1998 02 19 HPC� T
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
A Regular Meeting to be held in the Council Chambers at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
February 19, 1998
3:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Historical Preservation Commission on
matters relating to historic resources within the City of La Quinta which are not .Agenda items.
When addressing the Historical Commission, please state your name and address and when
discussing matters pertaining to prehistoric sites, do not disclose the exact location of the site(s)
for their protection.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Approval of the Minutes of February 15, 1998
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. Presentation by Kathryn Hull, Chairman of the Cultural Commission on the Draft
Cultural Plan.
2. Investigation at the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754) Avenue 48 Extension/Adams
Street widening project, La Quinta, California, by James Brock and Brenda D. Smith,
AAG.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE: AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
HPC/AGENDA E .� � - 0 01
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
JANUARY 15, 1998
This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman Millis at 331
p.m. who led the flag salute. Chairman Millis asked for the roll call:
I. CALL, TO ORDER:
A. Present: Commissioners Irwin, Puente, and Chairman Millis.
B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Puente to excuse Commissioners
DeMersman and Wright. Unanimously approved.
C. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di lorio, Associate Planner Leslie
Mouriquand, and Secretary Carolyn Walker.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA: Confirmed
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwln/PUente to approve the Minutes
of October 16, 1997, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Puente to approve the Minutes
of November 20, 1997, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Report on the Archaeological Monitoring for The Tradition Club Development TT
28470 Paul Chace and Charles Reeves The Keith Companies.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand presented the information contained in
the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
2. Commissioner Irwin asked what purpose "Lot Y would serve. Associate
Planner Mouriquand answered there would be several possibilities proposed
for Lot " J" including:
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Developers working with the Native American Community to come up with
a list of possible uses, such as turfing it over, construction of a gazebo, or a
monument. Staff assured the Commission that no permanent structures would
be placed on the site. The primary use would probably be some type of a
green area. The site has an easement on it into perpetuity to prohibit the
building of structures.
3. Chairman Millis asked if the site had been capped by several feet of fill.
Associate Planner Mouriquand assured him there was a minimum three foot
cap.
B. Annual Certified Local Government Report for 1997
]. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand advised the Commission that this was
a draft of the report that was to be sent to SHPO and asked the
Commissioners if they had any changes or modifications to this report.
2. Commissioner Irwin noted there was the possibility of a page missing
"Commission Composition and Activities". Chairman Millis concurred with
her comments.
3. Associate Planner Mouriquand noted their comments and stated this would
be corrected in the final draft.
4. Associate Planner Mouriquand also asked the Commissioners advise staff of
any changes/updates to their resumes.
5. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Puente/Irwin to adopt Minute Motion 98-001 approving the
Annual Certified Local Government Report for 1997 as corrected.
Unanimously approved.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
A. Commissioner Irwin stated she would be unable to attend the Symposium in May in
Palm Springs as she will be out of the country. She asked to be advised of any other
conferences she could attend.
B. Associate Planner Mouriquand stated that were Symposiums/Conferences available
on February 23, April 8 - 11, October 24. Copies of those events would be made
available to the Commission.
C. Planning Manager di lorio also informed the Commission that the Society of
Architectural Historians plan to hold their conference in April. Information would be
provided to the Commission as it becomes available.
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VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Chairman Millis asked Staff if there were any updates on activities at the 'Traditions
and mentioned that the golf course had opened Saturday, January loth.
Planning Manager di lorio stated the developer of the Tradition decided not
to pursue the application for a Preservation Award for the Hacienda del Gato.
There was a possibility it might be made in the future.
2. Chairman Millis also mentioned that most of the chain link fence had been
removed around the Traditions and hoped that the landscaping would be
installed soon.
B. Planning Manager di lorio informed the Commission that she had been contacted by
Mr. & Mrs. Fisher and it looked as though work would be progressing on the Kiener
Building. The tenant had submitted improvement plans and it appears the tenant and
landlord have arrived at an agreement.
Commissioner Irwin commented on the graffiti on the back Nall of the
building as well as the Historical Society building.
2. Commission and staff agreed that it will be a nice improvement, for the
Village, to have that building occupied.
VIIl. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Irwin to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to a regular meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission on February 18, 1998. This meeting of the Historic Preservation
Commission was adjourned at 3:51 p.m. Unanimously approved.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Jerry Herman, Community Development Director
FROM: Mark Weiss, Assistant City ManagerjMU
DATE: January 26, 1998
RE: Request by Cultural Commission to present the Draft Cultural Plan to the
Historic Preservation Commission
The Cultural Commission has been working on the development of a Cultural Plan for
the City of La Quinta to help guide its cultural development and endeavors. This
project was approved by the City Council as a part of the Work Plan of the Cultural
Commission.
The Cultural Commission has conducted several Valley wide conferences and
community workshops to collect information/input from the community and
surrounding areas. The Cultural Plan has now been developed sufficiently to take it
to the next level - a more formalized review by the community's cultural
organizations. Being one of those organizations, the Historic Preservation
Commission is being asked to review the Cultural Plan and provide feedback for the
continuing development of the Plan.
Chairperson Kathryn B. Hull (and perhaps another Commissioner) of the Cultural
Commission would like to discuss the plan with the Historic Preservation Commission
at the February 19, 1998 Planning Commission meeting. A copy of the plan is
attached for distribution with the HPC Agenda Packet.
On behalf of the Cultural Commission, thank you for your consideration and important
feedback/input on the Cultural Plan.
005
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
THE CULTURAL PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
006
WORKING DRAFT - October 23, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
METHOD AND PURPOSE ..... ...
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...
.4
CULTURE AND THE ARTS .......
4
Goal I : ldentify Arts and Cultural Community ....... ..........
4
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Goal 2: Increase and Develop Audience of Community -wide Arts and Cultural
Organizations . ............ ... ...
5
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS ....... .... ...... ........... ......
6
Goal 3 ) : Support and Encourage Professional Development of Local Artists .......
6
Goal 4: Enlarge Community Base of Support .. .........
7
Goal 5: Encourage Municipal Support for the Arts and Cultural Development .....
7
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION ... ................................
9
Goal 6: Build A Strong, Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and
Community . . . ......
9
Goal T Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens .....
10
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION .... ........
10
Goal & Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Arts and
Cultural Organizations ........................................
10
Goal 9: Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development ...............
12
ARTS FACILITIES ..
........
Goal 10: Encourage the Development of A Cultural Facility ....
13
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION . . .......... _ _ ............
14
Goal I I : Identify, Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership .........
14
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMM-UNITY ARTS .....................................
14
Goal 12: Integrate the Arts Into Community Life ..........................
15
Goal 13: Identify and Expand La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley .......
. 15
SUMMARY ........
16
APPENDIX I - ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION ........................
17
APPENDIX 1[ - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .....
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WORKING D R A F T- November 24, 1997
CULTURAL PLAN
for
The City of La Quinta
Prepared by
THE CULTURAL COMMISSION
The Mission of the Cultural Conmrission is to encourage culhtre and the arcs in La Quinta.
INTRODUCTION
La Quinta is a young city centrally located in the Coachella Valley. People come from all over the
country to participate in the arts and amenities offered here. La Quinta is in a position to take a
leadership role and become an exemplary city for culture.
A strong cultural base is a necessary component of an investment in the enrichment and well-
being of a community. It is a critical ingredient in building a rounded socio-economic
environment. The arts are not to be reserved for prosperous times, but rather are a continuous
necessity going beyond what is commonly characterized as "enhancing the quality of life" in a
community. For example:
The development of culture has a positive economic impact on a community by creating
employment opportunities, attracting and retaining business, providing new and increased
expenditures to local businesses patronized by attendees of nearby arts and other cultural
events.
The arts play a vital role in successfully addressing societal problems by providing shared
cultural experiences for families and communities, reducing school dropout rates, teaching
respect and appreciation for cultural differences, building self-esteem, developing creative
outlets to channel energy, and building community pride and identity.
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
Within the context of this plan, "culture" is meant to be totally inclusive of all forms of human
expression in the visual, performing, applied and literary arts, whether classical or modern, formal
or informal. Farther, culture exhibits an acquaintance with and an appreciation for the visual and
performing arts and humanities, and embraces the history, customs, tastes, manners, ideas and
skills of our diverse community. The community consists of everyone who lives or works in the
City of La Quinta.
La Quinta has a strong cultural identity, particularly with the arts. The vigor and zest of its .
cultural offerings touch and enrich the lives of citizens and visitors, and act as a stimulus to civic
pride and involvement. The La Quinta Arts Foundation and its Annual Festival, which began in
1982, has helped develop a cultural face to the community. Programs and activities which have
developed over the years blend the socio-economic and diverse community elements together.
In our City the opportunities and locations for cultural experiences abound throughout the
year —from walking through the Frances Hack Park at the annual La Quinta Arts Festival in
March to visiting the La Quinta Arts Association's newly -opened gallery at the La Quinta Plaza,
from listening to Community Concerts Association productions to hearing guest writers speak
about their latest works at a Round Table West meeting at La Quinta Resort & Club, from
touring the La Quinta Historical Society's Museum to enjoying an outdoor tour through the
sculpture park at the La Quinta Open -Air Museum; from dramatic and musical school productions
throughout the year to Friday night concerts and sales at the downtown Mainstreet Marketplace;
from the strong Art -In -Public Places program to the annual Mariachi Festival. As more and more
people are drawn into the City by these events each year, the economic and cultural impact
encourages new businesses and residents to come into the City.
La Quinta is a rapidly growing city, and now must come an equal growth in civic beauty and the
development of La Quinta as a center of cultural values essential to complete citizenship. The
creation of a visionary plan for the cultural and artistic development of the community is
important. A strong cultural plan has a positive impact on the economy, community, and families,
and takes into account the visual and performing arts, the role of artists in the community, urban
design, public celebration, cultural diversity, arts education, public art, community building and
economic development, architecture, landscape design, and more.
A community cultural plan may well become the blueprint for building "livability" into an area. It
can mesh with all other community plans to show how culture plays an integral role in shaping the
community's look, feel, spirit and design and allows a community to define those aspects of
cultural development that are most appropriate and essential to its own way of life and future
growth.
A strategic cultural plan provides the focus and direction to increase opportunities for artists and
to raise existing activities and organizations to a new level of development and service to the
community. Formulating a plan with community input focuses on future actions of the entire
community as they affect cultural functions. Most important, however, is a cultural plan which
establishes a vision of a desired future and establishes roles, steps, time lines and methods for
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24. 1997
achieving that vision. Everyone benefits from a common framework of priorities within which to
place their own organizational goals.
The Cultural Commission is pleased to be the facilitator in designing the first such Cultural Plan
for the City of La Quinta. It is to be a `living" document, evolving with changes in La Quinta's
cultural and artistic life.
METHOD AND PURPOSE
Through the medium of community workshops, conferences, surveys and interviews, dozens of
residents, both in La Quinta and from throughout the Coachella Valley (Appendix II), participated
and provided the information which appears in this Cultural Plan. In cooperation with City staff,
the Cultural Commission compiled the information received and set forth the goals and objectives
addressing the needs and observations that were brought forward.
This Plan is a visionary set of guidelines to give direction to future cultural and artistic
development in the community and indicates that La Quinta is committed to a culturally rich city
which encourages the arts. It represents a cultural element of the City's overall plan and will
evolve with the growth of the City. It defines guideposts, pathways, opportunities for expansion
and support and nurturing of the cultural foundation of the community. It will provide direction
for the community organizations as they set their goals and develop programs and services to
meet the needs of their constituents and the community.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
CULTURE AND THE ARTS
The long-term preservation of the community's cultural resources and the promotion and
development of the arts are important to both the image and economy of La Quinta. They form
the guidelines by which our society runs.
Goal 1 Identify Arts and Cultural Community
1.1 Survey and assess the economic impact and status of the arts in the community on an on-
going basis.
1.1.1 Evaluate the present status, both in number of people served or participating and
the economic impact of cultural events on the community.
1.1.2 Project the future growth of the arts in La Quinta.
1.2 Acknowledge the diversity of the socio-economic-cultural dynamic in the community.
1.3 Identify opportunities for cultural exposure, involvement, participation, interaction and
education for artists and the public.
1.4 Establish an information and resource bank of visual, performing, literary, and other artists
including contact and professional information in a cultural organization directory.
1.4.1 Provide access to a regularly updated inventory of artists, organizations, and
resources, as well as facilities, libraries, museums, and their programs and
activities.
1.4.2 Utilize artists' bank maintained by the Art -in -Public Places Commission, as well as
the La Quinta Arts Foundation.
1.4.3 Identify resources geographically: La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Southern
California, state-wide, national and international.
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AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
A culturally -rich community builds a stable environment for families and business, and stimulates
community involvement. In order to have audiences in the future for multi -arts presentations and
other cultural activities, it is imperative to develop them now to ensure the preservation and
continuation of a vital and healthy society.
Goal 2 Increase and Develop Audiences for Multi -Ethnic Cultural Or;anizations
The La Quinta ethnic breakdown of a population of 18,500 in 1996 was estimated as follows:
70% Caucasian, 26% Hispanic, 2% Black, and 2% Asian/Other, with a median age of 32 years.
These statistics must be acknowledged as community organizations develop programs to serve the
entire population.
2.1 Educate and inform La Quinta's population as to the cultural resources and activities
available to them, and encourage their involvement and participation.
2.2 Build bridges for multi-ethnic/cultural diversity through program development and public
cultural events in celebration of the diversity of the community.
2.3 Target hard -to -reach populations.
2.3.1 Utilize multi-lingual publications and media to promote cultural programming.
2.3.2 Encourage local organizations and individuals to become involved in the Local
cultural programs.
2.3.3 Devise systems to communicate with and deliver arts programs to all population
segments of the community.
2A Provide accessibility to the arts and cultural programs, both economically and physically to
all citizens.
2.4.1 Look for alternative arts programming that is diverse, innovative and all-inclusive
to address the needs of at -risk youth, physically challenged youth and adults,
economically disadvantaged, as well as the talented and gifted.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
One of the crucial aspects of preserving a strong and vital arts community is having adequate
support from the community in the form of volunteers, finances, and information. These are
provided by individuals, organizations, civic government, and businesses. Funding can also come
from outside sources through grants.
Goal 3. Support and Encoura(_le Professional Development of Local Artists
It is important to realize the arts are a viable business. The creative and performing artists derive
their living from, and contribute to the local economy by means of their profession. Artists are
creative problem -solvers and are major contributors to enhanced life styles and environmental and
spatial aesthetics. Their services are important to the balance and quality of life. They need to be
identified and utilized by all segments of the community.
3.1 Encourage a thriving community of artists where they can realize their potential and
contribute to the vitality of the larger community.
3.2 Provide a vehicle for individual artists drawn from all disciplines to have a voice to input
into the evolving, creative arts dynamic of civic and cultural development, such as an
artists' advisory committee.
3.2.1 Call together focus groups to expand the cultural vision and create methods for
implementing arts development.
3.3 Encourage an artist -friendly community.
3.3.1 Devise a system to publicly recognize achievement in the arts
3.3.2 Consider adopting a philosophy that would provide or allow for artists' live/work
space.
3.3.3 Consider establishing artist -in -residence programs.
3.3.4 Establish a system to assist in placing artists to perform or exhibit in public or
commercial spaces.
3.4 Advocate the principle that professional artists should be appropriately compensated for
their work.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
Goal 4 Enlarge Community Base of Support
Individuals from the various service providers and organizations can contribute expertise in
business and operational procedures, practical support and direction in board development and
mentoring, and can assist in identifying general networking outlets.
4.1 Develop financial and human resources necessary to support cultural activities throughout
the City.
4.2 Develop a technical assistance program utilizing representatives from community service
providers.
4.3 Encourage business support of arts and other cultural organizations.
4.3.1 investigate ways for the business community to participate in and be actively
involved in the arts.
4.3.2 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Business Committee for the Ants.
4.4 Conserve existing resources and generate new dollars through cooperative efforts among
organizations to sustain financial support from individuals, businesses, and local
government.
4.5 Explore the possibilities of a united fund for the arts.
4.6 Consider establishing a center to provide technical assistance to local arts and cultural
organizations to access their own funding, obtain grants, and to provide management and
program development training.
4.6.1 Unify efforts to secure funding and facilities.
Goal 5. Encourage Municipal Support for Cultural Development
Culture provides the enrichment and the means for healing and growth in La Quinta. It has been
proven that when the arts thrive within the community a strong and expanding economic: base is
the result.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
5.1 Develop a clear cultural development policy to make optimal use of City -supported
services and programs: library, school system, senior and youth services, parades and
public celebrations.
5.2 Encourage municipal and business support for local artists by utilizing their talents; and
vision.
5.2.1 Identify methods to educate and inform the business and civic leaders of La Quinta
regarding the value of the arts.
5.2.2 Sponsor, underwrite or partner special arts events, cultural education programs,
and other arts related activities.
5.3 Generate greater municipal financial support for cultural programs, services, and
development efforts.
5.3.1 Consider dedication of an established percentage of the transient occupancy, sales
or other tax stream to support the cultural arts.
53.2 Establish funding priorities for local grants that encourage innovative public
funding for arts programs.
5.3.3 Investigate the increasing of the Art -In -Public -Places development fee contribution
of project cost applicable to residential, commercial and public projects.
5.3.3.1 Enhance public art by imposing a standard fee on residential,
commercial and public projects sufficient to fund public arts
objectives.
5.4 Investigate and propose an effective funding process by means of which City funds are
allocated to arts organizations.
5.5 Maintain and coordinate a cultural development component in any municipal development
plan.
5.6 Utilize cultural commissioners to act as a resource and liaison among organizations,
individual artists, and civic entities.
In
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
YOUTH ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION
Recent studies by Shaw and Rauscher at the University of California at Irvine verify the value of
arts education as it relates to academic learning. Students who study the arts, and particularly
music, score an average of at least one grade point higher overall than those students who have no
arts education. Discipline problems have virtually disappeared in schools where students have
been immersed in the arts. The arts give a student a sense of self-worth improving their self-
image and developing self-discipline; they increase their ability .to solve problems, to think
logically, to develop insight, and to work cooperatively, in general, to have a well-balanced
education.
Goal 6. Build A Strong, Integrated Arts Education Program in the Schools and Communi y
6.1 Encourage the development of cultural programs, instruction, classes, and residencies for
children, teens and special audiences who would not otherwise have access to these
opportunities.
6.1.1 Enhance and promote the programs of the City's Community Services Department
in partnership with other youth organizations.
6.1.2 Develop anti-crime/anti-graffiti arts programs and make accessible to `at risk'
youth.
6.1.3 Encourage the continuation and enlargement of docent programs in the schools,
and involve local artists in school programs.
6.2 Advocate for a program of sequential arts education taught by qualified arts teachers to
enhance the basic curriculum with arts experiences.
The arts stimulate creative discovery and self-expression, develop craftsmanship, establish
communication across cultures, and document history. Students who study the arts are better
prepared for college; they have learned discipline, to think critically, attained excellence, have high
standards, and score 30% higher than the average student in academic skills. After four ;years of
arts study they score 53 points higher on verbal skills and 37 points higher on math skills on
SAT's according to studies completed in 1996.
6.3 Encourage the development of a school for the arts.
6.3.1 Classes could include children's theater, community theater, dance, and music and
visual arts instruction.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
6.3.2 The school facility could include performing arts space available to the public, or
could be combined with the development of a performing arts center. (See: 10.2)
Goal 7. Develop Venues and Programs for Youth and Teens
Building unity in a community means finding programs that bring all ages and ethnic groups
together. Band concerts and street fairs are types of programs that cut across all generations.
There is a specific need in La Quinta for programs and sites where young people can gather in a
safe environment. Cross-cultural events can share spaces and programs.
7.1 Develop cultural programs and activities especially for teens.
7.2 Consider forming a "youth council' to assist in identifying needs of the youth and in
developing programs to meet those needs.
7,3 Look for ways to encourage students to attend and participate in arts programs and
activities.
7.4 Identify and share or develop sites for teen activities in.a safe drug -free environment.
7.5 Establish opportunities to link arts and other cultural events with programs for youth.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION
Duplication of efforts and programs is costly, therefore it is important that in a community the
size of La Quinta resources of organizations, personnel, expertise and information is shared and
made available to one another. Some effort in this direction has been made, but more can be
accomplished when needs are made known and a plan is in place to promote and communicate
programs and services between organizations and the community. To this end, methods of
communication and networking need to be established.
Goal 8. Promote Communication and Cooperation Among City-wide Cultural Organizations
8.1 Identify needs and mutual areas of interest and activities, thereby preventing duplication of
services.
8.2 Utilize an officially designated private arts organization or public commission, such as the
Cultural or Historic Commissions, to coordinate, monitor, or create cultural planning
initiatives and to develop and maintain a coordinated community calendar of arts events
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
and activities which will serve as a clearinghouse for information and schedules of events
for the community's organizations
8.3 Develop and maintain an artist registry containing contact and professional information, as
well as a cultural organization directory, Update on a regular basis, such as bi-annually.
8.4 Consider developing and maintaining mailing lists to be made available to all organizations
who participate in an agreement regarding usage.
8.5 Publicize arts organizations and programs to schools and community.
8.5.1 Disseminate organization newsletters, and publicly notice meetings and events.
8.5.2 Hold community seminars and conferences for sharing of information and
resources.
8.6 Consider creating an inter -organizational coalition of representatives of all cultural
organizations.
8.6.1 Set goals for development, expansion and support for the arts and culture.
8.6.2 Share or pool resources, such as artists' bank, expertise, problem -solving
techniques, trends study, and an "opportunity" resource library for access by
artists, organizations, and the general public.
8.7 Establish a speakers bureau and provide speakers at no cost to community organizations
and schools.
8.7.1 Train supporters of the arts how to be advocates and provide cultural
organizations and supporters with advocacy tools and current information on the
value of the arts and cultural development.
8.8 Keep elected officials informed about the arts and cultural programs, and maintain the
City's inter -department communication.
8.9 Promote effective communication systems to diverse ethnic community. (See 2.2)
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
Goal 9. Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development
9.1 Document cultural activities as an important economic resource.
9.2 Collaborate with the tourist industry, chambers of commerce, and all arts and other
cultural organizations throughout the Coachella Valley.
9.3 Improve permanent signage leading visitors to cultural attractions.
9.4 Continue and enlarge the Art -in -Public -Places program as a vehicle for community
education, appreciation, and physical enhancement.
9.5 Promote the community's cultural institutions and resources collectively as an industry
that provides significant contributions to the local and regional economy.
9.6 Develop programs and activities to entice visitors and new.residents to La Quinta.
9.6.1 Have a city-wide cultural "season."
9.7 Spotlight current arts programs.
9.7.1 Support and promote such organizations and programs as: Coachella Valley
Community Concerts in La Quinta, La Quinta Arts Association and Gallery, La
Quinta Arts Foundation and Festival, La Quinta Historical Society Museum, La
Quinta On Stage, La Quinta Open -Air Museum and Sculpture Park, Mariachi
Festival, Round Table West, and others.
9.7.2 Encourage the display and sale of quality art for investors and collectors.
9.8 Preserve and enhance important features of the physical environment, including
architecture, historic landmarks, and natural resources.
9.9 Enhance the use of the press and news media in promoting arts and cultural programs and
activities in La Quinta.
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WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
ARTS FACILITIES
Research has been determined that there is a need for appropriate facilities for the performing and
visual arts. In order for La Quinta to develop into a thriving and vital city, it is important to have
gathering places for all citizens, such as a performing arts theater or cultural center. In coming
together in common interests, all cultural, socio-economic and ethnic barriers are broken down,
creating a common international language for everyone. .
Goal 10. Encourage the Development of a Cultural Facility
Knowing that the citizens would like a community gathering place, a performing or cultural arts
center could be the ideal venue to combine many aspects of community life in one central area. It
could contain gallery space, outdoor patios courting book stores, music store, coffee house and
small restaurant, gift and artisan shops, conversation corners next to fountains, exemplary flower
gardens and benches, sculptures, and other shops compatible with the arts along with places for
mini -outdoor concerts or exhibits. The building and grounds could feature landmark architecture.
The center would give La Quinta a strong, expanded cultural identity that would translate into
positive economic growth, cultural tourism and a public relations tool. It would offer
professional theater, dance, music concerts, as well as community theater and serve as a venue for
community events.
10.1 Encourage the design and development of a central meeting place for artists and the
public, such as in "The Village" area.
10.2 Identify and encourage the renovation or building of cultural facilities, such as a
performing arts center which would provide space for rehearsals, performances,
exhibitions, administration, classes, and artists' studios.
10.2.1 Develop an education component whereby videos could be produced for use in the
local schools as well as other outlets, thereby creating a source of income.
10.2.2 A school for the arts could become part of the facility. (See 6.3)
10.2.3 An adequate facility could include a community room for organizations to hold
meetings, forums or workshops, and it could include exhibits of artwork as well as
a community learning center.
10.3 Promote the enhancement of the public library and its services and technology.
1 Ali \i 020
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
10.3.1 Promote book sales, story telling hours for children, and possibly a mobile unit to
extend into all areas within the City borders.
10.4 Incorporate movie theaters in City development.
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING AND COOPERATION
Without the infusion of new knowledgeable people to work in the arts, current programs may not
continue or may not grow effectively. it is vital that people in the community be identified who
have an interest in and knowledge of the arts and their value to the City, and that they be
encouraged to get involved in organizations, commissions, schools, businesses and City
government.
Goal 11. Identify Nurture and Train New Cultural and Arts Leadership
11.1 Support the development of a volunteer pool from a broad cross-section of the
community,
11.1.1 Consider creating a chapter of Business Volunteers for the Arts.
I I.1.2 Utilize the Senior Center and the La Quinta Arts Foundation as resources for
talent, expertise, and mentoring.
11.1.3 Address board development for nonprofit cultural organizations and find ways to
help identify potential board members.
11.2 Encourage existing cultural leaders to identify potential new arts leaders and recruit
mentors to serve on boards of cultural organizations.
11.2.1 Encourage the expansion of organizational planning, marketing, and funding.
ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY CULTURE
There are many areas in which the entire community is involved. Major community -wide arts and
other cultural events meet a particular need in uniting all segments and unifying the City.
Attention must be given to programs and community development to let this happen.
-14-
'.0 ;;
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
Goal 12 Integrate the Arts into the Community's Cultural Life
12.1 Encourage city-wide multi -arts programs.
12.2 Encourage the presentation of public arts events.
122.1 Support and promote programs including La Quinta On Stage productions, the
Community Concert series, the Mariachi and the La Quinta Arts Festivals,
12.2.2 Encourage attendance at the La Quinta Arts Association's Gallery and at the La
Quinta Open -Air Museum and all cultural events.
12.2.3 As new arts and cultural organizations are formed, give strong support in getting
them established.
12.3 Promote geographical and ecological considerations in the arts.
12.3.1 Encourage the incorporation of aesthetics in public landscaping design.
12.3.2 Utilize artists in the designing of public recreation areas.
12.4 Consider establishing a "sister city" cultural exchange program --state, national or
international.
Goal 13 Identify La Quinta's Role in the Coachella Valley
Encourage, promote and participate in Valley -wide arts and cultural events, conferences,
workshops and planning.
13.1.1 Cooperate with the County of Riverside Arts Foundation in developing
cooperation and support for the arts among the cities.
13.2 Help develop and maintain a system of communication among the cities in the Coachella
Valley, and their complementary organizations, commissions and committees.
13.3 Advocate for the arts and cultural development at all levels: business, government,
schools, organizations, community at large, and individuals.
-15-
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
This Plan is the culmination of ideas and input from many people. It is expected that it will
generate a level of cultural excitement and wealth not seen before. This Plan can become the
blueprint for the future development and growth of the cultural life of La Quinta and will inspire
all community groups to provide valuable service to the community.
The next step is to establish priorities and determine ways to implement it. A plan is just a plan
until people bring it to life with their actions. This Plan is a living document and many more
people will add creative ideas to it to enable present and future populations to create a unique
place for total enjoyment. It may seem ambitious, but if one doesn't dream, nothing new is
created. This Plan will be enacted when the City Council approves it. Activation of the Plan will
generate community involvement, cooperation and coordination in short- and long-term planning
for cultural development. Priorities will be established, time lines determined, and implementers
identified. The Cultural Commission will act as a guide and resource to the community
You see things as they are, and ask, "Why7"
I dream of things that never were and ask, "Why not?"
— G. B. Shaw
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023
WORKING DRAFT - November 24. 1997
APPENDIX I
ROLE OF THE CULTURAL COMMISSION.
The Cultural Commission was created and established June 7, 1994 by Ordinance No. 246 of the
City of La Quinta. The general purpose of the Commission is to encourage La Quinta's
development of culture, including cultural events and activities promoting the literary, performing
and visual arts, and retention and advancement of cultural heritage and institutions. Objectives of
the Commission are these:
To advise the City Council on all matters affecting the culture of the City and to advise
and assist other City Boards, Committees, and Commissions in the field of the arts, and to
cooperate and work with all cultural organizations, locally and regionally to address
culture and the arts in La Quinta.
To encourage and facilitate programs in the arts and to promote the cultural enrichment of
the community.
To undertake and carry out all functions reasonably necessary to accomplish the objectives
and to discharge the functions of the Commission; and to exercise such other functions as
may be prescribed by the City Council. These functions may involve cultural and arts -
related disciplines and activities, including, but not limited to, the following:
A. Performing arts, such as drama, music and dance
B. Visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, photography, graphics, video art and
applied art, including architecture and landscape architecture
C. Literary arts, such as literature, poetry and journalism,
D. Communications arts involving film, television and radio, and technology
E. Arts education, such as schools, libraries and community education, and
F. Funding, such as fund raisers, representatives of public and private funding
agencies, and art patrons.
G. Ethnic, institutional or intellectual endeavors characteristic of the La Quinta
resident.
In addition, the Commission strives to partner with other public and private organizations,
communities, and cities in the Coachella Valley region in promoting and encouraging the
development of cultural programs to assure the survival of the arts and artists. It creates
opportunities for the development and enhancement of children, youth, and senior cultural
activities.
-17-
024
WORKING DRAFT - November 24, 1997
APPENDIX II
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dozens of residents, both in La Quinta and from throughout the Coachella Valley, participated in
meetings, conferences, surveys, and interviews over a period of more than six months. As a
result, the Goals, Objectives and Strategies appearing in this report were developed. The
following individuals and organizations contributed to the study and development of this plan:
Cultural Commission Members (1997-98):
Honey Atkins
Susan Benay
John Dethe
Kathryn B. Hull
Roxanne Voigt
Judy Vossler
Patrick Welch
Former Cultural Commission Members who worked on the Plan:
Steve Berliner
Susan Francis
Archie Sharp
Organizations:
California Arts Council
City of Palm Desert
City of Palm Springs
Coachella Valley Boys & Girls Club, La Quinta
Coachella Valley Community Concerts Association
College of the Desert
Fine Arts Division
Friends of La Quinta Library
Indio Cultural Arts Commission
La Quinta Art -in -Public -Places Commission
La Quinta Arts Association
La Quinta Arts Foundation and
The Arts League
La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
sm
La Quinta Historical Society
La Quinta Human Services Commission
La Quinta On Stage
La Quinta Open -Air Museum
Palm Desert Civic Arts Committee
Palm Springs Cultural Arts Commission
Palm Springs Desert Museum
Rancho Mirage Cultural Commission
Riverside ,Arts Foundation
Round Table West
Soroptimist International of La Quinta
Truman School
V! VA Foundation
Attendees at the Coachella Valley Cultural Conference - February 6, 1997
Attendees at a Workshop, City of La Quinta - February 27, 1997
Attendees at the Coachella Valley Cultural Conference - May 15, 1997
Attendees at the La Quinta Community Meeting - November 12, 1997
City Staff.
Thomas P. Genovese, City Manager
Jerry Herman, Community Development Director
Marty Nicholson, Parks & Recreation Director (former)
Cristal Spidell, Secretary
Pam Stull, Secretary
Mark Weiss, Assistant City Manager
Britt Wilson, Management Assistant
City Council:
Mayor Glenda Holt
Don Adolph
Terry Henderson
Ron Perkins
Stanley Sniff
WORKING DRAFT
November 24, 1997
19-
026
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 1998
ITEM: ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT: INVESTIGATIONS AT THE BURNING
DUNE SITE (CA-RIV-4754), AVENUE 48 EXTENSION/ADAMS
STREET WIDENING PROJECT, LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA.
Prepared by James Brock and Brenda D. Smith, Archaeological
Advisory Group.
LOCATION: NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF ADAMS
STREET AND AVENUE 48.
BACKGROUND:
A final report of the archaeological investigations for Capitol Improvement Project 95-06 was
submitted for review and acceptance as required by the City, for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act. The report presents the results of a Phase III data recovery program and
monitoring of grading activities for the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754), located near the northeast
corner of Adams Street and 48`s Avenue. Planned road improvements to widen Adams Street north
of 48' Avenue jeopardized the archaeological site. Mitigation for this threat consisted of the Phase
III recovery effort and monitoring of all earth -moving activities associated with the road
improvements. Previously, a Phase I survey had been conducted by AAG which located and recorded
the location of the archaeological site and made recommendations for further investigation. That
report had determined that their appeared to be buried midden within the site which would qualified
the site as unique and/or significant under CEQA. The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed
and accepted the Phase I report on January 16, 1997. Mr. Brock also made a presentation regarding
the site to the Commission at that time.
