statute) (after application of IRC section 280G(b)(4)), the amount payable under this section 6(b) shall be reduced by the amount necessary to cause Employee to receive no Excess Parachute Payments.

In the event that Employee is terminated pursuant to this section 6(b), Employee shall be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove, and COBRA rights, as defined hereinabove.

(c) Early Termination by Bank Without Cause. This Agreement and Employee’s employment may be terminated by Bank without cause, for any reason whatsoever or for no reason at all, in the sole, absolute and unreviewable discretion of Bank, upon written notice by Bank to Employee.

In the event that Employee is terminated by Bank without cause, Employee shall be eligible to receive a single sum severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of his then current Base Salary, as defined in section 5(a), plus any incentive bonus prorated, if necessary, for a partial year of employment (less payroll taxes and withholding required by any federal, state or local law, any additional withholding to which Employee has agreed, and any outstanding obligations owed by the Employee to Bank) and any and all stock options previously granted to Employee under any stock option plan of Bank or any affiliate of Bank and held by Employee at the date of termination shall become fully vested and shall be exercisable for a period of two (2) years after the date of termination. No portion of such severance pay shall be payable, nor shall stock options become fully vested, until eight days after delivery to Bank of a duly executed Release in the form of Exhibit “A” hereto.

In the event that Employee is terminated pursuant to this section 6(c), Employee shall also be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove, and COBRA rights, as defined hereinabove.

(d) Early Termination by Bank for Cause. This Agreement and Employee’s employment may be terminated for cause by Bank upon written notice to Employee, and Employee shall not be entitled to receive Base Salary or any other compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for cause. Employee understands and agrees that his satisfactory performance of this Agreement requires conformance with reasonable standards of

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diligence, competence, skill, judgment and efficiency of a person holding a position that is analogous to the position of executive vice-president and chief credit officer of a bank similar to Bank, and as prescribed by California and federal banking laws and regulations, and that failure to conform to such standards is cause for termination of this Agreement by Bank. Termination for cause pursuant to this section 6(d) shall include, but is not be limited to, the following:

(i) Any act of material dishonesty;

(ii) Any material breach of this Agreement;

(iii) Any breach of a fiduciary duty (involving personal profit);

(iv) Any habitual neglect of, or habitual negligence in carrying out, those duties contemplated under Sections 1 and 2 of this Agreement;

(v) Any willful violation of any law, rule or regulation, which, by virtue of bank regulatory restrictions imposed as a result thereof, would have a material adverse effect on the business or financial prospects of Bank;

(vi) Any conviction of any felony which may be reasonably interpreted to be harmful to the Bank’s reputation;

(vii) Any failure by Employee to qualify at any time during the Employment Term for any fidelity bond as described in section 8 of this Agreement;

(viii) The requirement to comply with any final cease-and-desist order or written agreement with any applicable state or federal bank regulatory authority which requests or orders Employee’s dismissal or limits Employee’s employment duties;

(ix) Any conduct which constitutes unfair competition with the Bank or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate; or

(x) The inducement of any client, customer, agent or employee to break any contract or terminate the agency or employment relationship with the Bank or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate.

Termination for cause by Bank shall not constitute a waiver of any remedies that may otherwise be available to Bank under law, equity, or this Agreement.

In the event that Employee is terminated pursuant to this section 6(d), Employee shall be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove, and COBRA rights, as defined hereinabove.

(e) Early Termination by Employee. Employee (for other than Good Reason as defined in section 6(a)) may terminate this Agreement upon 90 days’ written notice to Bank. Employee shall continue to perform his duties under this Agreement until the end of such 90 day period, provided however, that Bank may, at its option, immediately terminate this Agreement, upon notice to Employee, and in the event that Bank so elects to terminate this Agreement, Bank

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shall continue to pay Employee his normal compensation through the end of such 90 day period. Thereafter, Employee shall not be entitled to receive compensation or other benefits under this Agreement, provided, however, that Employee shall be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove, and COBRA rights, as defined hereinabove.

(f) Early Termination Upon Disability. This Agreement and all benefits hereunder shall terminate if Employee is not able, as a result of an illness or other physical or mental disability, to perform the essential functions of his position as required by this Agreement for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or in excess of one hundred eighty (180) days in any one (1) year period, notwithstanding reasonable accommodation by Bank to Employee’s known physical or mental disability, solely in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the Americans with Disabilities Act, 29 U.S.C. Sections 12101-213 or any other state or local law governing the employment of disabled persons (the “ADA”) provided such accommodation would not impose an undue hardship on the operation of Bank’s business or a direct threat to the Employee or others pursuant to the ADA. In the event of termination of this Agreement by Bank pursuant to this section 6(f):

(i) Employee shall be entitled to disability benefits provided by the disability insurance coverage identified in section 5(e) of this Agreement; and

(ii) All other benefits provided for under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of termination (except insofar as the group insurance benefits provided under section 5(e) may be continued or convertible by Employee as provided under COBRA or other laws applicable at the time of termination).

(iii) Employee shall also be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove.

