1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Central Coast Bancorp on Form S-8 of our report dated January 31, 1996 relating to the financial statements of Central Coast Bancorp appearing in the Form 10-K of Central Coast Bancorp for the year ended December 31, 1995. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP Salinas, California November 12, 1996