1998 10 15 HPCLW �I. C9 y7r
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AGENDA
A Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
October 15, 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 regular Minutes for the meeting of June 18, 1998.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Cultural Resources Assessment (Phase I and 11) for Tract 28964
B. Paleontological Resource Assessment for Tentative Tract 28964
C. Cultural Resource Assessment (Phase 1) for Tentative Tract 27519
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
HPC/AGENDA J'J U L 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
JUNE 18, 1998
This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Vice -Chairman
DeMersman at 3:32 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call:
I. CALL TO ORDER:
A. Present: Commissioners Irwin, Puente, Wright and Vice -Chairman
DeMersman.
B. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Associate Planner Leslie
Mouriquand and Secretary Carolyn Walker.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: Judy Vossler, candidate -applicant for Historic Preservation
Commission introduced herself to the Commission.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. Item B. was added to VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS, to discuss the change in time for the
Commission meetings.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Wright to approve the Minutes
of April 2, 1998, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Preliminary Draft Archaeological Report on Test and Limited Data Recovery
Programs for the Village on the Green Project
A'UIPC 6-18-98.wpd
Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand commented on the staff report, a copy
of which is on file in the Community Development Department. She also
introduced Jim Brock of AAG, who prepared the draft.
2. Mr. Brock gave each Commissioner a more complete version of the draft
report and offered to answer any questions.
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3. There being no questions, Mr. Brock presented some highlights of the report.
He stated the project included the testing of three prehistoric sites. One of the
sites has a major buried deposit and appears to be on the shoreline of the
ancient lake; with three radiocarbon dates obtained. It appears this site
represents occupation dating from AD1300's up to an approximate 1600's
time period. The site is two meters thick in some places with multiple
components evidencing different habitations, and different activities.
4. Commissioner Irwin asked how the site was going to be preserved? Mr.
Brock replied that it would be preserved as a grassy park. He wasn't sure if
the site would be capped, or just covered with sterile topsoil. He stated that
the major component is already buried by several inches in some places.
5. Associate Planner Mouriquand clarified the site depth was 18 inches and
asked if different kinds of soils could be used as cover to differentiate from the
original site. She mentioned, in some other cases, there had been a three foot
cover of a different type of sandy soil to act as a cushion to identify if
somebodv else excavated it. Jim Brock concurred. Associate; Planner
Mouriquand then asked if 18 inches would be adequate. Ivlr Brock
acknowledged, in this case, it would work.
A'\HPC 6-18-98.wpd
6. Mr. Brock went on to state the site is actually a dip. It is in a horseshoe -
shaped dune and the major component is in the low level and will have to be
filled in. Associate Planner Mouriquand stated we should find out how much
fill was needed. Mr. Brock said he assumed that whatever they had to put on
as top soil would probably be adequate to cover the site.
7. Associate Planner Mouriquand asked about the developer's plans for
irrigation in the area. Mr. Brock advised the Commission he had spoken to
the landscape architect and they had no plans that would involve digging deep
enough to impact the site.
8. Commissioner Wright made comment on irrigation depths and procedure. He
asked if the developer was going to have any large -impact Rain Bird
sprinklers in the area; especially if a park was planned. Associate Planner
Mouriquand stated it was more like an open space area; as opposed to an
athletic field. Mr. Brock said that was correct; it would be more like a grassy
open area and would not use the main lines.
9. Commissioner Wright's main concern was not with the laterals, which would
never be: any deeper than eight to ten inches, but the main line; which is
sometimes buried up to 18 inches.
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10. Associate Planner Mouriquand questioned Commissioner Wright about the
three feet possibly being excessive for a cap? He asked about the capping
procedures followed in the Tradition site. Associate Planner Mouriquand
replied it was three feet which seems to be a commonly used standard.
Commissioner Wright thought three feet would be better than 18 inches due
to compaction since the soil will compact and settle in a four or five year
period of time. Associate Planner Mouriquand asked if he thought three feet
would be a more appropriate depth. Commissioner Wright replied if Dr.
Chace recommended three feet for the Traditions site maybe that's a better
depth to use. Mr. Brock asked if the Tradition site was a surface site?
Associate Planner Mouriquand replied no, it had a subsurface component.
She stated that UCR, in (approximately) 1987 had tested the site and came up
with 11 cremations, some of them subsurface bundles, redeposited cremations
and probably more, but they didn't want to do a Phase III excavation. They
wanted to just cap it. She stated the depth issues were rodent burrowing and
disturbance, concerns over irrigation, and a three foot cap was recommended.
Mr. Brock stated his only concern was 40 centimeters of sterile soil already
existed above the site and it may be overkill to put three feet on top of that.
11. Planning Manager, Christine di Iorio, stated this was a housing project and a
lot of their designs (including elevations) were based upon the La Quinta
Hotel design, including spacial areas and that type of design. The developers
were a little ahead of themselves during the time of Phase II investigations and
made provisions to work with staff to incorporate the archaeological site into
the area for the Senior Commons. This gives you an idea of how to
successfully incorporate historic and archaeological sites into development.
12. Associate Planner Mouriquand asked if the proposed pool would impact the
site. Mr. Brock answered it should be south of the site. Planning Manager
di Iorio stated they've defined the specific area to stay out of Mr. Brock
stated it was definitely a spot to be monitored.
13. Planning Manager di Iorio reviewed with the Commission some of the
building elevations which keep the small scale from the 20's and 30's. There
are two elevations proposed for each prototype which include the low-pitched
roofs, and stucco exteriors. There are arches, long overhangs, columns, small
windows, and a large picture window in the living room area. A lot of time
and thought has been put into making this project unique to the design and the
historic context of the City of La Quinta.
14. Commissioner Wright queried Mr. Brock about the elevations used in
construction of the project in order to determine how big the cap would be.
Mr. Brock answered the project called for fill of 18 inches. There was more
discussion about the fill depth being a minimum of 18 inches with a maximum
of three feet.
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15. Commissioner Irwin asked if someone was going to monitor the pipe layout
direction for the pool. Mr. Brock replied all major trenching should be
monitored.
16. Commissioner Puente asked when the project was scheduled to start.
Planning Manager di Iorio stated possibly in September grading could begin
in the area where the site is. She also said that area would be the last to be
developed. That's a potential for tax credit and goes through a different
process with the State. The developer would be rough grading the whole site,
but the focus would be on the actual house pads.
17. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright/Irwin to approve 98-005 accepting the Draft
Archaeological Report on Test and Limited Data Recovery programs for the
Village on the Green Project with the stipulation that the site be capped with
a minimum of 18 inches up to a maximum of three feet with sterile soil to
avoid future problems with rodent burrowing and irrigation plans in and
around this site. Unanimously approved.
B. Phase II Archaeological Test Program for CA-RV-5972. Cove Area of La Quinta
prepared for Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand commented on the staff report, on file
in the Community Development Department. She advised the Commission
this report was also completed by Mr. Jim Brock of AAG who was available
to answer any questions the Commissioners might have.
2. Commissioner Wright made the comment the report was very interesting and
well done.
3. Commissioner Irwin echoed those comments and suggested that monitoring
continue on the new trenching, if there is any.
4. Planning Manager di Iorio made the comment this was an interesting report
because we haven't done much monitoring in the Cove. We don't have much
information on this area. Associate Planner Mouriquand stated it had never
been surveyed and within the core of the Cove subdivision it's the only sight
recovered. Commissioner Wright commented that the historical background
in the report was really interesting. Associate Planner Mouriquand pointed
out that even when you have an existing subdivision you could still have a
resource in the middle of it all. Mr. Brock commented that the}, had only
surveyed five percent of all the lots out of 60 lots in the project. He expressed
concern there could still be a number of other sites up there.
Vice Chairman DeMersman thanked Mr. Brock for the interesting and concise
report.
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5. Associate Planner Mouriquand told the Commission, Mr. Brock had given a
slide show presentation on the Burning Dunes Site at the May Coachella
Valley Archaeological Society Symposium. She commented on the positive
audience reaction to his presentation. Commissioner Irwin asked if there was
a possibility of Mr. Brock making this presentation before the Cormmission.
Mr. Brock replied he would be glad to accommodate the Commission. The
comment was made that this would be a good subject to present to the
Commission in the Fall.
6. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Puente/Irwin to approve Minute Motion 98-006 accepting
the Phase II Archaeological Test Program for CA-RIV-5972, Cove Area of
La Quinta prepared for Coachella Valley Housing Coalition with the
recommendation to the Building & Safety Department that archaeological
monitoring of the utilities and trenching on the three subject lots be checked
by an archaeologist for subsurface deposits. Unanimously approved.
C. Consideration of submittal of a grant Proposal to the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Certified Local Government Program for funding of a Preservation
Plan.
l . Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand commented on the staff report, on file
in the Community Development Department. She explained the budget
breakdown was not included in this report. The proposal was basically the
same format used in 1996. This year the City would be applying for funds to
distribute an RFP for a duly qualified consultant to prepare a more detailed
preservation plan for the new Cultural Resources Element of the General Plan
and update the City's existing Historic Preservation Ordinance. It has been
scheduled tentatively for the City Council meeting of July 7'.
2. Associate Planner Mouriquand advised the Commission this would be the
opportunity to include comments to the City Council.
3. Vice Chairman DeMersman called for comments. Since there were none, it
was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to approve
Minute Motion 98-007 to recommend to the City Council that the City submit
the CLG Grant application. Unanimously approved.
VIL CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
A. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand reviewed the correspondence which included
several Legislative Updates and an item on using Block Grant money for Historic
Preservation in Housing.
