EXHIBIT 23.6



              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
              ___________________________________________________


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement and
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, our report dated January 19, 1996, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of El Capitan Bancshares, Inc.
and Subsidiary appearing in the Vallicorp Holdings Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-06411) effective June 20, 1996 and to the use of our name
as it appears under the caption "Experts".


/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Stockton, California
December 4, 1996