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1998 12 17 HPC� T La� •c oz � S cFy OF rt+tiv HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AG E N D A A Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California December 17, 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 November 19, 1998. V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Report on Archaeological Monitoring for the La Quinta Resort Homes project located on the west side of Eisenhower Drive south of Avenida Fernando for KSL Land II Corporation by Archaeological Advisory Group, James Brock and Brenda Smith. B. Monitoring Report for Tract 28458, Bella Vista located on the north side of Fred Waring Drive, between Washington Street and Adams Street for Roger Snellenberger and Associates by Archaeological Consulting Services, John Stephen Alexandrowicz. C. Interim Archaeology Report for a Temporary Parking Lot located on the west side of Washington Street, south of 47" Avenue and north of 49" Avenue for Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church by CRM Tech, Bruce Love, PH.D. HPC/AGENDA 001 D. An Archaeological Assessment of Tentative Tract Map 25691, a 10+ acre parcel located adjacent to Miles Avenue located on the north side of Miles Avenue between Dune Palms Road and Jefferson Street for World Development, Inc., by Archaeological Associates, Robert White and Laurie White E. Tentative Tract Map 28964 Feasibility Assessment for Phase III Alternatives for Potentially Significant Cultural Resources for the property located on the north side of 50ih Avenue, between Jefferson Street and Park Avenue for Oliphant and Williams Development Company by L & L Environmental, Inc. F. CLG Training Session by Jim Brock: Method and Theory for Prehistoric Archaeology VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT 002� EMAGENDA MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA November 19, 1998 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Vice -Chairman DeMersman at 3:30 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. L CALL TO ORDER A. Present: Commissioners Puente, Wright and Vice -Chairman DeMersman. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Wright to excuse Commissioner Irwin. Unanimously approved. B. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to approve the Minutes of August 20, 1998, as submitted. Unanimously approved. B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to approve the Minutes of October 15, 1998, as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. An Interim Report on the Phase II Archaeological Resources Assessment of the 40+ acre site APN 649-100-015, City of La Quinta (TTM 289641. 1. Planning Manger Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. At the request of staff, Vice Chairman DeMersman explained the basics regarding the NAGPRA law in regards to Native American participation and curation of artifacts. In his opinion staffs recommendation 42 did not need to be addressed by the Commission as this was an issue that is handled by NAGPRA. Native American human remains and associated grave goods must be repatriated under this law. CAMy Documents\WPD0CS\HPCI1-19-98.wpd 0 0 3' Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 3. Commissioner Puente questioned Page 9 and Page 24 of the report and the depth of the findings. Does staff think objects could be found at a deeper level. Ms. Leslie Irish, speaking for L & L Environmental, Inc., stated she did not believe any items would be found any deeper. The deepest material recovered was 80 centimeters and that was unusual. Most material was found at a shallower depth. The listing on. Page 9 are sites that surround this site within a one mile radius. 4. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that in reading the report he did not get a sense of what kind of human remains were found. Were they significant or not? Ms. Irish stated they were fairly small fragments. It was a cremation that had been found and had eroded to the surface at a fairly shallow depth and made its way down the slope and spread out. The recover involved picking up all the material identified by the Coroner's Physical Anthropologist to be human and then any bone that was in the general area. 5. Mr. Oliphant, the applicant, informed the Commission that a blessing ceremony was also held on the site by the local tribe. Ms. Irish stated a tribal member was able to perform the ceremony at the site. 6. Vice Chairman DeMersman asked how significant was the site to the development, where are they located at on the site, and what impact would they have to the site. 7. Mr. Bob Ross, RBF Engineers, identified where the sites would be found on the tract. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if the width and length of the sites had been identified. Ms. Irish stated it was established in the report on Page 24. Staff asked that the depth be identified as well. With the existing topography and the proposed grade and what the differential is given the depth of the project, is what staff is looking for. It was important to have the depth differential in relation to the project between the existing topography and fill. Mr. Ross went over the topography of the site. 8. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked the consultant what more they hope to find and why they were recommending the additional work in the cremation area. Ms. Irish stated they went through a portion of the site, and then went higher in expectation that the cremation would be higher on the slope due to the erosion down into the wash. They cut through and got an amount of material from the higher end. They opened a section north of this site which was three meters by nine meters and found material in the lower range. If they propose to collect the remainder they need to go south of this site to obtain cremation material that could have eroded off. 9. Vice Chairman DeMersman asked if they find significant material and it 004 CAW Documents\WPDOCS\HPC 11-19-98.wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 needs to be preserved, how will that be done. Ms. Irish stated they do not have any objection to preservation. CEQA shows this to be the preferred method of handling archaeological resources. More knowledge might be gained from excavation later on. CEQA allows an analysis and a determination of feasibility for doing this and that depends on a lot of factors including the size of the project and what the site can bear in terms of removal of lots or inclusions of open space area. They have not done a feasibility analysis for preservation because the developer has indicated that is not something they want done. Staff has indicated that an analysis should be done, but the conditions do not call for this. Is the City requiring the preservation of the site or asking for more analysis? 10. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated there should be a feasibility report because if there is something there, it should be preserved. This Commission has been a flexible group when it comes to looking at development and issues of preservation within that development. There are also times when things need to be preserved. As a City we are losing a lot and we need to look at this issue a little more closely. It is his recommendation that they look at the feasibility of preservation, if it is warranted. 11. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it is a part of CEQA and the environmental assessment and mitigation that the City can't require a study as a part of the assessment if it is going to have the opportunity to change the project. The City has to have the information now and have it approved before the environmental assessment can go forward. 12. Mr. Oliphant asked staff what they would anticipate finding that has not already been found and would need to be preserved. It was his understanding that what had been found could be collected. Ms. Irish stated they were proposing 100 percent mitigation of what they feel is a significant portion of the originally identified site. This is an acceptable alternative under CEQA. She feels the analysis has been made and they did not recommend avoidance because the results were fairly consistent. The subsurface material was consistent with the surface material. They are finding the same thing all over the site. The advantage to the mitigation as it offers the opportunity to answer questions or determine factors they might not have retrieved to date. The significance of the site is that it is a rich deposit with two contrasting time periods. Their recommendation is mitigation. 13. Ms. Barbara Hall, gave her credentials and stated she was an Associate Professor with the Riverside Community College. She has done a lot of field work in both the State of California and Arizona. Ms. Irish asked what her opinion was regarding preservation versus mitigation. Ms. Hall stated preservation is the better option, as in the future there will always be better techniques. There is a lot to be learned from the site which can only be C:AMy Documents\WPD0CS\HPCI1-19-98.wpd 0 u r Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 learned from excavation of the site. They have tested the site and they have an idea of the limits, some idea of the formation structure process of the site. However, they have no real information of the subsurface remains in terms of location for future excavation. Ms. Betty Williams, applicant, asked if this could be done during the grading process. Ms. Hall stated that if it is excavated it should be done by hand to have good stratigraphic information such as grids and this could be done in a reasonable amount of time. 14. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand stated that excavating by hand is not associated with monitoring of grading. 15. Ms. Williams stated that as developers they have tried to work with the City in conducting the studies requested. In her opinion it has been extremely expensive and they feel the material that has been gathered and the report written, clearly identifies solutions to them being able to work on the site. A major factor is that there is a large amount of money that has been spent to bring the information that is before the Commission to date. To support Ms. Irish's statement would be repetitive of what has been presented and reported. 16. Commissioner Wright stated they have been flexible to help every developer in a timely and cost saving manner. He is concerned that there may be more here than what appears and would agree with Vice Chairman DeMersman on his original assessment. 