RESULTS
Based on the recommendations from the Phase I report for the project, a substantial buried cultural
deposit appeared present in the dune site, and a large scale recovery investigation was conducted.
Fourteen hand -dug units and six backhoe trenches were placed into the dune. A large quantity of fish
bone was uncovered which is the best preserved collection ever recovered from this area., thus far.
The report states that the fish were probably caught with nets and/or stone weirs. Other fruna bone
recovered included small mammals (cottontail rabbits and rodents). The supposed midden deposit
turned out not to be midden, bur rather a lense of charcoal from burning activities at the site.
Artifacts recovered consist of six brownware pottery sherds, and a tertiary flake made of brown chert.
A Cottonwood Triangular projectile point was found in Trench 3. A metate was found in conjunction
with faunal remains in Feature 3 during monitoring of the site.
A thorough research method was developed to guide the investigation. Research questions or topics
included chronology, subsistence practices, settlement systems, and exchange systems. Each of these
domains are discussed in the report.
The field work and laboratory techniques are explained in detail. Geological consultation was
provided for the investigation which identified the burning of the mesquite on the site. Analysis of
macrobotanical samples taken from the site were conducted, as well as pollen and faunal analyses by
various specialists. The analysis of these materials was very thorough and provides valuable
information for the project research questions. The results of these analyses are discussed in the
report. One bone recovered from the site was later identified as human. The bone was identified as
being a left temporal basal endocranial fragment with most of the Petrous Pyramid and Internal
Meatus present. It was concluded from the remains that only one individual was represented at the
site. Other bone fragments recovered could not be positively identified as human. The human bone
was transferred to the Coroner's Office as is required by law.
The dune site contained evidence of burning which was discovered to be from the burning of
mesquite trees at the site. Whether the burning was intentional or purposeful could not be determined,
but may support ethnographic data regarding intentional exploitation of the environment.
Radiocarbon dating indicates that the dune was occupied about 340 years ago and that occupation
ended with a massive fire across the site at about 1800 A.D.
The report concludes with a discussion and interpretation of the recovered materials, which served
to answer several of the research questions initially developed for the investigation. It was determined
that the Burning Dune site is "significant because of three attributes: (1) it has produced the best -
preserved archaeological fish assemblage from ancient Lake Cahuilla, (2) it has produced the best
archaeological evidence to date for the Cahuilla practice of mesquite thicket maintenance/exploitation
through burning, and (3) it is the best stratified Late Period site known in the vicinity."
This site is gone and all of the requirements for mitigation have been completed. A letter regarding
the report has been received from the Coachella Valley Archeological Society (Attachment 2) stating
that the report is an important contribution to the archaeological history of the Coachella Valley. Staff
has reviewed the report carefully and agrees that the report is an important and valuable work, and
commends AAG for their thorough and professional efforts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Historic Preservation Commission Minute Motion 98-, accepting the archaeological
report titled, Investigations at the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754) Avenue 48 Extension/Adams
Street Widening Project, La Quinta California prepared by James Brock and Brenda D. Smith,
Archaeological Advisory Group, for the City of La Quinta Capitol Improvement Project 96-05, in
compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Attachments:
1. Burning Dune Site Report
2. CVAS letter dated February 8, 1998
Prepared by:
41inzouriquind
Associate Planner
Submitted by:
dld�- / o1b v� -
Christine di Iorio
Planning Manager
•��029
Valley Archaeological Society
February 8. 1998
City of La Quinta
Historic Preservation Commission
P. O. Box 1504
La Quinta, California 92253
FEB 11 1998 �I
CITY OF LAQUINTA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Report of Investigations at the
Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754),
Avenue 48 Extension/Adams Street
Widening Project, La Quinta,
California: January 1998 (Draft)
Members of the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society (CVAS) have reviewed the draft report
submitted by ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP on the Burning Dunes Site (CA.-RIV-
4754). This report is considered by us to not only be satisfactory, but to be an important piece in the
valley's archaeological history. We hope that there will be some consideration to publish/allow
publishing of this report, or at least major portions of the report; as the information contained in it
can serve to greatly help others who are doing archaeological investigations in our valley.
We thank you for allowing our organization to comment on this report.
Very truly yours,
Harry M. Quinn
CVAS I" Vice President and
Environmental Assessments Committee Chair
cc: Leslie Mouriquand. President; Michael Hudson, 2nd Vice President; Julie Harrison, Secretary
CVASLQBD.LTR
Post Office Box 2344 • Palm Springs, CA 92263 • 619/773-2277
CORRESPONDENCE
AND
WRITTEN MA TERIAL
031
Investigations at the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754),
Avenue 48 Extension/Adams Street
Widening Project, La Quinta, California
Prepared for:
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Prepared by:
James Brock and Brenda D. Smith
With Contributions by:
Thomas A. Wake, James H. Toenjes, Owen K. Davis.
Virginia S. Popper, and Steve L. Martin
January 1998 (Draft)
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP
P.O. BOX 491. PIONEERTOWN. CA 92268-0491
Tel: (760) 228-1142 • Fax: (760) 369-4002
E-mail: archadvgrp a aol..com
.J IOJ2
Investigations at the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754),
Avenue 48 Extension/Adams Street
Widening Project, La Quinta, California
Prepared for:
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Prepared by:
James Brock and Brenda D. Smith
With Contributions by:
Thomas A. Wake, James H. Toenjes, Owen K. Davis,
Virginia S. Popper, and Steve L. Martin.
January 1998
USGS 7.5' Quadrangle: La Quinta, Calif.
Acreage: Approx. 1.26
Key Words: La Quinta, CA-RIV-4754, Prehistoric Fishing, Lake Cahuilla
Cover Illustration: Original Watercolor by James H. Toenjes
Archaeological Advisory Group
P.O. Box 491
Pioneertown, CA 92268-0491
Tel: (760) 228-1142 0 Fax: (760) 369-4002 • E-mail: archadvgrp@aol.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Management Summary .. . . ................ ....... — ........... ........ ... ... I
Introduction.. . ............................................... ..................................... 2
Setting................. .................. ......................................................... 6
NaturalSetting ........................................................ .... .......... 6
CulturalSetting ......................................................... .............. 8
Records and Literature Results . — . .... ...... .................................... 11
ResearchDesign ........ ...................................... .................................. 15
Methods............................................................................................ 17
Fieldwork Techniques .......................................... ........................ 17
Laboratory Techniques .................................................................. 18
Findings.................. .......................................................................... :21
Fieldwork Details and General Findings .............................................. 21
Unit, Trench, and Feature Descriptions ...............................................
25
Analysis of Recovered Material ........................................................
35
Radiocarbon Dates ........................... ........
.................... . 35
Macrobotanical Results .........................................................
.36
PollenResults .......................... .........................................
38
FaunalResults ............ . ....................................
...... . — '41
GroundStone .. ........ .......................... ............
....... . ..... (50
ChippedStone ...................... ...... .....................
.......... .... 60
OtherLithics ........... ........................ ......
... ................. . 60
Ceramics..........................................................................
(53
Burned Clay Specimens ................................
..... . ........... . . 63
Other Materials Recovered .....................................................
155
Discussion/Interpretation . . ....... ...........................................................
65
Management Considerations ............ .......................................................
'70
Acknowledgements..............................................................................
'71
ReferencesCited .................................................................................
72
Appendix 1: Personnel Qualifications .........................................................
Ell
Appendix 2: Results of Radiocarbon Dating ..................................................
n
Appendix 3: Supporting Data Tables ..........................................................
88
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
General location of the site .........................................................
3
Figure 2.
Specific location of the site .........................................................
4
Figure 3.
General view of the site with work in progress ..................................
5
Figure 4.
General view of the site from the southern end ..................................
5
Figure 5.
View of exposed burned layer at Locus B........................................
14
Figure 6.
View of burned layer at Locus A ...................................................
14•
Figure 7.
Site plan and profile (fold out) ......................................................
22
Figure 8.
Profile and photograph of Locus A ................................................
24
Figure 9.
Profile of Units 1 and 7..............................................................
27
Figure 10.
Profile of Unit 2.....................................................................
27'
Figure 11.
North sidewalls of Units 3 and 5..................................................
28
Figure 12.
East sidewall of Unit 4.............................................................
28
Figure 13.
South sidewall of Unit 5 ..........
Figure 14.
East sidewall of Unit 6.............................................................
29
Figure 15.
East sidewalls of Units 10 and 9...................................................
31
Figure 16.
East sidewalls of Units 11 and 12................................................
31.
Figure 17.
View of Unit 13.....................................................................
32,
Figure 18.
Stratigraphic section of Trench 2.................................................
32
Figure 19.
Stratigraphic profile of Trench 3.................................................
34
Figure 20.
Plan of Feature 3....................................................................
34
Figure 21.
Pollen percentages diagram.......................................................
35
Figure 22.
Vertebrate classes by count .......................................................
44
Figure 23.
Vertebrate classes by weight ......................................................
43
Figure 24.
Fish bone by count.................................................................
45
Figure 25.
Fish bone by weight...............................................................
4:i
Figure 26.
Body part representation (Gila elegm s)........................................
47
Figure 27.
Body part representation (Xyrauchen rexanus).................................
47
Figure 28.
Boneytail photograph..............................................................
49
Figure 29.
Male razorback sucker photograph ..............................................
49
Figure 30.
Mammal bone by count............................................................
57
Figure 31.
Mammal bone by weight..........................................................
57
Figure 32.
Shallow basin schist metate.......................................................
61
Figure 33.
Granite metate from Feature 3....................................................
61
Figure 34.
Cottonwood Triangular point from Trench 3...................................
62
Figure 35.
Examples of recovered ceramics .................................................
62
Figure 36.
Examples of burned clay pieces ..................................................
62
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Carbonized plant material counts and weights .................................... 37
Table 2. Wood charcoal absolute counts and weights ....................................... 37
Table 3. Pollen counts for CA-RIV-4754..................................................... 39
Table 4. Identified vertebrate species from CA-RIV-4754................................. 42
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
This report presents the results of an archaeological data recovery program
conducted at the Burning Dune Site (CA-RIV-4754), located in a large
mesquite -covered, aeolian sand dune on the eastern side of Adams Street
north of Avenue 48 in the City of La Quinta, California. The recent
widening of Adams Street in this location destroyed what remained of the
site.
Fieldwork took place in late June and early July of 1997. A total of 14
excavation units were dug. These were either 2 by 2 or 1 by 1 meters in
size. Because of the depth of the cultural deposit, overburden had to be
stripped by backhoe prior to unit excavation. Additionally, six backhoe
trenches were dug in the site. Three minor features were identified during
the fieldwork. Monitoring of the site occurred during road construction
activity.
Analysis indicated two phases of use for the site. The first phase of use,
associated with a radiocarbon date of 340 +/- 50 B.P. (A.D. 1610 +/- 50) is
related to fishing activities during what was probably the final high stand of
ancient freshwater Lake Cahuilla (the remnants of which are now the Salton
gea). Probably because of its deep stratification, the site produced the best -
preserved collection of fish bone ever recovered from a Lake Cahuilla site,
with a remarkably high number of head bones present. The site also has a
higher percentage of fish bone in its faunal assemblage than any other
Salton Basin site. The fish represented are Colorado River species.
Boneytail is most frequent (MINI=46), followed by razorback sucker
(MNI=4), and striped mullet (MNI=1). The number and consistent size of
the fish strongly supports the theory that the specimens were caught using
nets or nets in combination with stone weirs. There is also evidence that
small mammals were being exploited, particularly cottontail rabbits and
rodents.
CA-RIV-4754 can be included with the large number of sites in the north
La Quinta area that are associated with Lake Cahuilla (particularly its last
stand). These sites indicate an abundance of animal and plant resources that
resulted in a population increase for the region at that time. With the drying
up of the lake different subsistence strategies were required. Increased
mesquite grove exploitation would have been an adaptive mechanism for
coping with the stresses of the changing environment.
Use of the site after the first phase fish exploitation camp is largely
inferential. While the macrobotanical and pollen evidence from the Burning
Dune site were inconclusive for indicating cultural use after the early phase,
faunal remains, extensive evidence of mesquite burning, and ethnographic
data, strongly support the exploitation of this mesquite stand by the Cahuilla.
Radiocarbon dates indicate that exploitation of the dune terminated with a
massive fire across the entire site around AD. 1800. Minor 2& century
activity (e.g. skeet shooting) is represented in the upper stratigraphy of the site.
This investigation has mitigated the impact to the site caused by the
widening of Adams Street. The City of La Quinta will be responsible for
the curation of recovered material. Archaeological Advisory Group notes
and analysis data are on file with the company (Job Number 970611).
INTRODUCTION
This reports presents the findings of a Phase III (data recovery) cultural resources study lfor
archaeological site CA-RIV-4754 which was conducted in advance of the destruction of
the site by the widening of Adams Street from its intersection with Avenue 48 to 1000 feet
north of the intersection. This project area is in the City of La Quinta, California (Figures
1 through 4). The study comprised fieldwork consisting of excavation by backhoe and
hand, along with mapping, drawing, and sampling of deposits. The detailed analysis of
this recovered information is presented herewith. The project was conducted by
Archaeological Advisory Group for the Engineering Department of the City of La Quinta.
The study was undertaken in order to comply with the cultural resource requirements of the
City of La Quinta. These are intended to fulfill those aspects of the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (as amended) which pertain to the management of
cultural resources that may be impacted by development projects sponsored by state or
local government agencies, or by private developments requiring a discretionary permit or
license.
This report was prepared in accordance with the recommended contents and format
described in the State's Preservation Planning Bulletin Number 4(a) (California
Department of Parks and Recreation 1989).
The Principal Investigator for this study was James Brock. The field crew consisted of Mr.
Brock, William A. "Tony" Sawyer, James H. Toenjes, and Steven K. Dies. Brenda D.
Smith assisted with the analysis and preparation of this report. The qualifications of these
individuals are given in Appendix 1.
Field notes and other material pertaining to this study are on file with Archaeological
Advisory Group (AAG Job No. 970611). Artifacts/ecofacts collected during the study will
be curated by the City of La Quinta. The single fragment of human bone recovered will be
reinterred by designated Cahuilla descendents through arrangements with the Riverside
County Coroner's Office.
2
037
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Figure 1. General location of the Burning Dune Site plotted on a portion of the USGS West-
ern United States Series 1:250,000 Santa Ana, California map (1959, revised 1979).
0 Feet 2500
- °I`""` 0 Meters 1000
P6in£ - ea
Happy
4 is
tM 90
¢fez' � c°yctiEccs. Trailer i I�� t; C';Y.
C
I 6p. - "-c.VAlS.EY
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� BM Al
Trader T
CA-RIV-4754
W<Illlu
-- - --- li
w Well { -
0
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I
Figure 2. Specific location of the Burning Dune Site plotted on a portion of the USGS 7.5' I a
Quinta, California topographic quadrangle (1959, photorevised 1980). Note: the site no longer
exists.
039
4
Figure 3. General view of the site with archaeological work in progress, looking
northeast.
Figure 4. View of site from the southern end looking north.
SETTING
NATURAL SETTING
The Burning Dune Site (CA-RN-4754) is located in the City of La Quinta, in the
Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California (Figures 1 and 2). The site, which
has been destroyed subsequent to this investigation, fell within the proposed right-of-way
for the Adams Street widening. This was a rectilinear study area consisting of a 1000 by
55 foot corridor that comprised the eastern shoulder of Adams Street north from its
intersection with Avenue 48.
CA-RIV4754 falls within the extreme southwestern comer of Section 29 of Township 5
South, Range 7 East, SBBM. This site is located on the USGS 7.5' La Quinta, California
topographic quadrangle (Figure 2).
The study area is set amidst rolling and semi -stable sand dunes typical of the floor of the
central Coachella Valley. The site was located within a large dune which ran north -south
in the central portion of the Adams Street project area. The eastern remnants of this dune
still remain adjacent to the site. This dune, and the western portion of the site, were
truncated by the original construction of Adams Street in the 1980s, leaving an escarpment
along the western side of the dune.
Study area elevations range from approximately 55 to 78.5 feet msl. Soil comprises a
gray -tan aeolian sand that ranges from loose to well compacted. Native vegetation in the
vicinity of the site comprises a Creosote Scrub community, containing creosotes (Larrea
tridentata), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa) and other
stickery scrubs (including Dicoria canescens and Schismus barbaius). Animal species
typically encountered in the area include cottontail, jackrabbit, pack rat, pocket mouse,
coyote, scorpion, Western Shovel -nosed Snake, Sidewinder, Desert Iguana, Side -blotched
Lizard, Loggerhead Shrike, Mourning Dove, Say's Phobe, Gambel's Quail, Common
Raven, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Lesser Nighthawk, and American Kestrel.
CA-RIV4754 falls within the Lower Sonoran Life Zone, as does approximately 601/o of
Cahuilla territory (Bean and Saubel 1972:12). This zone extends from the desert floor to
the pinyon -juniper belt (about 3,500 feet). The Coachella Valley, due to it placementon
the eastern side of the Peninsular ranges, is blocked from receiving moisture moving
eastward from the Pacific. This blockade results in low rainfall of generally less than 5
inches of precipitation annually. Not only does this region have little rainfall, but it is also
one of the hottest deserts on the continent, having a mean maximum temperature in July
that easily exceeds 100° (Bailey 1966:42).
At present the nearest natural water source is the Whitewater River, which lies three-
quarters of a mile to the north. In the past, an ancient lake occupied this valley not too far
from the Burning Dunes site. This lake, most commonly known as Lake Cahuilla (also
2.
called Lake Le Conte or Blake's Sea), existed during periods of inundation of the area by
the Colorado River. The River's usual course was to flow directly into the Gulf of
California. Periodically, fluctuations in distributary channels would create an
accumulation of sediments at the river's mouth. This would result in the formation of a
deltaic barrier which restricted access to the gulf, causing the course of the river to sihift.
This diversion caused the Salton Trough, a geologic depression that extends northward 225
km from the gulf, to fill and form a fresh water lake. Highstand of this lake was 42 feet
msl., with a maximum depth of 95 meters, and a surface area of over 5700 km2 (Wilke
1988, Waters 1983). Wilke (1978) and Laylander (1997) estimated that it would take 12-
20 years to fill the basin to this level if the Colorado River emptied entirely into the lake.
Eventually, the river's course would shift back to the gulf and desiccation of the lake
would occur. It would probably take 55-60 years (Wilke 1978; Laylander 1997) for the
lake to completely desiccate after flow was rediverted.
It is generally accepted that Lake Cahuilla has had at least three major lacustrine intervals
in which the 42 foot msl. level was reached (Wilke 1978; Waters 1983); each of these
intervals probably lasted between I00-250 years. This chronology, originally presented by
Wilke (1978), proposed that there was a high lake stand between 100 B.C. and A.D. 600,
another between A.D. 900 and A.D. 1250, and a final one between A.D. 1300 and A.D.
1500. He based his argument on sequencing and clustering of radiocarbon dates obtained
from charcoal, shell, and tufa deposits. These dates were corroborated with historical
accounts of the region. Waters (1983) argued for yet another highstand occurring with
Wilke's timeframe. He suggested that the first inundation was around A.D. 700 and the
final desiccation occurred circa A.D. 1580. Waters' chronology was based on radiocarbon
dates of stratified shell and charcoal deposits. His dates were also supported by historical
accounts. Recently, researchers (Quinn 1997b; Gurrola and Rockwell 1996; Rockwell
1995; Schaefer 1994) have proposed additional stands of Lake Cahuilla. The latest
archaeological and geological research in the Coachella Valley has produced evidence
which leans toward a last highstand occurring in the seventeenth century. A summary of
highstand dates consistent with the most recent data is as follows: 1) A.D. 1677
(Composite dates for last high stand was 1660-1680), 2) A.D. 1659, 3) A.D. 1450, 4) A.D.
1360, 5) A.D. 1287, and 6) A.D. 885 (Quinn 1997b).
Cahuilla oral history tells of the rising and falling of Lake Cahuilla. Blake's (1856:98 as
cited in Wilke 1978) version of the story, as told to him by "the chief' was of a great water
(agua grande) which covered the whole valley and was filled with fine fish. There was
also plenty of geese and ducks. Their fathers lived in the mountains and used to come
down to the lake to fish and hunt. The water gradually subsided `poco,' `poco,' (little by
little), and their villages were moved down from the mountains, and into the valley it had
left. They also said that the water once returned very suddenly and overwhelmed many of
their people and drove the rest back to the mountains.
It is also said that with the recession of Lake Cahuilla the mythical coyote "came down
from the mountains and planted mesquite beans on the lakebed (Bowers 1888 and 1891 as
cited in Wilke 1978:6)." Mesquite later became an important resource for the Cahuilla.
7
P2
Formation of CA-RIV-4754's natural setting was much like that of the nearby Myoma
Dunes investigated by Wilke (1978). Deposition of aeolian sands between mesquite
thickets produced mounded dunes. Many of these thickets grew near Lake Cahuilla's
shoreline. Due to their close proximity, the dunes were used as places to process and cook
fish caught at the lake. The dunes also functioned as disposal sites for fish remains, thus
the fish middens encountered at lake shore sites.
Inundation of the lake would have produced a rich marshland environment that could have
been exploited along with the lake and desert resources. Many useful plants grow in this
community and were used by the Cahuilla. The marshland would have also drawn in
many birds, mammals, and herptiles. Undoubtedly, the Cahuilla also took advantage of
these faunal resources.
CULTURAL SETTING
While the regional ethnography of the study area is fairly well accounted for, its precontact .
history is poorly understood. Archaeologists have struggled for years to put together
comprehensive chronologies for what is referred to as the Prehistoric Period (time
preceeding contact with Europeans) of Native American history. The sequence of
prehistoric habitation presented here is based primarily on the concordance of sequences
presented by Warren (1984) and Warren and Crabtree (1986). Warren's timeframe
divisions were based on technological changes in lithic use (i.e. millingstones and
projectile points). His model was originally devised for the Mojave desert region, but
because•of basid technological similarities in southern California Indian cultures it is also
applicable to the Colorado desert peoples.
Lake Mojave Period
This period probably represents the earliest phase of human occupation in southern
California. It began by at least 10,000 B.C. and lasted until around 5000 B.C. This period
is characterized by hunting of larger games animals using spears and articulated spear -
throwing devices termed "atlatls." Spear points of this period initially were quite large,
lanceolate in shape, and were oftentimes fluted, having a longitudinal groove along the
central portion of the body for attachment to a spear. Other projectile points such as Lake
Mojave, Parman, and Silver Lake points, were somewhat smaller (though still large: in
comparison to later arrow points) and foliate in shape. Crescents, specialized scrapers,
leaf -shaped knives, drills, and some choppers/hammerstones are other tools which have
been identified with this period. Millingstones typically are not present. The artifact
assemblage of this period is indicative of a generalized hunting and gathering subsistence
economy.
Archaeological sites from early on in this period were generally associated with
Pleistocene lake shorelines. As the Altithermal (a warmer and drier climatic period that
lasted from 6000 B.C. to 900B.C.) set in, sites began to concentrate around desert oases,
away from receding lakes that were becoming too brackish for consumption. This
8
00
movement likely spawned the technological change that would lead to the Pinto Basin
complex.
Pinto Period
The Pinto Period dates from around 5000 to 2000 B.C., corresponding roughly to the
Millingstone Horizon in the coastal areas of California. Although desert and coastal
peoples shared cultural traits during this period, desert peoples probably did not have the
same dependence on millingstones as coastal peoples. Seed grinding does not appear to be
an important economic activity yet to the peoples of this period, but the presence of flat
slab and occassionally shallow -basin metates along with manos, indicates growing
importance that plant seed resources were beginning to have. Presumably these peoples
were still maintaining a large and small game hunting and vegetal gathering economy
during this period. Pinto points, as defined by Campbell and Campbell (1935), are the
distinctive lithics of this period. These are usually found in association with heavy -keeled
scrapers, and millingstones.
Pinto Basin complex sites are generally found in association with ephemeral lakes, stream
channels, and springs, which to some suggests a break in the Altithermal warming.
Presumably there was a reoccupation of lakeshore areas around 4500 B.C. and then a
retreat back to desert oases by 3500 B.C. This time period is known as the Little Pluviall.
Gypsum Period
The Gypsum Period is believed to date from around 2000 B.C. to about A.D. 500. Again,
primary artifacts indicative of this period are projectile points of various types, including
Gypsum Cave, Humbolt series, and Elko series points. The early Gypsum period is
characterized by larger projectile points when use of the dart and atlatl were still common.
Later, with the introduction of the bow and arrow, smaller points become prominent.
Manos and metates become more common, and the mortar and pestle come into use --
indicating a developing reliance upon fleshier seed foods such as mesquite pods and
acorns. Presence of Haliotis and Olivella shell beads in sites of this period provide the
earliest evidence for contact between desert and coastal peoples.
Saratoga Springs Period
The Saratoga Springs Period lasts from about A.D. 500 to 1200. During this period the
southern desert region, in which the Coachella Valley lies, deviates from the rest of the
desert region due to heavy cultural influence by the Hakataya, a lower Colorado River
group. The Hakataya influence brings drastic technological change to the peoples of this
region. Buffvare and Brownware pottery, made using the paddle and anvil technique, are
introduced and reliance on the bow and arrow increases which leads to a new projectile
point type called Cottonwood Triangular. Millingstones, including manos, metates,
pestles, and mortars are present in this time period.
Shoshonean Period
The Shoshonean Period spans from A.D. 1200 to contact with Europeans. It is
characterized mostly by continuing regional development, which causes groups to
differentiate technologically, ethnographically, and linguistically. In the Coachella Valley
region, Hakataya influence continues, with Colorado Buffware and Tizon Brownware shill
present. Desert Side -notched points have become the dominant point type.
Proto-historic Period
Desert Cahuilla have inhabited the Coachella Valley region for at least the last 1000 years.
They are a Takic speaking people who are more closely culturally tied with coastal and
Colorado River groups than with most other Mojave desert peoples. First known contact
with the Cahuilla by a European was during the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition in 1774-
1776. They were largely ignored by the Spanish until the establishment of the Asistencias
San Antonio de Pala (1816), Santa Ysabei (1818), and San Bernardino (1830). Through
these mission outposts the Spanish managaed to indirectly influence Cahuilla religious
beliefs and culture. During the Mexican occupation of California, the Cahuilla were
largely left alone by intruders. It was not until 1853 when the Southern Pacific Railroad
began surveying the Coachella Valley for a possible railroad route that the Cahuilla were
again bothered. By this point the lands inhabited by the Cahuilla had become desired by
Americans. In response to this, President Ulysses S. Grant began allotting Cahuilla lands
in 1875-to give to American settlers. It was during this period when the removal of the
Cahuilla to goverment reservations began. Ten reservations were created that affected the
Cahuilla; of these four are in the Coachella Valley.
Ethnography
Many studies of Cahuilla culture have been conducted over the years. Among the most
informative accounts are Bean (1972, 1978), Strong (1929), Hooper (1920), and Kroeber
(1908). Four excellent ethnobiological studies also exist (Ebeling 1986, Barrows 1900,
Kroeber 1925, and Bean and Saubel 1972), as well as archaeological accounts of
prehistoric Cahuilla adaptations to the desiccation of ancient Lake Cahuilla (e.g. Wilke
1978).
The Cahuilla are divided by anthropologists into three subgroups, the Desert Cahuilla of the
Coachella Valley, the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio pass area, and the Mountain
Cahuilla of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. These divisions were based on
geographic separation and dialect differences, but they were not neccessarily recognized by
the Cahuilla themselves. Actually, the Cahuilla did not consider themselves to be of one tribe
as western anthropologists have designated them to be. Bean (1972:85) reported that "the
maximal level of social identification among the Cahuilla was the ?iWIp?alum„ a
linguistically and culturally defined group ... [which] refers to persons speaking the Cahuilla
language and recognizing a commonly shared cultural heritage ... [but] a more precise
10
membership criterion existed at the next level of group identity." A person's inclusion in his
or her moiety and lineage (or clan) was primary to any tribal affiliation.
The two moeities, or main divisions, of the Cahuilla were the Islam (coyote) and the Tuktum
(wild cat). Moieties were patrilinear and exogamous, meaning that lineage was followed
through the father and that members of one moiety had to marry into the other. Clans were
numerous and were named after or associated with the villages they comprised. Individual
clans claimed ownership over their village and the territories in which they hunted, gathered,
and camped. Territories could be several square miles in extent and were only for the use of a
specific lineage. Mesquite grove boundaries, for instance, were drawn to include specific
trees. Everyone knew who those trees belong to so that if someone from another lineage was
found trespassing, a fight could ensue. But in times of need, areas were shared with other
clans. This allowance occured regularly with mesquite because these groves do not produce
bountiful crops each year. In the case of crop failure, a neighboring clan would invite the
misfortunate person into their territory to gather.
A number of villages were located near CA-RIV-4754, any one of them could have owned
this fishing camp and gathering site. Cow on vah al ham ah, located at Point Happy about
one mile northwest of CA-RIV-4754, was one such village. Gifford (1918:188-189) recounts
the story of Cow on vah al ham ah as "the eagle Aswetsi was the mythical leader of the
Sewakil clan of the coyote moiety. In the mountains to the west of Coachella is a rock where
this deity rested. The marks in the rock show the position of his chin, elbows, and feet. The
marks of his feet have been damaged by white people." Strong (1929:102) related the story as
told by Alejo Patencio, then aswitsei came up to the mountains at kavinic where he leaned
against a rock leaving the marks of his elbows and knees. He looked toward maulmii (Toro),
then he climbed up the mountain and lay down watching the people, leaving the marks of his
elbows and ribs. As he came down he slipped leaving the print of his hand in the soft rocks.
Near kavinic was a palm with which he talked." Aswitsei is believed to have married the
beautiful daughter of a man named kauicwikil and then settled at a nearby village called
Kotevewit (Strong 1929:86).
Records and Literature Results
Archaeological Records Search
An archaeological records search for the Phase I survey for the Adams Street widening was
conducted by James Brock at the Eastern Information Center of the California Historical
Resources Information System (CHRIS) at U.C. Riverside on April 30, 1997 (Brock
1997).
The records search indicated that the project area had been previously surveyed for cultural
resources as part of a now -abandoned project termed "La Quinta Center." The survey was
conducted by the Archaeological Research Unit of U.C. Riverside in 1992 (Everson
1992a) and comprised the southwestern quarter of Section 29. The U.C. Riverside study
located 13 prehistoric and/or historical archaeological sites on their study area and
recommended a Phase II testing program to further evaluate the sites (ibid.). CA -RN-
4754 was located by U.C. Riverside in the central north -south sand dune of the Adams
Street project area. The site is described as follows on their site record form:
Site consists of a light scatter of shell, fish bone, small mammal bone, and
occasional brownware pottery atop dune formation. Midden can be seen in
exposed road cut through dune [ibid.].
The U.C. Riverside report goes on to indicate that the site was impacted by the
construction of Adams Street along its western side. They note the remaining deposit as
measuring some 80 meters north -south by 30 meters east -west. Test excavation of the site
is recommended [ibid.].
The records search further indicated that the study area is in a vicinity of high
archaeological sensitivity. Twenty four previously recorded sites are present within a one-
half mile radius of the study area. Of these, 11 are prehistoric habitation sites of various
sizes, typically containing pottery, chipped and ground stone, bone, charcoal, and
thermally -affected rock. Of the other 13 sites, five relate to 20"' century activity (building
foundations, refuse deposits, road), two are combinations of prehistoric pottery scatters and
20t' century refuse, and six sites are listed as "pending." The "pending" sites are: all
within the Rancho La Quinta development to the south of the study area. The nature of
these sites, or why they are listed as pending, is unknown.
One site, CA-RIV-4753, a light prehistoric ceramics scatter is located just east, and outside
of, the northern end of the study area.
Approximately 30 additional sites are present in the region from one-half to one mile away
from the study area.
All of the prehistoric sites within the one-half mile radius appear to be relatively recent in
date (post A.D. 500). One site, CA-RIV-150, which is now destroyed, is listed as a village
site. Two sites have had fairly recent major excavations conducted at them, CA-RIV-2196
(McCarthy 1990) and CA-RN-3682 (Everson 1992). CA-RIV-2196, which is also now
destroyed, was located immediately to the west of the study area on the western side of
Adams Street. The site was investigated with 14 test units, along with backhoe trenching
and monitoring. It was concluded that the site "served primarily as a base camp for the
processing and consumption of fish caught along the shores of Lake Cahuilla..."
(McCarthy 1990:32-33). There is no mention of any midden deposit being present. The
site produced calibrated radiocarbon dates ranging from A.D. 1280 to 1400 (McCarthy
1990:32), indicating the occupation may have been during the third lacustral period of
Lake Cahuilla (as defined by Waters 1983), rather than the final period as noted by
McCarthy.
Approximately 90 percent of the land within a one-half mile radius of the study area has
been previously surveyed for cultural resources.
