UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 3, 2009

PACIFIC CAPITAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 564-6405

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

On December 3, 2009, Stephen V. Masterson, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Pacific Capital Bancorp (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Capital Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), mutually agreed to Mr. Masterson’s resignation from the Company and the Bank, which will be effective as of March 12, 2010.

On December 9, 2009, the Company issued a press release announcing that Mr. Masterson and the Company have mutually agreed to Mr. Masterson's resignation from the Company and the Bank, which will be effective as of March 12, 2010.  A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 , as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as expressly stated by specific reference in such filing.

(d) Exhibits.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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