X0202 4 2007-02-28 1 0000746253 NORTHERN EMPIRE BANCSHARES NREB 0001327035 Geary William Edward 3558 ROUND BARN BLVD., SUITE 300 SANTA ROSA CA 95403 1 0 0 1 Director, Sonoma National Bank Common Stock 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 4 D 0 288470 D 0 I By Geary Family Trust Common Stock 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 4 D 0 84421 D 0 I Pension & Profit Sharing Plan FBO William Geary Option for Common Stock 20.2268 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 4 D 0 27562 D 2004-12-28 2014-12-28 Common Stock 27562 0 D The number of shares include new shares issued as a result of a 5% stock dividend in May 2006. Shares of Issuer disposed of in exchange for shares of Sterling Financial Corporation ("Sterling"), and includes $2.71 in cash per share, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 17, 2006, between Issuer and Sterling. Options for Common Stock of Issuer were cancelled in exchange for an option to acquire shares of Sterling pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement The number of options and the exercise price have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend in May 2006 per the terms of the option agreement. William E. Geary by Jane M. Baker his attorney-in-fact. Authority of Jane M. Baker to sign this Form 4 is set forth in the attached Power of Attorney dated May 9, 2005, executed by William E. Geary 2007-03-02