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B. Commissioner Puente inquired about upcoming conferences and training
requirements. After some discussion Associate Planner Mouriquand volunteered to
check with SHPO to put together an in-house training session for credit, for any
Commissioner requiring it.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Commissioner Irwin gave a presentation on her recent trip to the south of France .
She visited the De Pech Merle caves in the Dordonne Valley which were discovered
in 1922, by two young boys whose dog disappeared down a hole. These caves are
35,000,000 years old and of the Tertiary Period; the time the land link between North
America and Europe was broken. She included color photos with the presentation.
Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand commented on a local archaeologist's upcoming
trip to the South of France; possibly the same region that Commissioner Irwin had just
visited. She said the archaeologist would be giving a presentation at one of the
Coachella Valley Archaeological Society meetings, upon her return, and suggested
the Commissioners attend.
Commissioner Irwin further commented on some of the preservation projects
UNESCO was working on in Europe. She was very impressed with all the effort that
was being put forth to preserve history.
Commissioner Puente commented on some of the caves she had visited in the north
of Spain and the ongoing work to preserve the delicate ecological balance of those
previously open and now limited entry caves. She related the similarity between those
caves and the ones Commissioner Irwin had visited in France.
B. Vice Chairman DeMersman requested comment on the Council proposed 7:00 P.M.
meeting time for future Historic Preservation Commission meetings.
A:UHPC 6-18-98.wpd
Commissioner Wright stated he was not in favor of the 7:00 P.M. time. It would be
a conflict for several Commissioners including himself. He would prefer seeing the
meeting time remain at 3:30 P.M.
Commissioner Puente said she has classes on Thursdays from 6:00 P.M. until 10:00
P.M. in Redlands and it would be impossible for her to attend.
Commissioner Irwin stated she could attend the night meeting, but it would be very
inconvenient. She was also concerned that consultants who were asked to attend
night meetings might have difficulty attending.
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Vice Chairman DeMersman echoed the sentiments of the other Commissioners. He
would have a potential conflict with a 7:00 P.M. meeting time and thought the
Commission functioned better as an afternoon Commission for various reasons as
already stated, but particularly because of the consultants who need to make a
presentation to the Commission. Their information makes a big impact on the
decisions of the Commission. He also expressed concern that the Commissions were
not consulted before the decision was made to gain their feedback and input. He was
firmly against it and wanted to see the Historic Preservation Commission remain at
the 3:30 P.M. time slot.
Commissioner Puente asked when other Commissions met. Planning Manager di
Iorio replied that all Commissions were going to meet at 7:00 P.M.
Commissioner Puente asked if there was a regulation about Commission meeting
times. Planning Manager di Iorio stated the Council wanted an across-the-board
policy that all Commissions would meet at the same time.
Commissioner Wright stated there were some differences with this Commission
because of the professional speakers that attend the meetings; as well as three staff
members having to stay until 7:00 P.M. He reiterated that he was very much against
the change.
Commissioner Irwin stated her regret that when Council met with the other
Commissions, the Historic Preservation Commission did not have the same
opportunity. Planning Manager di Iorio said it was because the Historic Preservation
Commission membership was not changed. Commissioner Irwin commented that it
would still have been nice if this Commission had been able to meet with the: Council.
Planning Manager di Iorio stated the Council had established a policy for meeting
times for the different Commissions.
Vice Chairman DeMersman made the recommendation that staff pass on their
concerns to the Council and advise them that the Commissioners are requesting the
meeting time stay at 3:30 P.M.
Vice Chairman DeMersman stated he was glad there would now be some
orientation/training. He thought it was definitely valuable. He was in favor of
Commission/Council meetings.
C. Vice Chairman DeMersman mentioned the California Preservation Foundation's
Annual Meeting in Palm Springs May 13-15, 1999. This will be an important
conference for Desert area exposure. The Cities of La Quinta and Palm Springs will
be two of the major sponsors in this area. He then gave highlights of the activities in
AA HPC 6.18-98.wpd
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the planning stage and stated he is putting emphasis on this being a "Valley -wide"
conference. Commissioner Irwin asked if there would be tours of the La Quinta
Hotel. Planning Manager di Iorio said she had contacted the Hotel and they were
amenable to opening some of the Casitas for tour and possibly having an event at La
Casa; tentatively scheduled for the 14th of May.
Planning Manager di Iorio brought up the subject of the golf tournament. To which
Jim DeMersman replied they would be using the O'Donnell Golf Course which is the
oldest surviving golf course in the Coachella Valley.
Vice Chairman DeMersman requested volunteers from the Commission and
mentioned one of the components of the conference would be a book store. They are
considering having the Historical Societies of Palm Springs and La Quinta operate
it and take the proceeds. Another source of revenue will be the Silent Auction and
he is looking for volunteers to gather items for that auction.
D. Vice Chairman DeMersman also said there is news the Albert Frey Gas Station in
Palm Springs looks like it will be saved. Two people from San Francisco are in the
process of purchasing the building. It will be fully restored. They are arts dealers and
it will become an art gallery.
E. Commissioner Irwin asked if there was going to be a July meeting. Associate Planner
Mouriquand answered there were no items scheduled as of this date. She stated she
would let the Commissioners know. There was discussion of the Commission going
dark in August with no decision being made at this time.
F. Commissioner Wright thanked Jim Brock for attending the meeting and for his fine
work on the report.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Puente to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to a regular meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission on July 16, 1998. This meeting of the Historic Preservation
Commission was adjourned at 4:33 p.m. Unanimously approved.
A:EPC 6-18-98.wpd
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 15, 1998
ITEM: CULTURAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT (PHASES I AND H)
CASE: TENTATIVE TRACT 28964
APPLICANT: OLIPHANT & WILLIAMS
CONSULTANT: BARBARA HALL, PH.D.
L & L ENVIRONMENTAL
BACKGROUND:
Four prehistoric sites exist on the project parcel. Two of these sites have been preliminarily
determined to be significant under the criteria in Appendix K of the California Environmental Quality
Act. Phase H testing has not been completed as of October 9, 1998. The consultant has been asked
to attend the October 15, 1998 IIPC meeting and give a presentation on the work completed. Staff
will meet with the consultant and the developer on October 13, 1998, to review the work completed
and options available. Staff will then offer recommendations regarding this report at the October 15
Commission meeting.
Prepared by:
4L lie Mouriquan, Associ e Plann
C:\Mydata\archeorptTTM 28964H PC:. wpd
Submitted by:
Christine Ldii Iorio, Pla ning Manager
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DATE:
ITEM:
CASE:
APPLICANT:
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
OCTOBER 15, 1998
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 28964
OLI PHANT & WILLIAMS
BRUCE LANDER, PH.D
L & L ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
A paleontological assessment of approximately 40 acres was conducted for Tentative Tract 28964,
by paleontologist Bruce Lander. The parcel is located on the north side of 50" Avenue, approximately
1/4th mile west of Jefferson Street. The investigation was required for the environmental review of
the project as the parcel is partially within the Paleontological Lakebed Determination area.
The report indicates that the project site is underlain by fossiliferous deposits below a depth of 40 feet
above sea level. The southeastern corner of the project site has exposed areas below 40 feet. Fossils
have not been identified in the sand dunes above the 40 foot level. However, the occurrence of
recorded fossil sites near the parcel indicates that there is a high potential for previously unrecorded
fossil sites and similar fossil remains being encountered by grading, trenching, and excavation of the
parcel that extend down to elevations less than 40 feet above sea level, into the Lake Cahuilla beds.
The report recommends monitoring of earth -moving activities in areas underlain by fossil -bearing
strata during grading of the parcel. Two options are discussed pertaining to mitigation of areas where
Lake Cahuilla Beds will and will not be encountered. Option B offers a series of detailed measures
to implement for those areas of the project site in which earth -moving will encounter the ancient lake
beds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Historic Preservation Commission Minute Motion 98-, accepting the paleontological
report titled, "A Report on the Paleontological Resources Assessment of the 40+ acre site, 649-100-
015, City of La Quinta, County of Riverside." prepared by Bruce Lander, of L & L Environmental,
Inc., in partial compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
'a- Oil
Attachment:
1. Paleontological Report (Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
L slie Mouriquand, ssociate P anner
SubAnitted by:
CS�L
Christine di lorio, Plan 'ng Manager
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BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS & MONITORING
A REPORT ON THE
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
ASSESSMENT OF THE
40x ACRE SITE, 649-100-015,
CITY OF LA QUINTA,
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
Prepared for:
Betty Williams
Oliphant & Williams
43725 Monterey Avenue, Suite C
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Prepared by:
Bruce Lander
Principal Investigator
Leslie Nay Irish
Project Coordinator
L & L Environmental, Inc.
1269 Pomona Road, Suite 102
Corona, CA 91720
(909) 279-9608
October 5, 1998
Study Area Located on La Quints USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle
Study Area Acreage: 40t acres
1269 Pomona Rd • Suite 102 • Corona, CA 91720 • Phone: 909.279.9608 • Fax• 909.279.9609
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENTSUMMARY...........................................................................................1
I. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................2
Il. SETTING............................................................................................................2
Figure1: Vicinity Map............................................................................3
Figure2: Location Map..........................................................................4
III. METHODS...........................................................................................................5
IV. STRATIGRAPHY.................................................................................................6
V. PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCE INVENTORY...............................................7
VI. POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS.....................................................................8
Figure : Elevation Map.........................................................................9
VII. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES...................................................10
Option A: Lake Cahuilla Beds will NOT be Encountered...................................10
Option B: Lake Cahuilla Beds will be Encountered............................................11
REFERENCESCITED........................................................... ............ I .................
