[LETTERHEAD] July 7, 1997 Mr. Larry Ward, President Heritage Oaks Bancorp 1200 Vine Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 Dear Mr. Ward: We give our consent to include the Company's annual report for 1996 and 1995 inclusive of our independent auditor's opinion in your S-8 registration statement. Yours very truly, /s/ Ron S. White ----------------- VAVRINEK, TRINE, DAY & CO., LLP RSW/rd 971070