17. Mr. Joe Loya, a member of the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation and spokesman for Native American Field Resource Crew who assisted with the consultant L & L Environmental, on the project, stated he did consult with Mark Benitez regarding the site and he was aware of him being present at this meeting. He shared with Mr. Benitez what happened on the site as far as him being the lead for spiritual and other areas. They are concerned about the site. There is a number of things that are there that have not been seen before. They have put together a Native American crew of ten people and are finding items that have never been seen before. They felt so moved with this project to the point that if things were not taken into consideration for their feelings, they would have to walk off the project. On reading the report, there was more than one Native American working on the site doing the excavation and he does agree with L & L Environmental, Inc., that they do need to look further into the site. He does understand the developers point of view, but they need to take into consideration what could be found. Items found can be a marketing item for the developer's project. 1R. Ms. Irish asked if staff wanted the resume's and appendix of each of the workers on the site. Staff stated it was an option not a requirement CAMy Documents\WPDOCS\HPC 11-19-98.wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 19. Commissioner Puente stated that when there is a site with human remains it is more important. The items found are from the people who were there. You can consider the economics, but they need to stress the preservation. 20. Commissioner Wright stated the Commission was created and became a Certified Local Government because of what our past has been. This Valley has been dozed under due to the lack of concern for these sites. He is in favor of following through with staffs recommendation. 21. Mr. Oliphant stated that from the conversations, it sounds like additional work is being required. If that is the alternative to preservation and collection, could staff give him some idea of the area involved. He would need this information to determine if the project would be viable. Ms. Irish asked what area needs to be done. Staff stated this is what staff has been asking for. They now have information and it is significant. The area has been reduced, in coordination with the project development does it fit and is there an opportunity for preservation for some or all of the material found. Maybe the remainder is mitigation through recovery. As staff does not have that information, they do not knovv how it fits with that area that is to be graded, what the ultimate grade will be, or what opportunities are left. 22. Mr. Oliphant stated that if they were to lose two or more lots, economically this project does not work. Staff stated this is why a feasibility report is needed. Mr. Ross stated if the areas are what he thinks they are, it is ten or fifteen lots. Staff stated that with previous tracts where there are sites like this, they have been able to define them and make a determination, to define the boundaries, and see if there is some work that could be done like possibly changing the grade. 23. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that when significant sites had been found on previous tracts the Commission was given options. They are not being given an option on this tract. It is either this or that and the Commission wants some options. 24. Commissioner Puente asked if staff was asking for the hand excavation due to the importance of the site. Ms. Hall stated yes. Some areas are very shallow redeposited areas and pail. of the trenching is to define where the significant deposits are located. Staff stated this is what staff has been asking. Now staff is requesting how the existing topography is affected by the areas that are affected. 25. Wlliams stated that staff had done an overlay of the tract. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated they do not have the grading, as it is the responsibility of the archaeologist and engineer. Ms. Irish stated the tract C:AMy Documents\WPD0CSV111'CI1-19-98.wpd • • 007 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 map was plotted on top of the topographic map showing where the sites were located. The grading analysis, however, was not been a part of the overlay prepared by staff. In their opinion, this is such a small project that to avoid the area, given the information presented by the applicant, it makes the project infeasible. While she has no objection to a further analysis, if the applicants have to avoid one or two lots, the project becomes marginal. As an archeologist she would like to see preservation where ever it is possible, especially when it relates to features. With the difference in the topography it is not possible to avoid and cap the site, especially given the fact that the applicant will have to compact the soil. If they want further analysis, she will do that, but the results will be the same. It makes the project stop. 26. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated that one of the reasons staff has been in favor of preservation is the cost of 100 percent recovery. Staff is looking at preservation through CEQA as the alternative and to provide the City with other information. When you talk about feasibility, this should be considered. 