I .......... 13
APPENDIX A: Personnel Qualifications
OW-98-152 i L&L
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LIST OF FIGURES
0
Figure 1. Regional location of the project area as indicate 3
on a portion of the USGS Santa Ana 1:250,000 scale
Topographic Map Sheet.
Figure 2. Study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta
7.5' Topographic Quadrangle.
Figure 3. Topographic map of the study area, with 40 ft 9
elevation identified.
O`W-98-152 ii LeSL
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APN#649-100-015
Pakontofogical 9�gsources Assessment
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
At the request of Ms. Betty Williams, L & L Environmental, Inc., has undertaken a Phase I
Paleontological Assessment of 40t acres of vacant land designated Assessors Parcel Number
649-100-015. Current plans call for the development of the study area. The parcel is located
immediately north of 50th Avenue, northwest of the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and 50th
Avenue, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County.
The purpose of this study was to identify all potentially significant paleontological resources
situated within the boundaries of the subject property. This information is needed since adoption
of the development plan could have adverse effects upon locations of paleontological importance.
A preliminary report was issued previously, however, after receipt of a report from the area, L&L
staff identified a difference in conclusions from our previous archival search. Additional sources
have been sited in this report and the conclusions have been slightly altered. For this reason
L&L has chosen to include additional background information to support these conclusions.
The results of the archival search indicated that the site is immediately underlain by fossiliferous
deposits. The literature and map review revealed, however, that the fossiliferous deposits are
underlying the site, but only below a depth of 40 feet above sea level. On the site only the
southeastern corner has elevations exposed below 40 feet. Fossils have not been identified in
the dune sand that covers the remainder of the property. LK recommends that if and when
earth -moving activities impact deposits below an elevation of 40 feet above sea level, a qualified
paleontologist be consulted, a field survey be conducted, a Paleontological Resources Impact
Mitigation Program be developed and construction monitoring commence during excavations
below 40 feet above sea level (see recommendations).
OW-98-152 1 pL&L
APN#649-100-015
Paleonto[oguall?Ssources Assessment
I. INTRODUCTION
At the request of Oliphant & Williams Associates, Inc., L & L Environmental, Inc. (L&L),
conducted a paleontological survey for the 40t acre, Avenue 50, La Quinta project. The records
search was conducted to determine (a) if significant paleontological resources (fossils) are
recorded within the boundaries of the project alignment or surrounding vicinity, (b) if
implementation of the project, as proposed, will have any significant adverse impact to known or
expected paleontological resources, and (c) the appropriate measures to avoid, reduce, or
mitigate unavoidable significant adverse impacts (if any) during implementation of the project.
The paleontological resources assessment involved a literature review and did not include a field
survey at this time.
The purpose of the study was to identify all potentially significant paleontological resources
situated within the boundaries of the subject property. This information is needed since adoption
of the project plan, which calls for the development of the property, could adversely affect
locations of paleontological importance.
II. SETTING
The subject property is located in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, in the Coachella
Valley, north of the Santa Rosa Mountains, southwest of the Indio Hills. The site is northwest of
the northern shore of the Salton Sea, and approximately 2.4-km (1.5 miles) south of the
Whitewater River, the nearest water to the study area (figure 1). The property lies immediately
north of 50th Avenue, approximately 1/4 mile west of Jefferson Avenue, just west of the limits of
the City of Indio. Legally, the project area comprises the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of
Section 32, Township 5 South, Range 7 East as shown on the USGS La Quinta Topographic
Quadrangle map (figure 2).
The subject property is bounded to the south by Avenue 50. The southern half of the adjacent
property to the west is presently in citrus production and on the southern half of the adjacent
property to the east is a cinderblock wall where there was previously a residence and most likely
D`W-98-152 2 L&L
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BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL
INVESTIGATIONS & MONITORING
Figure 1
VICINITY MAP
50th Avenue & Jefferson Street Site
City of La Quinta, Riverside County
)liphant and Williams Associates, Inc.
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Topographic Quadrangle Map; Scale 1:24,000
e&�C' Snviaonmental, -Inc.
BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL
INVESTIGATIONS & MONITORING
Figure 2
LOCATION MAP
50th Avenue & Jefferson Street Site
City of La Quinta, Riverside County
)liphant and Williams Associates, Inc.
..i; : 019
APN#649-100-015
PafeontoCog caC9?Ssources sf ssessme;nt
an enclosed yard. The adjacent property to the north and on the northern half of the properties to
the east and west are undeveloped. The subject property has been marked with a fence line on
all sides except the north half of the eastern boundary. The parcel lies at elevations ranging from
40 to 70 feet above sea level, with an area at and near the southeastern comer falling below 40
feet.
The City of La Quinta required a paleontological resource inventory/impact assessment in
support of development of the parcel because of the potential for previously unrecorded fossil
sites and remains being disturbed by grading of the parcel.
Ill. METHODS
Mr. Bruce Lander, paleontologist, conducted a literature/map and archival review for this
paleontologic survey. As part of this inventory/assessment, geologic and paleontologic reports
and maps covering the parcel and vicinity were reviewed to determine each rock unit present in
the parcel and to document the species represented by the fossil remains, if any, recovered from
these rock units at recorded fossil sites in and near the parcel. The literature reviews were
supplemented by an archival search conducted at the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM)
Regional Paleontological Locality Inventory for additional information regarding these and other
fossil sites and remains (Reynolds, 1998). Although an archival search was not conducted at the
Los Angeles County Vertebrate Paleontology and Invertebrate Paleontology Sections (LACMVP,
LACMIP, respectively), fossil site data for fossil remains in the LACMVP and LACMIP are
available as a result of an eadie:r study conducted in La Quinta (Lander and Whistler, 1995) and
were documented during the literature review.
The results of the data searches were used to develop a baseline paleontologic resource
inventory of the parcel by rock unit. Potential adverse environmental impacts that could result
from any earthmoving activity, particularly grading in the parcel and might affect paleontologic
resources (unrecorded fossil sites and remains) were assessed. Mitigation measures then were
developed to reduce these impacts to an insignificant level. The assessment and mitigation
measures are in compliance with 1995 and 1996 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP)
standard guidelines for reducing the potential adverse impact of construction on paleontologic
resources.
o`W-98-152 5 L&L
029
APN#649-100-015
Paleontological sources Assessment
IV. STRATIGRAPHY
Surficial geologic mapping of the La Quinta region by Rogers (1965) indicates the entire parcel is
immediately underlain by modem dune sand, which consists of fine-grained, wind-blown sand
(Rogers, 1965; Sladden Engineering, 1998). However, immediately south of the parcel and
Avenue 50 and at elevations less than 40 feet above sea level, the surface is immediately
underlain by late Holocene lake (lacustrine) and river (fluvial) sedimentary strata (layers)
consisting of clay, silt, sand and beach gravel deposited at elevations below the 40-foot-
elevation high shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla.
Lake Cahuilla is believed to have existed intermittently from 400 to at least 2,300 years ago
(Lander and Whistler, 1995; Langenwalter, 1990; Rogers, 1965; Van de Kamp, 1973; Waters,
1981; Whistler and others, 1995b), although recent studies conducted by Lander and Whistler
(1995) and Whistler and others (1995b) suggest the oldest sediments comprising the Lake
Cahuilla Beds are approximately 6000 years and middle Holocene in age.
The lake sediments were deposited during each of at least seven lake highstands, each
highstand resulting from flooding of the Coachella Valley by inflow from the Colorado River
(Waters, 1981). The river sediments were deposited during the intervening lake lowstands when
the former lakebed was dry. The lake and intervening river sediments, referred to as the Lake
Cahuilla Beds by Lander and 'Whistler (1995) and Whistler and others (1995b), are a1 least 61
feet thick approximately 3.5 miles south-southeast of the parcel (Lander and Whistler (1995);
Langenwalter, 1990).
Contrary to Reynolds (1998), this rock unit is not exposed at the surface in the parcel (see
Rogers, 1965), unless the sandy silt layers reported by Sladden Engineering (1998, boring no. 1,
trench no. 1) as occurring at lower elevations (presumably below 40 feet) at and near the
southeastern corner of the parcel are assignable to the Lake Cahuilla Beds (Anderson, 1998). It
is likely these sandy silt layers underlie the dune sand at shallow depths elsewhere in the parcel.
0`W-%-152 6 L&L
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APNfl649-100-015
Pafeontologica(PSsources Assessment
V. PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCE INVENTORY
No previously recorded fossil site was documented as occurring in or immediately adjacent to the
parcel as a result of the literature review or the archival search conducted at the SBCM
(Reynolds, 1998). Moreover, no fossil site was documented as occurring in the dune sand in the
parcel region. The absence of any previously recorded fossil site in the dune sand indicates that
there is probably no more than a low potential for fossil remains being encountered by grading of
the parcel, particularly at and very near the present ground surface.
Unlike the dune sand, the stratigraphically underlying Lake Cahuilla Beds have yielded fossil
remains at numerous previously recorded fossil sites in the parcel vicinity. These remains
represent fresh -water algae, diatoms, foraminifers (shelled amoebas), sponges, ostrac:ods
(microscopic bivalved crustaceans), mollusks (snails, clams), and fish, as well as frogs, tortoises,
lizards, snakes, birds, land mammals, and land plants (Lander and Whistler, 1995; Langenwafter,
1990; Van de Kamp, 1973; Whistler and others, 1995a,b).
The archival search conducted at the SBCM (Reynolds, 1998) documented one previously
recorded fossil site as occurring approximately 6 miles north of the parcel, presumably in the Lake
Cahuilla Beds (see Rogers, 1965). Lander and Whistler (1995) and Whistler and others
(1995a,b) documented a number of newly recorded LACMVP and LACMIP fossil sites as
occurring at the PGA West Torn Weiskopf Signature Golf Course, 3.5 miles south-southwest of
the parcel. The fossil remains from these latter sites were recovered as a result of the
paleontologic resource impact mitigation program conducted in support of grading associated with
development of the golf course.