For purposes of this Agreement, physical or mental disability shall mean the inability of Employee to fully perform under this Agreement for a continuous period of ninety (90) days, as determined in the case of physical disability by a physician, or in the case of mental disability by a psychiatrist, both of whom must be licensed to practice medicine in California and are to be selected with the approval of Bank and Employee. Upon demand by Bank, Employee shall act promptly to select such physician or psychiatrist jointly with Bank and shall consent to undergo any reasonable examination or test. Recurrent disabilities will be treated as separate disabilities if they result from unrelated causes or if they result from the same or related cause or causes and are separated by a continuous period of at least twelve (12) full months during which Employee was able to perform his duties hereunder equal to at least eighty percent (80%) of his capacity prior to disability. Otherwise, recurrent disabilities will be treated as a continuation of previous disabilities for the purpose of determining the limitations established in this Section.

(g) Death During Employment. This Agreement and all benefits hereunder shall terminate immediately upon the death of Employee, except that Employee’s heirs or estate shall also be entitled to receive Vested Benefits, as defined hereinabove, and Employee’s dependants may be entitled to COBRA rights, as defined hereinabove.

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(h) Termination by Bank Without Notice. The Bank shall provide ninety (90) days written notice to Employee if the Bank intends not to renew this Agreement at the end of the Employment Term. If the Bank does not provide such notice, the Bank shall pay Employee his then-current Base Salary for a period of three (3) months after the Employment Term payable in conformity with the Bank’s normal payroll procedures.

7. Survival of Obligations. The provisions of Sections 6, 10, 11, 12, 13,14,16 and 28 of this Agreement shall survive Employee’s termination of employment and the termination of this Agreement. Other provisions of this Agreement shall survive any termination of Employee’s employment to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of each Party’s respective rights and obligations.

8. Fidelity Bond. Employee agrees that he will furnish all information and take any other steps necessary to enable Bank to obtain or maintain a fidelity bond conditional on the rendering of a true account by Employee of all moneys, goods, or other property which may come into the custody, charge or possession of Employee during the Employment Term. The surety company issuing the bond and the amount of the bond must be acceptable to Bank and satisfy all banking laws and regulations. All premiums on the bond are to be paid by Bank. If Employee cannot qualify for a fidelity bond at any time during the term of this Agreement, Bank shall have the option to terminate this Agreement immediately, which shall constitute a termination for cause as defined in section 6(d) hereof.

9. Compliance with Bank Policies. Employee agrees to observe and comply with the rules and regulations of Bank respecting the performance of his duties and to carry out and perform orders, directions and policies communicated to him from time to time. Employee agrees to comply with all rules and policies contained in any applicable Employee Handbook which has been or will be issued by Bank. Should a conflict arise between this Agreement and the Employee Handbook, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

10. Bank Property. All records, financial statements and similar documents obtained, reviewed or compiled by Employee in the course of the performance by him of services for Bank, whether or not confidential information or trade secrets, shall be the exclusive property of Bank. Employee agrees to hold as Bank’s property, all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to Bank’s business and affairs, whether made by him or otherwise coming into his possession, and on termination of his employment, or on demand of Bank, at any time to deliver the same to Bank. Employee shall have no rights in such documents upon any termination of his employment.

11. Proprietary Information.

(a) Employee recognizes and acknowledges that Bank and its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates possess trade secrets and other confidential and/or proprietary information concerning their respective business affairs and methods of operation which constitute valuable, confidential, and unique assets of the business of Bank and its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates (“Proprietary Information”), which Bank and its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates have developed through a substantial expenditure of time and money and which are and

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will continue to be utilized in the business of Bank and its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates and which are not generally known in the trade. As used herein, Propriety Information includes the following:

(i) Customer lists, including information regarding the identity of clients and client contacts, client accounts, the business needs and preferences of clients, and information regarding business and contractual arrangements with clients. As used herein, “Customer List” is not limited to physical writing or compilations, and includes information which is contained in or reproduced from the memory of any employee.

(ii) Business plans, objectives and strategies, and marketing plans and information;

(iii) Financial information, sales information and pricing information, including information regarding vendors, suppliers and others doing business with Bank, or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof;

(iv) Personal identities and information regarding skills and compensation of the personnel of Bank, or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof;

(v) Bank manuals and handbooks, computer programs and data;

(vi) Any other confidential information which gives Bank, or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof, an opportunity to claim a competitive advantage or has economic value.

(b) During his employment with Bank, Employee will not use, copy, transmit or otherwise disclose Bank’s Proprietary Information for any purpose other than for the benefit of Bank, and Employee will make all reasonable efforts to protect the confidential nature of such information. Employee will not disclose Bank’s Proprietary Information to anyone not entitled to such disclosure without the advance written permission of the Chairman of the Board.

(c) Upon termination of his employment, Employee will immediately deliver to Bank all of Bank’s Proprietary Information. Employee will not retain any copies of Bank’s Proprietary Information after termination of his employment without the express written consent of the Chairman of the Board.

(d) After termination of his employment, Employee will not use Bank’s Proprietary Information for any purpose, or disclose or communicate the same to any person, firm or corporation for any purpose.

(e) In the event Employee should receive, during the Employment Term, or thereafter, any subpoena, search warrant or other court process requiring Employee to produce any documents containing Proprietary Information as defined herein, Employee shall immediately provide a copy of such request to Bank.

