Pacific Western Bank, operating under its parent holding company PacWest Bancorp, experienced severe liquidity stress and extreme stock volatility during the regional banking sector turbulence. Amidst widespread depositor panic and contagion fears that swept through mid-sized financial institutions, the bank faced substantial deposit outflows. To safeguard the institution and protect depositors, management pursued strategic alternatives that culminated in a friendly merger agreement with Bank of California, backed by equity capital raises, successfully stabilizing its operations and merging its branch network into a larger, well-capitalized banking structure.