27. Mr. Oliphant stated this tract has large lots and it to attract the higher priced market. Each lot is worth $108,000 to them. So to lose one or two lots it becomes a substantial loss and the project becomes infeasible. With the cost per lot being what it is, to spend additional money on recovery does not make sense. To spend $50,000 on a study would be less than losing one lot. 28. Ms. Williams asked what would satisfy staff. Staff stated it is up to the Commission. Ms. Williams stated she would like to have some criteria so they can respond to. 29. Commissioner Wright responded to Ms. Williams comment by stating the Commission was not dictated to by staff. They take staff s recommendation very seriously. The Commission just finished a review of a project where preservation was a decided upon issue by the developer. It was a very congenial decision by everyone. In his opinion, an assessment is needed. 30. Vice Chairman DeMersman and Commissioner Puente concurred with Commissioner Wright's comments. 31. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand read Commissioner Barbara Irwin's comments into the record. "a. The City needs to keep the standards for cultural resource preservation as set with the Tradition Project and the Avenue 48 project. 008 CAMy Documents\WPD0CS\HPC11-19-98wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 a. The two significant sites on TTM 28964 should be capped and preserved. b. The human remains on the project should be buried on the project site." 32. Ms. Williams asked if this was typical. She thought the remains would be removed to sacred ground. Staff stated that in La Quinta, they have been re- buried on the project site per the wishes of the Native American representatives of that project. 33. Ms. Williams asked what Mark Benitez indicated. Ms. Irish stated she understood he would want them buried on a different site. 34. Ms. Williams asked for definitive guidelines to follow so they could provide the Commission with the information they wanted. 35. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that the Commission wanted the feasibility and analysis of preservation as opposed to mitigation. How much area is involved on the tract site. 36. Commissioner Puente asked staff to consider preservation of the entire site due to the human remains. Staff stated the human remains would be excavated. 37. Mr. Tony Lavato, Torres Martinez Survey Group, stated that in the areas they worked in there were four or five bags of human remains. If you walk the whole section you find a lot of stuff. You need to look at everything not just the human remains. It is good to develop and it could make the developer look good if they were to help them preserve their history. Need to resurvey and test because if you walk around you find something everywhere. 38. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if the Commission was approving the interim report with staff s recommendations. She had a list to better define what the feasibility study would be for the preservation of the two sites: a. The potential depth of the sites. b. Feasibility study for preservation of the sites. C. Analysis of the economics of the preservation. d. The cost of 100% recovery of the two sites. 00 C:AMy Documents\W PDOCS\HPC 1 1-19-98.wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 39. Following discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to adopt Minute Motion 98-010 accepting the Interim Report on Phase II Archaeological Resources Assessment for Tentative Tract 28964 with partial compliance with the requirements of CEQA with the modifications as follows: a. Provide a list of all field crew. b. Provide a feasibility study for: 1.) The preservation of the two sites including the sites relationship to the tract map as far as the topography and proposed grade. 2.) Its location with the proposed lots. 3.) The depth of the sites. 4.) The economic feasibility 5.) 100 percent recovery of the two sites versus the preservation of the sites. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: A. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated staff had submitted an application for preservation award in conjunction with The Tradition project for the Hacienda del Gato. II COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioners Wright and Puente went to the La Quinta Historical Society's Workshop on Archiving training and gave a brief report. B. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand stated the Commissioners were required to make a presentation stating how archival skills could be put into the planning process.. C. Staff informed the Commission that on December 17`' training would be given by Mr. Jim Brock of Archaeological Advisory Group. III. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next scheduled meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission on December 17, 1998. This meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:37 P.M. Unanimously approved. 