OPTION CANCELLATION

Exhibit 10(dd)

Deborah A. Meekins, President & C.E.O.                  November 5, 2004

Northern Empire Bancshares

810 Fourth Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Re: Option Cancellation

Dear Debbie:

I am writing in furtherance of our Board's determination that it is in

the best interests of Northern Empire Bancshares for non-employee

directors to cancel options held by them at the beginning of this year.

To implement this determination, I agree with the Corporation that:

  (1) We are canceling all of my outstanding options under the 1997

      Stock Option Plan, as amended.   As a result, options

      represent