12
Historic maps examined during the records search included U.S. General Land Office plat
maps from the second half of the 19's century, the 1941 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers'
Toro Peak 1:62,500 map, and the U.S.G.S. 1959 Palm Desert 1:62,500 map. The General
Land Office plat maps showed no cultural activity in the study area last century. The 19,41
Toro Peak map shows a dirt road running east -west to the north of the present study area.
This has been previously recorded as site CA-RIV-4755H. The dirt road currently running
through the present study area is not present on this map. The present U.S.G.S. La Quinta
topographic quadrangle (Figure 2) indicates that neither Adams Street or Avenue 48 were
extended into this vicinity at the time of the latest revision of the map (1980).
Archival Research
In addition to the records search, archival research was conducted during the Phase I
survey at the BLM office in Riverside and the Rivera Library at U.C. Riverside. The BLM
research indicated that the study area was not part of government homesteads lands but
rather a part of a 5291.44-acre railroad grant patent, which included all of Section 29, that
dated to June 30, 1905 (BLM Serial File No. 89).
As a further step in the survey -level research, the following "heritage property" registers
were checked: The National Register of Historic Places (American Association for State
and Local History 1991), California Historical Landmarks (California Department of Parks
and Recreation 1990), and California Inventory of Historic Places (California Department
of Parks and Recreation 1976). No historical resources listed in these publications were
found to be specific to the study area environs.
Results of Archaeological Advisory Group Phase I Study
The AAG survey of the Adams Street Widening project area concluded, based on the
Everson (1992a) study, new field survey, and consultation with other archaeologists, that a
substantial buried midden deposit (i.e. CA-RIV-4754) was present in the area of potential
impact (Brock 1997). A burnt layer with a heavy concentration of organics was clearly
evident in the dune escarpment (see Figures 5 and 6—photographs taken at the time of the
survey). There was pottery and bone at the base of the escarpment that appeared to have
fallen out of the eroding midden. There was also what appeared to be a hearth (Feature 1)
clearly present in the face of the escarpment (ibid.).
This buried midden appeared to be unique for the vicinity and in excellent condition. It
was concluded that, given its research potential, it should qualify as unique and/or
significant under either the California Environmental Quality Act (Appendix K) or Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (ibid.).
Given the time constraints of the road project it was decided that a Phase III data recovery
program would be immediately undertaken at the site, instead of following the standard
procedure of conducting an intermediate Phase II test program. This report presents the
results of the Phase III program.
13� 04& �J 1�
Figure 5. View of exposed burned layer at Locus B, looking southeast, prior to fieldwork at
the site.
Figure 6 View of burned layer at Locus A, looking east, with Feature 1 indicated. Feature 1
was interpreted as a hearth prior to excavation.
RESEARCH DESIGN
INTRODUCTION
A research design is a guide document to organize research and interpret findings. It
provides a structure from which the evaluation of significance can be made. A research
design is usually regional in scope and based on some type of statistically -based
sampling program (see Binford 1964). A research design generally has the following
elements: (1) a theoretical orientation, (2) research areas, or domains, under which come
(3) specific research hypotheses or questions which have (4) test implications for
interpretation of field data.
THEORETICAL ORIENTATION
The theoretical orientation which structures this research design is cultural materialism.
Cultural materialism assumes that decision making by people and groups is based upon
economic considerations. It assumes that behavior, at least in the long term, is rational and
therefore adaptive. It recognizes that people and groups have not and do not always
behave in a rational manner but from the relatively gross temporal perspective of
archaeology, such behavior is not statistically significant.
RESEARCH DOMAINS
The research domains, or topics, which will be considered are chronology, subsistence
practices, settlement systems, and exchange systems. Discussions of these domains are
provided below.
Chronology
Chronology is the backbone of archaeology. Establishing the sequence of cultural
change through time is a fundamental concern in archaeology. Unless a site can be
placed in a temporal context, its ability to address the evolution of a cultural system is
seriously limited. Fortunately, datable material (e.g. charcoal) is relatively abundant on
sites in the La Quinta area and is present at CA-RIV-4754. Abundant Late Period sites
are present in the La Quinta area. A major concern in La Quinta archaeology is
establishing changes in Late Period settlement and subsistence patterns in relation to the
changes in the water level of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Also, earlier sites are rare. Any
data helping to establish an Archaic Period chronology for the area is extremely valuable.
■ Does the site contain sufficient material for absolute or relative dating?
Test implications: presence of carbon in sufficient quantity to provide absolute dates,
presence of temporally -sensitive artifact types.
■ Is there any evidence for an archaic period use of the site?
15
Test implications: absolute (e.g. carbon) date of pre -AD 900 or presence of artifacts
(e.g. projectile points, beads) dated to pre -AD 900.
■ Can the site be tied in to one or more of the postulated stands of ancient Lake Cahuilla
(see e.g. Waters 1983)?
Test implication: absolute date(s) that corresponds to a postulated stand of Lake
Cahuilla.
■ Is there any evidence for a post -Lake Cahuilla use of the site?
Test implication: absolute or relative date of post -AD 1650, presence of historical
artifacts.
Subsistence Practices
The presence of an apparent midden deposit at CA-RIV-4754 should provide a good range
of evidence for exploitation of faunal resources. Other sites in the vicinity contain faunal
material, but not in as dense or as well-preserved a deposit. Also, carbonized seeds from
the midden could provide evidence of early agricultural activities, which are suspected
to have occurred in the region but, as yet, lack archaeological evidence. Carbonized
midden deposits have good potential for providing evidence of a wide range of floral
resources being utilized. Reconstruction of ceramic vessel forms and the types of
ground stone implements present could provide information on the types of resources
being exploited by the site's inhabitants.
■ Is there evidence of a change in subsistence strategies resulting from the desiccation of
Lake Cahuilla?
Test implication: change in frequencies of particular faunal or floral species in
stratigraphically discrete contexts dating to the last stand and later periods.
■ Is there evidence of what part of the mesquite plant was being consumed? If so, does it
indicate seasonality?
■ Is there evidence of agriculture? If so, does it relate to changing subsistence practices
forced by the desiccation of Lake Cahuilla?
Settlement Systems
Information on settlement patterns should be present in the information from the site.
Data may present evidence of changing settlement patterns with the different lacustral
episodes of Lake Cahuilla and those caused by the final desiccation of the lake.
■ Can settlement location be related to a particular stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla?
16
�51
• Is there evidence of a change in settlement patterns pertaining to the desiccation of
Lake Cahuilla?
Was shoreline occupation at Lake Cahuilla primarily seasonal or year round (Wilke
1978:14)?
Exchange Systems
Patterns of exchange should be evidenced in artifactual material from the site. Such things
as lithic types, ceramics, and beads present could indicate trade relations with other
groups (e.g. Colorado River or coastal California). The following research questions have
been developed to address this domain:
• Are exotic resources present at the site? Do these represent direct procum.ent or
exchange mechanisms?
• Is there evolution through time in the types or quantities of non -local resources
present?
■ Is the local catchment area sufficiently diverse in natural resources to discourage trade
relations?
■ Is there evidence of the exchange of technologies or ideas, rather than material objects?
METHODS
FIELDWORK TECHNIQUES
Standard archaeological field methods were utilized during this project. Excavation units
were two -by -two meters or one -by -one meters. Soil was excavated in arbitrary 10 cm
levels and screened using 1/8'"-inch mesh shaker screens. In a few instances of overburden
removal soil was not screened. All units were drawn in profile, photographed, and had soil
sample taken from each discernible stratigraphic level.
It was necessary to utilize a backhoe on this site due to the accumulation of aeolian sands
over the cultural deposits. The backhoe was used to strip off overburden in unit locations
and also for the investigation of the site through trenching. Backhoe spoil was not
screened but backhoe excavation was monitored.
The sampling strategy originally devised for the site was systematic random (see e.g.
Redman 1974). This was going to consist of a series of two -by -two meter units, equally
spaced, and intended to sample the presumed midden deposit (the burnt/organic layer
evident in the face of the escarpment generally identified as stratigraphic Layer 2). Due to
17
2
the paucity of cultural material in Laver 2, the sampling strategy was changed in the course
of the fieldwork to focus on locations producing the greatest volume of artifacts and
ecofacts. This resulted in a more intuitive than probabilistic sample.
Mapping was done by transit with the results superimposed on a project map provided by
Korve Engineering.
In accordance with State Historic Preservation Office guidelines, all cultural materials,
structures, features, and objects over 45 years in age were considered for potential cultural
resource value.
Geological Consultation
Harry M. Quinn, consulting geologist, inspected the site during the excavation on June 27,
1997. His findings are presented in a separate brief report (Quinn 1997). Of particular
note, Mr. Quinn pointed out that the burnt, organic tense (Layer 2) observed across the site
was the result of the burning of mesquite thickets rather than cultural deposition (ibid.).
Native American Consultation
Anthony Andreas, a Cahuilla consultant, visited the excavation twice (on June 24, 1997
and July 2, 1997) and provided helpful input. It should be noted that the one human
skeletal specimen from the site was identified by the Zooarchaeology Laboratory at UCLA
and consequently no one was aware of it at the time of the excavation. The Coroner's
Office was notified immediately upon identification of the specimen.
Please note that Mr. Andreas is to review the draft of this report.
LABORATORY TECHNIQUES
General
Laboratory work consisted of the cleaning, sorting, cataloging, and analysis of the
recovered specimens. A computer database program was utilized for the artifact/ecofact
catalog. Specimens from the site are numbered with the California state trinomial (CA-
RIV4754) and a catalog number. Catalog numbers are five digits. The first two numbers
denote the material/analysis category: CA (carbon sample), CE (ceramics), CL (clay), CS
(chipped stone), FA (faunal), FL (floral/plant), GS (ground stone), LI (miscellaneous
lithics), ME (metal), MI (miscellaneous), PS (pollen sample), and SH (shell).
Macrobotanical Analysis Techniques (Steve L. Martin and Virginia S. Popper)
Two soil samples were collected for flotation analysis, one from the burn level (Unit 5)
and one from midden (Unit 10). Four hand-picked samples were recovered during
excavations of the midden and burn level (Units 9, 10). The primary objectives of this
analysis were to document the type and frequency of botanical remains recovered from the
samples.
Soil samples from CA-RIV-4754 were processed in a mechanical flotation device
following Watson's (1976) design and processing procedure. The flotation device consists
of a 55 gallon water -filled drum with an insert screen of 1.0 mm mesh. Soil samples of
known volume were slowly poured into the partially submerged insert screen. Low density
carbonized botanical remains (light fraction) float to the surface and are directed out of the
drum, via a sluice way, into chiffon netting (0.02 mm mesh). High density carbonized
botanical remains are brought to the surface by the action of water agitation and stirring.
This procedure is performed until no carbonized plant material is seen flowing into the net-
ting. A siphon is then used to remove any carbonized material that has become
waterlogged (Gumerman and Umemoto 1987). Once the siphon process is completed the
netting is hung to dry and the material remaining in the insert screen (heavy fraction) is set
out to dry and saved for future analysis. All heavy fractions were examined for presence of
carbonized material. The recovery rate of the mechanical flotation device has been tested
using the poppy seed method (Wagner 1982) and yielded recovery rates >90%.
When dry, the light fraction was sifted through a series of nested sieves (2.00, 1.00, and
0.50 mm), yielding four size fractions (>2.00 mm, 2.00-1.00 mm, 1.00-0.50 mm, and
<0.50 mm) in preparation for sorting. The light fraction is divided as such for two reasons.
It is easier to sort material of similar size, given the shallow depth of field of the incident
light binocular microscope (1040x) employed. It also allows one to selectively remove
distinct materials from each fraction. In this analysis, carbonized wood was only removed
from the >2.00 mm fraction and weighed. All other carbonized plant material was removed
from the 2.00-1.00 mm and 1.00-0.50 mm fractions and counted or weighed. Material
<0.50 mm in size was quickly scanned for whole carbonized seeds, however, none: were
present. Plant material generally decomposes in a relatively short period of time: after
deposition. Therefore, uncarbonized plant remains, which usually represent contamination
by modem vegetation, are noted but not removed (Minns 1981; Keepax 1977). Only
carbonized material was considered cultural in this analysis.
Finally, the recovered carbonized plant remains were identified. This was achieved though
the use of comparative plant and seed collections and seed manuals located in the
Paleoethnobotany Laboratory in the Institute of Archaeology at UCLA. Wood charcoal
specimens were fractured to give a clean transverse section and then examined under an
incident light binocular microscope at 40x. Identifications were made using comparative
modern wood specimens collected from southern California. Julia Hammet, Reno, Nevada,
assisted in the identification of the wood specimens. A grab of 20 pieces of wood charcoal
from the >2.00 mm fraction of each sample was selected. This subsample size was deemed
appropriate given the diversity of taxa present (Smart and Hoffman 1988:186).
Pollen Analysis (Owen K. Davis)
Three pollen samples were analyzed by Dr. Owen K. Davis of University of Arizona,
Department of Geosciences. PS001 was taken from Unit 5, 019-026 centimeter level;
19
PS002 was taken from Unit 7, 020-030 centimeter level; and PS003 came from Unit 0.
040-050 centimeter level. Pollen was extracted from 5 cm samples by routine acid
digestion. One Lycopodium tablet (13,911 spores per tablet) was added to each sample to
permit calculation of pollen concentration.
Three hundred pollen grains of upland plants were counted for samples PS001 and PS002.
Sample PS003 contained too little pollen, so only 16 pollen grains of upland plants were
counted. The pollen sum of upland plants (including deteriorated) is used as the divisor for
all pollen percentages. Pollen of aquatic plants, spores of ferns and fungi, charcoal., and
other microfossils are not included in the sum. Typically more than 1000 microfossils are
counted per sample. Pollen clumps (aggregates) are counted as four grains.
Pollen concentration is calculated for the pollen sum. It is an index of preservation and the
sediment accumulation rate. Low concentration combined with poor preservation may
indicate the destruction of pollen, making interpretation of pollen percentages in terms of
past environment questionable. Alternately, good preservation and low concentration
might result from rapid sediment accumulation.
Faunal Analysis Techniques (Thomas A. Wake)
Vertebrate faunal remains were recovered from 11 excavation units. All of the sediment
excavated at CA-RIV-4754 was dry screened through 3 mm (1/8 in.) mesh. Recovered
artifact classes were sorted and bagged separately. The remains in question arrived at the
UCLA Zooarchaeology Laboratory in excavation bags labeled with respective unit and
level provenience information. Analysis in this report focuses exclusively on the available
vertebrate faunal remains recovered from the Excavation Units.
Identifications
The non -fish vertebrate skeletal remains from CA-RIV-4754 were identified and analyzed
by the staff of the UCLA Zooarchaeology laboratory including Mercedes Duque, Lady
Harrington, Judith Porcasi, Wendy Teeter, and Thomas Wake. All identifications were
confirmed using the comparative osteological collection housed in the UCLA Institute of
Archaeology Zooarchaeology Laboratory. Each bone specimen was identified to the most
discrete taxonomic level possible. More detailed taxonomic assignment is limited to
elements with sufficient distinguishing features allowing identification to the given level.
Bones lacking discrete morphological features were sorted into broad size categories by
class. Size categories are defined as follows: for mammals, large represents deer size or
greater, medium represents smaller than deer but larger than jackrabbit, and small
represents jackrabbit or smaller; for birds large represents goose size or greater, medium
represents ducks to roadrunners, and small represents jays or smaller.
The fish bone specimens were identified by Thomas Wake using the fish comparative
osteological collection housed in the UCLA Institute of Archaeology Zooarchaeology
Laboratory, augmented by specimens on loan from the California Academy of Sciences, in
San Francisco, and comparative specimens housed in the Los Angeles County Museum of
20
055
Natural History (LACMNH) and the California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB),
Department of Biology. Ken Gobalet, an expert on Ancient Lake Cahuilla fish remains at
CSUB, was consulted regarding veracity of identifications and useful identification
techniques. Less identifiable fish were classed as Osteichthyes (bony fish). Refer to
Appendix 3, Table J for the reference numbers and locations of the fish comparative
specimens examined.
For each discretely identifiable bone a series of data were recorded including catalog
number, complete provenience and screen size information, skeletal element, part of
element, side, age, and modification. Data recorded regarding modification of bone
specimens include evidence of burning, cut marks, gnaw marks, and indications of tool or
other artifact manufacture. The bone was counted and weighed to the nearest 0.01 g using
Ohaus electronic scales. Archival quality paper tags with the above information are
included in each individual bag of analyzed bone specimens. Complete detailed
information is provided in the catalog.
Identification of human remains
All bone specimens were inspected in order to determine the presence or absence of human
remains in the CA-RIV-4754 vertebrate faunal assemblage. The contents of each bag were
examined carefully in three dimensions for characters diagnostic of Homo including
articular surfaces, foramina, cancellous tissue, inner and outer tables for skull fragments,
general morphology and bone thickness (Bass 1987; White 1991).
Bone specimens bearing sufficient diagnostic characters to determine skeletal element
were then directly compared to a disarticulated plastic resin cast of an adult male human
skeleton (UCLAZL-525), an articulated male human skeleton (UCLAZL-999), and a
disarticulated female human skeleton (UCLAZL-998). Tooth specimens were compared to
numerous human teeth in the UCLA Zooarchaeology Laboratory's comparative collection.
Unidentifiable fragments and pieces identifiable only as mammal were then replaced in
their original bags. The identifiable human remains were placed in plastic bags, marked
with the appropriate provenience information, and analyzed in greater detail in order to
determine, if possible, age and sex. Criteria used for age and sex determination follow
those in Bass (1987) and White (1991). Where specific Criteria could not be addressed,
general size and robusticity was taken into consideration.
FINDINGS
FIELDWORK DETAILS AND GENERAL FINDINGS
A detailed map of CA-RIV-4754 showing unit, trench, and feature locations is presented as
Figure 7. This map should be referred to when following this discussion.
21 1 ,
n, 5�;
f
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IT
iF
m
Fieldwork for this data recovery project was conducted on the following days in 1997.
June 19-20, 23-27, 30 and July 1-2. The field crew consisted of James Brock, William A.
Sawyer, Steven K. Dies, and James H. Toenjes.
Two general adverse conditions were present during the fieldwork. First, the weather was
very hot, ranging from 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit each day. Second, the soil of the
sand dune area under investigation was very friable, resulting in difficulty in maintaining
sidewall integrity. This was particularly troublesome during backhoe trench excavation.
The first step in the fieldwork was to establish a grid over the site to allow for horizontal
control. Control stakes were placed at 20 meter intervals across the site.
The next step entailed the recording of the exposed stratigraphic profiles on the site that
were readily apparent in the escarpment. We were particularly concerned with recording
of the burned layer that was apparent in both the northern (Locus A) and southern (Locus
B) parts of the site. It was our original belief that this was a midden deposit and the
investigation of this "midden" was our primary concern at the outset of fieldwork. A
profile drawing and a photograph of this escarpment at Locus A are provided in Figure 8
(and also above in Figure 5). A photograph of the escarpment at Locus B is provided
above in Figure 6.
Our intention was to investigate this burnt deposit through standard archaeological unit
excavation. Because there was up to one meter of aeolian sand deposited over the layer,
and only modern material was in the overburden, a backhoe was used to strip the
overburden off. The areas stripped by backhoe are shown on Figure 7. Units 1, 2, 4 and 7
were dug in Locus A primarily to investigate this layer. These units produced little from
the purported midden layer. Small mammal and rodent bone was present, particularly in
Units 2 and 7. Much of this was probably intrusive, particularly in the upper levels. The
80-90 cm level of Unit 7 had sparse boneytail and razorback remains. Unit 7 also
produced the greatest volume of burned clay from the site. This is believed to be cultural,
the use of which is speculated on below.
Unit 3 was dug to investigate the supposed midden in the Locus B vicinity. This was dug
through the burn layer to 40 cm below the top of the stripped area (or 100 cm below
ground surface). It produced only a few fragments of thermally affected rock. The
adjacent Unit 5, also dug to investigate the burned layer, produced a considerable volume
of thermally affected rock and a small amount of fish and small mammal remains.
It was abundantly clear after the excavation of these units and after consultation with the
geological consultant for the project, Harry Quinn, that our burn layer was not a midden
deposit. Mr. Quinn interpreted the burned layer as mesquite thicket buming that may or
may not have been cultural (Quinn 1997a). It was also clear that the most productive areas
of the site were on the edge of the escarpment. At this point we changed our strategy to
investigate areas of apparent artifactual and ecofactual deposition.
043
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Unit 6 was excavated at the base of the escarpment in Locus B were is was apparent that
fish bone was eroding from the face. This resulted in the discovery of the fish bone
midden. Units 8, 9, and 10 were excavated to recover the data from this midden, which
was very localized. Unit 14 was dug only two meters to the east of the fish bone midden
and did not produce any fish bone at all!
Units 11 and 12 were dug to investigate an area in Locus B where ceramics were apparent
in the sidewall of the escarpment below the burn layer. These units produced a total
assemblage of only four pottery sherds. These are all from the same brownware cooking
vessel.
Unit 13 was dug to examine a concentration of burnt material (Feature 2) noted at the west
end of Trench 3.
In addition to the units, six trenches were dug to examine the overall stratigraphy of the
site. The locations of these are shown in Figure 7. Trenches 1, 3, and 6 were instructive in
showing that the cultural deposits and the mesquite burn layers were primarily confined to
the western face of the site. These clearly show that much of the site was removed during
the original construction of Adams Street through this area in the 1980s.
Trench 2 was dug into the face of the escarpment to see if any cultural material was buried
under sand accumulation and if there were any underlying older deposits.
Trenches 4 and 5 were dug at the south end of the site to see if either the mesquite burn
layer, or the underlying cultural deposits, extended into this area. The results were
negative.
Three features were noted during the work. Feature I at Locus A proved to be a natural
accumulation of water -carried burnt organic debris. Feature 2 was a concentration of
charcoal and cultural material excavated as Unit 13. Feature 3 was a stone cluster,
probably associated with cooking, that was found in the central part of the site during
monitoring. Feature 3 was the only finding during the monitoring of this site. Monitoring
for the Avenue 48 Extension/Adams Street Widening is discussed in a separate report.
UNIT, TRENCH, AND FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
Units
Fourteen units were excavated at the site (see Figure 7). These were either 2 by 2 m or 1
by i m in size. A total of 20.9 cubic meters of soil was excavated in the units.
Unit 1
�{i per}` dwh�aw'PsW4418WAAtur�gr'ocS'ri8ts�i�rf�c�0WSIMON9Apf
25 .J;; 069
m. The stratigraphy of the unit is shown in Figure 9. One ecofact came from the unit —a
razorback sucker bone.
Unit 1
Unit 2 was a 2 by 2 in unit excavated at the north end of the site in Locus A. The
stratigraphy of the unit is shown in Figure 10. This was excavated to 80 cm below clearing
(or 140 cm below the natural ground surface). This unit had some modem material in the
upper levels (a shot shell and a newspaper fragment). It primarily produced a mixed
assemblage of rodent and small mammal bone. Three boneytail bones were present in the
60-70 cm level. A cigarette filter also came from that level.
Unit 3
Unit 3 was a 2 by 2 meter unit: excavated in the central part of Locus B. The stratigraphy
of the unit is shown in Figure 11. The unit failed to produce any artifacts or faunal
remains. This was dug through the bum layer to 40 cm below the top of the stripped area
(or 100 cm below ground surface). It produced only a few fragments of thermally affected
rock.
Unit 4
This unit was a 2 by 2 in area intended to examine one of the most promising looking
portions of the buried burned layer. It was placed on the escarpment in Locus A. The
stratigraphy is shown in Figure 12. It produced sparse rabbit and small mammal bone
from the burn layer itself and one unidentified freshwater shell from the 80-90 cm level.
Unit 5
This unit was also 2 by 2 in and was dug adjacent to Unit 3 in Locus B. It was dug on the
edge of the escarpment. The! stratigraphy is shown in Figures 11 and 13. The south
sidewall of the unit shows multiple bum layers. It is unclear whether this burning is the
result of mesquite thicket maintenance or food processing. Food processing may be
indicated by the fact that this unit produced the highest volume of thermally affected rock
on the site.
Unit 6
This was a 1 by 1 in unit excavated at the base of the escarpment at Locus B where is was
obvious that fish bone was eroding out of the escarpment. The stratigraphy of the unit and
its relationship to the escarpment are indicated in Figure 14. Because it was at the base of
the escarpment, the top of this unit was well below the terminal burn layer (Layer 2). The
unit was dug to 30 cm.. This unit produced a large amount of faunal material, particular
fish remains.
26
- 061
Datum (40 cm below ground surface) 0
50 Centime
Strabgraphy:
1 Fine ..«lain ..nC depot wIN «yruc C.M..
Light tainbra n. Key:
x Deft grown to "it Wy MrM laiy« wan «g.nk
C.MM-
x Light YNnrown ..oe .nfi •N .•n aio� «gaNc A°°l�
Ceert•.ne cba, w. . avrre
4 L4M t.Nbown unU.W W.
OVinlc MM.
CA-RIV-4754
Unit 1 West Sidewall/Unit 7 East Sidewall
Figure 9. Profile of the west sidewall of Unit 1/east sidewall of Unit 7.
Datum (t60 cm below ground surface)
0 60 Centimeters
Stratigraphy:
t Fire fight l.Nbown..Iwn ..nd Cepo.n..
CA-RIV-4754 x DM bows W "it gra, b1rN lay« wan o g.nlc
Unit 2 South Sidewall , °i0rl.
Light taNbown •.na .no .IiL
Figure 10. Profile of the south sidewall of Unit 2.
MA
CA-RIV-4754
Units 3 and 5 North Sidewall
Daum ttM an baoW Pound aur1eal
E� m _� ® i
slope
Jto/Ptlam. St.
f '
S'"'n°D^'rc°" Unit 3
Deadened..
Unit 5
Strahgraphy: - Ke
1 Flnoy WywW lightWVbown a.dYn and Y:
daP .(.. ® stool.
1 Daft bourn Wrnt Wdo and atl WIN or0anit
dehha. Rpdem node.
LIQN UNbovn uW W Ola Wnn CIIYCp.I a.C..
end M..e«led r«l. Ale
gufMyparV<
Light bourn afolYn Wwl d.M.
Figure 11. Combined north sidewalls of Units 3 and 5.
1 Final, Yyered light bownl.h grey (3.11Y 641
a. M. .and depoatl.. S. d.arcna and
.g.nlc..
L GrayW bovm (7.11Y W2) to dart Qrayl.h boom
(].11Y 412) Me Why .and •dth aWrWani chYcwl
flock..
7 Very We Qrayl.h bows to black (1.4Y We) eumt
sandy Wtl wllh charcoal SM ash.
S Light Wownuh QuY n.SY inn very Dne Wry Sand
Weh charcoal IMck. am roof
4 Pal. baen (iOYR in) unNatl. NCWloct
104
CA-RIV-4754
Unit 4 East Sidewall
Tot, of Natural DIa a Surface
Daum
a Key:
_ OI QJ�q �.eWutle root.
OO itod.N hale.
® aunrd
State oat
100 caVlntalar.
Figure 12. Profile of the east sidewall of Unit 4.
28 063
Unit 8
As with Unit 6, Unit 8 (another l by 1 m unit) was dug at the base of the escarpment in
Locus B and had similar results.
Units 9 and 10
These units were excavated at the face of the escarpment in Locus B with the intention of
recovering the remains of the buried fish bone midden (Figure 15). These were both 1 by
1 m, with there top layers originating approximately 50 cm below the natural ground
surface. The mesquite burn layer is evident in the stratigraphy at the 30-40 cm layer.
Below this is the midden deposit with dense bone, particularly fish, and mottled charcoal
to about 80 cm.
Units 11 and 11
These units were both 1 by 1 m and dug on the face of the escarpment at Locus B (Figure
16). The area had been stripped to about 50 cm below ground surface prior to excavation.
Both units were dug to 60 cm and they produced nothing but 5 ceramic sherds from the
same vessel —a brownware cooking pot. The mesquite bum lens is clearly evident in the
upper strata. Charcoal associated with the pottery from the 30-40 cm level produced a
radiocarbon date of 340 +/- 5013P.
Unit 13
This 1 by 1 m unit was dug to investigate a concentration of burnt material at the western
end of Trench 3 (Figure 17). After removal of approximately 1 m of overburden the unit
was dug to 60 cm. Below the mesquite bum level, it produced a small amount of bird and
mammal bone, along with 6 brownware sherds, and a tertiary flake made of brown chert.
Unit 14
This unit was dug to evaluate the eastern extent of the midden identified in Units 6, 8, 9,
and 10. It was excavated to 90 centimeters and only produced 5 bones, none of which
were fish.
Trenches
Trench 1
This trench was dug west to east across Locus A to examine the general stratigraphy of this
part of the site. This was dug to a depth of 1.5 m with a length of 23 m. It exhibited the
mesquite burn layer (Layer 2) to 6 m east of the escarpment. No further burning or cultural
evidence was apparent to the east of where this terminated.
30
065
Stake (N90fE20)
1 -
Figure 17. View of Unit 13 looking southeast.
(D \
4
Stratigraphy:
1 Light tanigraybrown sands and sifts.
to Finely layered light tanlgray aeolian sands and
silts.
1b Same as 1.
2 Very dark grayish brown burnt sandy silt with
charcoal and ash.
3 Same as 1.
4 Light gray -brown silty sand layer.
5 Light yellowish -brown sifts and sands. Compact
and finely layered.
6 Mottled light brown sands and silt in a matrix of
light tan -brown sands and sift —disturbed.
CA-RIV-4754
Trench 2 South Sidewall
V
Trench Floor
Figure .18. Southern stratigraphic section of Trench 2.
0 2 Meters
To Adams Street
32 �� 6 7
Trench 2
Trench 2 was dug into the face of the escarpment to see if any cultural material was buried
under sand accumulation and if there were any underlying older deposits. The stratigraphy
is shown in Figure 18. The sand in this trench was very friable and it was difficult to
safely work it. Layer 2, the large mesquite burn layer, is apparent in the stratigraphy.
Curiously, it is going downhill to the east, implying that the highest part of the dune was
removed during the original Adams Street construction. No further burning or cultural
activity is evidenced below this.
Trench 3
This trench was dug west to east across Locus B to examine the general stratigraphy of that
part of the site. The stratigraphy of the trench is shown in Figure 19. It was 21.5 meters
long and excavated to a depth of 1.2 to 1.5 in. This displayed the mesquite burn layer
(Layer 2) at the face of the escarpment with a concentration of cultural material and
charcoal below it (Feature 2). At a point 14 to 16 m east of the escarpment there is a
mesquite burn layer. A Cottonwood Triangular projectile point was found in the south
sidewall below this. This appears to be an isolated find —there was no other cultural
material associated with it.
Trenches 4 and S
These trenches were dug at the south end of the site to see if either the mesquite burn layer,
or the underlying cultural deposits, extended this far. They were both dug to 1.5 m and
were 3 m in length. The results were negative.
Trench 6
This trench was dug between N70/E20 and N70/E30. It was dug to a depth of 1.4 in. The
trench exhibited aeolian fine layered sand to 80 cm. Below this was a homogeneous
tan/orange sand. The sidewalls of this trench collapsed almost immediately upon
excavation.
Features
Three features were recorded in the course of work on the site.
Feature I
This feature was originally noted during the survey report for the project (Brock 1997). It
was an intense burn area present in the escarpment at Locus A that was believed to be a
hearth (see Figures 6 and 8 above). Harry Quinn interpreted this as a natural depression in
the ground that was filled with burned organic matter (from mesquite burning) from
rainwater runoff. The excavation of Unit 7 confirmed Mr. Quinn's interpretation.
33
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Feature 2
This feature was a concentration of cultural material and charcoal noted during the
excavation of Trench 3 at Locus B (see Figure 19). Because it proved to be poorly defined
it was excavated as Unit 13.
Feature 3
This feature was discovered during monitoring at the site in between the two defined Loci
(see Figure 7 above). It was apparently a stone cooking feature. It's plan is shown as
Figure 20. One complete very shallow metate was recovered, along with small quantities
of fish, reptile, and small mammal bone. The feature was at a depth of 2 in below ground
surface. All of the rock in the feature was granitic and thermally affected.
ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED MATERIAL
Radiocarbon Dates
CA-RIV-4754 produced a fairly abundant amount of charcoal and carbonized material.
Four radiocarbon dates were non for the site through Beta Analytic, Inc. The results of
their analysis are presented in Appendix 2. It should be remembered that dates are
reported as radiocarbon years before present (BP) and "present" = AD 1950.
The four samples were selected to address particular research concerns. Two samples were
run to evaluate whether the major burnt layer across the site (Layer 2) was a single
occurrence. These samples were Beta-108590 from the 20-30 cm level of Unit 3 at Locus
B which produced a radiocarbon age of 140 +/- 70 BP (AD 1810 +/- 70 years). Beta-
108591 from the 30-40 cm level in Unit 4 produced a radiocarbon age of 160 +/- 50 BP
(AD 1790 +/- 50 years). While not an exact match, these dates provide fairly good support
for the concept that there was a final major terminal burn of the site around AD 1800.