The fossil remains from these and other previously recorded fossil sites in the Lake Cahuilla Beds
are scientifically highly important because they have been critical in determining the ages of their
respective fossil -bearing strata, reconstructing the paleoenvironments represented by these
strata, and in documenting the geologic history of Lake Cahuilla, particularly with regard to the
flooding/desiccation cycles of the lake. The occurrence of previously recorded fossil sites near the
parcel indicates that there is a high potential for previously unrecorded fossil sites and similar
fossil remains being encountered by grading, trenching, and excavation in the parcel if these
o`W-98-152 7 L&L
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APN#649-100-015
Pakontologica[Ruources Assessment
earth -moving activities extend down to elevations less than 40 feet above sea level and
encounter the Lake Cahuilla Beds, particularly at and near the southeastern comer of the parcel
(figure 3).
Identifiable fossil remains from the Lake Cahuilla Beds in the parcel would be scientifically highly
important if they represented a new or rare species; geologic (temporal) and/or geographic range
extension; age -diagnostic taxon; and/or a more complete specimen than, and/or a skeletal element
different from those now available for the taxon. The recovery of remains representing an age -
diagnostic taxon or whose age could be determined using carbon-14 dating analysis would be
critical in confirming, refining, an/or correcting previous age assignments for the fossil bearing strata
in the parcel and its immediate vicinity, and the recovery of remains representing an
environmentally sensitive taxon would be critical in reconstructing the paleoenvironments
represented by these strata. Moreover, the remains would contribute to a more comprehensive
documentation of the diversity of plant and animal life that existed in and around Lake! Cahuilla
during the middle to late Holocene, and to a more accurate reconstruction of the geologic (history of
the area, particularly with regard to the flooding/desiccation cycles represented by the Lake
Cahuilla Beds.
VI. POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS
Earth -moving activities (grading for building pads, roadways; trenching for pipelines; excavation
of retention basin, water well) associated with development of the parcel and the unauthorized
collection of fossil remains by construction personnel could result in the loss of previously
unrecorded fossil sites, fossil remains and associated specimen and corresponding geologic and
geographic site data. This loss would be a significant adverse environmental impact. However,
because of the absence of any previously recorded fossil site in the parcel region, the potential
impact of any earth -moving activity on the paleontologic resources of the dune sand in the parcel
is considered to be only of low significance. On the other hand, if any earth -moving activity were
to extend to depths sufficient to encounter the Lake Cahuilla Beds, the potential impact of this
activity on the paleontologic resources of the parcel would be considered highly significant
because of the high potential for previously unrecorded fossil sites and remains being disturbed
by the activity.
0`W-98-152 8 L&L
.Ji : 023
CI� ( f
�hvaohmehta Jhcl
BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL
INVESTIGATIONS & MONITORING
Figure 3
ELEVATION MAP
50th Avenue & Jeffferson Street Site
City of La Quinta, Riverside County
Oliphant and Williams Associ es I ct
APN#649.100-015
Pateontofogical sources Assessment
VII. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES
Reynolds (1998) recommended comprehensive paleontologic mitigation measures, including
monitoring earth -moving activities in areas underlain by fossil -bearing strata, to be implemented
during grading of the parcel. The monitoring requirement is based on the assumption that the
parcel is immediately underlain by the Lake Cahuilla Beds, which have yielded numerous fossil
remains at a number of previously recorded fossil sites near the parcel and at elevations less
than 40 feet above sea level. Although this rock unit might occur at and near the southeastern
comer of the parcel (Anderson, 1998), regional (1:250,000-scale) surticial geologic mapping
(Rogers, 1965) indicates the entire parcel is immediately underlain by dune sand, which does not
contain any previously recorded fossil site in or near the parcel.
Option A: Lake Cahuilla Beds will NOT be Encountered by Earth —Moving Activities
In those areas of the parcel where the Lake Cahuilla Beds will not be encountered by any earth -
moving activity, no paleontologic monitoring of earth -moving activities will be required. However,
in the highly unlikely event that fossil remains are encountered by an earth -moving activity in the
dune sand, the activity will be diverted temporarily around the fossil site until the remains and
associated specimen and corresponding site data have been recovered by a paleontologist
approved by the City of La Quinta Community Development Department and called to the site,
and the activity has been allowed to proceed through the site by the paleontologist. The
paleontologist then will formulate additional mitigation measures (see below), including
paleontologic monitoring, that will be implemented during any subsequent earth -moving activity,
at least in the immediate vicinity of the fossil site, and will allow for the recovery, treatment, and
final disposition of these and any additional fossil remains encountered in the dune sand (see
below).
If the Lake Cahuilla Beds will not be encountered by any earth -moving activity in the parcel, no
additional mitigation measures will be necessary.
0W98-152 10 _ L&L
025
APN#649-100-015
Paleontological WSsources Assessment
Option B: Lake Cahuilla Beds will be Encountered by Earth -Moving Activities
If the Lake Cahuilla Beds will Ibe encountered by any earth -moving activity in the parcel, the
recommended mitigation measures presented below will be implemented in those areas of the
parcel where the rock unit will be encountered by the activity. These measures are in compliance
with 1995 and 1996 SPV standard guidelines for reducing the potential adverse impact of
construction on paleontologic resources and for the acceptance by a museum of a fossil collection,
City of La Quinta Community Development Department environmental guidelines regarding
paleontologic resources and development permit requirements for APN#649-100-015, and with
the measures recommended by Reynolds (1998) for implementation during grading of the parcel.
1. The developer will retain the services of a vertebrate paleontologist approved by the City
of La Quinta Community Development Department to develop and conduct a paleontologic
resource impact mitigation program, if warranted, in support of earth -moving activities in the
parcel.
2. The paleontologist will conduct a field survey of the area at and near the southeastern
comer of the parcel to document the occurrence of any previously unrecorded fossil site and
to determine if the exposed strata at elevations below 40 feet might be assignable to the
Lake Cahuilla Beds.
3. Based on the results of the field survey and a review of the bore logs from the parcel
(Sladden Engineering, 19,98), the paleontologist will determine the locations and depths, if
any, at which any earth -moving activity might encounter the Lake Cahuilla Beds and would
require paleontologic monitoring.
4. If warranted, the paleontologist will develop a discovery clausettreatment plan to allow for
the recovery and subsequent treatment of any fossil remains that might be uncovered by
any earth -moving activity in the Lake Cahuilla Beds.
5. If warranted, paleontologic; monitoring of any earth -moving activity in the Lake Cahuilla Beds
will be conducted on a full-time basis by a paleontologic construction monitor. There will be
no monitoring of any earth -moving activity in the dune sand, except in the unlikely event
fossil remains are encountered by an earth -moving activity in this rock unit (see above).
6. As part of the monitoring task, freshly exposed strata and debris will be inspected for larger
fossil remains and sediment samples will be test screened periodically for smaller fossil
remains. Sediment samples will be recovered from successive stratigraphic levels to allow
for the recovery of microfossils and smaller vertebrate and invertebrate fossil remains.
7. If fossil remains are found by the monitor, any earth -moving activity will be diverted
temporarily around the fossil site until the remains and/or a sediment sample has been
recovered and the activity allowed to proceed through the site by the monitor.
8. If fossil remains are encountered by any earth -moving activity when the monitor is not
present, the activity will be diverted temporarily around the fossil site until the monitor has
OW-98-152 11 L&L
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APN#649-100.015
Pakontologica(P,fsources Assessment
been called to the site to recover the remains and associated specimen and corresponding
site data, and the activity has been allowed to proceed through the site by the monitor.
9. With City of La Quinta Community Development Department approval, monitoring will be
reduced to half time if too few or no fossil remains have been discovered after half of the
area underlain by Lake Cahuilla Beds has been graded.
10. Any recovered sediment sample will be processed for smaller fossil remains. If insufficient
fossil remains are recovered to warrant processing the entire sample, processing will be
discontinued and the unprocessed portion of the sample discarded. The total weight of all
samples processed will not exceed 6,000 pounds. Sample splits will be submitted to a
commercial laboratory for microfossil identification and analysis, and fossilized wood
specimens will be submitted for carbon-14 dating analysis.
11. Any recovered fossil remains will be prepared to the point of identification and identified to
the lowest taxonomic level possible by a knowledgeable paleontologist. The remains then
will be curated (assigned and labeled with museum specimen and corresponding site
numbers, placed in specimen trays and, if appropriate, vials with completed specimen data
cards) and catalogued (specimen and site numbers and corresponding data entered into
appropriate museum catalogs and computerized data bases) by a laboratory te(tnician.
The remains, along with associated specimen and corresponding geologic and geographic
site data, then will be accessioned into the LAXMVP/LACMIP or SBCM fossil collection,
where they will be permanently stored, maintained and made available for future study by
qualified investigators.
12. A final technical report of findings with an inventory of catalogued fossil specimens will be
prepared by the paleontologist for submission to the City of La Quinta Community
Development Department following accessioning of the specimens into the museum
collection. The report will describe the scientific importance of the remains and the
relationship of their respective fossil sites to other fossil sites in the region containing fossil
remains of similar geologic age.
OWW-98-152 12 L&L
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APN#649.100.015
Pa(eontoCagual sources Assessnumt
Anderson, B.L., Sladden Engineering. 1998. Verbal communication to E.B. Lander, Paleontologist
for L&L Environmental, Inc., September 11.
