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EXHIBIT 5.1
OPINION RE: LEGALITY
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Lillick & Charles LLP
Attorneys at Law
Two Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111-3996
(415) 984-8200
December 20, 2000
Central Valley Community Bancorp
600 Pollasky Avenue
Clovis, California 93612
Ladies and Gentlemen:
With reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by
Central Valley Community Bancorp ("Central Valley") with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, of 195,837 shares of Central Valley Common Stock, no par
value, (the "Shares") to be issued in connection with the grant and exercise of
options under the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2000 Stock Option Plan (the
"Stock Option Plan"):
We are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and,
when issued in accordance with the Stock Option Plan, will be validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, and the use of our name
under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement, and any
amendments thereto, and in the Prospectus included therein.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Lillick & Charles LLP
LILLICK & CHARLES LLP