The two other dates produced for the site were intended to investigate the fish processing
camp at the site which had to be associated with a stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla. A
sample of carbon that was directly associated with the fish bone midden (Unit 9, 50-60 cm,
Beta-108592) produced a surprising result of 170 +/- 50 BP (AD 1780 +/- 50 years). This
late date obviously can not be associated with a stand of Lake Cahuilla and must represent
disturbance to the site probably caused by rodent activity.
The final date ran is entirely consistent with Lake Cahuilla resource exploitation. This
charcoal sample came from the 30-40 cm level of Unit 11 (Beta-108593). It produced a
date of 340 +/- 50 BP (AD 1610 +/- 50 years).
The dates quoted here represent one standard deviation (68% probability). The calibrated
dates (95% probability) given in Appendix 2 have such a wide range that they are of little
utility in defining the fairly tight sequence of this late prehistoric use of the La Quinta area.
35
Macrobotanical Results (Steve L. Martin and Virginia S. Popper)
Three samples, comprising a total soil volume of 13.0 litters, underwent flotation. The
results of the macrobotanical analysis of these samples is presented in Tables 1 (recovered
carbonized material absolute counts and weights) and 2 (recovered wood charcoal absolute
counts and weights).
Seeds are rarely identified to the species level because seeds within the same genus are of-
ten morphologically very similar and carbonization often distorts seeds, obscuring
diagnostic characteristics. Seeds which are too distorted or fragmented to classify to even
the familial level are placed in the unidentifiable seeds category. There were some seeds
that could not be identified to genus and, based on morphology, were placed in the
Asteraceae (sunflower) family. Only one seed type, Atriplex sp. (saltbush), was identified
in the flotation samples (Unit 10). The paucity of seeds from the midden deposits at CA-
RIV-4754 indicate either poor preservation or that seed processing was a minor activity at
the site. Additionally, the samples may not fully represent the range of deposits at the site.
However, given the normal charcoal densities and the nature of the deposits (fish bone
midden), seed processing was presumably a minor activity at the site.
Most of the carbonized botanical material recovered from the flotation samples consisted
of plant parts, including wood charcoal. Unknown type 30 is a spherical fruit (2.0 mm dia.)
which appears to have contained six seeds. Longitudinal grooves are present on its exterior
surface. -
Table 2 presents wood charcoal absolute counts and weights for the identified specimens.
Only Unit 10 contained sufficient wood charcoal for a 20 piece count. Any identifications
which carry some uncertainty are indicated as cf (compares favorably). The following
wood types were identified: Atriplex sp. (saltbush), Prosopis sp. (mesquite), and Larrea
tridentata (creosote bush). Wood charcoal densities for the flotation samples were 0.02 g/L
for Unit 5 and 0.78 g!L for Unit 10. Wood specimens from Unit 10 (40-50 cm) and Unit 9
(50-60 cm) were very smooth :suggesting post -depositional erosion due to wind or water.
All identified wood specimens are of species that would have been locally available and
are common members of the Creosote Scrub plant community within which the site is
located.
Based on the material recovered from Unit 5, the burn level appears to be the result of a
natural fire. The high charcoal density, lack of seeds, and unusually large amount of plant
parts all indicate large scale burning. The Cahuilla did burn mesquite thickets to drive out
small game, however, whether this burn represents such activity or natural processes is
difficult if not impossible to ascertain.
36
Table 1. Carbonized plant material absolute counts and weights (gm) from CA-RIV-4754.
TYPE Unit 5 Unit 10 Feature I
SEEDS
Asteraceae 15
Atriplex sp. 2
Unidentifiable seeds 8
Seed Total 0 25 0
PLANT PARTS
Wood (g) 0.15 3.12 5.43
Bark 2
Calyx & bud 7
Leaf i
Peducle 3 6
Stem 9 2
Stem w/bud 11
Unknown Type30 I
Unknown plant part 4 8
Table 2. Wood charcoal absolute counts and weights (gm) from CA-RIV-4754.
_Unit
5
Unit 9
Unit 10
50-60 cm 60-70 cm 40-50 cm
_
TYPE
Ct.
Wt.
Ct. Wt. Ct. Wt, Ct.
W't
Ct.
Wt.
Atripiex sp. cf.
1
0.04
Prosopis sp.
1
<0.0I
I <0.01 2
0.06
13
1.19
Larrea tridentata
3 0.04 10
0.20
5
0.19
Bark cf.
+
0.14
Indeterminate
2
<0.01
3
0.02
1
0.08
Total identifiable 3 <0.01 3 0.04 1 <0.01 15 0.28 20 1.50
Total wood charcoal 0.15 0.04 <0.01 0.29 3.12
+ sample consisting of innumerable fiagments.
37 .J6' 079
Pollen Results (Owen K. Davis)
Pollen concentration is low (2000-4000 grains/cc) and preservation moderately (40-50%)
in samples PS001 and PS002 (Table 3, Figure 21). Sample PS003 has a high deteriorated
percentage (50-70%) and a low concentration (300-1200 grains/cc). PS003's pollen
percentage must be interpreted with caution, because the original composition has likely
been altered by pollen destruction. Charcoal was abundant in PS003 (100-1200 charcoal
particles per pollen grain, Table 3, Figure 21). Spiderling (Boerhaavia) also had a
relatively high occurrence in PS003 (3-6%). Pollen frequency of the three samples is
dominated by Chenopodiaceae-Amaramhus (12-30%), Ambrosia (4-10%), and Ephedra
(joint -fir, 6-12%). Pollen of wetground plants (sycamore [Platinus], willow [Salix], and
cattail [Typha]) also occurs in all samples. A single poorly preseved corn (Zea) pollen
grain is present in sample PS002 (Table 3).
Pollen percentages of CA-RIV-4754 samples are typical for the Colorado (Sonoran) Desert
vegetation in general, and are similar to those from Twenty-nine Palms analyzed by Davis
(1983). They differ from pollen spectra of sites west of the Transverse Ranges (Davis
1994, 1995, 1996), which are dominated by sunflower family (other Compositae) pollen
rather than Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthus. Absence of creosote bush and mesquite pollen
in CA-RIV-4754 probably results from the low pollen production of these plants, and poor
preservability of their pollen.
Consistent presence of pollen of wetland and riparian plants (sycamore [Platinus], willow
[Salix], and cattail [Typha]) is remarkable for a desert site. Nearby standing water is
clearly suggested and is Fully consistent with occupation of CA-RIV-4754 during a
highstand of Lake Cahuilla. However, dominance by Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthus,
Ambrosia, and Ephedra indicates that the upland vegetation at the time was desert, similar
to that of today. Six pollen grains of fir (Abies) occur in samples PS001 and PS002, likely
due to stream transport into Lake Cahuilla from the nearby San Jacinto Mountains rather
than vegetation or climatic: change. Ceanothus is typical of California chaparral. Its
presence (Table 3, Figure 21) in samples PS001 and PS002 may be due to wind -transport
from the lower slopes of the nearby San Jacinto mountains.
Spiderling (Boerhaavia) pollen in sample PS003 may indicate human impact on local
vegetation. Spiderling is a. disturbance indicator (weed), but the "disturbance" might be
due to either natural or human causes. Note that spiderling pollen is not present is PS002,
which contains a grain a corn pollen. Presence of corn pollen is consistent with its
occurrence at Twenty-nine Palms (Davis 1983), but a single grain is not strong evidence
for early agriculture in the Salton Trough.
38 073
SAMPLE NO.
1
2
3
Pollen Sum
301
301
16
DETERIORATED
127
151
11
TRACERS
354
228
120
CONC (gr/cc)
2366
3673
371
Ahies
1
5
0
Pinus total
8
7
0
Quercus
0
1
0
Ambrosia
13
28
0
Artemisia
10
1
0
Ceanothus
9
11
0
Chenopodiaceae-Amar.
88
45
2
Ephedra
22
34
1
Ericaceae
1
0
0
Rosaceae
1
0
0
Boerhaavia
0
0
1
Gram:ineae
5
3
0
Malvaceae undif.
1
0
0
Onagraceae
0
2
0
Other Compositae
14
8
1
_ Polygonaceae undif.
1
0
0
Zea
0
1
0
Algal Spore
3
5
0
Spirogyra
2
0
0
Fern Spores
1
0
0
Fungal Spores
123
332
5
Acer
0
4
0
Alnus
0
1
0
Cyperaceae
0
1
0
Platinus
12
1
0
Salix
1
1
16
Typha-Sparganium
5
2
0
Amoeba Test
1
4
0
Arthropod Feces
35
20
73
Charcoal
56
332
21533
Table 3. Pollen counts for CA-RIV-4754.
39
P
7
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40 : �i 075
Faunal Results (Thomas A. Wake)
A total of 4,158 bone specimens (103.46 g) recovered from CA-RIV-4754 have been
identified and analyzed. One human skeletal fragment is present (see below). Twenty-five
various taxonomic categories are represented (Table 4). Thirteen vertebrate genera, and 10
species (see Table 4), excluding humans, are identified. The remaining taxonomic
categories consist of bone fragments that are identifiable only to the Family or Order level,
or relative size class category.
The RIV-4754 vertebrate faunal assemblage is dominated by fish, predominantly bonytail
(Gila elegans) and a few razorback suckers (Xyrauchen texwrus), with mammals, primarily
cottontail rabbits (Genus Sylvilagus), making up much of the remainder (Figures 22, 23).
Reptiles and birds are represented by only a few specimens and make a negligible
contribution to the overall assemblage. Excavation Units 9 and 10 have by far the highest
densities of bone (Appendix 3, Table A).
Fish
Fish remains have been reported from a number of sites associated with the northern
shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla (Follet 1988, Gobalet 1992, 1994; Moffitt and Moffitt
1996, Wilke 1978). The composition of the CA-RIV-4754 archaeological fish fauna,
while somewhat limited in diversity and number, is representative of the region and
comparable to other known assemblages.
Fish clearly dominate the vertebrate faunal assemblage recovered from RIV-4754. A total
of 3886 (93.63 g) fish bone specimens are identified, constituting 93% of the entire
collection by count and 901/6 by weight (Figures 22, 23). No other Salton basin site faunal
assemblage is so heavily dominated by fish bone. Fish bones are heavily concentrated in
Units 9 and 10, and completely absent from Units 4, 5, 13 and 14 (Appendix 3, Tables A
and B).
Three different species of .fish are represented (Table 4, Appendix 3, Tables A and B;
Figures 24 and 25). Most (:n=2658, 71.92 g, MNI=46) of the bone represents 2 species of
cypriniform fishes (Order Cypriniformes), the bonytail (Family Cyprinidae, Gila elegans,
n=2165, 55.56 g, MNI=) and the razorback sucker (Family Catostomidae, Xyrauchen
texanus, n=165, 11.83 g, MNI=4). Four specimens (0.30 g, MN1=1) representing a
perciform species (Perciformes, Muglidae, Mugil cephalus - Striped Mullet) was also
identified. Sixty (0.53 g) fragments are referred to the Cyprinidae, and 18 (0.46 g) to the
Catostomidae. The remaining 1224 (21.41 g) elements are identifiable only as bony fish
(Osteichthyes) remains.
41 7
Table 4. Identified vertebrate species from CA-RIV-4754.
Cyprinifcrmes
'vz)r, n_dae
Gila elegans
C atostcmidae
Xyrauchen texanus
Cyprir,iformes
Perciformes
Muailidae
Mugil cephaius
Osteichthves
Squamata - Serpentes
Colubridae
Salvadora nexalepis
Pituophis melanoleucus
Viperidae
crotalus sp
Pelecaniformes
Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax sp
Aves, and
Aves, sm
Carp and Minnow Family
60
Chub - Bonytail
2165
55.56
Sucker Family
18
.46
Sucker - Razorback
165
11.53
Minnow Order
..50
3.54
Cypriniformes
2658
71.92
Mullet - Striped
4
.30
Perciformes
4
30-
Fish - Bony
1224
21.41
1224
21.41
Total Fish
3686
93.63
Snake - Western Patch -nosed
1
.02
Snake - Gopher
1
.13
Rattlesnake - Unid
3
.09
Squamata - Serpentes
--------------
5
.24
Total Reptile
5
.24
Cormorant - Unid
1
.21
Pelecaniformes
1
.21
Bird - Medium
5
.33
Bird - Small
1
.03
---6 -----------
.36
Total Bird
7
57
42
.' 1,77
Table 4 (continued). Identified vertebrate species from CA-RIV-4754.
Lacomor^ha
L enoridae
sylvilagus sp
Rodentia
Sciuridae
Ammospermophilus leucurus
Geomyidae
Th om omys bottae
Heteromyidae
Dipodomys merriami
Percgnathus californicus
Cricetidae
Rodentia
Carnivora
Canidae
vulpes macrons
Carnivora
Mammalia
Mammalia, lg
Mammalia, and
Mammalia, sm
Rabbit —Unid
Lagomorpha
35
35 3.7
Ground Squirrel
- Antelope
_
.05
Pocket Gopher -
Botta's
6
.43
Kanaaroc Rat -
Merriam's
6
.08
Pocket Mouse -
Californicus
1
.01
Mouse, Rat, Vole
- New World
1
.02
Rodent - Unid
4
.06
Rodentia
19
65
Fox - Kit
Carnivore Order
Carnivora
Mammal
- Unid
Mammal
- Large
Mammal
- Medium
Mammal
- Small
Total Mammal
TOTAL TAXA
43
1
1
2 -
17
94
30
63
204
.04
.05
_--09
.43
1.55
.77
1.76
4.51
----- 260 9.02
4158 103.46
07&
Figure 22. RIV-4754: Distribution of Vertebrate
Figure 23.
v.1 My.)
I.\(MI)
Classes by Count (NISP)
RIV•4754: Distribution o/ Vertebrate
Classes by Weight (g)
Class
Count
Weight
(g)
-----------
Fish
-----
3886
---------
93.63
Reptile
5
.24
Aves
7
.57
Ma=al
260
9.02
4158
103.46
44
Av.. 0.)
.pN M..,
M., ((x(
YuW (%l
i(MI
.;i i 073,
Figure 24.
RN-4754: Distribution of Fish Bon@
by Count (NISP)
�4
MY.)
ryp.eu (15)
DIN.k.. 1311.1
RN-4754: Distribution of Fish Eon•
by Wsipht (g)
Figure 25.
i
2vn�w .euv p3sf
Ny. upVr lq'.1— ��
���--O'M�.U>•1
d.e�ay.. flfn)
Fish Taxon
-------------------
Count
-----
weight(g)
Gila elegans
2165
--------
55.56
Cypr:Lnidae
60
.53
Xyrauchen texanus
165
11.83
Catostomidae
18
.46
Cypriniformes
250
3.54
Mugil cephalus
4
.30
Osteichthyes
1224
21.41
Total
-----
3886
---------
93.63
45
Preservation of the fish bones is excellent, allowing the recovery of not only great numbers
of specimens, but also many extremely fragile individual head bones that are rarely
encountered in Salton Basin archaeological sites (Appendix 3, Table C; Figures 26 and
27). In fact, the frequency of head bones at this site appears unparalleled in the region
where most archaeological fish faunas are dominated solely by more durable vertebral
elements (Follet 1988; Moffitt and Moffitt 1996). While vertebral elements do dominate
this fish assemblage as well, the frequencies of head bones are still astonishing. Ironically,
even with all of the head bones present at this site the Ml' I's for both bonytail and
razorbacks were generated by numbers of unique vertebrae (46 vertebrae #3 for bonytail
and 4 vertebrae 92 for razorback, see Appendix 3, Table C), although numbers for paired
cranial region elements such as pharyngeal tooth plates (34 R, bonytail) sometimes came
close.
Salton Basin Fishes
Bonytail and razorback are native to the Colorado River system. Both of these species
were originally most common in the rapidly flowing, turgid waters of the lower Colorado
River, from the Grand Canyon down. Gobalet (1992:76) believes that ancient Lake
Cahuilla, fed by nutrient laden Colorado River waters, was a plankton rich environment
and could have supported large numbers of filter feeding razorbacks and omnivorous
bonytail and striped mullet. The striped mullet is a euryhaline species that ascends the
Colorado from the Gulf of California. The only predatory fish species known from
northern Salton basin archaeological sites, the Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus Lucius),
and the machete (Flops afnts) could both have feasted on young bonytail and razorbacks.
However, no squawfish or machete are identified at RIV-4754. Gobalet and Wake (n.d.)
report the discovery of a single pupfish (Cyprnndon) vertebra from a non -archaeological
late Holocene paleontological assemblage, and suggests that small fish species such as
woundfish (Plagopterus argentissimus), Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis oecidentahs), and
desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularis) might eventually turn up in archaeological
assemblages when the possibility of their presence is considered prior to excavation (1 mm
mesh screens should be used for some samples).
Bon ail (Gila elegans)
Bonytail, the most common fish species at RIV-4754, are well represented at many other
Salton Basin archaeological sites (Gobalet 1992, 1994, Gobalet and Wake n.d.; Moffitt and
Moffitt 1996). In fact, bonytail appear to be one of the two most common archaeological
fish species in the region in general, the other being razorback sucker (Follett 1980;
Gobalet 1992, 1994; Wilke 1978).
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47
Bonytail are one of a three species complex (Gila cipha_ Gila elegans, Gila robusta) that
have adapted to meet specific ecological conditions found in the various drainages that
constitute the lower Colorado River system (Moyle 1976:173). Possible hybridization
resulting in apparently intermediate forms has caused some confusion over the placement
of species in this complex, and some have considered Gila elegans and Gila robusta to be
sister subspecies of Gila robusta (i.e. Gila robusta elegans and Gila robusta robusta;
Gobalet 1992:74; Kaeding et al. 1986, Holden and Stalnaker 1970). However, it is now
generally accepted that Gila elegans is a valid species (Gobalet 1992, 1994; Moyle 1976).
Bonytail have a streamlined body, a hump behind and above the head, large fins and a long
tail (Figure 28). It is believed that the shape of these fishes is a result of adaptation to the
swift water of the lower Colorado River and helps them to maneuver and stay on the
bottom in the face of strong currents during seasonal floods (Moyle 1976). Bonytail are
not selective in their food choices, eating virtually anything in or on the water including
filamentous algae, plant debiris, insects, insect larvae, planktonic animals, and occasional
small fish (Vanicek and Kramer 1969). These fish grow quickly in the first three years of
their lives, attaining average lengths of 158 mm and weights of 31 g by their third year
(Vanicek and Kramer 1969:200). Growth slows after their fourth year, when they reach
sexual maturity and begin to spawn at sizes of 258 mm and 129 g. Bonytail have been
observed spawning over gravel beds, broadcasting their adhesive eggs widely (Jonez and
Sumner 1954).
Age Determination
Two separate metrical analyses were conducted in order to gain information concerning the
size, and therefore, the age structure of the fish population represented in the excavated
sample from RIV-4754. 1) Size (centrum length) of the thoracic vertebrae (upper
precaudal in the catalog) in the archaeological sample was used to estimate the skeletal
lengths of the Gila individuals constituting the majority of the RIV4754 fish sample. The
proportional method described by Casteel (1976:104-117) was used. Based on skeletal
lengths of 2 Gila elegans comparative specimens, the calculated fish lengths are in turn
used to estimate the age class of the fish in the sample. Average length per age class has
been determined by Vanicek and Kramer (1969). 2) The growth annuli on the same
thoracic vertebrae were also counted, averaged, and compared to the annuli of the
comparative skeletal specimens, which are of known length and can be assigned to an age
class following Vanicek and Kramer (1969). A complete annulus usually corresponds to
one year of growth (Casteel 1976).
Length Determination
Average size (length) of the bonytail from RIV4754 was determined using the
proportional method described and discussed by Casteel (1976:105-117). First, a
representative sample of 25 thoracic vertebrae were selected from four Excavation Unit
level bags (Units 9 [levels, 40-50cm, 50-60cm] and 10 [levels 30-40cm, 40-50cm]).
Thoracic vertebrae were chosen since they are readily identifiable as Gila. These skeletal
48
+. 083
Figure 28. Bonevtail. aprRovmately 50 cm long. Source: Hinckley and Deacon (1991:209).
0 10 N
cm
Figure 29. Male razorback sucker. Source: Minckley and Deacon (1991:304).
49
elements have laterally projecting, anterio-posterially angled transverse processes on each
side of the centrum that articulate with equivalent projections on the respective conjoining
parapophyses that the ribs attach to. They also lack longitudinal bony laminae in the
dorsal cavity of the centra. Neither Prychocheilus (squawfish - vertebrae have bony
laminae in dorsal cavity), Xyrauchen (razorback sucker - no projecting transverse
processes), or Mugil (striped mullet - vertebrae are perforate and dissected), the other most
commonly encountered fish species in Salton Basin archaeological sites, have this exact
thoracic vertebral morphology.
Unit 9 [levels 40-50cm, 50-60cm] and 10 [levels 30-40 cm, 40-50cm] were chosen because
each subsample contained a large number (well over 50) of thoracic vertebrae from which
a random sample could be selected. Vertebrae appearing to be the largest and the smallest
were judgmentally selected to represent the upper and lower size limits of each sample and
then 22 vertebrae were selected at random, for a total sample of 25 elements per Unit -level.
When incomplete thoracic vertebral centra were encountered, they were rejected and
another complete specimen was randomly selected. Complete vertebral centra are
necessary in order to accurately measure their respective lengths and account for all
available growth annuli. These vertebrae were then measured (Appendix 3, Table D). All
measurements were taken with digital calipers.
To serve as a comparison, lengths of each of the 21 post-weberian thoracic vertebrae of 2
individual Gila elegans (CAS 25860, CAS 66038) were measured (Appendix 3, Table D).
Average thoracic lengths were then calculated for each specimen (CAS 25860: 2.71 mm,
CAS 66038: 4.44 mm). An average of the thoracic vertebral centra lengths for each
archaeological Unit -level was calculated in millimeters (Unit 9, 40-50: 3.1 l; Unit 9, 50-60:
3.22, Unit 10, 30-40: 3.22; Unit 10, 40-50: 3.19). An overall sample average was
calculated as well (3.19 mm). The average archaeological sample length was then plugged
into an equation to determine the estimated size of the fish. Since two known comparative
Gila elegans specimens were measured, two equations were solved to serve as a control for
one another.
The following basic algebraic equation was used:
_ (comp. spec.) SL (Comp. spec.)
------------
_ (sample) x
where _ is the average of the respective measured thoracic vertebrae, SL is the measured
skeletal length of the comparative specimen, and x equals estimated average skeletal length
of the archaeological fish. The two following equations were generated and solved,
yielding the size estimates listed below. The actual equations are:
50
.i; �; OgJ
Based on CAS 25860
2.71 195
-- _ --- x = 229.5
3.19 x
Based on CAS 66038
4.44 321.25
--- _ ---- x = 230.8
3.19 x
Using equation 1: estimated skeletal length = 229.5 mm
Using equation 2: estimated skeletal length = 230.8 mm
The 1.3 mm disparity in the estimated lengths is most likely the result of a combination of
slight errors in measuring the comparative specimens and deriving results from different
sized individuals at different ontogenetic growth stages (Casteel 1976:107). At any rate,
the two slightly different size estimates refer the average length of the skeletons (measured
from the tip of the premaxilla to the end of the hypural). The actual (total length) average
length of the fishes would be somewhat longer (up to 50 mm) if the presence of the caudal
fin rays is taken into account:. Therefore, the estimated lengths of these fishes place them
well within Vanicek and Kramer's (1969:200) age class IV. This age/length class is when
bonytail become morphologically distinct from roundtail chubs and is just above the size
that Holden and Stalnaker (1970:410) consider mature and of use for their taximetric
analysis.
Annuli Counts
Counting growth annuli is an excellent way of determining age and season of death in
various vertebrates, especially fish. Growth annuli can be found on many different fish
bones including the operculum, vertebrae, scales, and otoliths. These annuli are usually
deposited in a yearly cycle similar to tree rings, with rapid growth occurring during period
of warmer weather and greater food availability, and slower growth occurring during
period of lower temperatures and lesser resource availability. A seasonal annulus typically.
consists of a band of diffuse bone grading into a band of denser bone. Rapid growth
produces the relatively diffuse annulus deposits and slower growth typically leads to
denser bands. The operating assumption is that one complete annulus equates to one year
of life. Casteel (1976:138-141) has calculated a growth rate for Xyrauchen rexanus at
Lake Cahuilla based on number and size of annuli from one proatlas vertebra. It was not
possible to make a direct cornparison to this study since no razorback proatlas vertebrae are
present in the RN-4754 collection.
51
-,1,' 086
Annuli on the same Gila elegans thoracic vertebrae discussed above were counted and
averaged to provide a mean age for each Unit -level and the entire sample. Thoracic
vertebral annuli were also counted on the two comparative Gila elegans specimens to serve
as a control. All annuli were counted using a binocular stereo zoom dissecting
microscope.
Two methodological problems concerning counting annuli on the bonytail vertebrae are
apparent. One has to do with accounting for the relatively rapid growth during the first 4
years of life and subsequent reduction of size increase per year (Vanicek and Kramer
1969). The reduced growth rate later in life produces narrower annuli which are more
difficult to count. The second problem has to do with the presence of annuli within annuli.
Many of the yearly annuli examined on both the archaeological and modern Gila vertebrae
contained multiple other ;sub -annuli, some of which are quite striking and could be
confused with actual annuli.
When I first began counting annuli I attempted to count each obvious ring on each
vertebra. This rapidly became quite frustrating. After viewing the whole sample to be
counted and considering the comparative specimens, relatively consistent, regular patterns
of yearly annuli became apparent, but were still subtle. I counted one relatively dense ring
and the abutting a relatively diffuse ring as a complete annulus. Annulus counts and
averages for the sampled vertebrae are detailed in Appendix 3, Table E.
The annulus counts for the 2 comparative specimens are 6 (CAS 66038) and 4 (CAS
25860) respectively (Appendix 3, Table E). The average annulus count for the 100
sampled vertebrae is 5.11, with a range of 3 to 8 (Appendix 3, Table E). The overall
average age of 5 suggested by annulus counts is one age class older than ages suggested by
the length -based analysis discussed above. Five year old bonytail average 322 mm in
length according to Vanicek and Kramer (1969:200). However, this disparity may actually
reflect growth rate, not age. Casteel (1976:138-141), in his analysis of the growth rate of
single archaeological razorback sucker from Lake Cahuilla, shows that the fish in question
grew more slowly than its modem counterparts taken directly from the Colorado River
system.
The disparity of annuli counts and size -based age class determinations may be accounted
for if the Gila elegans from ancient Lake Cahuilla also grew more slowly than their
modern riverine counterparts. Casteel's conclusions concerning the growth rate for a single
Xyrauchen from Lake Cahuilla should first be made more robust by testing more
individuals and then be used to analyze Gila elegans proatlas vertebrae from Lake Cahuilla
to determine whether they are growing slower as well.
Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)
Razorbacks, the second most common fish species at RIV4754, are also well represented
at many other Salton Basin. archaeological sites (Gobalet 1992, 1994; Gobalet and Wake
n.d.). Razorbacks are one of the two most common archaeological fish species in the
region. In many sites razorbacks are the dominant fish species (Follett 1988; Gobalet
52 a 087
1991 1994, Moffitt and Moffitt 1996, Wilke 1978). Razorback suckers, like Bonytail,
have adapted to meet the ecological conditions found in the various swift water drainages
that constitute the lower Colorado River system (Moyle 1976:173).
Razorbacks are relatively robust, but for a sucker (Catostomidae) they have a relatively
streamlined body, with a prominent hump behind and above the head, capped by a sharp
keel, and large fins (Figure 29). It is believed that the fishes shape is a result of adaptation
to the swift water of the lower Colorado River and helps the fish to maneuver and stay on
the bottom in the face of strong currents during seasonal floods, similar to the bonytail
(Moyle 1976). Razorback ;suckers are filter feeders and therefore quite selective in their
food choices. They are primarily planktivores, straining out most small food items floating
in the water column with their long gill rakers and specialized pharyngeal teeth (Papoulias
and Minkley 1990). Gut contents of 34 preserved razorbacks from Lake Mojave included
planktonic crustaceans, rotifers, diatoms, detritus, and filamentous algae (Marsh and
Papoulias 1987:117). These fish grow to a large size, attaining average lengths of up to 1
in and weights of 7 kg, but fish over 60 cm and 4.5 kg are unusual (Moyle 1976:230).
Spawning typically occurs in the spring in tributaries or shallow lake waters over silty
sand, gravel, or rocks (Moyle 1976:230). Spawning females are often attended by groups
of up to 12 males (Moyle 1976:230),
Unfortunately, the sample of razorback bones (n=165, 11.83 g) simply was not large
enough to permit the kind of analysis performed on the bonytail. Proatlas vertebrae were
either too fragmented or unavailable, so revisiting Casteel's (1976:138-141) analysis of
grovAh rates was not possible. One observation is apparent though. The razorback bones
from RIV-4754 are all of relatively uniform size; none are strikingly small and none are
really large. Gobalet and Wake (n.d.) note that this pattern is common throughout virtually
all known Salton Basin Archaeological fish assemblages and believes that it may have
something to do with procurement practices (see below).
Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Ken Gobalet (1992, 1994, Personal Communication, 1997) indicates that striped mullet are
generally rare in Lake Cahuilla area archaeological fish assemblages, although they were
apparently much more common in the Salton Basin earlier in the 20th century (Dill 1944;
Moyle 1976). Follett (1988) has reported finding large numbers of striped mullet otoliths
(up to 220 saggitae) at various locations in the Salton Basin. The striped mullet is a marine
species that breeds in offshore waters, although Moyle (1976:342) implies that some
spawning may occur in fresh water. Striped mullet typically ascend up to 190 km up the
Colorado River and return to the Gulf of California to spawn.
Striped mullet are thick bodied fish with broad, flat heads and small, terminal mouths.
They have long gill rakers and typically filter fine detritus that they scoop from the bottom
in shallow waters. Ancient Lake Cahuilla would have represented fine habitat for this
species with its calm waters and high productivity. The representation of striped mullet at
RIV-4754 is consistent with its relative abundance at other Salton Basin archaeological
localities.
53
_!1, 088
Procurement and Processine
Fish were clearly an important part of the diet at RIV-4754. However, their acquisition by
the site's occupants is somewhat problematic. Bean (1970:68) notes in his dissertation that
"three or four hundred years ago, fish played an important part in the Cahuilla diet." Bean
(1970:68) mentions that both the use of nets and bows and arrows to capture fish is
recorded in Cahuilla oral history. While it is certainly possible that bows and arrows were
used to capture fish along; the shore line of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the number of
individuals represented at this site suggests some other means of mass capture. Bean
(1970:68) also briefly mentions fish traps or weirs as possible methods of capture. It is
possible that nets were used capture the RIV-4754 fish. It is perhaps more likely, however,
that nets were used in combination with stone weirs.
Numerous U or V-shaped rock alignments are found along successively descending
ancient Lake Cahuilla shorelines. The purpose of these alignments has been debated for
many years, but most of the literature interprets or accepts them as fish traps or weirs
(Gobalet and Wake n.d.; Treganza 1945; Wilke 1980). It is assumed that these alignments
served as breakwaters to protect localized areas of shoreline from wave action and provide
calmer water that would more attractive to spawning razorbacks. Others have proposed
that the rock alignments served as supports for slight pole structures covered with branches
that would provide calm water and shelter attractive to fishes, and also be difficult for large
fish to escape from if surprised (Gobalet and Wake n.d.). Either scenario would allow for
the capture of mature razorbacks, since it is well known that they congregate in large
numbers in shallow waters over gravel beds (Moffitt and Moffitt 1996:102, similar to
proposed ancient Lake Cahuilla shore environments where wave action would keep
sediment from building on sand and gravel beds, e.g. Gobalet 1992:76; Gobalet and Wake
n.d.). Such constructions are designed to catch larger mature fishes and would be ideal for
procuring fish of the size indicated by the RIV-4754 sample.
The use of large mesh nets alone or in combination with weirs or traps also explains the
absence of bones from small fishes in the RIV4754 faunal assemblage. No specimens
representing fingerling sized fish are present in the available RIV-4754 fish remains.
Bones from small fishes have been recovered from Salton Basin archaeological sites, and
were clearly consumed by people since some have been extracted from human coprolites
(Farrell 1988; Follet 1988; Sutton and Wilke 1988; Wilke 1978). Smaller, immature fishes
and fingerlings could easily hide or swim between parts of the stone barriers and escape
capture. Fingerlings could also easily escape large mesh nets designed to capture mature
fish. The fact that no small fishes are represented in the well-preserved RIVV4754
assemblage, along with the relatively large average skeletal lengths determined above,
strongly supports the hypothesized use of some size -graded mass capture technique such as
netting and/or the use of traps or weirs.
The presence of burned fish bones suggests that whole fish may have been roasted over
open fires or tossed into hearths subsequent to consumption. No cut marks were observed
on any of the fish bones.
54
Amphibians
No amphibian skeletal rernains are identified from CA-RIV-4754. However. remains of
amphibians have been reported from other archaeological sites in the northern Coachella
Vallev area (Hudson 1993; Zooarchaeologv Laboratory 1992).