Lander, E.B., and Whistler, D.P. 1995. Paleontologic resource impact mitigation program final
report, PGA West Tom Weiskopf Signature Course, La Quinta, Riverside County, California.
Paleo Environmental Associates, Inc., project no 95-3. Prepared for KSL Recreation
Corporation.
Langenwalter, P.E., ll. 1990. A paleontological survey and assessment of the PGA West 5th Golf
Course property near L.a Quinta, Riverside, County, California. Heritage (Resource
Consultants project 198.Prepared for Douglas Wood & Associates.
Reynolds, R.E., 1998. Records Search for La Quinta USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle, San
Bernardino County Museum, California.
Rogers, T.H., 1965. Geologic Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet, California Division of Mines
and Geology, Scale 1:250,000.
Sladden Engineering. 1998. Geotechnical investigation, 40 acre residential development,
Avenue 50, L.a Quinta, California. Prepared for Oliphant & Williams Associates, Inc.
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. 1995. Assessment and mitigation of adverse impacts to
nonrenewable paleontologic resources; standard guidelines. Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology News Bulletin 163:22-27.
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. 1996. Conditions of receivership for paleontologic salvage
collections. Society of Vertebrate Paleontology News Bulletin 166:31-32.
Van de Kamp, P.C. 1973. Holocene continental sedimentation in the Salton Basin, California; a
reconnaissance. Geological Society of America Bulletin 84:827-848.
Waters, M.R. 1981. Late Holocene lacustrine chronology and archaeology of ancient Lake
Cahuilla, California. Quaternary Research 19:373-387.
Whistler, D.P., Lander, E.B., and Roeder, M.A. 1995a. First diverse record of small vertebrates
from late Holocene sediments of Lake Cahuilla, Riverside County, California. In Reynolds,
J., compiler. Abstracts from proceedings: The 1995 Desert Research Symposium. San
Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly 42(2):46.
Whistler, D.P., Lander, E.B., and Roeder, M.A. 1995b. A diverse record of microfossils and fossil
plants, invertebrates, and small vertebrates from the late Holocene Lake Cahuilla Beds,
Riverside County, California. In Remeika, P., and Sturtz, A. editors. Paleontology and
geology of the western Salton trough detachment, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park,
California —Field trip guidebook and volume for the 1995 San Diego Association of
Geologist's field trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Volume I.
oW-98-152 13 Le4'L
028
APPENDIX A
..i:029
E. Bruce Lander
Senior Paleontologist
Mr. Bruce Lander has over 25 years of professional experience as a paleontologist and 15 years as a
paleontologic consultant. He has been involved in paleontological resource management and CEQA/
NEPA compliance, as well as, extensive paleontologic research background in land mammal faunas and
vertebrate biostratigraphy of tertiary continental formations of the southeastern, central, and western
United States. Research entailed literature reviews, archival searches, field surveys, and consultation
with other paleontologists.
Mr. Lander's paleontologic resource assessments entailed data searches to develop baseline inventories,
evaluation of scientific importance; of resources and potential for disturbance by adverse project -level.
Paleontologic resource impact mitigation programs required monitoring of earth -moving activities,
recovery of fossil remains and fossiliferous rock samples, supervision of field personnel, and preparation
of progress and final reports. Projects involved extensive coordination and consultation with project
proponents, other consulting firms, and permitting agencies, adherence to strict delivery schedules; and
completion within specified budget limits.
Mr. Lander has extensive paleontologic resource management experience conducting and managing
paleontologic resourceAmpact assessments and impact mitigation programs for large construction
projects in California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Maryland. Projects
include landfills; quarries; dams and reservoirs; flood control, groundwater recharge, and waste water
treatment facilities; irrigation systems; oil refineries; pipelines; electrical lines; transportation projects;
planned communities; business and industrial parks; shopping centers; medical centers; parking
lots/structures, landslide stabilization projects; regional overviews, and conditional use permit, specific
plan, and general plan revisions. Clients include private industry, public utilities, and federal, state,
county, city, and regional agencies.
CREDENTIALS
• Registered Environmental Assessor, State of California (REA-01290)
• Certified Paleontologic Consultant County of Orange, California
• Registered Paleontologic Consultant, State of Utah
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
L&L Environmental, Inc. - Senior Paleontologist: 1996 - present: Paleontology, Geology,
Environmental Consultant
Paleo Environmental Associates Inc. - Principal Investigator: 1988 - present: Paleontological Resource
Management
Enaineering-Science Inc. - Project Manager, Paleontologist/Geologist: 1985 - 1990: Paleontological
Resource Management Consulting Program
Wirth Environmental Services/Dames and Moore - Paleontologic Consultant: 1884 - 1985:
Environmental Assessments
San Bernardino County Museum - Paleontologist: 1984 - 1985:
Marine and Environmental Science Associates Inc. - Project Manager: 1982 - 1985: Paleontology,
Geology, Resource Management Consulting
Woodward -Clyde Consultants - Paleontologic Consultant: 1980 - 1981: Paleontology Resource
Assessments
Research Reoofts-Cgnter - Copy Editor: 1980: Technical Report Editor
U.S. Geological SurvgyPaleontology/Stratigraphy Branch - Physical Science Technician: 1977 - 1979:
Paleontology Resource Assessment and Mitigations
University of California Museum of Paleontology - Research Assistant/Senior Museum Preparator: 1970 -
1976: Supervisor Or Vertebrate Fossil Collections And Curatorial Assistants
University of California De ap rtment of Geology - Laboratory Assistant: 1965 - 1970: Prepared, Identified
and Curated Fossils
'-J(, 030
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Paleontology, 1977, University of California, Berkley
M.A., Paleontology, 1972, University of California, Berkley
B.S., Geology, 1969, University of California, Los Angeles
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Paleontological Society
Society for Sedimentary Geology
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Western Association of Vertebrate Paleontologists
Geological Society of America
Paleontological Research Institution
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Association of Environmental Professionals
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Research Associate, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
E. Bruce Lander, Ph.D.
Page 2
031
Leslie! Nay Irish
Principal Project Manager
Cal Trans (CT) 022889
Ms. Irish is the qualifying principal for WBE certification with CALTRANS and MTA, with both a State and
Federal designation as a Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise. Ms. Irish has extensive multi-
disciplinary experience in engineering/architectural, land development and construction management and
administration. Active in the consulting/construction industry for more than 17 years; she is presently
completing a degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology. Her ongoing education greatly
adds to her ability to participate in writing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements
and Environmental Impact Reports. Her principal duties include managing multiple projects, coordinating
staff, writing and editing documents, as well as, assisting staff archaeologists with records research and
review, site assessments and site surveys on historical and prehistoric projects. Her responsibilities
include direct contact with clients /project proponents and involve her in all aspects of the project from
response to the request for proposal to project completion.
Her past experience has included processing and project management of multiple projects in various
stages of development and construction. As an assistant to Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors Ms. Irish
had direct contact with agencies and project proponents while processing agency applications, permits,
and approvals for items such as lot line adjustments, records of surveys, Tentative Tract and Final Maps,
Annexations and Conditional Use: Permits, as required. She also tracked and scheduled professional
progress, coordinating incoming and outgoing maps, plans, and certifications. She performs routine
research in the Assessors office, 'the Transportation Department, Land Planning, Title Companies and at
Flood Control Districts. Ms. Irish cataloged and maintained files on thousands of original documents and
maps in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. She is well known and recognized as an expert in the
land development and the building industry.
As a project manager for two land development firms Ms. Irish managed the development of various
tracts in southern California. Her duties included overseeing the preparation of environmental impact
documents, design and processing of projects through the local agencies as well as the oversight of
budgets, construction schedules, marketing, and field/construction coordination.
As a partner in a general construction company Ms. Irish managed 55 employees, multiple budgets and
contracts on projects ranging in size from $25-500,000. She prepared cost estimates, proposals,
contracts and other legal documents as required in daily operations of a small business. In addition to
her management duties, Ms. Irish coordinated the shipment and receipt of equipment and supplies to the
field. She has also contracted and supervised the construction of V. A., single family housing.
CREDENTIALS
• Certified, Underground Tank Removal, 1994, University of California, Riverside
• Certified, Environmental Remediation, 1994, University of California, Riverside
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
L&L Environmental, Inc. - Principal, Project Manager, Archaeologist: 1993 - present: Geology,
Paleontology, Archaeology and Biology
Marketing Consultant - Principal: 1990 - 1993: Engineering / Architectural, Environmental, Water
Resource Management Consultants
Warmington Homes - Jr. Project Manager: 1989 - 1990: Residential Development, Riverside and Los
Angeles Counties.
The Buie Corporation - Processor / Coordinator: 1987 - 1990: The Corona Ranch, Master Planned
Community.
Psomas & Associates - Processor / Coordinator- 1986 - 1987: Multiple Civil Engineering and Land
Surveying Projects.
, D32
Leslie Nay Irish
Page 2
Irish Construction Company- Partner: (concurrently with above) 1979 - 1990: General Construction,
Residential Builder (spec. housing), Concrete and Masonry Product Construction.
