1

EXHIBIT 23.1






INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-89948 of Central Coast Bancorp on Form S-8 of our report dated January 30,
1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Coast Bancorp for
the year ended December 31, 1997.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Salinas, California
March 23, 1998