01G C:AMy Documents\WPD0CS\HPC11-19-98.wpd BI #A DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: DEVELOPER: CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DECEMBER 17, 1998 REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING FOR THE LA QUINTA RESORT HOMES PROJECT LA QUINTA RESORT, WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER DRIVE, SOUTH OF AVENIDA FERNANDO KSL LAND II CORPORATION ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP, JAMES BROCK AND BRENDA SMITH Archaeological monitoring of sewer and storm drain trenching below 10 feet in depth was made a condition of approval for the resort residential project located at the La Quinta Resort. The project site is west of the historic La Quinta Hotel. Monitoring was required due to the prehistoric and historic resource sensitivity surrounding the hotel complex. The monitoring was conducted in August and September, 1998, with no sites, features, or isolated artifacts observed. RECOMMENDATION: No action is required. Attachment: 1. Monitoring report Prepared by: Submitted by: L slie mounquarld, Ass q iate Planner Christine di lorio, Pla Eng Manager CAM yFiles\hperptLaQResortBrock. wpd Oil ■ 1 Report on Archaeological Monitoring 1 for the La Quinta Resort Homes Project, City of La Quinta, California A Prepared for: KSL Land II Corporation 55-920 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, CA 92253 Submitted to: City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico J La Quinta, CA 92253 1 Prepared by: James Brock and Brenda D. Smith l November 1998 1 r A A C, USGS Topographic Quadrangle: La Quinta, California j Acreage: Approx. 20 Key Words: La Quinta, Negative Archaeological Monitoring, La Quinta Hotel ,>r ARCH[AEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP P.O. BON 491, PIONEERTOWN, CA 92268-0491 Tel: (760) 22;8-1142 • Fax: (760) 369-4002 E-mail: archadvgrpCa;aol.com ,y MANAGEMENT SUMMARY This report presents the results of archaeological monitoring of sewer and storm drain trenching, 10 feet or greater in depth, for the La Quints Resort Homes project in the City of La Quinta, California. This research was undertaken in August and September of 1998. The monitoring was required by the City of La Quinta in order to evaluate the potential of the La Quinta Resort area for containing archaeological resources. No previous archaeological work had been conducted in the area. No archaeological sites, features, or isolated artifacts were encountered during the La Quinta Resort Homes monitoring. Substantial subsurface disturbance had previously occurred in the area. It is unlikely that any archaeological resources are present within the La Quinta Resort Homes project area and future archaeological monitoring appears unnecessary for the area outlined in Figure 1. Field notes and a report master for this study are on file with Archaeological Advisory Group (Job No. 980706). INTRODUCTION This report presents findings of archaeological monitoring of utility trenching for construction of Phases 1 through 4 of the La Quinta Resort Homes project in La Quinta, California. The project entailed monitoring of backhoe excavation of sewer and storm drain trench lines (Figures I and 2). Archaeological fieldwork consisting of monitoring and mapping of trenches at or below 10- feet in depth. The project was conducted by Archaeological Advisory Group for KSL Land II Corporation. The City of La Quinta was the lead agency. Jones Bros. Construction Company was the prime contractor. This study was undertaken in accordance with the cultural resource requirements of the City of La Quinta. These are intended to fulfill those aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (as amended) which pertain to the management of cultural resources that may be impacted by development projects sponsored by state or local government agencies, or by private developments requiring a discretionary permit or license. This report was prepared in accordance with the recommended contents and format described in the State's Preservation Planning Bulletin Number 4(a) (California Department of Parks and Recreation 1989). The Principal Investigator for this study was James Brock. The field crew consisted of Mr. Brock and Brenda D. Smith. The qualifications of these individuals are given in Appendix 1. Mvn �?,1�� I/_•( A' �� �s� � 3" ;inity of Monitoring i I,1 i u f I i n o i 4 ITJI SB 0 Feet 2500 1 0 R,,eters 1000 L La Quinta\ Figure 1, Vicinity of the monitored trenches plotted on a portion of the USGS 7.5' La Quinta, California topographic quadrangle (1959, photorevised 1980). 2 La Quinta Resort Homes Plan Showing Locations of Trenches Monitored for Archaeological Resources (trenches 10 feet or greater in depth) 0 50 100 200 300 FEET immal- T N ---- SEWER TRENCH —� STORM DRAIN TRENCH s lal I e 76. 101r / T 10 ♦ � 10' 1 i f13' � ' L------------------ 15• � \ 110•. � 13' r' I I 1s' i CAiW— & 06INTANA \ 11' 19' 1s• Figure 2. Locations of trenches monitored. 3 01 SETTING NATURAL SETTING The excavated areas that comprise the study area are located in the City of La Quinta, in the Coachella Valley area of Riverside County, California (Figures 1 and 2). The study area falls roughly in the area of land that is bordered by Avenida Fernando (partially), Avenida Obregon, Calle Mazatlan, and Camino Quintana. This property is located in the eastern half of the southwest quarter section of Section 36 of Township 5 South, Range 6 East, SBBM, on the USGS 7.5' La Quinta, California topographic quadrangle (Figure 1). The original topography of the study area probably comprised aeolian sand dunes. Soil typically consisted of loose gray -tan silty sand above 10-foot depth and compacted sedimentary silts below 10-foot depth. The original elevation of the study area ranges approximately 45 to 50 feet msl. The nearest natural water source is the Whitewater River drainage which, now channelized, flows west to east approximately two miles north-northeast of the project area. However, the study area would have been located less than one-half mile from the shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla (the Salton Sea is the vestige of this lake) during