Reptiles
While a variety of reptile taxa are present in the La Quinta area, only snakes are
represented in the RIV-4754 vertebrate archaeofauna (Table 4; Appendix 3, Table F). Five
snake vertebrae are identified from RIV-4754. The majority of these vertebrae are
assigned to the Genus Crotalus (rattlesnakes) (n=3, 0.09 g). Two colubrid species are
identified, Salvadora hexalepis (western patch -nosed snake, n=1, 0.02 g), and Pituophis
melanoleucus (Gopher snake, n=1, 0.13 g).
All of the snake species identified here are still found in the La Quinta area (Stebbins
1985). The individual snake vertebrae are not burned or modified in any detectable way,
and therefore could be intrusive. Snake remains, including burned specimens, have been
reported from a number of sites in the northern Coachella Valley, so the inclusion of
serpents in the diet of the site's occupants cannot be discounted (Hudson 1993, Hudson and
Sanchez 1996; Zooarchaeology Laboratory 1992).
Surprisingly, no lizard boners are identified at RIV-4754. Lizards do appear in other local
area archaeological sites and are currently common around La Quinta. Desert iguanas
(Dipsosaurus dorsalts) and the chukwalla (Sauromalus obesus) are still found in the La
Quinta area (Stebbins 1985). Both Dipsosaurus and Sauromalus bones have been
identified at other local and regional archaeological sites (Hudson and Sanchez 1996).
No western pond turtle (Clemmys marmoraia) elements are present in the RIV-4754 faunal
assemblage. No turtles, riot even the hearty desert tortoise (Gopherus agasizzi), are
presently found in the La Quinta area (Stebbins 1985). Consumption of pond turtles at
other local sites is suggested by the presence of their remains in general and especially
burned plastron fragments (Hudson 1993; Hudson and Sanchez 1996; Zooarchaeology
Laboratory 1992; Wake 1996). The lack of Clemmys elements at this site (RIV-4854) is
quite interesting, especially in the light of the large number of fish remains that suggest the
presence of suitable, calm, freshwater habitat, which are ideal conditions for pond turtles.
Birds
One bird skeletal element is identified from CA-RIV-4754, representing a cormorant
(Phalacrocoraz auritus, Appendix 3, Table G). Cormorants are strongly associated with
lacustrine or estuarine environments. Remains of greater varieties of bird species have
been reported from other archaeological sites in the northern Coachella Valley area
(Hudson 1993, Hudson and Sanchez 1996; Zooarchaeology Laboratory 1992).
55
Mammals
Mammals, (n=260, 9.02 c) not including humans, are present in the vertebrate
faunal assemblage from CA-RIV-4754 (Table 4; Appendix 3, Tables A and H; Figures 30
and 31). A total of 6 mammal genera and 5 species are identified. Rodents are the most
diverse mammal order with 4 genera and species represented. Lagomorphs (rabbits) and
carnivores are each represented by 1 Genus and/or Species. Mammal remains classifiable
only to relative size classes (n=204, 4.51 g) represent the most numerous categories.
Unidentified large mammals remains constitute the largest of these less identifiable groups
(n=94, 46.1%; 1.55 g, 34.490) in the mammal assemblage.
The most numerous identified mammal taxa in order of relative abundance are cottontail
rabbits (Genus Svlvilagus, n=35, MM=2, 3.77 g), gophers (Genus Thomomvs, n=6,
NIM=1, 0.43 g), kangaroo rats (Genus Dipodomys, n=6, MNI=1, 0.08 g), antelope ground
squirrels (Genus Ammospermophilus, n=i, 0.05 g), and pocket mice (Genus Peromyscus,
n=1, 0.01 g). Human (Homo sapiens, n=1, 11.10 g) remains are present, but are not
considered to be potential dietary constituents. The human remains are discussed in
greater detail below.
The 35 (3.77 g) cottontail (see Table 4; Appendix 3, Table I) specimens represent the most
common discretely identifiable mammals consumed at the site. Rabbit remains, especially
cottontails are common constituents of archaeofaunas in the local area and many other
California desert mammal archaeofaunas (Christenson 1990; Hudson 19931 Hudson and
Sanchez 1996, Sutton 1991, 1993; Zooarchaeology Laboratory 1992). The cottontail
element representation is presented in Appendix 3, Table I. Other than the preservation of
denser bones, no discrete pattern of element representation is obvious. It is somewhat
surprising that no jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) bones are identified, since they are
common in the local area and often well represented in other neighboring archaeological
assemblages (Christenson 1990; Hudson 1993; Hudson and Sanchez 1996; Sutton 1991,
1993, Zooarchaeology Laboratory 1992). Four cottontail rabbit elements (0.20 g) are
burned, indicating possible roasting or disposal of portions of carcasses in fires. The
Cahuilla are known to have exploited rabbits (Bean 1978).
Although common and known as burrowers, the various identifiable rodent specimens (see
Table 4) could also represent dietary constituents since 1 specimen (.01 g) is burned. The
63 (1.76 g) indeterminate small mammal specimens most likely represent rodents.
Eighteen of the small mammal (probably rodent) bones are burned, possibly indicative of
their consumption or disposal. The burning could represent roasting or disposal, although
natural wildfires are a possibility. Bean (1978:578) mentions the consumption of "rabbits
and other small game...," probably rodents. Rodent remains are well represented in faunal
assemblages from the northern Coachella Valley (Hudson 1993; Hudson and Sanchez
1996, Zooarchaeology Laboratory 1992).
56 091
Figure 30.
Figure 31.
RN-4754: Distribution of Mamma/ Bone
by Count (NlSP)
Tykdtm .119:Y.) .---
—
Tba.., Esam (I m I
RN-4754: Distribution ofMammat Done
by Weight (g)
SYYd�9e [p l��Yq _
_ Cuwv. (Vq
_ __ Vefpu n¢mM 11Z)
_. Tlonwy[poltu (IDY.1
1npv.j"j?)[ Wfvn[ct (DY.)
eauRm9PWv k[[vv ilY.)
Mammal Taxa
--------'------------------
Count
----
Weight(g)
-------
Ammospermophilus leucurus
1
.05
Thomomys bottae
6
.43
Dipodomys merriami
6
.08
Perognathus californicus
1
.01
Cricetidae
1
.02
Rodentia -
4
.06
Sylvilagus sp
35
3.77
Vulpes macrotis
1
.04
Carnivora
1
-----
.05
56
---------
4.51
57
.J��1 092
Human Remains
One (IL 10 g) human (Horno sapiens) bone fragment is positively (100% conclusive)
identified. While some of the smaller thick-walled splinters and bone specimens examined
in the laboratory could not conclusively be identified as human. it is possible that they are,
since they are associated with an element positively determined to be human.
The identified human skeletal element is: l left Temporal basal endocranial fragment with
most of the Petrous Pyramid and Internal Auditory Meatus present.
No multiple matching skeletal elements such as (hypothetically) 2 left and 1 right distal
femurs were found. Such a finding would indicate the presence of more than one
individual. Based on laboratory analysis to date, there is no evidence implying the
presence of more than one individual at CA-RIV-4754.
Some of the other bone fragments inspected, identifiable only as large mammal. bear
characteristics, such as thickness, curvature, and surface morphology that might suggest
identification as human, but they lack specific diagnostic characters to absolutely
determine their identification.
The 1 human skull fragment is burned. The specimen in question appears calcined, or
burned to a white color. Complete combustion of organic material within bone occurs
above 800 degrees C, resulting in a blue -gray or white color. White calcined bone is
indicative of relatively longer exposure to high temperature than blue -gray specimens, The
temporal bone fragment inspected bears distinctive transverse and longitudinal cracking
and warping patterns indicative of burning of fresh flesh covered bone at high temperatures
(Ubelaker 1984:33-36; White; 1991:407-415).
The burning of these remains, at least the identifiable one, is almost certainly related to
cremation of the dead, a common practice during the Late Period in the northern Coachella
Valley (e.g. Love 1996). The cremation of human remains is a portion of a ritual complex
entirely different from the events that resulted in the burned fish, reptile and mammal
remains mentioned previously.
Age and sex.
Determination of age and sex: of the individual from CA-RIV-4754 is based on the Criteria
presented in Bass (1987) and White (1991). Some general information regarding age is
available in the identified human remains. The high degree of fragmentation and apparent
lack of preferred skeletal elements (more complete skull and/or pelvic elements, for
example) does not allow for sex determination.
Both Bass (1987) and White (1991) discuss a wide variety of ageing Criteria for human
skeletal remains. Age assessment of the individual represented at CA-RIV-4754 is
somewhat difficult since many of the Criteria laid out by Bass (1987) and White (1991)
58
=.Jk:l� 093
cannot be addressed due to the fragmentary nature of the skeletal remains. No long bone
epiphyses or epiphvses of any kind are present so epiphyseal fusion cannot be discussed.
No teeth are available, making tooth eruption and wear patterns impossible to determine.
There is, however, one feature of the bone that can provide some information regarding
age of this individual, it's general size. The overall size of the cranial element is relatively
large. It is also likely that this element may have undergone shrinkage due to burning
(White 1991). The large size of this bone fragment may indicate an adult condition.
Conclusions based on fragment size alone can be deceptive, however, and should be
regarded as tentative at best.
Conclusions
Analysis of the vertebrate faunal assemblage from CA-RIV-4754 indicates that the
vertebrate portion of the diet consisted primarily of fish, supplemented by small mammals,
mainly cottontail rabbits and rodents. Some of the fish, rabbit and rodent bones are
burned, suggesting that they were roasted or disposed of in a fire. No large wild ungulates
(bighorn sheep or deer) were identified, further supporting a high degree of dependence on
fish and small game.
Fish remains are present in vast numbers (n=3886, 93.67 g) and represent the most
important source of animal protein in the prehistoric diet at CA-RIV4754. The presence
of fish remains at this site indicates that it was occupied during a period when fish were
available, probably at or near a high stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla, prior to any substantial
lowering of lake levels and concomitant increases in salinity and alkalinity. The species
composition and number of specimens is similar to that of many other sites in the area
(Follet 1988; Gobalet 1992, 1994, Moffitt and Moffitt 1996; Wilke 1978).
The presence of fish and waterfowl strongly indicate exploitation of lacustrine
environments by the occupants of RIV-4754. The domination of the mammal assemblage
by rabbits and the presence of some small mammal and reptile taxa illustrate exploitation
of local more open or desert habitats as well. Based on the vertebrate faunal assemblage
recovered from CA-RIV-4754 it is apparent that the site's occupants pursued a focused
strategy of fishing, supplemented by hunting rabbits, and perhaps other small mammals
and reptiles. The fish were most likely captured with nets, or more likely, the use of nets
in combination with the numerous weirs that lined the ancient shores of Lake Cahuilla and
can still be seen in undisturbed areas.
Laboratory analysis indicates the presence of one human individual at CA-RIV-4754.
Based on skeletal morphology and development the individual represented appears to be of
relatively large size, possibly an adult. This age classification should be considered
tentative, due to the fragmentary nature of the specimen and the lack of primary diagnostic
regions of the skeleton (see Bass 1987; Ubelaker 1984, White 1991).
59 094
Ground Stone
The ground stone collection from CA-RIV-4754 comprises two metates. The first
specimen (GS001) is a large fragment of a shallow -basin schist metate (Figure 32). This
was recovered on the east shoulder of Adams Street at the south end of the site. It comes
from a disturbed context. It appears to have concrete residue on it. The specimen
measures 28 x 17 x 4.5 cm and weighs 2721.6 gms.
The second metate (GS002) was recovered from Feature 3 during monitoring. This is a
very shallow -basin granite specimen (Figure 33). It is a complete metate that measures 41
x 28 x 8.3 cm and weighs 14968.8--the largest and heaviest artifact from the site. A black
staining around the grinding surface may indicate that the artifact originally had a basket
hopper attached.
Chipped Stone
Two chipped stone specimens were recovered from CA-RIV-4754. The first specimen is a
projectile point (CS001) recovered from the sidewall of Trench 3 (Figure 34). This is a
Cottonwood Triangular point made of white chert and measuring 2.5 x 1.5 x .5 cm. These
points are late prehistoric to historic in date (Heizer and Hester 1978). Very similar forms
have been found on nearby Lake Cahuilla shoreline sites (see e.g. Love 1996).
The other chipped stone specimen is a tertiary flake of brown chert (CS002) recovered
from the 40 to 50 cm level of Unit 13.
Other Lithics
In an elevated aeolian sand dune environment it must be assumed that any rocks present
are the result of cultural activity. All rocks excavated were collected. This produced
1273.0 gm of thermally affected and 40.5 gm of apparently unburned rock. The thermally
affected rock from Feature 3, encountered during subsequent monitoring of the site, was
not collected.
Thermally Affected Rock
The thermally affected rock is in small friable pieces generally composed of granite with
some basalt also present. Interestingly, all of the thermally affected rock came from Locus
B. Most of the thermally affected rock (1016 gm) came from Unit 5. This was confined to
the 30-60 cm levels. The upper levels (0-40 cm) of adjacent Unit 3 produced 142.8 gm.
Units 8, 9, and 10 produced 113.3 gm collectively.
.o
„'; ogs
Figure 32. Shallow basin schist metate.
Figure 33. Granite metate from Feature 3.
61 096
It is well known that Native Americans in southern California cooked by utilizing heated
stones places in basket or pottery vessels. The distribution of thermally affected rock at
the site argues for cooking activity occurring at Locus B, particularly in the vicinity of Unit
5. This area is just south of the fish bone midden. These two activity areas may well be
associated, with cooking occurring in one spot and the adjacent discarding of the bone.
Ceramics
A small assemblage of ceramics was recover from CA-RIV-4754. There are 19 sherds
present representing a minimum count of 5 vessels. The total weight of the pottery is
100.3 gm. Fifteen of the sherds are from the same vessel --a brownware cooking pot
represented in a number of different contexts at Locus B, particularly lower levels of Units
11, 12, and 13 (Catalog numbers CE001, CE002, CE003, CE004, CE008, and CE009).
This vessel has a course temper, a beaded lip, and an estimated diameter of 26 cm (Figure
35). It exhibits evidence of burning on both interior and exterior surfaces.
Locus A produced three sherds, representing three vessels, from unprovenienced contexts
(they were resting at the base of the escarpment). Two of the sherds are small brownware
fragments with coarse tempers (CE005 and CE006). The other sherd is a small rim
fragment of a very pale, pinkish buffware with little temper (CE007; Figure 35). The final
specimen is a very small buff ware sherd that came from Feature 3 (CEO10).
Buried Clay Specimens
A total of 1414.3 gm of burned clay was recovered from the site. This is generally tabular
and in very fragmentary and friable condition (Figure 36). There are hundreds of pieces
that break upon any sort of handling. The clay comes from two locations on the site: the
lower levels (30-100 cm) of Unit 7 at Locus A and Units 6, 8, 9, and 10 at Locus B. Locus
A produced 1335.4 gm including a few large fragments. Locus B produced 78.9 gm in
small fragments. All of the Locus B clay was from the fish midden area and all levels that
contained clay also contained fish remains. The fragments are generally too small and/or
deteriorated to allow for the determination of possible impressions. The following section
addresses the possible uses of clay that have resulted in its presence on the site.
Consideration of Clay Uses (lames H. Toenjes)
The presence of burned and unburned clay in aeolian dune contexts is an issue of debate.
While there has been little effort to explain its presence, it is often dismissed as a natural
occurrence. When clay is accepted in archaeological sites as cultural, it is minimally
analyzed and during excavation is often noted for frequency and discarded.
Clay as a resource was depended upon by the Cahuilla for manufacturing ceramic storage
containers and service ware, as daub for domestic and ceremonial house structures, daub
for the sealing of containers, baking, and in the formation of figurines, pipes, discoids, and
very likely floor surfaces in sandy environments.
63
Bean, in Mukat 's People, describes the use of clay in cooking:
Women prepared these animals [rodents, e.g. wood rats] by boiling or
roasting, sometimes they were skinned, sometimes cooked whole.
Occasionally they were covered with wet clay (forming a casing around the
animal carcass) and baked [Bean 1972:60).
This cooking method was also observed of the Yumans in the baking of fish (Trippel
1889).
As construction material for dwellings and other structures, however, clay has not been
adequately addressed. Ethnographically, there is evidence for such a use of clay. David
Prescott Barrows observed :in his discussion of Cahuilla house, or jacal, construction:
In the Cabeson villages the houses are built higher at the sides with roofs
sloping much more gently from the ridgepole. A favorite material here is a
tall thrifty plant, hang -al (the Artemisia ludoviciana, Nutt.), which is piled
upon the roof and wattled in closely to form the walls. Dirt is then piled on
the roof and mud daubed thickly on the sides. Some of these latter contain
several rooms built on to one another and are high, roomy, and really
comfortable. On the desert the posts, rafters, etc. are, of course, cut from
the hard imperishable mesquite (Prosopisglandulosa) [Barrows 1900:38].
In Mukat's People, Bean describes the Cahuilla desert house as having:
... roofs... supported by stout, upright, forked posts well set in the earth, and
the walls and steeply -pitched or dome -shaped roofs thatched with whatever
material was available —palm fronds, arrowweed, willow withes, tules, or
other plant shrub material. Some were wattled, plastered with adobe mud,
or banked with sand [Bean 1972:72].
The floors of the desert kish and other structures may also have been surfaced with clay.
Collectors local to the Indio area have reported finding artifacts in association with buried
clay "floors." Borrows (1900:68) notes that the processing of mu-ial (a variety of opuntia)
entailed the pounding of cactus heads on a hard, smooth, dirt floor.
Clay was also used as a daub to hermetically seal food containers:
Of receptacles for storing food, the most striking is the basket granary... In
the Cabeson these granaries are made almost exclusively out of the hang -al,
the species of wormwood so abundant there (Artemisia ludoviciana, Nutt.),
and having been filled with mesquite beans they are covered over and
sealed with an armfiil of the shoots and a daub of mud (Barrows 1900:52).
The sealing of the granaries with mud is also reported by Bean (1972:73).
64
u 0 9 Ci
Various mechanisms may have resulted in the burning of clay or daub. Strong (1929:84)
reports that funerary ritual entailed the burning of the house of the deceased. Presumably
the daub would be fired by this action. Also, the practice of burning mesquite groves in
which stores of clay or previously -utilized granary areas were present would have
produced burned clay.
Because of its variety of uses, clay was a premium resource material and would have been
required in substantial quantity. Sources for clay would include stratigraphic deposits in
mountainous areas, lacustrine bed deposits associated with prehistoric Lake Cahuilla, and
surface deposits resulting from seasonal rains and alluvial action. These various clay
sources were likely exploited for specific purposes.
Hypothetically, at any time during the life of a community or household there would have
been a stockpile of raw, unmodified clay ready for use. The presence of unarticulated clay
massess in windblown dunes and unassociated with the natural process of aquaeous
deposition must, as with the occurrence of lithic cobbles, be considered a cultural
phenomenon. The clay originally transported to a site of habitation or use would be stored
in an unaltered state ready for crushing and soaking. Thus burned or unburned clay
fragments in an unmanipulated form may be found in association with dune habitation or
or specialized activity sites.
Other Materials Recovered
Five very small fragments of unidentified freshwater marine shell were recovered, all from
very deep contexts.
Historical/modern artifacts recovered from upper unit levels consisted of a shotgun shell
with a plastic casing (undiscemable maker), a .22 caliber shell embossed with "F", a
shotgun pellet, a newspaper fragment, a very small fragment of amber glass, and 3 pieces
of plastic. A cigarette filter came from the 60-70 cm level of Unit 2—probably the result
of rodent activity.
DISCUSSIONANTERPRETATION
The Burning Dune site can successfully address a number of research questions. These
particularly pertain to chronology, and even more so to subsistence.
Chronology
Due to the presence of a fairly abundant amount of charcoal and carbonized material, along
with the presence of some diagnostic artifacts, the Burning Dune site can be dated with
certainty to the Late Prehistoric/Protohistoric period.
There is no evidence of any use of the site prior to AD 1500. Trenching and monitoring of
lower depths at the site failed to produce evidence of any earlier occupation or use.
65
-`1� 100
The earliest dating for the site comes from charcoal sample from the 30-40 cm level of
Unit 11 (Beta-108593) that produced a date of 340 +/- 50 BP (AD 1610 +/- 50 years). This
date comes from a fish processing/cooking area of the site associated with the exploitation
of Lake Cahuilla resources. This date is not entirely consistent with a proposed final high
water stand in the range of A.D. 1660-1680 (Quinn 1997b). The occupation probably
does, however, relate to the final stand of Lake Cahuilla. It would appear that the site was
only used during, and subsequent to, the final stand.
With the desiccation of Lake Cahuilla use of the site diminished and evidence become
more inferential. The site was utilized for mesquite exploitation and a number of mesquite
burnings occurred —probably to revitalize the mesquite thicket and to drive out small game
for hunting. Good evidence exists for a final major bum across the site around 1800. Two
radiocarbon samples suggest this may have been a single occurrence. These samples were
Beta-108590 from the 20-30 cm level of Unit 3 at Locus B which produced a radiocarbon
age of 140 +/- 70 BP (AD 1810 +/- 70 years). Beta-108591 from the 30-40 cm level in
Unit 4 produced a radiocarbon age of 160 +/- 50 BP (AD 1790 +/- 50 years).
Subsistence Practices
The Cahuilla were, and in some cases still are, masters of their environment. They exploited
many plants and animals as part of their daily subsistence. Detailed ethnobiological accounts
for the Cahuilla can be found in Ebeling (1986), Bean and Saubel (1972), Barrows (1900),
and Kroeber (1925).
Faunal Resource Exploitation
Dr. Wake's analysis of the, faunal assemblage from CA-RIV-4754 indicates that the
vertebrate portion of the diet consisted overwhelmingly of fish, supplemented by small
mammals, mainly cottontail rabbits and rodents. Some of the fish, rabbit and rodent bones
are burned, suggesting that they were roasted or disposed of in a fire. No large wild
ungulates (bighorn sheep or deer) were identified, further supporting a high degree of
dependence on fish and small game.
Fish remains are present in large numbers and in excellent condition, particularly the
Colorado River fish, boneytail and razorback sucker. They represent the most important
source of animal protein in the prehistoric diet at CA-RIV4754. The presence of fish
remains at this site indicates that it was occupied during a period when fish were available,
probably at or near a high stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla, prior to any substantial lowering
of lake levels and concomitant increases in salinity and alkalinity. The species
composition and number of specimens is similar to that of many other sites in the area (e.g.
Follet 1988; Gobalet 1992, 1994, Moffitt and Moffitt 1996; Wilke 1978).
The presence of fish, waterfowl, and also lacustrine pollen evidence strongly indicate
exploitation of lakeshore environments by the occupants of CA-RIV4754. The
domination of the mammal assemblage by rabbits and the presence of some small mammal
66
.J,; 101
and reptile taxa illustrate exploitation of local more open or desert habitats as well. Based
on the vertebrate faunal assemblage recovered from CA-RIV-4754 it is apparent that the
site's occupants pursued a focused strategy of fishing, supplemented by hunting rabbits,
and perhaps other small marnmals and reptiles. The fish were probably captured with nets,
or more likely, the use of nets in combination with weirs.
The very small collection of invertebrate faunal remains from the site (5 tiny fragments)
indicates that shell fish played a negligible role in subsistence strategies at CA-RIV-4754.
Plant Resource Exploitation
It has been estimated that the Cahuilla exploited on a regular basis over 500 native and
introduced plant species (Bevan and Saubel 1972:4). These plants include those that were
gathered directly from the desert and Lakeshore, and those that were grown by the Cahuilla in
irrigated fields. Specifically regarding CA-RIV-4754, there are indications for use of
chaparral, desert, marshland, and riparian plant communities. This discussion will be limited
to plants species with remains found in the site (Tables 1, 2, and 3; see pollen results for
reasons of exclusion of chaparral species in this discussion).
The pollen analysis recovered a somewhat small, albeit significant amount of two riparian
genera (Salix-willow and Platurus-sycamore) and one marshland family (Typhaceae,
identified as Typha-Sparganium). Black willow (Salix gooddingn) was used in bow making
(Barrows 1900:49), although screwbean (Prosopis prrhescens) was purported to be of better
quality (Bean and Saubel 1972:135). Salix was also used for the making of storage and
carrying baskets, craddle boards, and possibly as medicine. Willow leaves were ground and
then steeped into a tea. The beverage was drunk by the patient drank after he or she took a
bath meant to get the blood to the right temperature. It is unclear what the medicinal
properties of willow are. Sycamore was used in construction of housing and sometimes for
wooden bowls that were "shaped with a broken rock, seasoned in water, and greased with
meat or oil to prevent splitting" (Bean and Saubel 1972:105). Tvpha roots were dried and
ground into flour, pollen was made into cakes and mush, and stalks were used for matting,
bedding, and in constructing ceremonial bundles (Ebeling 1986:353).
Though relatively little creosote (Larrea tridentata) was evident in the botanical samples, the
plant was of much importance to the Cahuilla. The creosote bush is a common shrub
throughout the American Southwest and down to central Mexico. Called atukul by the
Cahuilla, it has been referred to as the penicillin of the Indians (Krochmal et al. 1954) because
it has been used to treat almost as many ailments as has penicillin in modern times. Leaves
and stems were boiled into a tea and given to the person suffering from a sickness such as a
cold or a chest infection. The tea was also used as a general tonic for good health, a
decongestant and, when given in a large dosage, it induced vomiting. Various mixtures of
creosote were used as applications to wounds for the prevention of infections, the drawing out
of poisons, and to hasten recovery. Other mixtures were used as a treatment for dandruff, as a
disinfectant, as a deodorant, and to relieve swollen limbs due to poor blood circulation.
Concoctions were even used on horses suffering from colds, distemper, or runny noses.
According to Jaeger (1941), creosote was used by the Indians of Mexico as a treatment for
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tuberculosis and gastric discomfort, and as a mending solution for pots and baskets. Creosote
wood ignites easily and burns hot and was potentially used as firewood (Strike 1994),
although desert ironwood (Ohteva tesota) is known to be a much better fuel source (Bean and
Saubel 1972:95).
Dicoria conescens, though not specifically identified in the samples, potentially was
represented. Fifteen seeds were recovered which could not be identified to the generic level.
As such they were simply designated Asteraceae. Because Dicoria is of the Asteraceae
family and due to its association with Creosote Bush Scrub it is possible that the floral
assemblage did contain this species. Other archaeological sites of the Coachella Valley have
produced Dicoria seeds along with goosefoot (Chenopo&um sp.) and western sea -purslane
(Sesuvium verrucosum) seeds (Wilke et al. 1975, and Wilke 1978), thus making the possiblity
of Dicoria in the site seem even more probable. If this is true, then the association of dicoria
and goosefoot may account for the relatively high percentages of Chenopodiaceae-
Amaranthus pollen (also not determined to generic level). Dicoria seeds can be harvested
between December and February, making this an important seed food in leaner times.
Goosefoot (Cahuilla name kr'awet or ke-ha-wut for C. californicum), and probably dicoria,
seeds were parched and ground into meal flour for cakes (Bean and Saubel 1972:52-53 and
Barrows 1900A8). Barrows (1900:48) described the hard carrot -like root of goosefoot as
being grated on a rock and used for soap. The leaves of goosefoot could also be used as soap,
but they were not as good as the root. Goosefoot was used medicinally as a relief for stomach
upsets. Sap was used as a gum and to make a strong anti-helmenthic (Bean and Saubel
1972:53 and Krochmal, et al. 1954:8).
Prosopis ghuidulosa or ily as it was called by the Cahuilla, is alongside the oak (Quercus
spp.) in importance to the tribe (Bean and Saubel 1972). Barrows (1967:55) remarked that
"on the desert the main reliance of the Coahuilla [sic] Indians is the algaroha or mesquite."
Kroeber (1925:695), in his study of the California Indians confirmed this —"the fruit of the
tree was the staple food" among the Cahuilla. The uses of mesquite range from food to
firewood, and from diapers to mortars. The bean pod of the mesquite was the most important
food product of the plant. Pods were picked at three different times of the year, indicating
stages of pod development. Some pods were eaten directly from the tree and some were dried
and ground into a flour, or stored. According to Barrows (1967:56), "the beans were never
husked, but.pod and all are pounded up into an imperfect meal in the wooden mortar. This
meal is then placed in earthent dishes and thoroughly soaked. It is then ready to be eaten, and
is called the Coahuilias [sic], pe-chi-ta, or men-yi-kish, according as it is, or is not, sifted."
This meal was then formed into cakes and was stored for consumption year round. This same
procedure was used on harvested mesquite blossoms. Mesquite trunks were shaped into
wooden mortars and the limbs were used in making bows and as house comer posts.
"Mesquite was viewed as one of the best firewoods, it compared favorably with oak and
provided a hot, durable fire for cooking, baking pottery, and warmth" (Bean and Saubel
1972:113). Mesquite charcoal has been recovered from Cahuilla cremations (Swope 1988).
Mesquite bark was not only used as kindling, but also when worked properly, it was used as a
cloth for diapers and for women's skirts.
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103
The burned condition of buried portions of mesquite at this site is the argued source of carbon
deposits in the exposed durie face. While most of these deposits are natural and contain no
cultural material, they may be attributable to deposition from intentional burning by Cahuilla
of the associated mesquite thicket. Burning of mesquite and other plants by the Cahuilla has
been historically and ethnographically documented and Henry T. Lewis (1973) has made a
strong case for fire as a long utilized strategy in plant cultivation and maintenance. These
references and arguments have been summarized and incorporated in a discussion of proto-
agriculture in southern California by Bean and Lawton (1976).
Evans (1873:208), traveling through the Coachella Valley in 1863, reported
that the Cahuilla were burning their mesquite groves and smoke columns
could be seen throughout the valley. He was told that burning destroyed
mistletoe which afflicted the mesquite. Informants have told us that
burning also encouraged new growth in mesquite and thinned stands.
Native palm stands of Washingronia frlifera were regularly fired by
Cahuilla shamans to kill pests and diseases cusing damage to trees and
decreased crops (Patencio 1943:69) [Bean and Lawton 1976:33-341.
The proximity of the Great Basin to California also makes it worth noting
that fifteen of nineteen [Shoshone] groups covered by Steward (1941a:281)
and seven of fourteen [Paiute] groups reported by Steward (1941b:376)
burned vegetation to encourage growth of wild plants [Bean and Lawton
1976:38].
In addition to or as an advantage of the maintenance burning of mesquite, burning was a
strategy in the hunting of small game. Bean and Saubel (1972:115) relate that an...
...efficient method of securing game was to set fire to mesquite brush as a
group enterprise. Children were often used to encircle the mesquite trees,
which were then fired. Animals were killed as they attemped to escape or
were chased back into the brush, where they burned. Once the fire died
down, the burned animals were gathered and prepared for eating. The
practice of burning the mesquite also served to thin out stands and resulted
in improved crop yields at a later date. Both of the hunting methods
mentioned were carried out in the early morning when animals were
foraging and the wind was calm, permitting easy control of the fire.
The foregoing discussions show two very different resource exploitation patterns for the
Burning Dune site: fishing in association with Lake Cahuilla and a subsequent utilization
of the mesquite thicket on the site for plant foraging and hunting. We believe the site
displays a shift in subsistence strategies forced by the desiccation of the ancient freshwater
lake.
The large number of sites in the north La Quinta area that are associated with Lake
Cahuilla (particularly its last stand) indicate an abundance of animal and plant resources
that resulted in a population increase for the region at that time. With the drying up of the
.•
lake different subsistence strategies were required. Increased mesquite grove exploitation
would have been an adaptive mechanism for coping with the stresses of the changing
environment. Wilke (1978:6) notes the Cahuilla tale related to Stephen Bowers last
century where the mythic Coyote came down from the mountains and planted mesquite
beans on the newly dried lakebed. This story is indicative of the subsistence strategy
change.
While the macrobotanical and pollen evidence from the Burning Dune site were
inconclusive for indicating cultural use after the early phase associated with Lake Cahuilla
fish exploitation, the extensive evidence for mesquite burning, combined with ethnographic
data, strongly support the exploitation of this mesquite stand by the Cahuilla. Furthermore,
there is no evidence of mesquite thicket burning prior to, or during, the Lake Cahuilla
associated use of the site.
Settlement Systems
The location of CA-RIV-4754, being at a relatively high elevation (55 to 78 ft msl), would
support the use of the site during of a high stand of Lake Cahuilla. Given a high stand of
42 ft and assuming the land contours have not changed too dramatically, the nearest
shorelines would have been about one-half mile either east or south of the site.
These investigations have not produced any convincing evidence of a seasonal use for the
site.
It seems obvious from the archaeological information accumulating for this area of La
Quinta that there was a dramatic reduction in population density accompanying the
desiccation of Lake Cahuilla.. By historic contact, major settlement in this vicinity had
shifted to the nearby Cahuilla well site at Happy Point ("Indian Wells").