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(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, information (i) already in the public domain; (ii) independently developed by the Employee; (iii) obtained from a source not subject to a confidentiality obligation to Bank or a third party; or (iv) that becomes public knowledge (other than by acts of the Employee in violation of this Agreement), shall not be deemed to be Proprietary Information as described in this section 11.

12. Non-Solicitation. During his employment with Bank, and for a period of one year immediately following his employment with Bank, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or attempt to solicit any employee of Bank, or of any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof, to terminate his or her employment with said company, or to work for any other business, person or company.

13. Equitable Relief. Employee acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach by him of the provisions of Sections 10,11 and 12 of this Agreement will result in immediate and irreparable harm to Bank, for which there will be no adequate remedy at law, and that Bank will be entitled (subject to section 28) to equitable relief to restrain Employee from violating the terms of these sections, or to compel Employee to cease and desist all unauthorized use and disclosure of the Confidential Information, without posting bond or other security. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting Bank from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including recovery of damages from Employee.

14. Property of Others. Employee represents that his performance under this Agreement does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence confidential information or trade secrets, if any, acquired by Employee in confidence prior to this Agreement. There are no agreements, written or oral, conveying rights in any research conducted by Employee. Employee represents, as part of the consideration for entering into this Agreement, that he has not brought and will not bring to Bank or use in the performance of his responsibilities at Bank any equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of any current or former employer or organization with which he provided services which are not generally available to the public, unless he has obtained written authorization for their possession and use.

15. Non-Competition by Employee. Employee shall not, during his employment with Bank, directly or indirectly, either as an employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, shareholder, corporate officer, director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, work for, or engage or participate in the business of, any competing company, bank, bank holding company or financial holding company or financial institution or financial services business without the prior written consent of the Board.

16. Indemnification. Bank shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Employee, to the maximum extent permitted under the Bylaws of Bank and governing laws and regulations, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Employee in connection with any threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding to which Employee is made a party by reason of his position as an officer or agent of Bank or by reason of his service at the request of Bank, if Employee acted in

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good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of Bank. If available at rates determined by Bank, in its sole discretion, to be reasonable, Bank shall endeavor to apply for and obtain Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance to indemnify and insure Bank and Employee from such liability or loss. Employee shall indemnify Bank from and against all costs, expenses (including attorney’s fees), liability and damages arising out of any act of misconduct, other than actions taken in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of Bank, by Employee during the term of this Agreement. Nothing in this Indemnification section shall interfere with or restrict the right of Employee to statutory indemnification under the laws of the State of California including but not limited to those rights provided in California Labor Code section 2802 and California Corporations Code section 317, and any amendments thereto.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any administrative proceeding or civil action initiated by any federal banking agency, Bank may only reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless Employee if Bank is in compliance with any applicable statute, rule, regulation or policy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the California Department of Financial Institutions regarding permissible indemnification payments.

17. Breach. Breach by either Party of any of its respective obligations under Sections 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15 of this Agreement shall be deemed a material breach of that Party’s obligations hereunder, provided, however, that no breach of a monetary obligation shall be deemed a material breach until the Party allegedly in breach has failed to cure said breach within seven (7) business days after the aggrieved Party delivers written notice of such breach to the other Party.

18. Survival of Agreement in Event of Merger. This Agreement shall not be terminated by any merger in which Bank is not the surviving or resulting corporation, or on any transfer of all or substantially all of Bank’s assets. In the event of any such merger or transfer of assets, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the surviving business entity or the business entity to which such assets shall be transferred. This section shall not serve to diminish Employee’s rights pursuant to section 6 (a) and 6(b) above.

19. Tax Consequences. Employee is urged to review with his own tax advisors the federal and state tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Employee is relying solely on such advisors (if any) and not on any statements or representations of Bank or any of its agents.

20. Withholding. All payments provided for hereunder shall be reduced by payroll taxes and withholding required by any federal, state or local law, and any additional withholding to which Employee has agreed in writing.

21. Notices. Any notices to be given hereunder by either Party to the other may be effected in writing either by personal delivery or by mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid with return receipt requested. Notices to Bank shall be given to Bank at its then current principal office, c/o Chairman of the Board of Directors. Notices to Employee shall be sent to Employee’s last known personal residence. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed

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communicated as of actual receipt; mailed notices shall be deemed communicated as of five (5) calendar days after mailing.

22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the Parties (or between Employee and California Community Bancshares, Inc., or any parent company, shareholder, subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof) with respect to the employment of Employee (excluding only stock option agreements) and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the Parties with respect to such employment. Each Party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any Party, or anyone acting on behalf of any Party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid and binding.

23. Amendment. This Agreement may be changed or modified, or any provisions hereof waived, only by a writing signed by the Party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change or modification is sought.

24. Severability. In the event that any term or condition contained in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or non-enforceability shall not affect any other term or condition of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable term or condition had never been contained herein.

25. Choice of Law and Forum. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States. Any action or proceeding brought upon, or arising out of, this Agreement or its termination shall be brought in a forum located within the State of California, and Bank and Employee hereby agree to be subject to service of process in California.

