EX-16.1 3 a2080377zex-16_1.htm EXHIBIT 16.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


EXHIBIT 16.1

Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

May 15, 2002

Dear Sir/Madam:

We have read the first three paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated May 15, 2002 of Mid-State Bancshares to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the statements contained therein.

Very truly yours,

/s/  ARTHUR ANDERSEN, LLP      
Arthur Andersen, LLP
 		       

cc: Mr. James G. Stathos, Mid-State Bancshares



QuickLinks