CALIFORNIA - News from Sept. 25, 1986

James C. Schmidt has been elected chairman of the California League of Savings Institutions, a trade group representing the 221 savings and loans and savings banks in the state.

Schmidt, 58, is president of Great American First Savings Bank, San Diego. He succeeds Gerald D. Barrone, president and chief executive of Glendale-based Fidelity Federal, who becomes a director.

Additionally, Norman W. Coulson, president and chief executive of Glendale Federal, was elected vice chairman. David Rosenthal, chief financial officer of Columbia Savings, Beverly Hills, continues for his third and last term as treasurer.