EDUCATION
B.S./B.A., Business Management/Anthropology, emphasis in Archaeology, 1999, University of Redlands
(ongoing)
Certificate Program, Field Natural Environment, 1993, University of California, Riverside
Certificate Program (LCDM) Light Construction, Developmental Management, 1987, University of
California, Riverside
Certificate: Construction Technologies, Administrative Management, 1987, Riverside City College
License B- General and C-Concrete: and General Law sections, 1986, State of California Contractors
License School
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
1994-97 President/ Business Development Association/ Inland Empire
1993-94 Executive Vice President, Building Industry Association, Riverside County
Member/Sales and Marketing Professional Society, Southern California
Member/San Bernardino County Museum Associates
Member/Orange County Natural History Museum Associates
Member/National Association of Fernale Executives
Member/Women's Transportation Coalition
Member/Association of Environmental Professionals
SYMPOSIA, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
CALNAT "95", University of California, Riverside
Desert Fauna, University of California, Riverside
Habitat Restoration/Ecology, University of California, Riverside
Geology of Yosemite and Death Valley, University of California, Riverside
San Andreas Fault: San Bernardino to Palmdale, University of California, Riverside
AWARDS
1995/Board of Directors Award / Business Development Association / Inland Empire
1993/Presidents Award, Education! Building Industry Association of Southern California
1992/President Emeritus Award, Leadership / Building Industry, Riverside Chapter
1992/Volunteer of the Year Award / Building Industry Association, Riverside Chapter
1991/PASS Committee Award / Building Industry Association, Riverside Chapter
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Cultural Anthropology, Long -Term case studies on Upper -middle class, Male, Urban Professionals:
1992-Present
Long term studies on the Impact of the Informal Power Structure on American Corporations:
1992-Present
033
BI #C
DATE:
ITEM:
CASE:
APPLICANT:
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
OCTOBER 15, 1998
CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT (PHASE 1)
TENTATIVE TRACT 27519
CENTURY CROWELL COMMUNITIES/CENTURY HOMES
COMMUNITIES
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP
Tentative Tract Map 27516 is a 17.64-acre parcel located on the west side of dune
Palms Road, north of Westward Ho Drive. Environmental Assessment 98-370 has
been prepared for the proposed subdivision, for which the Phase I archaeological
investigation was required.
The Phase I archive search was conducted on August 20, 1998, in which it was
learned that the project site was part of a 160-acre homestead patented in 1926, by
Howard Ames. The property had been farmed with dates and citrus crops. The field
survey component was conducted on August 21, 1998. Although modern refuse was
observed on the parcel, no artifacts of historic significance were noted.
The potential for subsurface cultural deposits connected with the homestead exists.
The report recommends that any earth -moving activities (mass grading and trenching)
be monitored.
Approve Historic Preservation Commission Minute Motion 98-_, accepting the
archaeological report titled, "Cultural Resources Assessment for Tentative Tract
27519, La Quinta, California," prepared by James Brock and Brenda D. Smith, in
partial compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(Appendix K).
C:\Mydata\HPCrptTT27519.wpd Page 1 of 2
.03�
Attachment:
1 . Archaeology Report (Confidential - Commissioners only)
Prepared by: Submitted by:
e e Mouriquand Associat Planner Christine di lorio, tanning Manager
C:\Mydata\HPCrptTT27519.wpd
Page 2 of 2
03,5
Cultural Resources Assessment
for Tentative Tract 27519,
La Quinta, California
Prepared for:
Century Crowell Communities/
Century Homes Communities
1535 South "D" Street, Suite 200
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Submitted to:
City of La Quinta
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Prepared by:
James Brock
and
Brenda D. Smith
October 1998 (revised version)
USGS Topographic Quadrangle: La Quinta, California
Acreage: 17.64
Key Words: La Quinta, Negative Archaeological Survey,
Homesteading Ames Ranch
I"I I I �1.4►I BUs�ll �i �tll�� �`��1��'� � �:':1' '"
P.O. BOX 491, PIONEERTOWN, CA 92268-0491
Tel: (760) 228-1142 o Fax: (760) 369-4002
E-mail: archadvgrp®aol.com
036
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
This report presents the results of a prehistoric/historical resources assessment for
development of Tentative Tract 27519. This comprises a 17.64-acre parcel
located on the west side of Dune Palms Road, 100 meters north of its intersection
with Westward Ho Drive, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California.
The study area is in a region of moderate sensitivity for both prehistoric and
historic archaeological resources. An archaeological records search indicated
that the study area had not been previously surveyed for cultural resources,
however, it did indicate that seven prehistoric sites had been recorded within one-
half mile ofthe study area. A systematic archaeological field reconnaissance was
conducted for this project. No new archaeological or historical sites, features,
or isolates were discovered.
Archival research indicated that the study area had been part of a 1926 homestead
grant patent to Howard Ames. In the 1930s the Ames family was living in a
wood frame house on the property and farming dates and citrus crops. A modern,
concrete block house was built on the property in 1957. No structures are present
on the property today.
Archaeological monitoring of rough grading and major trenching is
recommended due to the potential of the area to contain buried prehistoric or
historical archaeological resources.
INTRODUCTION
This reports presents a Phase I (survey -level) cultural resources assessment for a proposed
17.64-acre residential development comprising Tentative Tract 27519. The proposed
development site is a rectangular -shaped parcel located at 45955 Dune Palms Road in the
City of La Quinta, County of Riverside, California (Figures 1 through 6). The study comprised a
records search and field reconnaissance of the property, along with limited archival research.
It was conducted by Archaeological Advisory Group for Century Crowell Communities/Century
Homes Communities. The study was undertaken in order to comply with the cultural resource
requirements of the City of I.a 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. He was assisted with fieldwork and
report preparation by Brenda D. Smith. The qualifications of these individuals are given in
Appendix 1.
I
_ l ' 037
Figure 1. General location of the study area plotted on a portion of the USGS 1:250,1300
Western United States Series Santa Ana, California map (1959, revised 1979).
038
Figure 2. Location of the study area plotted on a portion of the USGS 7.5' La Quinta,
California topographic quadrangle (1959, photorevised 1980).
M
K aNl1 :� P
A TfI
Figure 3. View of the study area from the northeast corner looking west.
Figure 4. View of the study area from the northwest corner looking
southeast. La Quiinta High School is in the background on the right.
4
64�
Figure 5. View of the study area from the southwest corner looking east.
Figure 6. Remains of floor slab from 1957
house formerly present on the eastern part
of the property. The flooring is slate. The
view is looking northwest.
041
Field notes and other material pertaining to this study are on file with Archaeological Advisory
Group (AAG Job No. 980707). No artifacts were observed or collected during the study.
SETTING
Location and Environmental Setting
The study area is located in the City of La Quinta, in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside
County, California (Figures 1 and 2). The 17.64-acre rectangular -shaped property is bordered
on the east by Dune Palms Road, on the north by a concrete block wall, on the south by a
residence and a golf driving range, and on the west partially by a block wall.
The study area falls within the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 20 of
Township 5 South, Range 7 East, SBBM. This area is located on the USGS 7.5' La Quinta,
California topographic quadrangle (Figure 2).
The study area is located in a vicinity that once comprised low, semi -stable aeolian sand dunes
typical of the floor of the central Coachella Valley. Much of the surrounding area has now been
developed. Soil comprises a gray -brown sandy silt that ranges from loose to well compacted.
The property is presently unused. A slate floor from a 1957 house is the most notable feature
present (Figure 6).
The elevations of the study area is approximately 60-80 feet msl. The nearest natural source
of water is the Whitewater River one-half mile to the southwest. The study area would have
been over 20 feet higher than the southwestern shoreline of the ancient Lake Cahuilla (now the
Salton Sea) during its last stand. The final stand of Lake Cahuilla is estimated to have been
at about 42 feet (12.8 meters) msl. This has been dated loosely to the range of A.D. 1430 to
1580 by Waters (1983:384).
Native vegetation is dominated by Palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum) and sweetbush
(Bebbia juncea) with intermittent indigo bush (Dalea emoryi), encelia (Encelia farinosa), and
creosote.(Larrea tridentata). Animal species typically encountered in the area include
pocket mouse, scorpions, Western Shovel -nosed Snake, Sidewinder, Western Whiptail, Side -
blotched Lizard, Loggerhead Shrike, Mourning Dove, Say's Phoebe, Gambel's Quail, Common
Raven, Anna's Hummingbird, lied -tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel.
The study area falls within the Low Desert climatic zone. This is the driest, wannest, and
sunniest of the state's climates --it generally averages less than 5 inches of precipitation annually
and has a mean maximum temperature in July that exceeds 100' (Bailey 1966:42).
IJ
_.01 042
Cultural Setting
Culture History
While the ethnography of the region of the study area is fairly well understood, the prehistory
of the area is poorly understood. The sequence of prehistoric habitation presented here is based
primarily on the concordance of sequences presented by Warren (1984:409-430). This
chronology is intended to apply to the desert region of southern California in general.
Early Hunting Period
This period, sometimes referred to as the "Lake Mojave Period," represents the earliest phase of
human occupation in southern California. It began by at least 10,000 BC and lasted until
around 5000 BC. This period is characterized by the hunting of larger game animals using
spears and articulated spear -throwing devices termed "atlatls." Millingstones typically are not
present. Artifacts generally consist of items such as fluted points, crescents, specialized
scrapers, leaf -shaped knives, drills, and choppers/hammerstones. These old sites tend to occur
along Pleistocene lake shorelines in the Mojave Desert, rather than in the Coachella Valley.
Pinto Period
The Pinto Period dates from around 5000 to 2000 BC. This period corresponds roughly to the
Millingstone Horizon in the coastal area of the state and has many characteristics in common
with it. Although desert and coastal peoples shared cultural traits during this period, desert
peoples probably did not have the same dependence on milling stones as coastal peoples.
Seed grinding does not appear to be an important economic activity as yet to the desert
peoples of this period, but the presence of flat slab and occasionally shallow -basin metates
along with manos, indicates the 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 milling stones.
Gypsum Period
The Gypsum Period is believed to date from around 2000 BC to about AD 500. This very
roughly corresponds with the Intermediate Period in the coastal areas of southern California.
