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: July 22, 2005

Western Sierra Bancorp

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

California	000-25979	68-0390121
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	Commission File Number	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4080 Plaza Goldorado Circle, Cameron Park, California		95682
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(530) 677-5600

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 (see General Instruction A.2):

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

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

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

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

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

On July 22, 2005, Western Sierra Bancorp (“The Company”), entered into a deferred compensation agreement with Patrick J. Rusnak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to which Mr. Rusnak is permitted to defer a portion of his annual compensation. The Company will establish an account of the deferrals, which will be credited with interest at the end of each quarter. The interest credited is based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate as of the first business day of the quarter.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c) Exhibits

10.1 Deferred Compensation agreement for Patrick J. Rusnak

SIGNATURES

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

	WESTERN SIERRA BANCORP


Date: July 22, 2005	By:	/s/ Gary D. Gall
		Gary D. Gall
		President and CEO

WESTERN SIERRA BANCORP 8-K