EXHIBIT 24 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus constituting part of the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 2-84173) of North County Bancorp of our report dated February 9, 1999 appearing on page 39 of the Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP San Diego, California March 26, 1999