Exchange Systems
Very little information on exchange systems can be gleaned from the CA-RIV-4754
investigations. No exotic materials were recovered from the site. Evidence of exchange of
ideas might be found in the use of fish traps and perhaps in the use of clay for baking fish
and game —both traits of Colorado River groups.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
SITE EVALUATION
Under Appendix K of CEQA an archaeological resource is significant if it meets one of the
following criteria: (a) it is associated with an event or person of recognized significance in
California or American history, or recognized scientific importance in prehistory; (b) it can
provide information which is both of demonstrable public interest and useful in addressing
scientifically consequential and reasonable archaeological research questions; it has a
70
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special or particular quality such as oldest. best example, largest, or last surviving example
of its kind, it is at least 100 years old and possesses substantial stratieraphic integrity; or
(e) it involves important research questions that historical research has shown can be
answered only with archaeological methods.
Additional criteria of significance is found in eligibility for the California Register of
Historical Resources (CR13P), which is based upon the criteria used for Federal
undertakings whereby resources are evaluated for their eligibility for inclusion in the
National Register of Historic Places:
A. Association with. events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of history.
B. Association with the lives of persons significant in our past.
C. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic
values, or that represent a significant distinguishable entity whose components may
lack individual distinction.
D. Have yielded or may be likely to yield information important in history or
prehistory.
The Burning Dune site qualifies as significant because of three unique attributes: (1) it has
produced the best -preserved, archaeological fish assemblage from ancient Lake Cahuilla,
(2) it has produced the best: archaeological evidence to date for the Cahuilla practice of
mesquite thicket maintenance/exploitation through burning, and (3) it is the best stratified
Late Period site known in the vicinity.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The City of La Quinta has fulfilled the cultural resources conditions for this project as
mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act. No further recommendations are
provided for the mitigation of impacts to site CA-RIV-4754.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Numerous individuals helped make this a successful project. Foremost, we would like to
thank the staff of the City of La Quinta, particularly John Freeland, Leslie Mauriquand,
and Christine di Iorio. Additionally, the authors would like to thank the following
individuals for their assistance on this project: Jim Simms (Korve Engineering), Harry M.
Quinn (geologist), Anthony Andreas (Cahuilla consultant), Paul D. Trujillo (Riverside
County Coroner's Office), and Jim Miller (backhoe operator).
71
1 H
The field crew deserves many thanks for their hard work under adverse (hot!) conditions:
William A. ("Tony") Sawyer, Steven K. Dies. and James H. Toenjes. Mr. Toenjes also
deserves kudos for his wonderful watercolor painting of the site that appears on the cover
and for his help with the clay and mesquite burning sections of this report.
Thanks also goes to the specialists, particularly Thomas A. Wake for his excellent
vertebrate faunal analysis. The less -direct evidence was handled well by Owen K. Davis
(pollen) and Virginia S. Popper and Steve L. Martin.
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CA-RIV-1179, CA-RIV-2823, and CA-RIV-2827, La Quinta, Riverside
County, California. Coyote Press, Salinas, California.
- 1980 Prehistoric Weir Fishing on Recessional Shorelines of Lake Cahuilla,
Salton Basin., Southeastern California. Proceedings of the Desert Fishes
Council 11:101-102.
Wilke, Philip J., T. F. King, and S. Hammond
1975 Aboriginal Occupation at Tahquitz Canyon. Anthropological Papers 3:9-
43. Ballena Press, Ramona, California.
Zooarchaeology Laboratory
1992 Appendix C: Faunal Remains. In Excavations at Archaeological Site CA-
RIV-3682, City of La Ouinta, Coachella Palley, Riverside County,
California, edited by Dicken Everson. U.C. Riverside Archaeological
Research Unit Report 41167DR. Report on file at the Eastern
Archaeological Information Center, Riverside, California.
m
APPENDU{ 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
AAG Staff
James Brock (President/Chief Archaeologist)
• BA (Anthropology) UC Santa Barbara
• MA (Archaeology) University of Durham, Durham, England
• Member: Society of Professional Archaeologists (since 1981), certified in field
research, theoretical/archival research, and historical archaeology.
• 18 years of experience as a Principal Investigator on cultural resource
management projects throughout southern California
William A. Sawyer (Senior .Archaeologist)
• BA (Anthropolosry) CSU Long Beach
• Graduate work, CSU Long Beach
• 20 years of cultural resource management experience throughout southern and
central California
Brenda D. Smith (Research Associate)
• BS (Anthropology) UC Riverside
• Currently graduate student, Native American Studies, UCLA
• 5 years of cultural resource management experience in southern California
Steven K. Dies (Archaeologist)
• BA (Anthropology) Humboldt State University
• 20 years of cultural resource management experience in California
James H. Toenjes (Archaeologist)
• BA (Historical Archaeology) UC Santa Cruz
• Graduate work, University of Tennessee
• 20 years of cultural resource management experience in California
Specialists
Thomas A. Wake, Ph.D., Director, Zooarchaeology Laboratory, UCLA
Owen K. Davis, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona
Virginia S. Popper, Ph.D., Director, Paleoethnobotany Laboratory, UCLA
Steve L. Martin, Staff, Paleoethnobotany Laboratory, UCLA
81
APPENDIX 2: RESULTS OF RADIOCARBON DATING
82 _��, 117
REPORT OF RADIOCARBON DATING ANALYSES
FOR: Mr. James Brock
Archaeological Advisory Group
DATE RECEIVED:
DATE REPORTED:
August 25, 1997
September 22, 1997
Sample Data Measured C13/C12 Conventional
C14 Age Ratio C14 Age (*)
Beta-108590 140 +/- 70 BP -25.0; o/oo
SAMPLE #: CA-RIV-4754/CA001
ANALYSIS: radiometric -standard
MATERIAL/PRETREATMENT:(charred material): acid/alkali/acid
Beta-108591
160 +/- 50 BP -25.0■ o/oo
SAMPLE #: CA-RIV-4754/CA002
ANALYSIS: radiometric -standard
iERIAL/PR6,TREATMENT:(charred material): acid/alkali/acid
Beta-108592
140 +/- 70* BP
160 +/- 50• BP
170 +/- 50 BP -25.0* o/oo 170 +/- 50► BP
SAMPLE #: CA-RIV-4754/CA006
ANALYSIS: radiometric -standard
MATERIAL/PRETREATMENT:(charred material): acid/alkali/acid
Beta-108593
.340 +/- 50 BP -25.0+ o/oo 340 +/- 50t BP
SAMPLE #: CA-RIV-4754/CA009I
ANALYSIS: radiometric -standard
MATERIAL/PRETREATMENT:(charred material): acid/alkali/acid
NOTE: It is important to read the calendar calibration information
and to use the calendar calibrated results (reported separately) when
interpreting these results in AD/BC terms.
Dates are reported as RCYBP (radiocarbon years before present,
'Present' = 1950A.D.). By International convention, the modern
reference standard was 95% of the C14 content of the National
Bureau of Standards' Oxalic Acid & calculated using the Libby C14
half life (5568 years). Quoted errors represent 1 standard deviation
statistics (68% probability) 8. are based on combined measurements
of the sample, background, and modern reference standards.
Measured C13/C12 ratios were calculated relative to the PDB-1
international standard and the RCYBP ages were normalized to
-25 per mil. If the ratio and age are accompanied by an ('), then the
C13/C12 value was estimated, based on values typical of the
material type. The quoted results are NOT calibrated to calendar
years. Calibration to calendar years should be calculated using
the Conventional C14 age. _,; O U , : 1 11O
CALIBRATION OF RADIOCARBON AGE TO CALENDAR YEARS
(Variables:estimated Cli1C12=-25:1ab mult.=1)
Laboratory Number: Beta-108590
Conventional radiocarbon age*: 140 t 70 BP
Calibrated results: cal AD 1650 to 1950
(2 sigma, 95% probability)
- C13/02 ratio estimated
Intercept data:
Intercepts of radiocarbon age
with calibration curve: cal AD 1690 and
cal AD 1735 and
cal AD 1815 and
cal AD 1925
1 sigma Calibrated results: cal AD 1670 to 1950
(68% probability)
140 ± 70 8P
-400
C
O
`m 200
U
O
a'
m
a
100
CHAPPED MATEPIAL
011
1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2C00
cal AD
References:
Pretoria Calibration Curve (or Short Lived Samples
Vogel, J C. Fuls. A., Vsser, E. and Becker. B. 1993. Radiocarbon 35(l), p73-86
A Simplified Approach to Calibrating 04 Dates
Tama, A. S and Vogel, J C. 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1), pal' 322
Calibration - 1993
Sturver. M. Long, A- Kra, R S. and Devine, J M, 1993. Radiocarbon 350)
Beta Analytic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
4985 S.W. 74th Court, Miami, Florida 33155 ■ Tel. (305)667-5167 ■ Fax: (305)663-0964 ■ E-mail: beta,*radiocarbon.com
CALIBRATION OF RADIOCARBON AGE TO CALENDAR YEARS
(Variables: estimated CI3iC12=-25:lab mutt.=1)
Laboratory Number:
Conventional radiocarbon age*
Calibrated results:
(2 sigma, 95% probability)
• C13,C12 ratio estimated
Intercept data:
Intercepts of radiocarbon age
with calibration curve:
1 sigma calibrated results:
(68% probability)
160 ± 50 BP
—400
n 300
m
m
W
0
a
J2
m 200
u
a
v
m
rs
[4(
0
1600 1700 1900 1900 2000
cal AD
Beta-108591
160 t 50 BP
cal AD 1655 to 1950
cal AD 1680 and
cal AD 1745 and
cal AD 1805 and
cal AD 1935
cal AD 1670 to 1950 and
cal AD 1825 to 1835 and
cal AD 1880 to 1915
CHAPPED nATEPIAL
References:
Pretoria Calibration Curve for Short Lived Samples
Vogel, J C_ Fuls. A_ Yisser, E. and Becker, B.. 1993, Radiocarbon 35(1), p73-86
A Simplified Approach to Calibrating C14 Dates
Talma. A. S. and I"ogel, J C, 1993, Radiocarbon 35(1). p317-322
Calibration - 1993
Slower, M. Long, A., Kra. R. S and Devine, J M, 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1)
Beta Analvtic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
4985 S. W. 74rh Court, Miami, Florida 331.55 ■ Tel: (305)667-5167 ■ Fax: (305)663-0964 ■ E-mail: betararadiocarbon.com
kj 129
CALIBRATION OF RADIOCARBON AGE TO CALENDAR YEARS
(Variables: estimated C13/C12=-25:lab mutt.=1)
Laboratory Number:
Conventional radiocarbon age*:
Calibrated results:
(2 sigma, 95% probability)
' CI3/C 12 ratio estimated
Intercept data:
Intercepts of radiocarbon age
with calibration curve:
1 sigma calibrated results
(68% probability)
170 ± 50 BP
400
m
300
a
P
N
C
O
m 200
u
0
9
N
O
100
Beta- l 08592
170t50BP
cal AD 1650 to 1950
cal AD 1680 and
cal AD 1755 and
cal AD 1805 and
cal AD 1940
cal AD 1665 to 1700 and
cal AD 1720 to 1820 and
cal AD 1855 to 1860 and
cal AD 1920 to 1950
CHAPPM MATFOTAI
0 � , —! —I .— 1 1
1500 16U0 1700 1800 1s00 2030
cal AD
References:
Pretoria Calibration Curve fir Short Lived Samples
Vogel, J C. Fuls, A.. Vuser, E. and Becker, B.. 1993, Radiocarbon 35(1), p73-86
A Simplified Approach to Calibrating C14 Data
Talmo, A. S and Vogel. J C, 1993, Radiocarbon 35(1), p317-311
Calibration - 1993
Smiver. M., Long, A_ Kra. R S and Devine, J M., 1993, Radiocarbon 35(1)
Beta Analytic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
498S S.W. 74th Court, Miami, Florida 33155 ■ Tel: (305)667-5167 ■ Fax: (305)663-0964 ■ E-mail: beta(alradiocarbon.cam
121
CALIBRATION OF RADIOCARBON AGE TO CALENDAR YEARS
(Variables: estimated C13/C12=-25:lab mult.=1)
Laboratory Number: Beta-108593
Conventional radiocarbon age*: 340 t 50 BP
Calibrated results: cal AD 1450 to 1660
(2 sigma, 95% probability)
- C13/C12 ratio estimated
Intercept data:
Intercepts of radiocarbon age
with calibration curve: cal AD 1520 and
cal AD 1570 and
cal AD 1630
1 sigma calibrated results: cal AD 1475 to 1645
(68% probability)
340 + 50 BP
500
400
n
m
w 300
P
N
c
O
N
0 200
9
N
O
100
CHARRED nATEPIAL
1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2C00
cal AO
References:
Pretoria Calibration Curve far Shorr Lived Samples
Vogel, J. C. Fuls. A., Visser. E. and Becker. B.. 1993. Radiocarbon 35(1). p73-86
A Simplified Approach to Calibrating CI4 Dates
Ta/ma. A. S and Vogel. J C. 1993, Radiocarbon 35(2), p317-32
Calibration .1993
Stuiver, M., Long, A., Kra, R. S. and Devine. J .bf. . 1993. Radiocarbon 35(l)
Beta Analytic Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
4985 S.W. 74th Court, Miami, Florida 33155 ■ Tel: (305)667-5167 ■ Fax: (305)663-0964 ■ E-mail: betarradiocarbon.com
1,; 122
APPENDIX 3: SUPPORTING DATA TABLES
Appendix 3, Table A. Distribution of animal bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
',r.lt
Levei
Taron
Common
Name
Ct
Welant
none
Gila eieaans
Chub -
Bonytail
14
,28
none
Xvrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
____________________________.____--___________________________________-________-___-__--
none
Ostelchthves
Fish -
Bonv
G
_
NO PROVENIENCE TOTAL
36
.67
3
Gila eieaans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
3
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
i0
.01
.05
3
Salvadera hexalepis
Snake
- Western Patch -nosed
1
.02
3
Aves, ma
Bird -
Medium
1
.08
-
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
2
.26
-
Vulpes macrotis
Fox -
Kit
1
.04
Carnivora
Carnivore
Order
1
.05
3
-----------------------------
Mammalia, sm
----------------------------------------------------------
Mammal
- Small
29
,98
FEATURE TOTAL
46
1.49
1
040-050
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.06
040-050
Cipodomvs merriami
Kangaroo Rat - Merriam's
4
.02
-
040-050
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
16
.07
2
050-060
Sylvilaaus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
5
.31
2
050-060
Dipodomys merriami
Kangaroo Rat - Merriam',
_
.06
2
050-060
Perognathus californicus
Pocket
Mouse - Californicus
1
.01
2
050-060
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.01
050-060
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
22
.44
2
060-070
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
3
.04
2
060-070
Crotalus sp
Rattlesnake - Unid
1
.04
2
060-070
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.02
2
060-070
Mammalia, ig
Mammal
- Large
1
.26
.2
070-080
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.03
________________________________________________________________________________.-______
2
070-080
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
1
.04
UNIT
TOTAL
61
1.35
4
020-037
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
4
.32
________________________________________________________________________________._______
4
020-037
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.05
UNIT
TOTAL
7
.37
5
020-030
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.03
5
020-030
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
1
.02
5
020-030
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
1
.01
5
030-040
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
.02
5
030-040
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.73
5
050-060
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.05
5
050-060
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
4
.12
5
060-070
Pituophis melanoleucus
Snake -
Gopher
1
.13
_____________________________.______________________-____________________________-.__-___
5
crb len
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.05
UNIT
TOTAL
12
1.16
6
000-002
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
107
3.40
6
000-002
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
5
.12
6
000-002
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
50
.49
6
000-002
Aves, sm
Bird -
Small
1
.03
6
000-002
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
13
1.56
6
000-002
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
2
.32
6
020-030
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.04
FIC
124
Appendix 3. Table A (continued). Distribution of animal bone at CA -RI V-47.54.
Feat.
__________-_'_________
--nit
Level
Taxon
________________
Common
Name
Ct
Weight
___________________
6
020-030
Mammalia, and
_.-_________________________
Mamma!
_______-________________
- Medium
i
,03
UNIT
TOTAL
---------------_-5
180
_
99
7
020-030
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
Unid
1
7
020-030
Mammalia, ma
Mammal
- Medium
6
.i3
7
030-040
Sylvilaaus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.26
'
030-040
Ammospermophiius leucurus
Ground
Squirrel - Antelope
1
,07
.OS
7
030-040
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
3
7
030-040
Mammalia,_,
Mammal
- Small
9
.3i
7
080-090
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
,26
7
080-090
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.04
7
080-090
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
2
.13
.05
____________________________-.______-____________________________________________.______-
7
080-090
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
6
.1-
UNIT
TOTAL
32
1.42
8
000-010
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
47
2.05
6
000-010
Mucil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
2
8
000-010
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
30
.21
21
8
000-010
Phalacrocorax sp
Cormorant - Unid
1
.'_l
_____________________________.-_________________________________________-________.-______
8
000-010
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.04
UNIT
TOTAL_
81
2.72
9
030-040
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
9
34
9
030-040
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.03
9
030-040
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
7
.05
9
040-050
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
303
7.69
9
040-050
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.08
9
040-050
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
29
.36
9
040-050
Mugil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
1
.05
9
040-050
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.05
9
040-050
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.02
9
040-050
Mammalia, lg
Mammal
- Large
92
.96
9
050-060
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
587
14.93
9
050-060
Cyprinidae
Carp and
Minnow Family
60
.53
9
050-060
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
22
1.24
9
050-060
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
312
3.34
9
050-060
Crotalus sp
Rattlesnake - Unid
1
.03
9
050-060
Aves, and
Bird -
Medium
2
.07
9
060-070
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
7
.10
9
060-070
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.05
9
060-070
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.02
________________________________________________________________________________-.______
9
070-080
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
1
.04
UNIT
TOTAL
1440
29.98
10
000-010
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
3
.06
10
000-010
Mammalia, lg
Mammal
- Large
1
.33
10
010-020
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
6
.08
10
010-020
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
3
.02
10
010-020
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.08
10
020-030
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
23
.32
10
020-030
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
12
1.12
10
020-030
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
2
.07
10
030-040
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
506
13.34
10
030-040
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
82
6.24
10
030-040
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
115
2.10
10
030-040
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
250
5.60
10
040-050
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
471
11.62
.o
.125
Appendix 3, Table A (continued). Distribution of animal bone at CA-RIV-4754.
?eat.
Unit
___________________________________________________________
Level
Taxon
Common
Name
Ct
Welgn-
i 0
040-050
Xyrauchen texanus
Suckez
_ Razorback
________
=_
2.45
10
040-050
Catostcmiaae
Sucker
Family
18
.46
:0
040-050
Cyprinifcrnes
Minnow
Order
96
.98
10
040-050
Osteicnthves
Fish -
Bony
459
:0.48
10
040-050
Crotalus so
Rattlesnake - Unid
_
C'
i0
040-050
Aves, and
bird -
Medium
1
_13
10
C40-050
Cr_cetidae
Mouse,
Rat, Vcle - New World
_
.02
10
050-060
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonvtaii
23
.58
10
050-060
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
_
.34
10
C50-060
Mugil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
i
.CS
10
050-060
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
i5
.12
10
060-070
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytaii
4
.07
10
060-070
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
_
.05
10
float
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bcnytail
49
.64
10
float
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
..�
10
float
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
8
.04
_____________________________.____-_____________
10
°lost
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
65
.67
UNIT
___________—_____
TOTAL
_______________
2253
57.79
i3
020-030
Aves, and
Bird -
Mea_um
i.15
______
13
020-030
Mammaira
_________________________________________
Mammal
- Unid
3
.10
UNIT
TOTAL
________
4
25
14
050-060
B lvila us sp
Rabbit
Unid
.13
14
060-070
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.06
14
060-070
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.01
14
060-070
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
1
.01
______
UNIT
—__________________
TOTAL
________________
___
5
.21
SITE
TOTAL
4158
103.46
►il
_12 6
Appendix 3, Table B. Distribution of Fish bone at CA-RIV-4754.
-eat.
Unit
Level Taxon
Common
Name
Ct
We-,g:nt
-----------------------------._---_
none
Gila eiecans
- ---_-__-_--_--_______
Chub
bon tail
14
.23
none
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.iZ
none
osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
20
.3Z
----------------------------- .----------------------------------------------------------
NO PROVENIENCE TOTAL
36
.67
3
Gila eleaans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
.01
3
osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
10
.05
_____________________________._____---_--___-__-_____-_-_--_-______________-____________
FEATURE
TOTAL
11
.06
1
040-050 Xyrauchentexanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
06
2
060-070 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
3
.04
5
020-030 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
i
03
5
020-03C Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
1
.02
5
020-030 osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
1
.01
5
030-040 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
.02
________________________________________________________________________________..__----
UNIT
TOTAL
4
.08
6
000-002 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
107
3.40
6
000-002 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
5
.12
6
000-002 Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
50
.49
_______________________________________________________________________________________
UNIT
TOTAL
162
4.01
7
080-090 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
1
04
7
080-090 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.i3
7
060-090 osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
2
.05
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
.22
UNIT
TOTAL
8
000-010 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
47
2.05
8
000-010 Mugil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
2
.21
8
000-010 osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
30
.21
____________________________-.___-______--___-______-_______-___-____-___-_____-__-____-
79
2.47
UNIT
TOTAL
9
030-040 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
9
.34
9
030-040 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.03
9
030-040 osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
7
.05
9
040-050 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
303
7.69
9
040-050 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.08
9
040-050 Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
29
.36
9
040-050 Mugil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
1
.05
9
050-060 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
587
14.93
9
050-060 Cyprinidae
Carp and
Minnow Family
60
.53
9
050-060 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
22
1.24
9
050-060 Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
312
3.34
9
060-070 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
7
.10
9
060-070 Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.05
9
070-080 Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
1
.04
---
____________________________________________'____-_________________________
1342
2883
UNIT
TOTAL
10
000-010 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
3
.06
10
010-020 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
6
.08
10
010-020 Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
3
.02
10
020-030 Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
23
.32
92
127
Appendix 3, Table 1B (continued). Distribution of fish bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat. _nit
___
Level
':axon
Common
Name
Ct
Weiaht
10
020-030
__________________________________
Xyrauchen texanus
�
Sucker
_ Razorback
____
12
i_12
10
030-040
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
506
13.34
10
030-040
Xvrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
82
6.24
10
030-040
Cyprinifcrmes
Minnow
Order
115
2.10
10
030-040
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
250
5.60
10
040-050
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
471
11.62
10
040-050
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
31
2.45
10
040-050
Catostomidae
Sucker
Family
18
.46
10
040-050
Cypriniformes
Minnow
order
96
.98
10
040-050
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
459
10.48
10
050-060
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
23
.58
10
050-060
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
1
.04
10
050-060
Mugil cephalus
Mullet
- Striped
1
.04
10
050-060
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
i5
.12
10
060-070
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
4
.07
10
float
Gila elegans
Chub -
Bonytail
49
.64
10
float
Xyrauchen texanus
Sucker
- Razorback
2
.12
10
float
Cypriniformes
Minnow
Order
8
.04
10
float
Osteichthyes
Fish -
Bony
65
.67
_________________________________________________________________________________.______
UNIT TOTAL
2243
57.19
SITE TOTAL
3886
93.63
93
,,-J �, 128
Appendix 3, Table C. Representation of fish elements by species at CA-RIV-4754
Element
Gila eleoans
Muoll cepnalus Xyraucnen fexanus
Total Count
__
___________________________________________________
alisphenoid
I
-
3
artrcuiar
2
3
oasioccipital
39
2
41
baslcphenoad
1
1
ceratohyal
19
_
20
cleithrum
79
33
112
coracoid
36
36
cranial
1
1
dentary
6
6
dermethmoid
8
P.
dorsal hypohyal
2
2
epihyal
14
14
epictic
5
5
ethmoid
1
1
exoccipital
24
24
frontal
2
2
hvomandibular
19
5
24
interhyal
1
1
interneural
6
6
interneural,lst
2
2
anterneura1,2nd
2
interopercular
2
mandible
metapterygoid
1
-
3
neural complex
6
1
9
opercular
14
14
otolith,saggita
2
1
3
palatine
1
1
parasphenoid
4
4
parethmoid
2
2
4
parietal
12
12
pelvis
26
26
pharyngeal
126
10
136
pharyngeal plate
42
42
pharyngeal tooth
71
71
pharyngeal,lwr
8
2
10
post -temporal
7
7
.,
preopercular
1
prootic
5
pterotic
13
13
pterygiophore
10
10
pterygoid
1
1
quadrate
7
e
scapula
9
10
sphenotic
2
2
subraoccipital
10
1
11
urohyal
7
7
ventral hypohyal
1
1
vert,caudal
701
2 27
730
vert,precaudal
631
1 22
654
vert,ultimate
1
1
vertebrae 41
32
2
'34
vertebrae A2
26
4
30
vertebrae X3
46
46
vertebrae N4
22
3
25
vertebrae 85
5
5
vertebrae N7
1
1
weberian,complex
3
3
weberian,hypop
14
14
weberian,neural
2
2
weberian,neurall
2
2
weberian,parapop
2
3
5
weberian,pleurl
20
20
weberian,pleur2
28
28
weberian,pleur3
3
3
weberian,pleural
3
3
TOTAL:
------------------------------------------------------------
2165
4 3
2334
94
129
Appendix 3, Table D. Bonytail thoracic vertebral contra lengths.
Gila elegans Gila elegans
Vert. #
CAS 66038
CAS 25860
5
3.56
2.45
6
4.07
2.7
7
4.46
2.61
8
4.06
2.65
9
4.37
2.67
10
4.31
2.65
11
4.37
2.45
12
4.48
2.55
13
4.4
2.73
14
4.42
2.78
15
4.53
2.73
16
4.69
2.68
17
4.67
2.68
18
4.79
2.84
19
4.72
2.97
20
4.9
2.88
21
4.63
2.92
Average
4.437058624
2.714117647
Sample # Unit 9, 40-50 Unit 9, 50-60 Unit 10, 30-40 UNit 10, 40-50
1
3.58
3.59
3.03
2.94
2_
2.76
3.72
3.4
3.4
3
3.39
3.63
2.74
3.24
4
3.29
2.96
3.07
3.45
5
2.67
2.65
3.8
3.19
6
3.36
3.46
3.06
3.25
7
3.17
3.43
3.45
3.23
8
3.46
2.6
3.33
3.34
9
3.55
3.17
3.49
3.7
10
3.24
3.17
3.3
3.01
11
3.33
3.52
3.37
3.33
12
2.3
2.75
3.1
3.11
13
2.74
2.73
3.36
3.28
14
3.32
3.75
3.35
2.81
15
3.25
2.95
3.26
3.11
16
2.96
3.47
3.41
3.09
17
3.25
3.4
3.38
3.15
18
2.84
3.22
3.38
3.46
19
3.13
3.63
2.91
2.9
20
3.05
3.27
3.15
2.9
21
2.81
2.83
3.31
2.85
22
3.42
3.23
3
2.82
23
3.39
3.25
3.37
3.6
24
2.76
3.27
2.75
3.43
25
2.68
2.61
3.21
3.27
Average 3.108 3.2184 3.2392 3.1944 3.19
95
.0
13-
Appendix 3, Table E. Bonytail thoracic vertebral centra annulus counts.
Gila eiegans Gila elegans
CAS 66038 CAS 25860
6 annuli 4 annuli
Samnle 4 Unit 9, 40-50 Unit 9 50-60 Unit 10, 30-40 Unit 10, 40-50
1
7
5
4
6
2
8
4
5
6
3
5
5
6
5
4
6
4
5
4
5
6
5
5
8
6
5
4
5
7
7
4
4
8
6
8
5
6
4
4
9
5
5
5
4
10
6
4
5
4
11
4
6
5
5
12
5
6
5
5
13
5
4
6
5
14
4
6
6
5
15
5
5
5
7
16
5
4
4
7
17
5
5
5
6
18.
7
5
6
6
19
6
4
4
5
20
5
5
5
5
21
3
4
6
5
22
4
5
5
4
23
5
4
4
4
24
5
5
5
5
25
4
4
6
7
Average
5.16
4.72
5.16
5.4 5.11
131
Appendix 3, Table F. Distribution of reptile bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat. L..._
Level
Taxcn
ammon Fame
_
Ct
Weight
__`
___________________c
_____
..alvadora
_________-_____________
hexaleGl_
_rake Western Batch -nosed
1
.0�
060-070
Crotalus
sp
Rattlesnake - Unid
1
04
_
060-0 0
Pituoenis
meiancleucus
Snake - Gopher
9
050-C60
Crotalus
sp
Rattlesnake - Unid
1
03
10
040-050
Crotalus
sp
Rattlesnake - Unid
1
.02
SITE TOTAL
5
.24
Appendix 3, Table G. Distribution of bird bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat. Unit
Level
Taxon
Common
Name
Ct
Weight
___________
3
__________.__________________________________________________________
Aves,
and
Bird
Medium
1
08
--__--_6 _-000-002
Aves,
sm
Bird -
Small
1-03
8
000-010
Pnalacrecorax sp
Cormorant Unid
1
.21
9--050-060
Aves,_md
------------------Bizd
-
Medium-------_-_-----_--2-_----07
10
040-050
Aves,
and
Bird -
Medium
1
.03
13
020-030
Aves,
and
Bird -
Medium
1
.15
SITE TOTAL
7
.57
97
132
Appendix 3, Table li. Distribution of mammal bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat.
Unit
Level
-axon
Ccmmon
Name
Ct
Weight
-_
=
--------------.___-__-__---___-_--__--_
Sylvilagus sn
Rabbit
- Unid
2
.26
_
Vulpe_s macrotis
Fox - Kit
1
.04
3
Carnivora
Carnivore Order
1
.05
3
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
29
.98
_____________________________.____-___-----_-_-_____--_______-_--_-_-_____-_----_-____--
P7EATURB TOTAL
33
1.33
2
040-050
Dipodomys merriami
Kangaroo Rat - Merriam's
9
02
2
040-OSO
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
16
.07
2
050-060
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
5
.31
2
050-060
Dipodomys merriami
Kangaroo Rat - Merriam's
2
.06
2
050-060
Perognathus californicus
Pocket
Mouse - Californicus
1
.01
2
050-060
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.01
2
050-060
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
22
.44
2
060-070
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.02
060-070
Mammalia, lg
Mammal
- Large
i
.26
2
07C-080
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.03
2
070-060
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
1
.04
_________________________________
UNIT
TOTAL
_-___________-_--______--__-_-_____-
57
1.27
4
020-037
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
4
.32
4
020-037
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.05
-____
________________________________________________
UNIT
TOTAL
_--__________
7
.37
5
030-040
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.73
5
050-060
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.05
5
050-060
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
4
.12
crb len
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
1
.05
____________________________________
UNIT
TOTAL
_-_-_________________--__-___-_-__._____-
7
.95
6
000-002
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
13
1.56
6
000-002
Mammalia, am
Mammal
- Small
2
.32
6
020-030
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.04
6
020-030
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
i
.03
_________________________________________________________________________________.______
UNIT
TOTAL
17
1.95
7
020-030
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.13
7
020-030
Mammalia, and
Mammal
- Medium
6
.26
7
030-040
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.07
7
030-040
Ammospermophilus leucurus
Ground
Squirrel - Antelope
1
.05
7
030-040
Thomomys bottae
Pocket
Gopher - Botta's
3
.31
7
030-040
Mammalia, am
Mammal
- Small
9
.26
7
080-090
Mammalia, sm
Mammal
- Small
6
.12
- - ---
-- -
UNIT
--------
TOTAL
--
-- ---- - ---------------- ----
-- --------
- ----- - ------ --------
--
27
--
1.20
8
000-010
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.04
9
040-050
Sylvilagus sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.05
9
040-050
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.02
9
040-050
Mammalia, lg
Mammal
- Large
92
.96
9
060-070
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.02
________________________________________________________________________________.-______
UNIT
TOTAL
95
1.05
10
000-010
Mammalia, lg
Mammal
- Large
1
.33
10
010-020
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.08
•M
133
Appendix 3, Table H (continued). Distribution of mammal bone at CA-RIV-4754.
Feat. Unit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------_._---_-
Level
Taxon
Common
Name
Ct
Weight
10
020-030
Sylvilagus
sp
Rabbit
- Unid
2
.07
10
040-050
Cricetidae
Mouse,
Rat, Vole
- New World 1
.02
10
________________________________________________________________________________..-____-
060-070
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
1
.05
VNIT TOTAL
8
.55
13
020-030
Mammalia
Mammal
- Unid
3
.10
14
050-060
Sylvilagus
sp
Rabbit
- Unid
2
.13
14
060-070
Sylvilagus
sp
Rabbit
- Unid
1
.06
14
060-070
Rodentia
Rodent
- Unid
1
.01
14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------..-___-_
060-070
Mammalia,
am
Mammal
- Small
1
.01
UNIT TOTAL
5
.21
SITE TOTAL
260
9.02
Appendix 3, Table 1. Representation of rabbit elements at CA-RIV-4754.
Element
_________________
carpal,cuneiform
cranial
femur
indeterminate
innominate
mandible
maxilla
metapodial
petrosal
phalanx,lst
phalanx,2nd
radius
scapula
tarsal,astraglus
tarsal,calcaneus
tibia
tooth
tooth,incisor
tooth,molar
tooth,premolar
ulna
TOTAL:
Sylvilagus sp
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
4
1
5
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
ER
--jL 134
Appendix 3, Table I Fish comparative material examined for CA-RIV-4754.