26. Waiver. The Parties hereto shall not be deemed to have waived any of their respective rights under this Agreement unless the waiver is in writing and signed by such waiving Party. No delay in exercising any rights shall be a waiver nor shall a waiver on one occasion operate as a waiver of such right on a future occasion.

27. Interpretation. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the plain meaning of its terms and not strictly for or against any of the Parties hereto. Captions and section headings used herein are for convenience and ready reference only and shall not be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

28. Arbitration. In the event of any dispute, claim or controversy between the Employee and Bank (or any of Bank’s parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and/or affiliates and/or any of its or their respective officers, partners, directors, members, managers, employees, agents or employees) arising out of this Agreement or the Employee’s employment with Bank, Employee and Bank agree to submit such dispute, claim or controversy to final and binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with the AAA National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The claims governed by this arbitration provision include, but are not limited to, claims for breach of

- 13 -

contract, civil torts and employment discrimination such as violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other employment laws.

(a) The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator selected either by mutual agreement of the Employee and Bank or, if they cannot agree, from an odd-numbered list of experienced employment law arbitrators provided by the American Arbitration Association. Each Party shall strike one arbitrator from the list alternately until only one arbitrator remains.

(b) Each Party shall have the right to conduct reasonable discovery, as determined by the arbitrator.

(c) The arbitrator shall have all powers conferred by law and a judgment may be entered on the award by a court of law having jurisdiction. The arbitrator shall render a written arbitration award that contains the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The award and judgment shall be binding and final on both Parties.

(d) Bank will pay the arbitrator’s fees and costs as well as any AAA administrative fees. The Parties shall each pay the fees of their own attorneys and the expenses of their own witnesses.

(e) This agreement to arbitrate shall continue during Employment Term and thereafter regarding any employment-related disputes.

(f) The Employee and Bank understand that by signing this Agreement, they give up their right to a civil trial and their right to a trial by jury.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is entered into as of the Effective Date.

- 14 -

EXHIBIT A

RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Release Agreement (“Release”) was given to me, ROBERT H. MUTTERA (“Employee”), this day of , 200 , by PLACER SIERRA BANK, a California banking corporation (“Bank”). At such time as this Release becomes effective and enforceable (i.e., the revocation period set forth below has expired), and assuming such Employee is otherwise eligible for payments under the terms of that certain Employment Agreement between Employee and Bank dated January 1, 2003 (the “Agreement”), Bank agrees to pay Employee, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, a single sum severance payment (including prorated incentive bonus, if applicable) in the amount of $ (less payroll taxes and withholding required by any federal, state or local law, any additional withholding to which Employee has agreed, and any outstanding obligations owed by the Employee to Bank).

Employee is also entitled to receive (i) those benefits, if any, that have vested by operation of state or federal law or under any written term of a plan (“Vested Benefits”), and (ii) health care coverage continuation rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.

In consideration of the receipt of the promise to pay such amount, Employee hereby agrees, for himself, his heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (hereinafter referred to as the “Releasors”), to fully release and discharge Bank and each of its parent companies, shareholders, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, and each of their respective officers, partners, directors, members, managers, employees and agents, and each of their respective predecessors, successors, heirs and assigns (hereinafter referred to as the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, suits, causes of action, debts, obligations, costs, losses, liabilities, damages and demands under any federal, state or local law or laws, or contract, tort or common law, whether or not known, suspected or claimed, which the Releasors have, or hereafter may have, against the Releasees arising out of or in any way related to Employee’s employment (or other contractual relationship) with Bank and/or the termination of that relationship. The claims released herein include claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act, the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Equal Pay Act, The Workers Adjustment and Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the California Labor Code. Provided, however, that this Agreement does not waive rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that may arise after the date this Release is executed.

- 15 -

It is understood and agreed that this Release extends to all such claims and/or potential claims, and that Employee, on behalf of the Releasors, hereby expressly waives all rights with respect to all such claims under California Civil Code section 1542, which provides as follows:

A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.

The monies to be paid to the Employee in this Release are in addition to any sums to which he would be entitled without signing this Release.

Employee acknowledges that he has read and does understand the provisions of this Release. Employee acknowledges that he affixes his signature hereto voluntarily and without coercion, and that no promise or inducement has been made other than those set out in this Release and that he executes this Release without reliance on any representation by any Releasee.

Employee understands that this Release involves the relinquishment of his legal rights, and that he has the right to, and has been given the opportunity to, consult with an attorney of his choice. Employee acknowledges that he has been (and hereby is) advised by Bank that he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release.

This document does not constitute, and shall not be admissible as evidence of, an admission by any Releasee as to any fact or matter.

In case any part of this Release is later deemed to be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, Employee agrees that the legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Release will not be affected in any way.

Employee acknowledges that he has been given a period of twenty-one (21) days from receipt of this Release within which to consider this Release and decide whether or not to execute this Release. If Employee executes this Release at any time prior to the end of the 21 day period, such early execution was a knowing and voluntary waiver of Employee’s right to consider this Release for at least 21 days, and was due to his belief that he had ample time in which to consider this Release.

