EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-26205 of Coast Bancorp on Form S-8 of our report dated January 21, 2000, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coast Bancorp for the year ended December 31, 1999. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP San Jose, California April 5, 2000