EXHIBIT 23.1 [LETTERHEAD] June 23, 1999 Mid-State Bancshares 1026 Grand Avenue Arroyo Grande, California 93420 Gentlemen: We hereby consent to the inclusion of the Fairness Opinion of The Findley Group in the Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-4 Registration Statement of Mid-State Bancshares in connection with the acquisition of City Commerce Bank. We also consent to the references made in such Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-4 Registration Statement to The Findley Group. Sincerely, /s/ GARY STEVEN FINDLEY Gary Steven Findley DIRECTOR