Employee may, within seven (7) days of his execution and delivery of this Release, revoke this Release by a written document received by Bank on or before the end of the seven (7) day period. The Release will not be effective until said revocation period has expired. No payments will be made hereunder if the Employee revokes this Release.



Dated:
								ROBERT H. MUTTERA

- 16 -

EXHIBIT B

Noncancellable and guaranteed renewable to age 65

Conditionally renewable after age 65 – Premiums __ change

[GRAPHIC]

The Guardian

Life Insurance Company

of America

201 Park Avenue South

New York, NY 10003

A Mutual Company

Established 1860

Guardian hereby furnishes insurance to the extent set out in this policy. All of the provisions on this and the pages which follow are part of this policy.



/s/ Herbert N. Grolneck				/s/ Arthur Ferrara

Secretary				President

You means the person insured. We or Guardian means The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

Noncancellable and guaranteed renewable to age 65

You may renew this policy at the end of each term until you are age 65. During that time, we cannot change the premium or cancel this policy.

Conditional right to renew after age 65 — Premiums can change

After you are age 65, you may renew this policy at the end of each term as long as you are at work full time. There is no age limit. But you must be at work at least thirty hours each week for at least ten months each year.

Your premium will be at our rates then in effect for persons of your age and class of risk. We have the right to change such premiums on a class basis on any policy anniversary.

Notice of ten day right to review policy

You have ten days to review this policy from the date you receive it. Within that time, you can deliver or mail it to our home office or to any Guardian agent or agency for a prompt refund of all premiums. This policy will then be void from the start.

Professional Disability Income Policy

Participating

Form No. NC95

This policy is a legal contract between

you and Guardian. READ IT WITH CARE.

INDEX

The major provisions of this policy appear on the following pages:



Renewal provisions		Pages one and seven

Exclusions and limitations		Page three

Definitions		Page three

Benefit provisions		Pages four and five

Claim provisions		Page six

General provisions		Page eight


		Page
Age		seven
Benefit period		three
Capital sum benefit		four
Consideration		eight
Dividends (participation)		eight
Effective date		eight
Election of directors		eight
Entire contract		eight
Elimination period		three
Grace period		seven
Incontestable		eight
Injury		three
Legal actions		six
Medical care requirement		three
Military suspension		seven
Misstatement of age		six
Monthly indemnity		three
Notice of claim		six
Payment of claims		six
Policy anniversary		seven
Presumptive total disability		five
Recurrent disability		four
Rehabilitation benefit		five
Reinstatement		seven
Sickness		three
Termination		seven
Total disability defined		three
Total disability benefit		four
Transplant benefit		five
Waiver of premium benefit		five

Additional benefits, if any, are shown in the schedule page

and are described in the rider forms attached to this policy.

Page two

S C H E D U L E P A G E



INSURED– ROBERT H MUTTERA				POLICY NUMBER– G-511492

OWNER– ROBERT H MUTTERA				DATE OF ISSUE– 10/18/89

LOSS PAYEE– ROBERT H MUTTERA				TERM– 12 MONTHS

PREMIUM DISCOUNT CLASS– PREFERRED NONSMOKER

ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR:


– BASIC BENEFITS	–	$	1,109.16.
– RESIDUAL INDEMNITY RIDER (AR575)	–	$	229.16.
TOTAL ANNUAL PREMIUM	–	$	1,338.32.
TERM PREMIUM	–	$	1,338.32.

— ELIMINATION PERIOD —

3 MONTHS

— BENEFIT PERIOD —

TO AGE 65 IF DISABILITY BEGINS BEFORE AGE 60

60 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 60 BUT BEFORE AGE 61

48 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 61 BUT BEFORE AGE 62

42 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 62 BUT BEFORE AGE 63

36 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 63 BUT BEFORE AGE 64

30 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 64 BUT BEFORE AGE 65

24 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 65 BUT BEFORE AGE 75

12 MONTHS IF DISABILITY BEGINS AT OR AFTER AGE 75

— LIFETIME EXTENSION FOR TOTAL DISABILITY FROM AGE 60 —

IF YOU BECOME TOTALLY DISABLED BEFORE YOU ARE AGE 60 AND REMAIN CONTINUOUSLY TOTALLY DISABLED TO AGE 65, WE WILL THEN EXTEND THE BENEFIT PERIOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WHILE YOU ARE TOTALLY DISABLED. THIS EXTENSION APPLIES ONLY TO THE BASIC BENEFITS OF THIS POLICY AND DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY OPTIONAL BENEFIT RIDER.

AR595

–10/17/89–

SCHEDULE PAGE 1

CONTINUED......

POLICY NUMBER – G-511492

— TABLE OF BASIC BENEFITS —


– MONTHLY INDEMNITY	$	3,400.
– MAXIMUM REHABILITATION BENEFIT	$	40,800.
– CAPITAL SUM	$	40,800.

— TABLE OF OPTIONAL BENEFITS —

THE RENEWAL PROVISION OF EACH OPTIONAL RIDER MAY DIFFER FROM THAT OF THIS POLICY. SEE EACH RIDER FOR DETAILS.