Again, the primary artifacts indicating this period are projectile points (Humbolt series,
Gypsum Cave, And Elko series). 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. The presence of Haliotis and Olivella shell beads on sites of this
period provide the earliest evidence for contacts between the desert peoples and the coastal
inhabitants (Warren 1984:419).
7
.Ji`00
Saratoga Springs Period
The Saratoga Springs Period lasts from about AD 500 to 1200 and is characterized by strong
regional developments. 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 results in diffusion of buffware and
brownware pottery types, made: using the paddle and anvil technique, from the Colorado River
area to the Coachella Valley by about AD 900. The bow and arrow is introduced in this period
as evidenced by the smaller Rose Spring and Eastgate styles of projectile; points.
Millingstones, including mans„ metates, pestles, and mortars are present in this time period.
The Pinto, Gypsum, and Saratoga Springs periods are sometimes collectively referred to as the
Archaic Period.
Late PrecontactlEthnographic Period
The bow and arrow replaces the atlatl during the Late Precontact (Late Horizon) occupation of
the region as exemplified by the appearance of new projectile point types called
Cottonwood Triangular and Desert Side -notched. The Hakataya influence, represented by
brownwares and buffwares, continues.
The Desert Cahuilla are the people that are historically identified with the region of the study
area. It is likely that this group has been in the region for at least the last 1000 years. The
Cahuilla remained largely undisturbed by Hispanic and American intrusion up until the
establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad through the region in the later half of the 19th
century. The railroad stimulated a desire by Americans for Cahuilla lands. In response to this,
President Ulysses S. Grant began allotting Cahuilla lands in 1875 to give to American settlers
and removed the Cahuilla to government reservations. Ten reservations were created that
affected the Cahuilla; of these four are in the Coachella Valley.
This late contact resulted in our gaining a greater understanding of this society than most
native cultures of California. Detailed accounts of Cahuilla lifeways can be found, for in-
stance, in Bean (1972, 1978), Strong (1929), Hooper (1920), and Kroeber (1908). Two
excellent ethnobotanical studies also exist for the Cahuilla (Barrows 1900, Bean and Saubel
1972). An archaeological study of prehistoric Cahuilla adaptation to the desiccation of
ancient Lake Cahuilla (the remains of which are now the Salton Sea) has also been done (Wilke
1978).
Previous Archaeological Research/Archival Research
An archaeological records search for the subject property was conducted by Brenda D. Smith
at the Eastern Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System
(CHRIS) at UC Riverside on August 19, 1998.
L
The records search indicated that the study area had not been previously surveyed for
cultural resources. No cultural resources had been identified on the study area.
Approximately 50 percent of the property within a one -mile radius of the subject property
has been previously surveyed for cultural resources.
The records search further indicated that the study area is in a vicinity of moderate
archaeological sensitivity with high site density to the west where sites are associated with the
Whitewater River Channel. Seven prehistoric sites fall within one-half mile of the study area.
An additional 24 sites (18 prehistoric, 4 historical, and 2 multi -component) fall within the one-
half to one mile range. Previously recorded sites are described as follows:
CA-RIV-150: Cahuilla village of Cow on vah al ham. Site consisted of
numerous ceramic sherds, ground stone, flaked stone artifacts and debitage,
Olivella disk beads, burned and unburned shell and bone, fire -affected rock, and
at least one human cremation.
CA-RIV-1178: Prehistoric habitation site comprised of ceramics, concentrations
of fired clay, beads, lithic debitage, a mano, fire -affected rock, charcoal deposits,
and one human cremation.
CA-RIV-1769: Prehistoric habitation site that contained an awl tip, ceramics,
beads, chipped stone, ground stone fragments, shell, and faunal remains.
CA-RIV-2195: Prehistoric ceramic scatter with fire -affected rock.
CA-RIV-2200: Prehistoric habitation site with ceramic sherds, a possible
hammerstone, one mano, burnt small mammal bone, and three pieces of amethyst
glass.
CA-RIV-2936: Prehistoric ceramics scatter with fire -affected rock, lithic debitage,
and faunal remains.
CA-RIV-3659: Prehistoric habitation site with fire -affected rock, burnt clay,
flakes, bone fragments, and sparse ceramics.
CA-RIV-3679: Combination prehistoric site (ceramics, burnt clay, pestle) and
early 20th century historic refuse site.
CA-RIV-3668: Prehistoric ceramic sherd scatter.
CA-RIV-3680: Prehistoric ceramic sherd scatter with clay fragments and fire -
affected rock.
CA-RIV-3681: Prehistoric ceramic scatter with fire affected rock.
CA-RIV-3682: Prehistoric habitation site with ceramics, fired clay fragments,
burned bone, lithic debitage, and fire -affected rock.
CA-RIV-3683: Prehistoric habitation site with ceramics, chipped stone, a Desert
Side -Notched projectile point, debitage, ground stone, and bone.
9
CA-RIV-3866: Prehistoriic habitation site that consisted of five loci with ceramics,
charcoal deposits, fired clay, fire -affected rock, ground stone, and bone.
CA-RIV-4745: Prehistoric ceramics scatter with mussel shell.
CA-RIV-4748-H: Historic site comprised of two concrete water valve towers,
pipes, barbed-wire fence, and associated historic refuse.
CA-RIV-4749-H: Historic site comprised of two concrete slab foundations,
concrete water valve tower, pipes, barbed-wire fence line, and Depression -era
refuse.
CA-RIV-4750/H: Two historical can dumps with some prehistoric ceramic
sherds.
CA-RIV-4751/H: Multi -component site of prehistoric ceramics, fire -affected
rock, burned bone, and shell with historic glass and metal fragments, a concrete
water valve tower, and pipes.
CA-RIV-4756-H: Historic site comprised of a concrete water valve tower, pipes,
and remnants of a fenced enclosure.
CA-RIV-4757-H: Historic site with concrete slab foundation, driveway, walkway,
and water valve tower, pipes, shack, and Depression -era refuse.
CA-RIV-5828: Prehistoric habitation site with ceramic sherds, fire -affected rock,
fired clay fragments, shell, and burned small mammal bone.
CA-RIV-5832: Prehistoric habitation site with ceramics, chipped stone, beads,
fired clay, faunal remains, and a human cremation.
CA-RIV-5840: Prehistoric use area with ceramic sherds, a pestle fragment, lithic
debitage, and fired clay fragments.
CA-RIV-5841: Prehistoric use area comprised of three ceramic sherds, fired clay
fragments, and fire -affected rock.
CA-RIV-5842: Prehistoric use area that contained a hearth, ceramics, and a mano.
CA-RIV-5843: Prehistoric ceramic sherd scatter.
CA-RIV-5844: Prehistoric ceramic sherd scatter.
CA-RIV-5876: Prehistoric ceramics scatter with sparse lithics and bone.
CA-RIV_6075: Prehistoric ceramics scatter with burned clay and lithics.
Based on the presence of ceramics, all of the prehistoric sites within the one -mile radius appear
to be relatively recent in date (post AD 500).
In addition to the records search, archival research was conducted on August 20, 1998 at
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office in Riverside and at the Riverside County
Assessor's Office in Riverside. In addition to the in -person research, the BLM State Office in
Sacramento, the La Quinta Historical Society, and the Coachella Valley Historical Museum were
10
contacted by telephone. The assistance of Barbara Irwin (La Quinta Historical Society) and
Dorothy Schmid (Coachella Valley Historical Museum) is greatly appreciated. Long-time area
resident Jack Burkett also provided helpful information.
Historic maps examined included US General Land Office plat maps from 1856 and 1914, the
1904 USGS 30' Indio map, and the US Army Corps of Engineers' 1941 Toro Peak 1:62,500
map. The General Land Office plat maps show no cultural activity in the study area last
century. The 1856 map shows a road running east -west three-quarters of a mile below the study
area. The 1904 Indio map also shows no cultural activity in the vicinity of the study area. The
1941 Toro Peak map (Figure 7) shows a structure present on the study area at that time. The
current USGS 7.5' La Quinta map (1959, photorevised 1980) shows two structures on the study
area (Figure 2 above). According to this map, one structure was present in 1959 and another
was built between 1959 and 1980.
The BLM research indicated that the 17.64-acre study area was part of a 160-acre homestead
grant comprising the southwest quarter of Section 20 which was patented on December 29, 1926
to a Howard B. Ames (Figure 8). According to Jack Burkett, in the 1930s the Howard Ames
family was living on the property in a wood -frame building that had modern conveniences
(electricity, indoor plumbing). Mr. Burkett recalled them having farmed dates and citrus crops.
The Ames house is probably the structure shown on the 1941 map (Figure 7).
Information at the Assessor's Office indicated that a new house of pink concrete block was
constructed in 1957 at the eastern end of the property.
As a further step in the research, the following "heritage property" registers were checked
for this tract:
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). Additional registers were checked during the records search at U.C. Riverside. No
historical resources listed in these publications were found to be specific to the study area
environs.
The records search and background research indicated that the study area is in a location that
is moderately sensitive for prehistoric and historical resources.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Due to the limited scope of this study and the fact that no specimens were collected, a formal
research design was not prepared.
n47
Figure 7. A portion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1941 15' Toro Peak quadrangle
(1:62,500). The arrow indicates a structure formerly present on the study area.
12 .J' 048
LDS: iageia. 040399.
! IttfP i itws U .�1ritP1'itFi, .
