PACIFIC CAPITAL BANCORP DISTRIBUTES
4-FOR-3 STOCK SPLIT

Santa Barbara, Calif.,  -- Pacific Capital Bancorp (Nasdaq:PCBC), a community bank holding company with $5.6 billion in assets, Tuesday distributed additional shares of its common stock as part of a 4-for-3 stock split approved by the Company's Board of Directors and announced May 11, 2004. The shares were distributed on June 8, 2004, to shareholders of record as of May 25, 2004.

        The 4:3 stock split will result in one additional share for every three shares owned. Fractional shares resulting from the stock split will be paid in cash. At the close of the stock market today, June 8, 2004, the Company's stock price was adjusted by the stock dividend rate.

According to Pacific Capital Bancorp Chairman of the Board Edward E. Birch, the stock split will produce a 33% increase in total shares outstanding, improving the liquidity of the Company's stock.  Pacific Capital Bancorp had approximately 34 million shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2004.  Following the stock split, the Company will have approximately 45 million shares issued and outstanding.  

Pacific Capital Bancorp shareholders with questions about the transaction should contact the Company's transfer agent, Mellon Investor Services, at (800) 522-6645,www.melloninvestor.com.

Pacific Capital Bancorp is the parent Company of Pacific Capital Bank, N.A., a nationally chartered bank that operates 45 branches under the brand names of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, First National Bank of Central California, South Valley National Bank, San Benito Bank and Pacific Capital Bank.  

For Information Contact:
Deborah Whiteley
Investor Relations / Corporate Communications
(805) 884-6680
whiteley@pcbancorp.com