– RESIDUAL DISABILITY (FORM AR575)

— BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS AFTER AGE 65 —

IF YOU RENEW THIS POLICY WHEN YOU ARE AGE 65, WE WILL ISSUE A NEW SCHEDULE PAGE AT THAT TIME. BENEFITS WILL BE LIMITED TO THOSE SHOWN IN THE TABLE OF BASIC BENEFITS ABOVE.

PREMIUMS FOR THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE ON RENEWAL AT OR AFTER AGE 65 AND WILL BE AT OUR RATES THEN IN EFFECT FOR PERSONS OF YOUR AGE AND CLASS OF RISK.


AR595		–10/17/89–		SCHEDULE PAGE 2

Exclusions and limitations



Preexisting condition limitation		We will not cover loss that begins in the first two years after the date of issue from a preexisting condition.

		A preexisting condition means a physical or mental condition:

		• which was misrepresented or not disclosed in your application; and • for which you received a physician’s advice or treatment within two years before the date of issue; or • which caused symptoms within one year before the date of issue for which a prudent person would usually seek medical advice or treatment.

Medical care requirement		We will not pay benefits under this policy for any period of disability during which you are not under the care of a physician.

		We will waive the medical care requirement during any claim under this policy upon reasonable proof that your sickness or injury no longer requires regular care of a physician under prevailing medical standards. Such waiver will not restrict our rights under the provision of this policy called “Physical examinations.”

Definitions

Benefit period		The benefit period is shown in the schedule page. It is the longest period of time for which we will pay indemnity for continuous disability from the same cause.

Elimination period		The elimination period is shown in the schedule page. It is a consecutive number of days for which we will not pay benefits at the start of a claim. You must be disabled on all of those days.

Injury		Injury means accidental bodily injury which occurs while this policy is in force.

Loss payee		You are the loss payee unless some other person is named in the schedule page. We will pay all benefits to the loss payee.

Monthly indemnity		The monthly indemnity is shown in the schedule page. It is the amount we will pay for each month of total disability.

Owner		You are the owner unless some other person is named in the schedule page. The owner has the right to renew this policy; to request a change in benefits; to change the loss payee; to receive dividends, if any are declared; and to vote for our directors.

Physician		Physician means a legally qualified physician other than yourself, who is not a loss payee or owner under this policy.

Sickness		Sickness means a sickness or disease, including a pregnancy, which is first diagnosed and treated while this policy is in force.

Total disability		Total disability means that, because of sickness or injury, you are not able to perform the major duties of your occupation.

		Occupation means your regular occupation or profession at the time you become disabled.

		If you have limited your professional practice to a recognized specialty in medicine, dentistry, law, or accounting, we will deem your specialty to be your occupation.

		You will be totally disabled even if you are at work in some other capacity so long as you are not able to work in your occupation.

Page three

Benefit provisions



Total disability benefit		When you are totally disabled, we will pay the monthly indemnity as follows:
		• You must become totally disabled while this policy is in force.

		• You must remain so disabled to the end of the elimination period. No indemnity is payable during that period.

		• After that, monthly indemnity will be payable at the end of each month while you are totally disabled.

		• Monthly indemnity will stop at the end of the benefit period or, if earlier, on the date you are no longer totally disabled.

		We will not increase the rate of monthly indemnity because you are totally disabled from more than one cause at the same time.

Fractional month		We will pay benefits at the rate of 1/30 of the monthly indemnity for each day for which we are liable when you are disabled for less than a full month.

Interrupted elimination period		We will allow a break in the elimination period if you make a brief recovery before it ends. But the break may not last longer than six months or, if less, the length of the elimination period.

		Then if you are again disabled from the same or a different cause, we will combine the two periods of disability to determine when benefits begin.

Waiver of elimination period		We will waive the elimination period if you become disabled within five years after the end of a prior period of disability which lasted more-than six months and for which we paid benefits.

Recurrent periods of disability		We will consider recurrent periods of disability from the same cause or causes to be one continuous period of disability unless each period is separated by a recovery of six months or more.

Capital sum benefit		The capital sum is shown in the schedule page. This lump sum is in addition to any other indemnity payable under this policy.

		If you suffer a capital loss and survive it for 30 days, we will pay the capital sum for each such loss. But we will not pay for more than two such losses in your lifetime.

Capital loss		A capital loss means the entire loss of the sight in one eye, with no possible recovery; or the complete loss of a hand or foot by severance through or above the wrist or ankle.

		Such loss must occur while this policy is in force and must result from sickness or injury.

		If this policy has terminated, we will pay for a capital loss which results from an injury sustained while this policy was in force and which occurs within 90 days after the date of that injury.

Page four


Presumptive total disability benefit		We will always consider you to be totally disabled, even if you are at work, if sickness or injury results in your loss of: • the sight of both eyes; or • the hearing of both ears; or • the power of speech; or • the use of any two limbs.

		We will waive any unexpired part of the elimination period from the date of Loss. We will pay the monthly indemnity each month while such loss continues from the date of loss to the end of the benefit period.

		You must give us satisfactory proof of loss. But you do not have to be under the continuing care of a physician.

Rehabilitation benefit		If you enroll in a rehabilitation program while you are totally disabled, we will pay a benefit to meet some of the costs you may incur. All of the following conditions apply:

		• We must agree to the program in writing before you enroll.

