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