Centennial Beneficial Corp. of Orange said its...

Centennial Beneficial Corp. of Orange said its net earnings for the first quarter rose 69%, to $481,000 from $285,000 for the like period last year. Total assets reached $415 million, 18% higher than the $353 million reported a year ago. Centennial Beneficial, an independent bank holding company headquartered in Orange County, owns five subsidiaries: Sunwest Bank, Sacramento First National Bank, Heritage Thrift & Loan Assn., Centennial Beneficial Mortgage Co. and Centennial Leasing Corp.