		• The program must be a formal plan of retraining that will help you return to work in your occupation.

		• It must be directed by an organization or individual who is licensed or accredited to provide vocational training or education to persons who are totally disabled.

		• We will pay only those costs which are not otherwise covered by health care insurance, workers’ compensation, or any public fund or program. But we will not pay more than the maximum rehabilitation benefit shown in the schedule page.

Transplant benefit		If you are totally disabled because of the transplant of a part of your body to another person, we will deem you to be disabled as the result of sickness.

Waiver of premium benefit		if you are totally disabled for at least 90 consecutive days, we will refund any premiums paid during those 90 days. Then we will waive any later premium that falls due while you are continuously so disabled or within 90 days after you recover.

		On each waiver, we will renew this policy for another term of the same length as that in effect when claim began. If that term was less than twelve months and you are still disabled and eligible for waiver on a policy anniversary, we will then change the term to twelve months.

		You have the right to resume payment of premiums when you recover and the waiver of premium benefit ends. At that time, you can change the term back to its original length if you wish.

		Nothing in this provision will change the conditions for renewal after age 65 that require you to be at work full time.

Page five

Claim provisions



Notice of claim		You must give us notice of claim within 30 days after any loss which is covered by this policy occurs or starts, or as soon after that as is reasonably possible. Notice, with sufficient information to identify you, will be deemed notice to us if given to us at our home office, 201 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10003, or to an authorized Guardian agent.

Claim forms		When we get your notice of claim, we will send claim forms for filing proof of loss. If we do not send you such forms within 15 days after your notice, you may submit a written statement, within the time fixed in this policy for filing proof of loss, which proves the nature and extent of the loss for which claim is made.

Time for filing proof of loss		We are liable for benefits at the end of each month while you are disabled beyond the elimination period until the benefit period ends or, if earlier, the date you recover.

		You must give us proof of loss at our home office or at any agency office:

		• for loss from disability within 90 days after the end of the period for which we are liable; and

		• for any other loss within 90 days after the date of loss.

		If you cannot reasonably give us proof within such time, we will not deny or reduce claim if you give us proof as soon as possible. But we will not pay benefits in any case if proof is delayed for more than a year, unless you have lacked legal capacity.

Time of payment of claims		Subject to due written proof of loss, we will pay all accrued indemnity for disability each month. Any amounts unpaid when our liability ends will be paid immediately after we receive due written proof of loss.

		We will pay benefits for any other covered loss immediately after we receive due written proof of loss.

Payment of Claims		We will pay all benefits of this policy to the loss payee.

		If you are the loss payee, any accrued benefits unpaid at your death will be paid to your estate.

		If any benefit of this policy becomes payable to your estate or to a minor or incompetent person, we may pay such benefit, up to $ 1,000, to any of your relatives by blood or marriage who we believe has a right to it. Any payment made in good faith under this provision will fully discharge Guardian to the extent of such payment.

Physical examination		We shall have the right and opportunity to have you medically examined at our expense when and as often as we may reasonably require while you claim to be disabled under this policy.

Legal actions		No one can bring an action at law or in equity under this policy until 60 days after written proof has been furnished as required by this policy. In no case can an action be brought against Guardian more than three years after written proof must be furnished.

Misstatement of age		If your age has been misstated, the benefits will be what the premium paid would have bought at the correct age. If we would not have issued this policy at your correct age, there will be no insurance and we will owe only a refund of all premiums paid for the period not covered by this policy.

Page six

SUPPLEMENT TO APPLICATION TO

THE GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA

Use this space to amplify and extend answers to questions in your application dated


Question No.				Additional answers

I represent that the answers as amplified and extended above are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and are a part of my above described application to THE GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA.


Signed at	X
		Signature of proposed Insured


Date

Residual disability rider

This rider is part of this policy and subject to all its conditions. It provides indemnity when you are at work at reduced earnings as a result of sickness or injury.

Under the terms of this rider, we will determine whether you are residually disabled solely on the basis of your ability to earn income after you become sick or injured. We will compute benefits solely in relation to earned income that you receive on a cash basis.


Premium and renewal	The premium for this rider is shown in the schedule page. You may not renew this rider after you are age 65.

	Amendments to this policy

Elimination period	The elimination period will begin on the date you become sick or injured. You may be totally or residually disabled on each day after that to satisfy the elimination period under the benefit provisions of this policy or rider.

Waiver of premium	You may be totally or residually disabled to meet the conditions for waiver of premium of this policy.

	Definitions

Residual disability	Residual disability means that you are at work and are not totally disabled under the terms of this policy; but, because of sickness or injury, you are not able to earn at a rate of at least 80% of your prior income.

Residual indemnity	The residual indemnity is a reduced amount of the monthly indemnity for this policy. We derive it as follows:

	residual indemnity =	loss of income	x monthly indemnity

		prior income

	If you have a social insurance substitute rider, we will add the SIS benefit to the monthly indemnity in this equation in each month when the SIS benefit is payable.

Income	Income means your gross earned income, less business expenses, but before any other deductions. It includes salaries, wages, fees, commissions, bonuses, business profits or other payments for your personal services. It does not include unearned income from savings, investments, or real property.

