Banking opinions, anyone?

[DubaiSis]

So good news! Things have started to stabilize in my new life in Southern California. I got a job, bought a car, have a more or less fully furnished apartment, found my alumnae association, etc. Now I need to decide if I want to open up a bank account locally, or just leave my bank account in Kansas City, where it's been for 15 years, including throughout our Dubai stay.

With direct deposits, ATM's, online banking, etc., how important do you think it is to have a local bank?

Also, I was doing a little research online and I think if I do open up a local account it will be with a credit union. I'm absolutely opposed to banking with one of the behemoths (BofA, Citi, Chase, etc.), and figuring out who owns a bank is tedious. The bank I thought I wanted turns out to be owned by a Japanese company. I don't have a problem with international companies in general, but I want a bank that is about more than just the bottom line. Any reason to NOT bank with a credit union these days?