Xyrauchen texanus Catostomus fumeiventns Ptychocheilus grandis Gila bicolor Mugil cephalus
CAS 26235
CAS 26959
CAS 66229-1
CAS 66229-2
CAS 66229-3
CAS 66229-4
CAS 66231-1
CAS 66231-2
CAS 66231-3
CAS 66231-4
CAS 66231-5
CAS 66231-6
CAS 66231-7
CAS 66231-8
SU 54100
LACM 43613-1
ASUM 13760
ASUM 13844
ASUM 14881
ASUM 14882
LACM 33831-4 LACM 37727-2
LACM 33831-11 LACM 37727-3
KWG 543 LRCM 37727-4
Catostomus occidentalis Ptychocheilus lucius
CAS 26301
CAS 66219
CAS 66224
LACM 37727-5
Catostomus tahoensis
TAW 292
TAW 293
TAW 294
CAS 66191-1
CAS 66191-2
CAS 66191-3
CAS 66217
ASUM 13998
ASUM=Arizona State University Museum of Natural History
CAS=California Academy of Sciences
KWG=K.W. Gobalet personal collection, at CSU Bakersfield
LACM=Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
SU=Stanford University, at CAS
TAW=T.A. Wake personal collection, at UCLA
TAW 296
LACM 37995-2
TAW 297
LRCM 37996-2
TAW 391
KWG 347
LRCM 33829-14
KWG 360
LRCM 33829-17
Mugil curema
Gila cypha
TAW 444
ASUM 14156
Elops affinis
Gila elegans
CAS 25860
CAS 25865
CAS 26703
CAS 66037
CAS 66038
Gila robusta
CAS 25850
CAS 25851
Gila seminuda
ASUM 14175
KWG 205
KWG 294
100 .:;, 135
City Council Minutes 14 January 20, 1998
3. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING STREET NAME CHANGE 97-009
FOR A PORTION OF VIA CARMEL TO CARMEL CIRCLE WITHIN RANCHO LA
QUINTA, EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF MISSION DRIVE WEST AND VIA
CARMEL. APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA.
4. APPROVAL OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR TO ATTEND THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION'S 1998
NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE IN BOSTON, MASS., APRIL 4-8, 1998.
5. APPROVAL OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES,
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICERS INSTITUTE IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, ON
MARCH 17-20, 1998.
6. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS AGREEMENT
FOR TRACT 28457-3, BELLA VISTA.
7. APPROVAL OF SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO BID FISCAL YEAR
1997/98 CITYWIDE RESTRIPING PROGRAM.
8. APPROVAL OF AGENCY -STATE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE STATE LOCAL
TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SLTPP) FUNDING TOWARD
AVENUE 48 EXTENSION, ADAMS STREET TO JEFFERSON STREET, PROJECT
NO. 96-05.
9. APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL SECRETARY TO THE ALLOCATED POSITIONS
SCHEDULE.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended with Item No. 3 being approved by
RESOLUTION NO. '98-02. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.
98-13.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF BOARDS/COMMISSIONS.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised that the reports and minutes of
Council's previous discussions on this issue are contained in the staff report and
that Attachment No. 3 summarizes some of the changes that were made in
1996.
136
City Council Minutes 15 January 20, 1998
Mayor Pena felt that Council wishes to have well -functioning commissions with
sufficient work to accomplish and to attract willing participants from the
community. He felt that we have some Directors staffing commissions in which
there seems to be no real flow and he believed Council should consider
combining some of them.
Council Member Sniff submitted the following suggestions: 1) reduce the
Planning Commission from seven to five members; 2) maintain the Building
Appeals Board and Traffic Committee as is; 3) maintain the Art in Public Places
Commission as is; because it has a special task; 4) maintain the Historic
Preservation Commission because it's mandated by the State; 5) reduce the
Investment Advisory Board from seven to five members; and 6) combine the
Youth Advisory Committee, Volunteer Advisory Committee, and Kidsline with
a new commission made up of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Human
Services Commission, and Cultural Commission, somewhat similar to the
Community Services Commission of the past. The new commission would
consist of three committees with three members each. This would reduce the
burden on staff and yet provide a very functional commission. He felt the
commission would have a sufficient number of issues to address and that it was
a good time to make the change since there are vacancies on all three
commissions.
Mayor Pena noted that the Community Services Commission, which functioned
very well for a number of years, was separated to gain more involvement from
the community, but was supposed to be reviewed later on.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Weiss confirmed that the
Volunteer Advisory Committee has been eliminated and that the Youth Advisory
Committee and Kidsline have been integrated into the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
Council Member Henderson asked if the commissioners had been made aware
of the integration because she didn't recall any Kidsline issues being addressed
at their meetings to which Mr. Weiss responded yes.
Council Member Henderson advised that she understood the benefit of reducing
the membership on some of the commissions, but wished to hold off on
reducing the Planning Commission until after Council has had an opportunity to
meet with them and gain their input. She commented that the Building Appeals
Board and Traffic Committee don't meet very often, but suggested that they be
reviewed and reconfirmed on an annual basis.
-„ 137
City Council Minutes 16 January 20, 1998
Council Member Henderson felt the Art in Public Places Commission should be
able to function with five members if the Planning Commission can because
their responsibility is as great or even greater. She also felt that the Investment
Advisory Board should be able to function with five members and concurred on
combining the Parks & Recreation Commission, Human Services Commission,
and Cultural Commission.
Council Member Perkins agreed with getting input from the Planning
Commission before reducing its membership and with reducing the other
commissions down to five members. He believed the key to combining the
commissions is to look at what they've done and what their job has been. He
suggested combining the Art in Public Places Commission with the Cultural
Commission.
Council Member Adolph advised that he hasn't changed his stand since Council
discussed this issue last year. He believed community involvement is important
and, although, it's easier to come to a consensus with five members, he felt it's
hard to maintain a quorum and provides less input from the community.
Mayor Pena felt the commissions need clear direction from Council and that
Council should review their work plans twice a year and possibly meeting with
them when Council is reviewing their own goals. He pointed out that Council
can always appoint ad hoc committees for specific issues if needed. He felt
attendance problems should be addressed if they exist and agreed with reducing
the memberships and combining some of the commissions.
Council Member Perkins didn't feel community involvement was a problem in
referring to recent issues that drew large attendance at City Council meetings.
He also didn't see any advantage to having seven members on a commission,
advising that he looks at efficiency, not numbers.
Council Member Henderson felt the memberships on the commissions were
increased because of the difficulty Council was having in making appointments
from the number of qualified applicants. She believed the commissions are
doing an excellent job, but felt that they would function well with five members,
noting that their main complaint has been that no one from the community
attends their meetings. She didn't understand why there was such an uproar
last year when she suggested that applicants be required to attend two
meetings prior to appointments being made. She felt they should attend if they
have interest in the commission. She supported combining the Parks &
Recreation Commission, Human Services Commission, and Cultural Commission
because she felt the goals in their work plans are similar. She reiterated her
wish to see Council meet with the Planning Commission before reducing their
138
City Council Minutes 17 January 20, 1998
membership, but agreed with reducing the Art in Public Places Commission &
the Investment Advisory Board to five members, possibly thru attrition.
Council Member Sniff was willing to wait until after a joint meeting with the
Planning Commission before deciding whether or not to reduce their
membership. He wished to see the Art in Public Places Commission remain as
a separate commission because he felt it has a singular function. He agreed
that there are advantages to having seven members on a commission, but didn't
have a problem with reducing the Art in Public Places Commission and
Investment Advisory Board to five through attrition. He felt the other three
commissions should be combined into one commission consisting of three
committees with three members each for a total of nine members. He hoped
that staff could bring this back for Council action within one month.
Council Member Perkins asked why Council Member Sniff was opposed to
combining the Art in Public Places Commission with the Cultural Commission.
Council Member Sniff felt the Art in Public Places Commission has a singular
function and that it has operated well as it is for about eight years.
Council Member Perkins preferred combining the Art in Public Places
Commission with the Cultural Commission and the Human Services Commission
with the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Council Member Henderson noted that the Art in Public Places Commission is
looking to seek grants and that they may need to broaden their scope in order
to do that, making combining them with the Cultural Commission a viable
consideration.
Council Member Sniff suggested staff forward these discussions to the
commissions for their comments.
Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, Human Services Commission Member,
advised that the comments they submitted last year still hold true and that she
felt the more eyes and ears out in the community, the better. She noted that
community involvement at Council meetings is usually reactive, not pro -active
as it is on commissions and if seven members on a commission is bad, then she
felt nine would be worse. She believed the mission of the Art in Public Places
Commission, which she felt is very distinct from the Cultural Commission, is
very time-consuming and it would be hard to accomplish anything with the
Cultural Commission. She also felt it would be difficult for the Parks &
Recreation Commission, Human Services Commission, and Cultural Commission
to pursue very different objectives in a unified manner. Their work plans may
.139
City Council Minutes 18 January 20, 1998
look similar, but what they're doing is very different and distinct. She felt the
Human Services Commission would not have accomplished their work in regard
to the Youth Accountability Board over the last several months had the
commissions been combined. Five members may be better than seven, but she
urged Council to keep the purposes of the commissions distinct.
In response to Mayor Peria, she stated that she felt there would be a lack of
continuity with ad hoc committees for long-term issues and added that if money
was the issue, she felt the commissioners wouldn't object to their stipend for
attending meetings being eliminated.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Wolff advised that they currently
have five members and 100% attendance most of the time.
Rosita Shamis, 78..955 Del Monte Court, Art in Public Places Commission
Member, felt the commissions should have seven members to insure a quorum
and was opposed to combining the Art in Public Places Commission with the
Cultural Commission because she felt their master plans are very different. She
agreed with looking at attendance, but urged Council not to weaken the
commissions.
Carl Ingram, 78-625 Sanita Drive, Parks & Recreation Commission Chairman,
agreed with the comments submitted by Ms. Wolff and Ms. Shamis.
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, Planning Commission Member, advised that
he served on the Human Services Commission for a short time and felt their
focus was very different from the Parks & Recreation Commission. He also
didn't see the logic in reducing the memberships on the commissions if money
is the issue because it takes the same amount of staff time either way. In
regard to the Planning Commission, he noted that it was increased to seven
members when it took on the responsibilities of the Design Review Board and
he felt if the membership is reduced, that Council would have an even greater
obligation for making sure that there's proper representation on the commission
to give insight to the entire spectrum of issues they review.
Council Member Sniff reiterated his previous suggestions to: 1) leave the
Planning Commission as is for now; 2) leave the Art in Public Places
Commission and Investment Advisory Board intact, except for possibly reducing
them down to five members; 3) leave the Historic Preservation Commission as
is; 4) combine the Parks & Recreation Commission, Human Services
Commission, and Cultural Commission into a Community Services Commission,
consisting of three; committees for a total of nine members. He felt each
segment of the cornmission would be able to discuss the issues singular to each
City Council Minutes 19 January 20, 1998
committee and yet be under the broad umbrella of one commission. He also
suggested that Council's discussion be forwarded to the commissions for their
comments and that staff bring this issue back in one month for potential action.
Council Member Henderson agreed with Council Member Sniff and supported
reducing the Art in Public Places Commission and Investment Advisory Board
to five members. Regarding the comments made about the work the Human
Services Commission has done on the Youth Accountability Board -- she felt
that it's very exciting and believed that the Commissioners are very dedicated
individuals. However, she felt that the work on the Youth Accountability Board
would have come about even if they had been a committee as part of a broader
commission, because of their dedication and because they would have had more
time to focus on that singular issue without having to spend time dealing with
other peripheral issues.
Council Member Perkins agreed with reducing the Art in Public Places
Commission and Investment Advisory Board to five members and felt there's
enough interaction between the Parks & Recreation Commission and Human
Services Commission to combine them, but wished to leave the Cultural
Commission as is if not combined with the Art in Public Places Commission.
Council Member Adolph agreed with Council Member Perkins that the Cultural
Commission should) stand alone, but supported the other suggestions.
Mayor Pena agreed) with combining the three commissions and asked staff to
bring back comments along those lines with Council discussing the number of
members at that time.
Barbara Irwin, 44-065 Camino La Cresta, felt if the ordinances were re -drafted
that it might help the public and commissioners to see what the Council has in
mind for these commissions.
The Study Session concluded with a majority of the Council directing staff to
come back with options to accomplish the following and with input from the
various commissions:
1. Combine the Cultural Commission, Human Services Commission, and Parks
& Recreation Commission, possibly into a nine -member commission with
responsibilities divided into three committees of three members each;
2. Possibly decrease the membership on the Investment Advisory Board and
Art in Public Places Commission to five members (to be accomplished
through attrition); and,
3. Leave the Historic Preservation Commission as is.
141
HISTORIC:
PRESERVATION
EASEMENTS
A HISTORIC PRESERVATION TOOL
WITH FEDERAL TAX 13ENEFITS
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Center for Cultural Resource
Stewardship & Partnerships
Heritage Preservation Services
Technical Preservation Services
Washington, D.C.
h 142
WHAT IS A HISTORIC PRESERVATION
EASEMENT?
A preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement
that protects a significant historic, archaeological, or
cultural resource. An easement provides assurance to the
owner of a historic or cultural property that the property,,
intrinsic values will be preserved through subsequent
ownership. In addition, the owner may obtain substantial
tax benefits. An entire historic structure or just the facade
Protecting Historic Buildings and
Cultural Landscapes
Moraine Farm, a 175-acre commercial forest and farm
surrounding a 19th-century residential country estate in
Massachusetts, was placed under the protection of
a preservation and conservation easement in 1991. The
grounds of the entire property were designed
by Frederick Law Olmsted, the acclaimed designer
Of Central Park in New York City. The easement
protects the historic buildings, their associated
landscaping, and all agricultural activities. The Trustees
of Reservations and the Essex County Greenbelt
Association, both Massachusetts conserv-
ation organizations, jointly hold the easement.
Photos courtesy of Charles Wyman, The Trustees
of Reservations.
Views of a garden pavilion and the wooded landscape.
or interior may quality. Historic preservation easements
also are used to protect a historic landscape, battlefield,
traditional cultural place, or archaeological site. Under the
terms of an easement, a property owner grants a portion of,
or interest in, her property rights to an organization whose
mission includes historic preservation. Once recorded, an
easement becomes part of the property's chain of title and
usually "runs with the land" in perpetuity, thus binding not
only the owner who grants the easement but all future
owners as well.
BENEFITS OF DONATING AN EASEMENT
An easement is a particularly useful historic preservation
tool in several respects. First, it allows art individual to
retain private ownership of the property and obtain
potential financial benefits. Second, an easement binds not
only the current owner, but future owner; as well, ensuring
that the property will be maintained and preserved by
future owners. Third, easements are tailored to meet the
needs of the property owner, the individual resource, and
the mission of the protecting organization. Thus an
easement provides the owner with a Flexible tool with
which to preserve the property for future generations. If
certain criteria are met the owner also can receive a Federal
income tax deduction equivalent to the value of the rights
given away to a charitable or governmental organization.
Additional financial benefits may be available in the form
of reduced estate, gift, and local property taxes.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
When the owner donates an easement to a charitable or
governmental organization, she can claim a charitable
deduction on Federal income tax. In most cases an
easement donor may deduct the value of the easement,
for up to thirty -percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross
income, from Federal taxes. Any excess value may be
carried forward up to five years.
The value of the easement is based on the difference
between the appraised fair market value of the property
prior to conveying an easement and its value with the
easement restrictions in place. Under most circumstances
the value of an easement depends upon the property's
development potential and operates under the assumption
that an easement limits development, thereby reducing the
value of the property. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
guidelines suggest that in many cases a facade easement
can be appraised at approximately 10-15 percent of the
value of the property. For further guidance on determining
the value of an easement a professional appraiser should
be consulted.
Federal estate taxes for property heirs also may be reduced
because the fair market value of the property was reduced
during the donor's lifetime by the easement restrictions.
Mane state tax codes contain income and estate tax
provisions similar to Federal law. Consequently, a
reduction in the value of property subject to an easement
may yield state and local tax benefits as well. A property
that is assessed based upon its easement -restricted use
rather than at its potential, fully -developed use could result
in a lower tax rate. A tax attorney or accountant should be
consulted in this regard.
QUALIFIED PROPERTIES
According to the IRS an easement must either preserve
a certified historic structure or a historically important land area
to qualifv for federal income and estate tax deductions.
The IRS definition of a certified historic structure includes
any building, structure, or land area that is:
♦ Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or
♦ Located in a registered historic district and certified by
the U.S. Department of the Interior as being historically
significant to the district.
The "structure" may be a building, portion of a building
(such as a facade or part or whole of the interior), or a
bridge, ship, railroad car, dam, or any other kind of
structure. To apply for certification, an easement donor
should contact the State Historic Preservation Office
(SHED) to request a Historic Preservation Certification
Application. The property owner then completes Part 1
of the application and returns it to the SHPO, which
forwards it to the National Park Service, which issues
certification on behalf of the U.S. Department of the
Interior. The property must be certified by the National
Park Service prior to conveying the easement, or before
the owner files a Federal income tax return For the year
in which the easement was granted.
The IRS definition of historically important land areas
include:
♦ independently significant areas, including any related
historic resources that meet National Register Criteria for
Evaluation, or
♦ land areas within registered historic districts, including
buildings, that contribute to the significance of the
historic district; or
♦ land areas adjacent to a property individually listed in
the National Register of Historic Places (but not within a
historic district) where physical or environmental
features of the land contribute to the historic or cultural
integrity of the historic property.
Common examples of historically important land areas
include traditional cultural places, archaeological sites,
battlefields, and historic cultural and designed landscapes.
In order to claim the Federal income tax deduction the
certified historic structure or historically important land
area must be accessible to the public. The degree of
access is tailored according to the historic resource under
protection. For example, the amount of access required
for a sensitive archaeological site or traditional cultural
place with religious significance protected by an
easement may be as little as a few hours a vear. Other
means of providing access may include ensuring visual
access from a public roadway for a historic building and
grounds subject to a facade and scenic easement, or
allowing the public to tour the inside of a historic house
subject to an interior easement two days per year: Often,
the easement -holding organization can assist the owner
in finding a balance between protecting the owner's
privacy and providing a public benefit. Generally, the
accessibility requirement is met as long as the property
owner is not the sole individual benefiting from the
donation of the easement.
QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIONS
The IRS recognizes a qualified organization for accepting
easements as one that is committed to protecting the
historic preservation purposes of the donation, and has
the resources to enforce the restrictions. Qualified
organizations may include a governmental unit or a
charitable organization (§ 501(c)(3)) such as a community
land trust or historic preservation organization. An
owner should verify that an organization is qualified
prior to conveying an easement. Verification can be
obtained by contacting the IRS Taxpayer Assistance office
in your area.
Many easement holding organizations require the
easement donor to make an additional donation of funds
to help administer the easement These funds are often
held in an endowment that generates an annual income
to pay for easement administration costs such as staff
time and travel expenses, or needed legal services.
PRESERVATION EASEMENT RESTRICTIONS
An easement gives the organization to which it is
conveyed the legal authority and responsibility to
enforce its terms. This often includes the right to inspect
the property to ensure that the owner is complying with
the terms. Historic preservation easements typically
prohibit the owner from demolishing or making
alterations to the property without prior review,
consultation and approval by the easement holder.
For example, an easement might prohibit facade
alterations or construction of a building addition without
first obtaining approval from the easement holder.
Restrictions on subdividing and developing the property
are common as well.
Some easements also require the owner to make
improvements to the property or to maintain it in it
certain physical condition. For example, an owner might
be required to repair a deteriorated porch within a
specific period after the easement is conveyed.
Furthermore, as discussed earlier, some degree of public
access to the site is required in order to claim a Federal
income tax deduction. If upon inspection the easement
holding organization finds that the terms of the easement
have not been upheld, the owner may be held
responsible for covering the costs of reversing an
unacceptable treatment or face other penalties.
In most cases, easement holding organizations have staff
that can prepare a draft easement document for review
by the donor's attorney. Many organizations also have
the historic preservation and material conservation
expertise to offer sound conservation, historical or design
guidance to the owner of a property protected by
an easement.
COMBINING AN EASEMENT WITH
FEDERAL HISTORIC REHABILITATION
TAX CREDITS
A property owner conveying an easement on a historic
building may also apply for a 20% tax credit under the
Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Incentives Program.
The 20% tax credit applies to any project that the
Secretary of the Interior designates a certified
rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. This credit
is available for properties rehabilitated for commercial,
industrial, agricultural, or rental residential purposes, but
it is not available for properties used exclusively as the
owner's private residence.
According to the IRS, when an easement is donated on a
property undergoing it certified rehabilitation the owner
must adjust the depreciable basis to reflect the
diminution in value of the building that occurs when an
easement is conveyed.' This reduction may impact the
amount of rehabilitation credit that an owner is allowed
to take. Timing plays a crucial role when combining an
easement donation with the 20% tax credit and may
impact one or both of the benefits. An accountant or tax
attorney should be consulted to determine the most
advantageous method for combining these benefits.
For further information about the 20% tax credit or any
applicable state incentives for preservation contact your
State Historic Preservation Office.
'Refer to IRS Revenue Ruling 89-90 regarding combining
the 20% rehabilitation tax credit with a charitable
deduction for an easement donation.
TIPS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
CONSIDERING CONVEYING A HISTORIC
PRESERVATION EASEMENT
When considering whether to donate an easement, a
property owner should consider the following questions:
♦ Has the property been designated as historically
significant through National Register listing?
♦ Is the property in a Registered Historic District?
♦ Are there state or local tax benefits to donating
an easement?
♦ What are the financial implications of donating
an easement?
♦ How much public access would be required to claim a
Federal income tax deduction?
♦ Is the easement -holding organization staffed by historic
preservation professionals?
♦ Does the easement -holding organization charge the
donor a fee to cover administrative costs incurred by
accepting the easement?
♦ Does the easement holding organization have the time
and resources to monitor the terms of the easement?
♦ How specific will the easement need to be in order to
protect the property?
Property owners interested in donating a historic
preservation easement for Federal tax benefits may contact
their State Historic Preservation Office for a list of
easement -holding organizations in their area.
Acknowledgments
The author thanks the following individuals for providing
technical review and other assistance in the develoument
of this publication: Tom Gavin and Mark Primoli, Internal
Revenue Service; Tom Mayes and George Siekkinen, National
Trust for Historic Preservation; the staff at Heritage
Preservation Services, NPS, Michael J. Auer, Charles E. Fisher,
Rebecca A. Shaffer, and deTeel Patterson Tiller.
The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and
provide access to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and
honor our trust responsibilities to tribes.
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and
cultural resources and values of the National Park Svsleen for the
enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future
generations. The service cooperates with partners to ea tend the
benefits of natural and cultural resources conservation and outdoor
recreation throughout this country and the world.
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
CultarA Resources
Heritage Preservation Services
T,
a+C
I
i
it of
lthe
it
Interior
IeTce
This booklet describes the Federal Historic Preserva-
tion Tax Incentives program in general terms only. For
more detailed information, including copies of appli-
cation forms, regulations, and other program informa-
tion, contact one of the offices listed on pages 25-28.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986, as amended, is complex.
Readers should consult an accountant, tax attorney, or
other professional tax advisor, legal counsel, or the In-
ternal Revenue Service for help in determining the
tax and other financial implications of any matter dis-
cussed here.
Department of the Interior regulations governing the
procedures for obtaining historic preservation certifi-
cations are more fully explained in Title 36 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67. The Internal
Revenue Service regulations governing the tax credits
for rehabilitation are contained in Treasury Regula-
tion Section 1.48-12. These sets of regulations take
precedence in the event of any inconsistencywith this
booklet
Prepared by Michael J. Auer
Heritage Preservation Services
National Park Service
1996
Cover photo: The Brentwood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(1905). After undergoing rehabilitation for 43 units of
affordable housing. Courtesy Brentwood Parkside Associ-
ates, a joint venture of Pennrose Properties, Inc. and the
Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation. 0 1996 Don
Rouse Photographer.
Table of Contents
Preservation Tax Incentives ....................9
What Is a Tax Credit% ......................... 3
20% Rehabilitation Tax Credit .................. 4
Rehabilitation Tax Credits: Who Does What% ..... 12
10% Rehabilitation Tax Credit .... ............ 14
The 10% or 20% Credit Which OneApplies; .... 15
Other Tax Provisions Affecting Use of
Preservation Tax Incentives .................16
Rehabilitations Involving Governments and
Other Tax -Exempt Entities ..................18
Other Tax Incentives for Historic Preservation .... 19
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Evaluating Significance
Within Registered Historic Districts ........... 21
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation .........................22
For More Information ........................ 24
National Park Service, Internal Revenue Service
and State Historic Preservation Officers ....... 25
10
f reservation Tax Incentives
Historic buildings are tangible links with the past.
Thev heirs give a community a sense of identity,
stabiliry and orientation. The Federal government
encourages the preservation of historic buildings
through carious means. One of these is the program
of Federal tax incentives to support the rehabilitation
of historic and older buildings. The Federal Historic
Preservation Tax Incentives program is one of the
Federal government's most successful and cost-
effective community revitalization programs. The
Preservation Tax Incentives reward private investment
in rehabilitating historic properties such as offices,
rental housing, and retail stores.
Since 1976, the National Park Service has
administered the program in partnership with the
Internal Revenue Service and with State Historic
Preservation Officers. The tax incentives have spurred
the rehabilitation of historic structures of every
period, size, style and type. They have been
instrumental in preserving the historic places that give
cities, towns and rural areas their special character.
The tax incentives for preservation attract new private
investment to the historic cores of cities and towns.
They also generatejobs, enhance property values, and
augment revenues for State and local governments
through increased property, business and income
taxes. The Preservation Tax Incentives also help
create moderate and low-income housing in historic
buildings. Through this program, abandoned or
underused schools, warehouses, factories, churches,
retail stores, apartments, hotels, houses, and offices
throughout the country have been restored to life in a
manner that maintains their historic character.
Current tax incentives for preservation, established by
the Tax Reform .act of 1986 (PL 99-314; Internal
Revenue Code Section 47 [formerly Section 48(g) ] )
include:
■ a 20% tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of
certified historic structures.
■ a 10% tax credit for the rehabilitation of non -
historic, non-residential buildings built before 1936.
For both credits, the rehabilitation must be a
substantial one and must involve a depreciable building.
(These terms will be explained later.)
What Is aTax Credit?
A tax credit differs from an income tax deduction. An
income tax deduction lowers the amount of income
subject to taxatiorf..A. tax credit, however, lowers the
amount of tax owed. In general, a dollar of tax credit
reduces the amount of income tax owed by one dollar.
■ The 20% rehabilitation tax credit equals 20% of the
amount spent in a certified rehabilitation of a certified
historic structure.
in The 10% rehabilitation tax credit equals 10% of the
amount spent to rehabilitate a non -historic building
built before 1936.
Amon Clarence Thomas
House, New Harmony,
Indiana (1899). Courtesy
C. Scott McDonald.
; .,; 148
200/e Rehabilitation Tax Credit
The Federal historic preservation tax incentives
program (the 20% credit) is jointly administered by
the U.S. Department of the Interior and the
Department of the Treasury. The National Park
Service (NPS) acts on behalf of the Secretary of the
Interior, in partnership with the State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) in each State. The
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) acts on behalf of the
Secretary of the Treasury. Certification requests
(requests for approval for a taxpayer to receive these
benefits) are made to the National Park Service
through the appropriate State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO). Comments by the SHPO on
certification requests are fully considered by the NPS.
However, approval of projects undertaken for the 20%
tax credit is conveyed only in urritingby duly authorized
officials of the National Park Service. For a
description of the roles of the NPS, the IRS and the
SHPO, see "Tax Credits: Who Does What?" on pages
12-13.
The 20% rehabilitation tax credit applies to any
project that the Secretary of the Interior designates a
certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. The
20% credit is available for properties rehabilitated for
commercial, industrial, agricultural, or rental
residential purposes, but it is not available for
properties used exclusively as the owner's private
residence.
431 Union Avenue,
SE, Grand Rapids,
Michigan (ca.
1880). After reha-
bilitation for contin-
ued residential use.
Courtesy Donald
Smalligan.
What is a"certified historic structure?"
A certified historic structure is a building that is listed
individually in the National Register of Historic Places
—OR— a building that is located in a registered historic
district and certified by the National Park Service as
contributing to the historic significance of that
district. The "structure" must be a building —not a
bridge, ship, railroad car, or dam. (A registered historic
district is any district listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. A State or local historic district may
also qualify as a registered historic district if the district
and the enabling statute are certified by the Secretary
of the Interior.)
OBTAINING CF.RTMM HISTORIC STRUCTURE STATUS
Owners of buildings within historic districts must
complete Part I of the Historic Preservation
Certification Application —Evaluation of Significance.
The owner submits this application to the SHPO. The
SHPO reviews the application and forwards it to the
NPS with a recommendation for approving or denying
the request. The NPS then determines whether the
building contributes to the historic district. If so, the
building then becomes a "certified historic structure."
The NPS bases its decision on the Secretary of the
Interior's "Standards for Evaluating Significance
within Registered Historic Districts," which appear on
page 21.
Buildings individually listed in the National Register
of Historic Places are already certified historic
structures. Owners of these buildings need not
complete the Part 1 application.
Property owners unsure if their building is listed in
the National Register or if it is located in a National
Register or certified State or local historic district
should contact their SHPO.
WHAT IF MY BUILDING IS NOT YET LISTED IN THE
NATIONAL REGISTER:
Owners of buildings that are not vet listed individually
in the National Register of Historic Places or located
in districts that are not vet registered historic districts
may use the Historic Preservation Certification
Application, Part 1, to request a p iiminasry
determination ofsignificance from the National Park
Service. Such a determination may also be obtained
for a building located in a registered historic district
but that is outside the period or area of significance of
the district. A preliminary determination of
significance allows the owner to proceed with the
rehabilitation project while the process of nominating
a building or a district continues. Preliminary
determinations, however, are not binding. They
become final only when the building or the historic
district is listed in the National Register or when the
district documentation is amended to include
additional periods of areas of significance.
What is a"certified rehabilitation?"
The National Park Service must approve, or "certify,"
all rehabilitation projects seeking the 20%
rehabilitation tax credit. A certified rehabibtation is a
rehabilitation of a certified historic structure that is
approved by the NPS as being consistent with the
historic character of the property and, where
applicable, the district in which it is located. The NPS
assumes that some alteration of the historic building
will occur to provide for an efficient use. However, the
project must not damage, destroy, or cover materials
or features, whether interior or exterior, that help
define the building's historic character.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Owners seeking certification of rehabilitation work
must complete Part 2 of the Historic Preservation
Certification Application —Description of
Rehabilitation. Long-term lessees may also apply if
their lease is 2-1.3 years for residential property or 39
years for nonresidential property. The owner submits
the application to the SHPO. The SHPO provides
technical assistance and literature on appropriate
rehabilitation treatments, advises owners on their
applications, makes site visits when possible, and
forwards the application to the NPS, with a
recommendation.
The NPS reviews the rehabilitation project for
conformance with the "Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation," and issues a
certification decision. The entire project is reviewed,
including related demolition and new construction,
and is certified, or approved, only if the overall
rehabilitation project meets the Standards. These
Standards appear on pages 22-23. Both the NPS and
the IRS strongly encourage owners to apply before they
start work.
After the rehabilitation work is completed, the owner
submits Part 3 of the Historic Preservation
Certification Application —Request for Certification of
Completed Work to the SHPO. The SHPO forwards
the application to the NPS, with a recommendation as
to certification. The NPS then evaluates the
completed project against the work proposed in the
Part 2—Description of Rehabilitation. Only
completed projects that meet the Standards for
Rehabilitation are approved as "certified
rehabilitations" for purposes of the 20% rehabilitation
tax credit.
_I;J: 1in
PROCESSING FEES
The NPS charges a fee for reviewing applications,
except where the total rehabilitation cost is under
$20,000. Fees are charged according to a two -tiered
system: a preliminary fee and a final fee. The
preliminary fee is $250. It covers NPS review of
proposed rehabilitation work. The final fee covers NPS
review of completed projects. The final fee amount
depends on the cost of the rehabilitation, according to
the fee schedule below. The preliminary fee is
deducted from the final fee. Pavment should not be
sent until requested by the NPS. The NPS will not issue
a certification decision until payment hass been
received.
Fee
Cost of Rehabilitation
$500
320,000 to $99,999
$800
$100,000 to $499,999
$1,500
$500,000 to $999,999
$2,500
$1,000,000 or more
To be eligible for the 20% rehabilitation tax credit, a
project must also meet the following basic tax
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code:
■ The building must be depreciable. That is, it must be
used in a trade or business or held for the
production of income. It may be used for offices, for
commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprises, or
for rental housing. It may not serve exclusively as the
owner's private residence.
■ The rehabilitation must be substantial. That is,
during a 24month period selected by the taxpayer,
rehabilitation expenditures must exceed the greater
of $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the building and its
structural components. The adjusted basis is
generally the purchase price, minus the cost of land,
plus improvements already made, minus
depreciation already taken. Once the substantial
rehabilitation test is met, all qualified expenditures,
including those incurred outside of the measuring
period, qualify for the credit.