	Prior income means your average monthly income for the tax year with the highest earnings in the three years just prior to the date on which you became disabled.

	Current income means all income which you receive on a cash basis in each month while you are residually disabled.

	Loss of income means the difference between your prior income and your current income.

Expenses	Expenses mean the regular business expenses which you may deduct from gross earned income for federal tax purposes.

	Prior expenses mean your average monthly expenses for the same tax year on which your prior income is based.

	Current expenses mean your expenses in each month while you are residually disabled.

	During a claim under this rider, the current expenses you deduct from gross earned income may not exceed your prior expenses, except as adjusted by this rider.

Adjustment of prior expenses	While you are disabled under this rider, we will adjust your prior expenses to reflect any increase in fixed expenses that you then incur under the terms of a lease or other contract which was in effect at the start of claim.


Form No. AR575		(continued)

Provisions relating to premium and renewal



Age		When we refer to a specific age—such as to age 65—we mean your age as of the policy anniversary that first occurs on or after the birthday on which you attain that age.

Policy anniversary		A policy anniversary is the recurrence each year of the date of issue.

Premium and grace period		The term premium is shown in the schedule page. Premiums are due on the first day of each term. You have a grace period of 31 days in which to pay each premium due after the first one.

		This policy will stay in force during the grace period. If you have not paid the premium by the end of the grace period, this policy will lapse at 12:01 AM the next day.

		If you die, we will refund to your estate that part of any premium which applies to the period after your date of death.

Termination of this policy at or after age 65		If you are not at work full time at the end of any term when you are age 65 or older, except by reason of total disability, this policy will terminate. Termination will not prejudice any claim for total disability:

		• which begins while this policy is in force; or

		• which begins within 31 days after the date of termination as the result of an accident that occurred while this policy is in force.

		If we accept any premium after you are age 65, this policy will stay in force to the end of the term which that premium covers.

Reinstatement		If this policy has lapsed at the end of the grace period, you can still keep it in force by paying the first overdue premium within 45 days of the time it was due.

		After that, you can reinstate this policy under the following conditions:

		• You must complete an application.

		• You must pay all overdue premiums, for which we will issue a conditional receipt.

		• We will place this policy back in force on the date we approve your application. But if we have not approved or refused your application in writing within 45 days after we have given a receipt, this policy will be reinstated on that 45th day. If we refuse to place this policy back in force, we will refund your premium.

		In any case, this policy will be reinstated on the date that we or our agent accept a premium and do not ask for an application.

		The reinstated policy will cover only loss that begins after the date of reinstatement. In all other respects, you and we will have the same rights under this policy as before it lapsed, subject to any provisions endorsed on or attached to it in connection with reinstatement.

Suspension during military service		We will suspend this policy on the date you go on active duty in the military service of any country or international authority. Such duty will not include temporary active duty by reservists for military training that lasts 90 days or less. We will refund that part of any premium paid for the period of such suspension.

		If your active duty does not last longer than five years, you can place this policy back in force without evidence of good health or earned income as of the date of your discharge. To do so, you must apply in writing and pay the premium, both within 90 days after active duty ends.

		We will base your premium on your age and class of risk when this policy was first issued. If you were disabled on or before your date of discharge, you must have recovered for at least six months before we will cover a later disability from the same cause.

Term changes		On any premium due date, you can change the term to twelve months or six months or three months. But we will not allow any change which would result in a premium not being due on a policy anniversary.

Page seven

General contract provisions


Consideration		We have issued this policy in consideration of the representations in your application and payment of the first term premium. A copy of your application is attached and is a part of this policy.

Effective date of insurance		Insurance takes effect on the date of issue for the term shown in the schedule page. Each term of this policy starts and ends at 12:01 AM standard time in the place where you live.

		Preliminary term: If the schedule page shows a preliminary term and premium, this policy will be in force from the start of that period to the date of issue. All of your rights under this policy will begin on the first day of that term instead of on the date of issue. But this will not change the policy anniversary.

Entire contract; changes		This policy, with its riders and attached papers, if any, is the entire contract of insurance. No change in this policy will be valid unless it has been endorsed on or attached to this policy in writing by the president, a vice president, or the secretary of Guardian.

		No agent has authority to change this policy or to waive any of its provisions.

Incontestable		(a) After this policy has been in force for two years during your lifetime, we cannot use any misstatements in your application to void this policy or to deny a claim for disability that starts after the end of those two years.

		(b) We cannot reduce or deny a claim for any disability that starts after two years from the date of issue on the grounds that a sickness or physical condition had existed before the date of issue, unless we have excluded it by name or specific description before the date of loss.

Conformity with state laws		Any provision of this policy which, on the date of issue, is in conflict with the laws of the state in which you reside on such date is hereby amended to conform to the minimum requirements of such laws.

Provisions relating to mutual insurance

Participation		This policy will be entitled to participate in the divisible surplus of Guardian. Dividends will be paid in such manner, under such conditions, and to such extent as our board of directors may from time to time determine.

Election of directors		The annual election of directors is held at our home office on the second Wednesday in December. Owners of Guardian policies may vote for directors according to the insurance law of the State of New York. For details, write to the Secretary, 201 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10

Page eight