<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000912057-02-022384
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>4
<FILING-DATE>20020530
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20020530
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>UNITED SECURITY BANCSHARES
<CIK>0001137547
<ASSIGNED-SIC>6021
<IRS-NUMBER>912112732
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>CA
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-89362
<FILM-NUMBER>02665869
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>1525 E SHAW AVENUE
<CITY>FRESO
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>93710
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>1525 E SHAW AVENUE
<CITY>FRESNO
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>93710
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2080972zs-8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>S-8
<TEXT>
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<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1344_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration No. 33-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>UNITED SECURITY BANCSHARES<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALIFORNIA</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>91-2112732</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)<BR></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1525 EAST SHAW AVENUE, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93710, (559)&nbsp;248-4944<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>UNITED SECURITY BANK 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plans) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>DENNIS R. WOODS, PRESIDENT&nbsp;&amp; CEO<BR>
1525 EAST SHAW AVENUE, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93710, (559)&nbsp;248-4944<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and Address of Agent for Service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>(589)&nbsp;248-4943<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Agent for Service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copy to:<BR>
Gary Steven Findley, Esq.<BR>
Gary Steven Findley&nbsp;&amp; Associates<BR>
1470 North Hundley Street, Anaheim, California 92806<BR>
(714)&nbsp;630-7136  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Each Class Of Securities to Be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount To Be Registered(a)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(b)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount Of Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common stock<BR>
(No Par Value)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>413,100 Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$17.50</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$7,229,250</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$665.10</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
number of shares being registered is the number of shares issuable under the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"). There are 413,100 shares issuable under
the 1995 Plan. Because of certain events specified in the 1995 Plan, an indeterminate number of shares may additionally become subject to issuance under the 1995 Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee, utilizing $17.50 as the average of the bid and asked price of United Security
Bancshares' common stock as of May&nbsp;22, 2002. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B> Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United Security Bancshares (the "Registrant") hereby incorporates by reference the documents listed below. All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have
been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents. </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's annual report filed on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's quarterly reports filed on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarters ended March&nbsp;31, 2002.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of the Registrant's common stock is contained in its Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-4, file number 333-58256. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
statement contained herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent
that another statement contained herein or in any other document subsequently filed, which also is incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of United Security Bancshares ("Registrant") provide for indemnification of agents including directors, officers and
employees to the maximum extent allowed by California law including the use of an indemnity agreement. Registrant's Articles further provide for the elimination of director liability for monetary
damages to the maximum extent allowed by California law. The indemnification law of the State of California generally allows indemnification in matters not involving the right of the corporation, to
an agent of the corporation if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, and in the case of a criminal matter, had
no reasonable cause to believe the conduct of such person was unlawful. California law, with respect to matters involving the right of a corporation, allows indemnification of an agent of the
corporation, if such person acted in good faith, in a manner such person believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders; provided that there shall be no indemnification
for: (i)&nbsp;amounts paid in settling or otherwise disposing of a pending action without court approval; (ii)&nbsp;expenses incurred in defending a pending action which is settled or otherwise
disposed of without court approval; (iii)&nbsp;matters in which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which the
proceeding is or was pending shall determine that such person is entitled to be indemnified; or (iv)&nbsp;other matters specified in the California General Corporation Law. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registrant's
Bylaws provide that Registrant shall to the maximum extent permitted by law have the power to indemnify its directors, officers and employees. Registrant's Bylaws also
provide that Registrant shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance covering its directors, officers and </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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employees against any liability asserted against any of them and incurred by any of them, whether or not Registrant would have the power to indemnify them against such liability under the provisions
of applicable law or the provisions of Registrant's Bylaws. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion
re: Legality
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Consent
of Moss Adams LLP
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>99.1</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>United
Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan is included as Exhibit&nbsp;10.15 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form&nbsp;S-4 File #333-58256 incorporated by reference herein.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>99.2</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment
to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(ii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(iii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material
change to such information in the Registration Statement; </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>provided,
however, that paragraphs (1)(i)&nbsp;and (1)(ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the Registration Statement is on Form&nbsp;S-3 or Form&nbsp;S-8 and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<A NAME="toc_jc1344_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly the City of Fresno, California, on