■ If the rehabilitation is completed in phases, the
same rules apply, except that a 60-month measuring
period applies. This phase rule is available only if:
(1) there is a set of architectural plans and
specifications for ail phases of the rehabilitation,
and (2) it can reasonably be expected that all phases
of the rehabilitation x%iil be completed.
■ The property must be placed in service (that is,
returned to use). The rehabilitation tax credit is
generally allowed in the taxable year the
rehabilitated propern' is placed in service.
■ The building must be a certified historic structure when
it is placed in service; if it is not yet a certified historic
structurewhen it is placed in service, the owner must
have requested on or before the date that the
building was placed in service a determination from
the NPS that the building is a certified historic
structure, and have a reasonable expectation that the
determination will be granted. (This means,
generally, for buildings not individually listed in the
National Register of Historic Places, that Part 1 of
the Historic Preservation Certification Application
must have been filed before the building was placed
in service.)
■ Qualified rehabilitation expenditures include costs
associated with the work undertaken on the historic
building, as well as architectural and engineering
fees, site survey fees, legal expenses, development
fees, and other construction -related costs, if such
costs are added to the basis of the property and are
determined to be reasonable and related to the
services performed. They do not include costs of
acquiring or furnishing the building, new additions
that expand the existing building, new building
construction, or parking lots, sidewalks,
landscaping, or other facilities related to the
building.
GETTING YOUR PROIFcr APPROVED. OR "CERTIFIED"
Tens of thousands of projects have been approved for
the historic preservation tax credit. Observing the
following points will make approval of your project
easier:
■ Apply as soon as possible —preferable before beginning
work. Consult with the SHPO as soon as you can.
Read carefully the program application,
regulations, and any other information the SHPO
supplies. Submityour application early in the
project planning. Wait until the project is approved
in writing by the NPS before beginning work. Work
undertaken prior to approval by the NPS may
jeopardize certification. In the case of properties
not yet designated certified historic stmaures, apply
before the work is completed and the building
placed in service.
■ Photograph the building inside and outside --before and
after theprojed. "Before" photographs are especially
important. Without them, it may be impossible for
the NPS to approve a project.
■ Read and follow the "Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation" and the "Guidelines
for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings." If you are
unsure how they apply to your building, consult
with the SHPO or the NPS.
■ Once you have applied, alert the SHPO and the NPS to
any changes in the project.
Claiming the 20% Rehabilitation Tax Credit
Generally, the tax credit is claimed on IRS form 3468
for the tax year in which the rehabilitated building is
placed in service. For phased projects, the tax credit
may be claimed before completion of the entire
project provided that the substantial rehabilitation test
has been met. If a building remains in service
throughout the rehabilitation, then the credit may be
claimed when the substantial rehabilitation test has
been met.
The IRS requires that the NPS certification of
completed work (Application Part 3) be filed with the
tax return claiming the tax credit. If Final certification
has not vet been received when the taxpayer files the
tax return claiming the credit, a copv of the first page
of the Historic Preservation Certification
Application —Part 2 must be Filed with the rax return.
The copy of the application filed must show evidence
that it has been received by either the SHPO or the
NPS (date -stamped receipt or other notice is
sufficient). If the taxpayer then fails to receive final
certification within 30 months after claiming the
credit, the taxpayer must agree to extend the period
of assessment. If the NPS denies certification to a
rehabilitation project, the credit will be disallowed.
RECAPTURE OF THE CREDIT
The owner must hold the building for five full years
after completing the rehabilitation, or pay back the
credit. If the owner disposes of the building within a
year after it is placed in service, 100% of the credit is
recaptured. For properties held between one and five
years, the tax credit recapture amount is reduced by
20% per year.
The NPS or the SHPO may inspect a rehabilitated
property at any time during the five-year period. The
NPS may revoke certification if work was not done as
described in the Historic Preservation Certification
Application, or if unapproved alterations were made
for up to five years after certification of the
rehabilitation. The NPS will notify the IRS of such
revocations.
.152
12
DEPRECIATION
Rehabilitated property is depreciated using the
straight-line method over 27.3 years for residential
property and over 39 years for nonresidential
property. The depreciable basis of the rehabilitated
building must be reduced by the full amount of the
tax credit claimed.
Rehabilitation Tax Credits: Who Does
What?
The Federal historic preservation tax incentives
program is a partnership among the National Park
Service (NPS), the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Each plays an important role.
SHPO
■ Serves as first point of contact for property owners.
■ Provides application forms, regulations, and other
program information.
■ Maintains complete records of the State's buildings
and districts listed in the National Register of
Historic Places, as well as State and local districts
that may qualify as registered historic districts.
■ Assists anyone wishing to list a building or a district
in the National Register of Historic Places.
■ Provides technical assistance and literantre on
appropriate rehabilitation treatments.
■ Advises owners on their applications and makes site
visits on occasion to assist owners.
■ Makes certification recommendations to the NPS.
NPS
■ Reviews all applications for conformance to the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
13
■ Issues all certification decisions (approvals or
denials) in writing.
■ Transmits copies of all decisions to the IRS.
Develops and publishes program regulations, the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation,
the Historic Preservation Certification Application,
and information on rehabilitation treatments.
IRS
■ Publishes regulations governing whit h
rehabilitation expenses qualify, the time periods for
incurring expenses, the tax consequences of
certification decisions by NPS, and all other
procedural and legal matters concerning both the
20% and the 10% rehabilitation tax credits.
Answers public inquiries concerning legal and
financial aspects of the Rehabilitation Tax Credit
program, and publishes the audit guide, Market
Segment Specialization Program: Rehabilitation Tax
Credit, to assist owners.
■ Insures that only parties eligible for he
rehabilitation tax credits utilize them.
Pacific Hotel Apartments (historic name: Leamington Hotel
and Apartments), Seattle, Washington (1915). Rehabilitated
to provide 112 units of housing for low income and homeless
people. Courtesy Stickney & Murphy. Photograph: Mike
Romine.
153
14
10% Rehabilitation Tax Credit
The 10% rehabilitation tax credit is available for the
rehabilitation of non -historic buildings built before
1936.
As with the 20% rehabilitation tax credit, the 10%
credit applies only to buildings —not to ships, bridges
or other structures. The rehabilitation must be
substantial, exceeding either $5,000 or the adjusted
basis of the property, whichever is greater. And the
property must be d"ciable.
The 10% credit applies only to buildings rehabilitated
for non-residential uses. Rental housing would thus not
qualify. Hotels, however, would qualify. They are
considered to be in commercial use, not residential.
A building that has been moved is ineligible for the
10% rehabilitation credit. (A moved certified historic
structure, however, can still be eligible for the 20%
credit.) Furthermore, projects undertaken for the
10% credit must meet a specific physical test for
retention of external walls and internal structural
framework:
■ at least 50% of the building's walls existing at the
time the rehabilitation began must remain in place
as external walls at the work's conclusion, and
■ at least 75% of the building's existing external walls
must remain in place as either external or internal
walls, and
■ at least 75% of the building's internal structural
framework must remain in place.
15
Claiming the 10% Rehabilitation Tax Credit
The tax credit must be claimed on IRS form 3468 for
the tax year in which the rehabilitated building is
placed in service. There is no formal review process
for rehabilitations of non -historic buildings.
The 10% or 20% Credit: Which One
Applies?
The 10% rehabilitation tax credit applies only to non -
historic, non-residential buildings built before 1936.
The 20% rehabilitation tax credit applies only to
certified historic structures, and may include
buildings built after 1936. The two credits are
mutually exclusive. Only one applies to a given
project. Which credit applies depends on the
building —not on the owner's preference.
Buildings listed in the National Register of Historic
Places are not eligible for the 10% credit. Buildings
located in National Register listed historic districts or
certified State or local historic districts are presumed
to be historic and are therefore not eligible for the
10% credit. Owners of buildings in these historic
districts may claim the 10% credit only if they file Part
I of the Historic Preservation Certification
Application with the National Park Service and
receive a determination that the building does not
contribute to the district and is not certified historic
structure. Owners of historic buildings denied
certification for the 20% credit may not claim the 10%
credit.
154
16
OtherTax Provisions Affecting Use of
Preservation Tax Incentives
A number of provisions in the Internal Revenue Code
affect the way in which real estate investments are
treated generally. These provisions include the
alternative minimum tax, the "at-ask"rules, and, most
importantly, the passive activity limitation. What these
provisions mean, in practice, is that many taxpayers
may not be able to usein one year all of the tar credits
earned in a certified rehabilitation project.
A brief discussion of these matters follows. Readers
should seek professional advice concerning the
personal financial implications of these provisions.
Passive Activity Limitation
The passive activity limitation provides that losses and
credits from "passive" income sources, such as real
estate limited partnerships, cannot be used. to offset
tax liability from "active" sources such as salaries. This
passive activity limitation does not apply to:
■ Most regular corporations.
■ Real estate professionals who materially participate
in a real property trade or business and who satisfy
eligibility requirements regarding the proportion
and amount of time spent in such businesses.
For other taxpayers, two exceptions apply: a general
exception and a specific exception for certified
rehabilitations.
GENERAL PasswE Loss R1 t Fs
Taxpayers with incomes less than S100,000 (generally,
adjusted gross income with certain modifications) may
take up to $25,000 in losses annually from rental
properties. This $25,000 annual limit on losses is
n
reduced for individuals with incomes between
$100.000 and $150.000 and eliminated for individuals
with incomes over 5150,000.
PAssrvE CREDrr ExHmrrtON
Individuals, including limited partners, with adjusted
gross incomes of less than $200.000 (and. subject to
phase out, up to $250,000) investing in a
rehabilitation credit project may use the tax credit to
offset the tax owed on up to S25,000 of income. Thus,
a taxpayer in the 36% tax bracket could use $9,000 of
tax credits per year (36% x $25,000 = S9,000). Unused
tax credits may be "carried forward" indefinitely until
used up.
This 325,000 amount is first reduced by losses allowed
under the general "passive loss" rule above for
taxpayers with incomes less than S 150,000.
At -Risk Rules
Under Internal Revenue Code Section 465, a taxpayer
may deduct losses and obtain credits from a real estate
investment only to the extent that the taxpayer is "at -
risk" for the investment. The amount that a taxpayer is
"at -risk" is generally the sum of cash or property
contributions to the project plus any borrowed money
for which the taxpayer is personally liable, including
certain borrowed amounts secured by the property
used in the project. In addition, in the case of the
activity of holding real property, the amount "at -risk"
includes qualified non -recourse financing borrowed
from certain financial institutions or government
entities.
Alternative MinimumTax
Taxpayers who are not required to pay tax under the
regular tax system may still be liable for tax under the
m
alternative minimum tax laws. Alternative minimum
taxable income is computed from regular taxable
income with certain adjustments and dae addition of
all appropriate tax preference items.
Nonrefundable credits, such as the rehabilitation tax
credit, may not be used to reduce the alternative
minimum tax. If a taxpayer cannot use the tax credit
because of the alternative minimum tax, the credit
can be carried back or forward.
Rehabilitations Involving Governments
and OtherTax-Exempt Entities
Property used by governmental bodies, nonprofit
organizations, or other tax-exempt entities is not
eligible for the rehabilitation tax credit if the tax-
exempt entity enters into a disqualified lease (as the
lessee) for more than 3590 of the property. A
disqualified lease occurs when:
■ Part or all of the property was financed directly or
indirectly by an obligation in which the interest is
tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section
103(a) and such entity (or related entity)
participated in such financing; or,
■ Under the lease there is a fixed or determinable
price for purchase or an option to buy which
involves such entity (or related entity); or,
■ The lease term is in excess of 20 years; or,
■ The lease occurs after a sale or lease of the property
and the lessee used the property before the sale or
lease.
19
OtherTax Incentives for Historic
Preservation
Other Federal and State tax incentives exist for
historic preservation. They may be combined With the
rehabilitation tar credit.
Charitable Contributions for Historic
Preservation Purposes
Internal Revenue Code Section 170(h) and
Department of the Treasury Regulation Section
1.17OA-14 provide for income and estate tax
deductions for charitable contributions of partial
interests in historic property (principally easements).
The Tax Reform -act of 1986 retained these provisions.
Generally, the IRS considers that a donation.of a
qualified real property interest to preserve a historicall}
important land area or a certified historic stmaure meets
the test of a charitable contribution for conservation
purposes. For purposes of the charitable contribution
provisions only, a certified historic structure need not be
depreciable to qualify, may be a structure other than a
building and may also be a portion of a building such
as a facade, if that is all that remains, and may include
the land area on which it is located.
The IRS definition of historically imbortant land areas
includes:
■ independently significant land areas, including any
related historic resources that meet National
Register Criteria for Evaluation;
■ land areas within registered historic districts,
including buildings, that contribute to the
significance of the historic district; and,
■ land areas adjacent to a property individually listed
in the National Register of Historic Places (but not
within a historic district) where physical or
.uui 156
20
environmental features of the land area contribute
to the historic or cultural integrity of the historic
property.
StateTax Incentives
A number of States offer tax incentives for historic
preservation. They include tax credits for
rehabilitation, tax deductions for easement donations,
and property tax abatements or moratoriums. The
SHPO will have information on current State
programs. Requirements for State incentives may
differ from those outlined here.
InvestmentTax Credit for Low Income
Housing
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 (IRC Section 42) also
established an investment tax credit for acquisition,
construction, or rehabilitation of low income housing.
The credit is approximately 9% per year for 10 years
for each unit acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated
without other Federal subsidies and approximately 4%
for 10 years for units involving the 20% rehabilitation
tax credit, Federal subsidies or tax-exempt bonds.
Units must meet tests for cost per unit and number of
units occupied by individuals with incomes below area
median income. The law sets a 15-year compliance
period. Credits are allocated
by State Housing Credit
Agencies.
Hotel St. Benedicts Flats, Chi-
cago, Illinois (1882-1883).
Courtesy L R Development Co.
21
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Evaluating Significance
Within Registered Historic Districts
The following Standards govern whether buildings
within a historic district contribute to the significance
of the district. Owners of buildings that meet these
Standards may apply for the 20% rehabilitation tax
credit. Buildings within historic districts that meet
these Standards cannot qualify for the 10% credit.
1. A building contributing to the historic significance
of a district is one which by location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and
association adds to the district's sense of time and
place and historical development.
2. A building not contributing to the historic
significance of a district is one which does not add
to the district's sense of time and place and
historical development: or one where the location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling
and association have been so altered or have so
deteriorated that the overall integrity of the
building has been irretrievably lost.
3. Ordinarily buildings that have been built within
the past 50 years shall not be considered to
contribute to the significance of a district unless a
strong justification concerning their historical or
architectural merit is given or the historical
attributes of the district are considered to be less
than 50 years old.
157
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation projects must meet the following
Standards, as interpreted by the National Park Service,
to qualify as "certified rehabilitations" eligible for the
20`7o rehabilitation tax credit. The Standards are
applied to projects in a reasonable manner, taking
into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
The Standards (36 CFR Part 67) apply to historic
buildings of all periods, styles, types, materials, and
sizes. They apply to both the exterior and the interior
of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass
related landscape features and the building's site and
environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related
new construction.
1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or
be placed in a new use that requires minimal
change to the defining characteristics of the
building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be
retained and preserved. The removal of historic
materials or alteration of features and spaces that
characterize a property shall be avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical
record of its time, place, and use. Changes that
create a false sense of historical development, such
as adding conjectural features or architectural
elements from other buildings, shall not be
undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes
that have acquired historic significance: in their
own right shall be retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction
techniques or examples of craftsmanship that
characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
23
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired
rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive
feature, the new feature shall match the old in
design, color, texture, and other visual qualities
and, where possible, materials. Replacement of
missing features shall be substantiated by
documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
i. Chemical or physical treatments, such as
sandblasting, that cause damage to historic
materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning
of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken
using the gentlest means possible.
8. Significant archeological resources affected by a
project shall be protected and preserved. If such
resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures
shall be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials
that characterize the property. The new work shall
be differentiated from the old and shall be
compatible with the massing, size, scale, and
architectural features to protect the historic
integrity of the property and its environment.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new
construction shall be undertaken in such a
manner that if removed in the future, the essential
form and integrity of the historic property and its
environment would be unimpaired.
158
24
For More Information
For more information on tax incentives for historic
preservation, contact the NPS. the IRS, or one of the
SHPOs listed below. Available information includes:
■ A Catalogof NPS publications on appropriate
methods to preserve historic buildings. These
include GuidelinesforRehabilitating Historic Buildings,
Preservation Briefs, and many others.
■ The Historic Preservation Certification Application
(a 3-part form: Part 1—Evaluation of Significance;
Part 2—Description of Rehabilitation; Part 3—
Request for Certification of Completed Work).
■ Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
regulations on "Historic Preservation
Certifications." [36 CFR Part 67].
■ Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue
Service, regulations on "Investment Tax Credit for
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures." [Treasury
Regulation Section 1.48-121.
■ Market Segment Specialization Program: Rehabilitation
Tax Credit (available only from the IRS).
Edward McGovern Tobacco Warehouse. Lancaster, Pennsylva-
nia (ca. 1880). Rehabilitated for commercial use. Courtesy:
Michael Oehrlein. Photograph: Historic Preservation Trust of
Lancaster County.
National Park Service, Internal Revenue
Service and State Historic Preservation
Officers
National Park Service
Preservation Tax Incentives
Technical Preservation Services
Heritage Presenation Services-2255
National Park Service
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, D.C.20013
202-343-9578
e-mail: lips-info@nps.gov
Internet: http://www.cr.nps.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service
Rehabilitation Tax Credit Compliance Unit
P.O. Box 12040
Philadelphia, PA 19105
Internet http://www.irs.usEreas.gov
State Historic Preservation Officers
ALABAMA, Executive Director, Alabama Historical Com-
mission, 468 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36130-
0900, 334-242-3184. ALASKA, Chief, History and Archeol-
ogy, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation, 3601 C Street, Suite 1278, An-
chorage, AK 99503-5921, 907-269-8721. ARIZONA, State
Historic Preservation Officer, Office of Historic Preserva-
tion, Arizona State Parks, 1300 W. Washington, Phoenix,
AZ 35007, 602-542-4009. ARKANSAS, Director, Arkansas
Historic ter Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-324-9880.
CALIFORNIA, State Historic Preservation Officer, Office
of Historic Preservation, Department of Parks and Recre-
ation, PO Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001, 916-
25
159
Date: January 1998
Subject: Mills Act, A California Preservation Incentive Program
Thank you for your interest in the Mills Act. The Mills Act is
a state sponsored legislation granting local governments the
authority to directly participate in an historic preservation
program. More importantly, the Mills Act is a self -directed,
economic incentive program designed to provide private property
owners the opportunity to actively participate in the restoration
of their properties whale receiving property tax relief.
The enclosed package of information contains:
* An information sheet on the Mills Act program
* A list of cities and counties participating in the Mills
Act program
* An example of a property tax assessment of an historic
property in Sacramento County illustrating the
comparison between the standard calculation of a property
tax assessment with the Mills Act projection
* The Mills Act information package from Redwood City
* Copies of the California Government Code and the
Revenue and Taxation Code on the Mills Act
* Newspaper articles on the Mills Act program
Should you require additional information on the Mills Act,
please contact:
Eugene Itogawa
Office of Historic Preservation
PO Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Phone: (916) 653-8936
E-mail: calshpo@quiknet.com
Encl. 169
MILLS ACT
A CALIFORNIA PRESERVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Economic incentives contribute to the preservation of residential
neighborhoods and the revitalization of downtown commercial
districts. The Mills Act is the single most important economic
incentive program available in California for use by private
property owners of qualified historic buildings. Owner -occupied
single family residences and income producing commercial
properties may qualify for the Mills Act program.
Property owners of historic buildings may qualify for property tax
relief if they pledge to rehabilitate and maintain the historical
and architectural character of their properties for at least, a ten
year period. Mills Act participants may realize a property tax
saving of approximately 50% each year for newly improved or
purchased older historic properties. County Assessors are
required to calculate the assessed value of the property tax
savings for Mills Act properties on the capitalization of income
method rather than on market value.
The Mills Act is a permissive program subject to approval and
adoption by city and county governments. California's four
largest cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San
Jose) have instituted the Mills Act. The Mills Act provides local
governments the flexibility to design preservation programs to
accommodate specific community needs and priorities for
rehabilitating entire neighborhoods, encouraging seismic safety
programs, contributing to affordable housing, promoting heritage
tourism, or fostering pride of ownership.
A formal agreement, generally known as a Mills Act contract, is
executed between the local government and the property owner for a
minimum.ten year term. Contracts are automatically renewed each
year and are transferred to new owners when the property is sold.
Property owners agree to protect, preserve, and maintain the
property in accordance with specific historic preservation
standards and conditions identified in the contract. Periodic
inspections of the property by city or county officials ensure
proper maintenance of the property. Local authorities may impose
penalties for breach of contract or failure to protect the
historic property. The contract is binding to all owners during
the contract period.
A qualified historic property is a property listed on any official
federal, state, county, or city register, including the National
Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical
Resources, the California Historical Landmarks, the State Points
of Historical Interest, local landmarks, and local survey
listings.
The Office of Historic Preservation maintains a current list of
cities and counties which have adopted the Mills Act program and
copies of successful Mills Act ordinances, resolutions, and
contract agreements. For further information, contact Eugene
Itogawa, Office of Historic Preservation, at (916) 653-8936.
t .1.,
161
MILLS ACT PROGRAMS
Counties/Communities No. of
----------------------------------------------------------------
Contracts
Ordinance
CLG
ALAMEDA:
Berkeley (City)
1
yes
no
CONTRA COSTA:
Danville (City)
4
yes
yes
orinda (City pending)
no
FRESNO:
Fresno (City pending)
yes
LOS ANGELES:
Glendale (City)
0
yes
yes
Glendora (City)
5
yes
no
La Verne (City)
4
no
no
Long Beach (City)
7
yes
yes
Los Angeles (City)
0
yes
no
Los Angeles (Uninc)
2
no
Monrovia (City)
8
yes
no
Norwalk (City pending)
no
Pasadena (City pending)
yes
Redondo Beach (City)
26
yes
yes
Sierra Madre (City)
11
yes
no
West Hollywood (City)
48
yes
yes
Whittier (City)
1
yes
no
MARIN:
Belvedere (City)
1
yes
no
Larkspur (City)
1
yes
no
NAPA:
St. Helena (City pending)
yes
ORANGE:
Anaheim (City)
0
no
Brea (City pending)
no
Laguna Beach (City)
2
yes
no
Orange (City pending)
no
San Clemente (City pending)
yes
San Juan Capistrano (City)
1
no
Tustin (City pending)
yes
RIVERSIDE:
Corona (City)
1
yes
no
Palm Springs (City)
1
yes
no
SACRAMENTO :
Galt (City pending)
no
Sacramento (City)
2
yes
yes
162
SAN BERNARDINO:
Colton (City)
Highland (City)
Ontario (City pending)
Rancho Cucamonga (City)
San Bernardino (City)
SAN DIEGO:
Escondido (City)
La Mesa (City)
Poway (City pending)
San Diego (City)
SAN FRANCISCO:
San Francisco (City/County)
SAN LUIS OBISPO:
Paso Robles (City pending)
San Luis Obispo (City)
SAN MATEO:
Redwood City (City)
San Mateo (City)
SANTA CLARA:
Los Altos (City)
Morgan Hill (City)
Palo Alto (City)
San Jose (City)
Sunnyvale (City)
SOLANO:
Benicia (City)
Vallejo (City)
STANISLAUS:
Modesto (City)
Newman (City pending)
TUOLUMNE:
Soulsbyville (Uninc)
Tuttletown (Uninc)
VENTURA:
Ojai (City)
Ventura (Uninc)
Rev. 12/17/97
12
yes
no
1
no
yes
no
10
yes
no
1
yes
no
24
yes
yes
7
yes
no
no
62
yes
yes
1
yes
yes
no
0 yes no
5 yes
yes
1 yes
no
1 yes
yes
1 yes
no
1 yes
yes
0 yes
yes
3 no
yes
2 yes
no
2 yes
yes
4 yes no
no
1 yes yes
1 yes yes
1 yes no
0 yes yes
163
EXAMPLE 1: Mills Act v. Normal Assessment
:Single Family Residence
1400 Sq. Ft., 75 Years Old
Mills Act Assessmernt I Normal Assessment
Income Approach to Value
Gross Income: ($850/mo x 12)= $10.200
Vacancy 8. Col Loss: (576) = s - 510
Effective Gross: $9.690
Expenses:
Maintenance $ 600
Insurance $ 400
Total Expenses:
Net Operating Income
Capitalization Rate
Interest Rate
7.50
Risk Rate
4.00
Depreciation Rate
2.00
Tax Rate
1-00
Total Cap Rate
1450
Capitalization of Net Income:
NOI/Cap Rate
Assessed Value =
$ 8.690
s 8.690 ,S 59.931
.1450
$60,000
Estimated Property Taxes, $ 600
Market Approach to Value
11 Assessor uses Sale Comperison
Approach using sales of similar
properties appropriately adjusted for
differences between comparable
and the subject property.
2) Sales indicate mcrket value of
$150.000
Assessed Value =
Estimated Taxes =
$150.000
$1,500
Net property tax savings under Mills act = $900 (607c)
164
EXAMPLE 2: Mills Act v. Normal Assessment - 1996
Commercial Office Building
Mills Act Assessment Normal Assessment
Income Approach to Value Income Approach to Value
Gross Income:
Gross Income:
Office 140.136 sf @ $1.71= $239.626
Office 20,860 sf @ 2.04= 42.554
(Same as for Mills Act Treatment)
Storage 540 sf @ $1.01= 54
$282.725
X 12 mo
Total Annual Income $3.392.700
Vacancy -5% .-169,635-
Effective Gross $3.223.065
Expenses:
Managment - 257.845
Maintenance - 96.595
Insurance - 50.000
Utilities - 321.984
Janitorial - 120.744 - 8A7,168
Net Income: $2.375.897
Net Income: $2.375.897
Capilalization Rate:
Capitalization Rate:
Interest Rate 7.50
Market Derived OAR 9.5%
Risk Rate 2.00
Tax Rate - 1.070
Depreciation Rate 2.00
Total Cap Rate 10.50%
Tax Rate 1.02
Total Cap Rate 12.50 %
Capital'u ed Value:
Capitalized Value:
- NO[/Rate 3 2.375.897= $19.007.176
NOI/Rate E 2. 7= $22.627.590
.1250
10�
Value Conclusion:
Value Conclusion:
Assessed Value a :i19,000,000
Assessed Value $22.625,000
Estimated Property Taxes: 11190,000
Estimated Property Taxes: $ 226,250
Net property tax savings under Mills act = $36,450 (16%)
COURTESY OF SACRA-4ENTO COUNTY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
.. ; 16
WHAT IS THE MILLS ACT?
• ADOPTION IN 1972, AMENDED IN 1984.
• PROVIDES FOR A REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAXES
FOR QUALIFIED HISTORIC PROPERTIES.
• REPRESENTS A CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT FOR
PROPERTIES, KNOWN AS A "CONTRACT ASSESSMENT'
• PROPERTY OWNERS MUST ENTER INTO PRESERVATION
CONTRACTS WITH THE CITY IN EXCHANGE FOR
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.
• SOURCE OF AUTHORITY:
CONSTTTUTIONAL AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR HISTORIC
PROPERTIES (CA. CONSTITUTIONAL ART. XIII-8)
HISTORIC PROPERTY CONTRACTS (CA- GOVT-
CODE--50280-50289)
REASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO A
MILLS ACT CONTRACT (CA. REVENUE & TAX
CODE--439-439.4)
• COUNTY ASSESSOR DIRECTED BY STATE LAW TO
ADJUST VALUE OF PROPERTY DOWNWARD TO REACT
RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON PROPERTY RATHER THAN
MARKET VALUE.
COURTESY OF REDWOOD CITY
MoortoMe
BENEFITS OF
MILLS ACT AGREEMENT
REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAX.
• INCEASES LIKELIHOOD OF PRESERVATION.
• ASSURES MECHANISM TO AVOID DETERIORATION.
• PROVIDES WE FOR REHABILITATION.
• CAN ENCOURAGE SENSITIVE HOME BUYERS TO PURCHASE
DESIGNATED HISTORIC STRUCTURES.
• MEETS THE GOALS OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS
ELEMENT OFTHE 1990 GENERAL PLAN AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION ORDINANCE.
• AFFECTS OWNER -OCCUPIED STRUCTURES AS WELL AS
INCOME -PRODUCING PROPERTIES.
• VISUALLY IMPROVES THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF
THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDES A FOCUS ON HISTORIC
LANDMARKS.
1D/
HIGHLIGHTS OF
MILLS AGREEMENT
• CONTRACT TERM IS 10 YEARS.
• PROVIDES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF A QUALIFIED
HISTORIC PROPERTY AND, WHEN NECESSARY,
RESTORATION AND REHABILrrATION.
• PERIODIC INSPECTION OF THE SUBJECT HISTORIC PROPERTY.
• CONTRACT IS BINDING ON SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IN THE
.PROPERTY.
• CPTY CAN REQUjtE PROPERTY OWNER TO PAY A FEE "NOT
TO EXCEED THE; REASONABLE COSTS OF ADMINISTERING
THE PROGRAM" (GOVT. CODE 50281.1)
169
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Preservation Tax Incentives
for Historic Buildings
u.s. tieputment of flit Interior
National Park Service
cultnal Pmc%trcn
Did you know that you can get tax credits for rehabilitating a
historic building, or a non -historic building built before 1936?
What are the rehabilitation tax credits?
Federal tax law offers a 20`7 tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and a 10%
tax credit for the rehabilitation of non -historic buildings built before 1936. The credits'are
dollar -for -dollar reductions of taxes owed. The 20`7 rehabilitation investment tax credit
equals 20% of the amount spent in a certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure.
The 10% rehabilitation investment tax credit equals 10% of the amount spent to rehabilitate a
non -historic building built before 1936.
Since 1976, over 25,000 buildings have been preserved using the historic preservation tax
credit. This represents an investment of over $16 billion in our nation's historic resources.
The Federal historic preservation tax incentives program is administered by the Department of
the Interior and the Department of the Treasury. The National Park Service acts on behalf of
the Department of the Interior. The Internal Revenue Service acts on behalf of the Department
of the Treasury. Certification requests for historic buildings are trade to the National Park
Service through the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer.
What Buildings Qualify?
For the 20% credit, a building must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places -OR-
be located in a registered historic district and certified as being of historic significance to the
district. The "structure" must be a building... not a bridge, ship, railroad car, dam, or any
other kind of structure. For the 10% credit, a building must have been built before 1936.
For both credits, the building :must be income producing.
For more information, contact your State Historic Preservation Officer or the Heritage
Preservation Services Program, National Park Service, PO Box 37127, Washington, DC
20013-7127, 202-343-9578.
..,, 171
STATE OF CALIFORNIA—THE RESOURCES AGENCY
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Pl:, c WILSON, Gov ar
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. BOX 942896
SACRAM ENTO 94296-0001
(916) W-6624
FAX:(916) 653-9824
HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES
SPECIAL BULLETIN ANNOUNCEME�1T
ELECTRONIC STATUS CHECKS:
The on-line status look -up for the National Park Service (NPS) tax incentives project database is now
available. Using a social security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN) as entered on
the certificate application or the NPS assigned project number, applicants and SHPO staff can
electronically check the status of a project that has been forwarded to NPS in Washington D.C. (The SSN
or TIN used to search for a project is confidential, and it will not appear on the output screen).
National Park Service will upload information from the main database an a weekly basis, so there may be
up to five -days lag time between the day an action is taken and the day the information will be available
on the search system.
The database look -up appears at htto://www.nns.ew/taxact-db. An illustrated instruction sheet is
included there. We look forward to your feedback on the system
"LATE" CERTIFICATIONS:
Over the last year, National Park Service has received many questions about "ate" certifications, projects
for which an owner has completed work and then sabmits an application. Tom Gavin and Mark Primoli
of the Internal Revenue Service tIRS) recently addressed this matter. Their comments on the ways that
Federal tax law and regulations impact these completed projects are available from this office and NPS.
As they explain, many of these late projects will not qualify from the tax credits.
These aq=ts of tax law and regulations are not new-, they have been in pace throughout the history of the
program. However, IRS administration of the tax incentives program has revealed an increasing number
of taxpayers violating these points, and IRS is enforcing these regulations.
NPS and state program staff need to share this information with program users, and when necessary ,
advise applicants that according to IRS guidance, their projects may not be eligible for the 20%
investment tax credit Letter rulings are not available on these issues, because only an IRS audit can
determine whether a credit is valid in such a simation.
The NPS will issue additional guidance for applicants later this year. Tom Gavin and Mark Primoli of
IRS are also available to advise on specific cases. Their addresses and phone number are the following.
Tom Gavin, National Coordinator Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit & Low income Housing
Tax Credits, Philadelphia, PA
Phone:215-597-2145 eat 136 orext 144
Mark Primoli, Group Manager, and Market Segment Specialization Program,
North Central District, SC Paul MN
Phone:612-373-5139
August 1997
172