WHEREAS. a SrOkate of ties kglithr at ti. Lead Date at Los Angelea, bQifornia,
W M 6Mdn1 I. the 6w,rd W ODke e,w..by It eppora that, porwrt le the Art es, 4eKeW of Yy 20,.16d, ,
•To ir•re Naooeda.fo to Ad.d • MWd as se P.bll< 0.md.,• •ed se rn .,gplamxlY , Preen.. eo r41m I
Hcsatd Be Ames
hr beau s,kbllYd rd aq mwenmmq 1..ro.for.lq t. w, Iw W thaat half of the southwest quar-
ter and the meat hhllf 61 the southeast quarter of Sectitin tiva y in Tom-
ahip five south of Hangs "van. "sit of�the Ban Bornardino,Yeridian. Cali-
fornia, containing one..ki—fired sixty acres, e .
rwNI,Y to the Oatld flat Y Po S.nq if tw Cad teed, ro sooedl. Has BENEItAI LAND OFFICE by the wrnyorir,rrd,
NOW KNOW YE, That Pw la ti wl., granted by P. UNITED STATES seta the Ad ddwt the treat of Load awe. dowrihd,
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the oak tss,rl Lead, with the A pornsaneee twrnA to the Wd dYmant end to the Ceara sort wlg,u of
the rid tlYmmd foreseer oeb[wt to any eeded a•d acerwd water rights for minlag, ogrlcslnra, manufacturing, or other je"pe.r. mad
rights n ditchoe and rs,arroln Coal In G.teries wlU Cash error rights, r may be rragnlad ad nLmwldged by the IAN cost.=, least,
end "s..t of sows, and there k tweed From ties lens h... by panld . rghl of wq there for dllaes or unA, I ... Vatted by to.
utbartty of M Lolled SWw, • - -
Calvin Coolidge,
IN TESYIN(INY WHEREOF, 1,
Prridrl or Ps Ueltd Codes of Amaikk Case cos.d Items letters n w mods
Patent, W P. " of P. Canoed Led Oac. to he hsrrnn oaad.
61VEN cods, Rq wed, at the Oq of Wrhingn., ties TWENTY-NINTH
'(i[ALI stay of DECENREN id the yes, of ew led Co. Caressed
• 1
Ym wdrd .d TY:ENTY-SIXI had or the 1•d.,.od.op of Oo
• 11.1Wd ante, d.... hWrd Caw FIFTY-FIRST
Ny ti. M1 a.ats
�Srrea"
SECOND Of PATENTS, Petant I.mbr
Figure 8. A copy of the land patent issued to Howard B. Ames on December 29, 1926 (source: BLM State Office,
Sacramento).
13 049
.u;
METHODS/FIIELDWORK DETAILS
The fieldwork for this study was conducted on August 21, 1998 by James Brock and Brenda D.
Smith. A total of four person hours were spent on the survey of the property. The entire
property was walked over in systematic east -west transects averaging five meters apart. The
walkover was initiated at the southeastern end of the study area and ended at the northeastern
end. Ground surface visibility was good (95%). Aside from hot weather (approx. 105 degrees),
no adverse conditions restricted the survey.
A moderate density of modern refuse (less than 45 years old) is present on the study area. This
includes concrete and other building debris, various pieces of metal, paper, cardboard,
irrigation hoses, cans, plastic, glass, fence wire, and so on.
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.
No specimens were collected during the survey.
No cultural resources were observed on the study area during the ground surface; survey.
Neither of the two previously known houses are still present.
DISCUSSION/INTERPRETATION
While no cultural resources were observed during the walkover field reconnaissance of the
property, the possibility of finding buried prehistoric or historical resources can not be ruled
out. Prehistoric sites buried by aeolian sand accumulation are known to exist in the La Quinta
area. One site, CA-RIV-6075, was recently found nearby to the west of the study area during
grading for a Century Homes project. There may also be buried deposits associated with the
1926 homestead ofthe property (e.g. refuse deposits, privies, structural features). Such historical
deposits, if found, may be significant given the paucity of intact early 2& century historical
archaeological findings in La Quinta.
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
14
•.'h, 050
provide information which is both of demonstrable public interest and useful in addressing
scientifically consequential and reasonable archaeological research questions; (c) it has a 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 stratigraphic 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 (CRHP), 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.
No potentially significant cultural/historical resources have been identified on the study area
as a result of this study.
Potential Effects
The planned development of the study area will have no effect on known cultural resources.
There is a potential for as yet unidentified, buried resources to be present.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Archaeological monitoring of rough grading and large-scale trenching is recommended for
the project due to the potential of the area to contain buried prehistoric or historical material.
REFERENCES CITED
American Association for State and Local History
1991 National Register of Historic Places. American Association for State and Local
History, Nashville.
Bailey, Harry P.
1966 Weather of Southern California. California Natural History Guides 17.
University of California Press, Berkeley.
15
-.J1 051
Barrows, David P.
1900 Ethno-botany
Chicago.
of the Coahuilla Indians. University of Chicago Press,
Bean, Lowell John
1972 Mukat's People: The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. University of
California Press, Berkeley.
1978 Cahuilla. In California, edited by Robert F. Heizer, pp. 575-587.
Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8, William G. Sturtevant, general
editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bean, Lowell John, and Katherine Siva Saubel
1972 Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of Plants. Malki
Museum, Banning.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
1976 California Inventory of Historic Places. California Office of Historic
Preservation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento.
1989 Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended
Contents and Format. California Office of Historic Preservation, California
Department of Parks and Recreation, Sacramento.
1990 California Historical Landmarks. California Department of Parks and
Recreation, Sacramento.
Campbell, E.W.C., and W.H. Campbell
1935 The Pinto Basin Site: An Ancient Aboriginal Camping Ground in the
California Desert. Southwest Museum Papers 9:1-51.
Hopper, Lucille
1920 The Cahuilla Indians. University of California Publications in American
Archaeology and Ethnology 16:316-379. Berkeley.
Kroeber, A.J.
1908 Ethnography of the Cahuilla Indians. University of California Publications in
American Archaeology and Ethnology 8:29-68. Berkeley.
Strong, William Duncan
1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications
in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26:1-349. Berkeley.
16
052
Warren, Claude N.
1984 The Desert Region. In California Archaeology, by Michael J. Moratto, pp. 339-
430. Academic Press, New York.
Waters, Michael R.
1983 Late Holocene Lacustrine Chronology and Archaeology of Ancient Lake.
Cahuilla, California. Quaternary Research 19:373-387.
Wilke, Philip J.
1978 Late Prehistoric ]Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
Contributions of the University of California Archaeological Research Facility
38, Berkeley.
1983 An Archaeological Assessment of 73 Acres of Land at Indian Wells. Ms. on
file, Eastern Information Center, California Historic Resources Inventory System,
Department of Anthropology, U.C. Riverside.
APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
James Brock, Principal Investigator
-BA degree in Anthropology, U.C. Santa Barbara
-MA degree in Archaeology, University of Durham (U.K.)
-RPA (on Register of Professional Archaeologists)
-18 years of experience as a principal investigator on cultural resource
management projects in southern and central California
Brenda D. Smith
-BS degree in Anthropology, UC Riverside
-MS candidate in Native American Studies, UCLA
-7 years of experience on cultural resource management projects in southern California
17
CORRESPONDENCE
AND
WRITTEN MA TERIAL
059
From. DB#8950 To Leslie Moudquand Date: 1011/98 Time: 10:54:18 AM Page 1 of 1
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these -- signs of tool-maKing oy early numans construction.
Campsite finds 9,000 yrears
® Florida laboratory
supports
archaeologists' belief
about ceramics found
near San Jacinto.
Pieces attract interest
of Smithsonian
scientists.
By George Rooney
The Press -Enterprise
HEMET
Archaeologists who unearthed a
prehistoric campsite west of San
Jacinto say carbon dating has con-
firmed their belief that it may
represent the earliest known site in
the Western Hemisphere where
humans fired ceramics.
Archaeologist Melinda Horne
said two samples dated at about
9,000 years old by a Florida labora-
tory were associated with the use
of ceramics. One artifact was a fire
hearth, and the other was a grind-
ing stone, or metate.
"They were directly associated
with ceramics," Home said. "They
were fired and molded by hand.
. This is a very, very significant
find."
The campsite, west of San Jacin-
to near the Ramona Expressway,
was discovered in April about 111/2
feet below ground in a trench dug
for the Metropolitan Water Dis-
trict's Inland Feeder pipeline
project.
Home and archaeologist Susan
Goldberg, who assisted in the dis-
covery, work for Applied Earth -
Works, a firm hired by Metropoli-
tan to monitor and to curate ar-
chaeological materials discovered
along the 99-mile route of the
Inland Feeder, which winds
through portions of Riverside and
San Bernardino counties.
The firm this month received
carbon -dating results on four arti-
facts submitted to Beta Analytic
Laboratories in Miami. Three of
the four artifacts were dated at
9,000 years old or older, Horne
said.
That would put the site within'
the Holocene epoch of geologic
time, a period immediately follow.-'
ing the Pleistocene epoch, or'ice
Age. Within Southern California_
only an archaeological site in Ir-
vine that was discovered in in,
early 1970s is of comparable age' ih
terms of human use of ceramics:'.
Hundreds of what are believed
to be tools were found at -the site:'
The campsite's hearth contained"
numerous bones of small mo(n
mals, which apparently were"a
staple of the camp inhabitants"
diet. Many of the artifacts indicat-
ed a common use of pigments and,
decorative objects, the archaeolo-
gists said.
No evidence of human remains
were found.
Home said she has contacted -
scientists at the Smithsonian Insti
tudon, who have expressed interest -
in analyzing the campsite artifacts.
She and Goldberg plan to pub-
lish a series of articles on their -,-
discovery in scientific journals; -
Home said.