May 28, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><B>United Security Bancshares</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="52%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DENNIS R. WOODS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dennis R. Woods, President&nbsp;&amp; CEO</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Name</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DENNIS R. WOODS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dennis R. Woods</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>, Chairman and Principal Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT G. BITTER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert G. Bitter, Pharm. D.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director and Secretary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STANLEY J. CAVALLA</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Stanley J. Cavalla</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>TOM ELLITHORPE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Tom Ellithorpe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RONNIE D. MILLER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Ronnie D. Miller</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Vice Chairman</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MIKE MUNOZ, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mike Munoz, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WALTER REINHARD</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Walter Reinhard</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN TERZIAN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> John Terzian</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BOBBI THOMASON</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Bobbi Thomason</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>KENNETH L. DONAHUE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kenneth L. Donahue</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
, Principal Accounting&nbsp;&amp; Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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NAME="page_ka1344_1_6"> </A> </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1344_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1344_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="88%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion re: Legality</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Moss Adams LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="10%"><FONT SIZE=2>99.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Amendment to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1344_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1344_1">PART II</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1344_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1344_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a2080972zex-5_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5.1
<TEXT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kc1344_exhibit_5.1_opinion_re__legality"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kc1344_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 5.1<BR>  <BR>    OPINION RE: LEGALITY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>[LETTERHEAD OF GARY STEVEN FINDLEY&nbsp;&amp; ASSOCIATES]<BR>  <BR>    </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>May&nbsp;28, 2002    <BR></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>United
Security Bancshares<BR>
1525 East Shaw Avenue<BR>
Fresno, California 93710<BR></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>Re:</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Registration
Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Gentlemen:
</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At
your request, we have examined the form of Registration Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, for the offer and sale, pursuant to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan, of 413,100 shares of United Security Bancshares no par value common stock ("Common Stock"),
issuable upon the exercise of stock options granted under the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan. We are familiar with the actions taken or to be taken in connection with the authorization,
issuance and sale of the Common Stock. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It
is our opinion that, subject to said proceedings being duly taken and completed as now contemplated before the issuance of the Common Stock, said Common Stock, will, upon the issuance
and sale
thereof in accordance with the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan referred to in the Registration Statement, be legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Respectfully
submitted, </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>GARY
STEVEN FINDLEY&nbsp;&amp; ASSOCIATES </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>By:
/s/ Gary Steven Findley </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Gary
Steven Findley<BR>
Attorney at Law </FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>GSF:bl
</FONT></P>

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<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1344_2">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kc1344_1">EXHIBIT 5.1 OPINION RE: LEGALITY</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kc1344_2">[LETTERHEAD OF GARY STEVEN FINDLEY &amp; ASSOCIATES] May 28, 2002</A></FONT><BR>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>a2080972zex-23_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
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NAME="ke1344_exhibit_23.1_consent_of_moss_adams_llp"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke1344_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 23.1<BR>  <BR>    CONSENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>CONSENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 and related prospectus pertaining to the United
Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission of our report dated January&nbsp;9, 2002 with respect to the consolidated financial statement of United
Security Bancshares included in its Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001. </FONT></P>

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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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/s/ Moss Adams LLP</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Stockton,
California<BR>
May&nbsp;28, 2002 </FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke1344_1">EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke1344_2">CONSENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP</A></FONT><BR>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.2
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>a2080972zex-99_2.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.2
<TEXT>
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NAME="kg1344_exhibit_99.2_amendment_to_the___exh02565"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kg1344_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 99.2<BR>  <BR>    Amendment to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the<BR>  <BR>    United Security Bank<BR>  <BR>    1995 Stock Option Plan    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paragraph&nbsp;13 of the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan is hereby amended to add a last sentence to read as follows: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a Terminating Event shall not include a reorganization wherein the shareholders who control at least 80% of the shares of the Bank prior to the
reorganization will control at least 80% of the shares of the bank holding company in substantially the same proportion following the bank holding company reorganization. </FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kg1344_1">EXHIBIT 99.2 Amendment to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kg1344_2">Amendment No. 1 to the United Security Bank 1995 Stock Option Plan</A></FONT><BR>
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