its last high stand. Highstand of this freshwater lake is estimated to have been about 42 feet msl (12.8 meters). Its last stand is believed to have occurred during the 1600s. Native vegetation in the vicinity of the study area would have consisted of a Creosote Scrub community, containing creosotes (Larrea lridentata), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa) and other stickery scrubs (including Dicoria canescens and non-native Schismus barbalus). Animal species typically encountered in the area include cottontail, jackrabbit, pack rat, pocket mouse, coyote, scorpion, Western Shovel -nosed Snake, Sidewinder, Desert Iguana, Side -blotched Lizard, Loggerhead Shrike, Mourning Dove, Say's Pheobe, Gambel's Quail, Common Raven, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Lesser Nighthawk, and American Kestrel. Inhabitants of the area prior to modern times would also have encountered large mammals such as Mountain Lion and Big Horn Sheep. The project area falls within the Lower Sonoran Life Zone, as does approximately 60% of Cahuilla territory (Bean and Saubel 1972:12). This zone extends from the desert floor to the pinyon -juniper belt (about 3,500 feet). The Coachella Valley, due to it placement on the eastern side of the Peninsular ranges, is blocked from receiving moisture moving eastward from the Pacific. This blockade results in low rainfall of generally less than 5 inches of precipitation annually. Not only does this region have little rainfall, but it is also one of the hottest deserts on the continent, having a mean maximum temperature in July that easily exceeds 100' (Bailey 1966:42). 1i 016 CULTURAL SETTING While the regional ethnography of the study area is fairly well accounted for, its precontact history is poorly understood. Archaeologists have struggled for years to put together comprehensive chronologies for what is referred to as the Prehistoric Period (time preceeding contact with Europeans) of Native American history. The sequence of prehistoric habitation presented here is based primarily on the concordance of sequences presented by Warren (1984) and Warren and Crabtree (1986). Warren's timeframe divisions were based on technological changes in lithic use (i.e. millingstones and projectile points). His model was originally devised for the Mojave desert region, but because of basic technological similarities in southern California Indian cultures it is also applicable to the Colorado desert peoples. Lake Mojave Period This period probably represents the earliest phase of human occupation in southern California. It began by at least 10,000 BC and lasted until around 5000 BC. This period is characterized by hunting of larger games animals using spears and articulated spear -throwing devices termed "atlatls." Spear points of this period initially were quite large, lanceolate in shape, and were oftentimes fluted, having a longitudinal groove along the central portion of the body for attachment to a spear. Other projectile points such as Lake Mojave, Parman, and Silver Lake points, were somewhat smaller (though still large in comparison to later arrow points) and foliate in shape. Crescents, specialized scrapers, leaf -shaped knives, drills, and some choppers/hammerstones are other tools which have been identified with this period. Millingstones typically are not present. The artifact assemblage of this period is indicative of a generalized hunting and gathering subsistence economy. Archaeological sites from early on in this period were generally associated with Pleistocene lake shorelines. As the Altithermal (a warmer and drier climatic period that lasted from 6000 BC to 900B.C.) set in, sites began to concentrate around desert oases, away from receding lakes that were becoming too brackish for consumption. This movement likely spawned the technological change that would lead to the Pinto Basin complex. Pinto Period The Pinto Period dates from around 5000 to 2000 BC, corresponding roughly to the Millingstone Horizon in the coastal areas of California. Although desert and coastal peoples shared cultural traits during this period, desert peoples probably did not have the same dependence on millingstones as coastal peoples. Seed grinding does not appear to be an important economic activity yet to the peoples of this period, but the presence of flat slab and occasionally shallow - basin metates along with manos, indicates growing importance that plant seed resources were beginning to have. Presumably these peoples were still maintaining a large and small game hunting and vegetal gathering economy during this period. Pinto points, as defined by Campbell 01 1 and Campbell (1935), are the distinctive lithics of this period. These are usually found in association with heavy -keeled scrapers, and millingstones. Pinto Basin complex sites are generally found in association with ephemeral lakes, stream channels, and springs, which to some suggests a break in the Altithermal warming. Presumably there was a reoccupation of lakeshore areas around 4500 BC and then a retreat back to desert oases by 3500 BC. This time period is known as the Little Pluvial. Gypsum Period The Gypsum Period is believed to date from around 2000 BC to about AD 500. Again, primary artifacts indicative of this period are projectile points of various types, including Gypsum Cave, Humbolt series, and Elko series points. The early Gypsum period is characterized by larger projectile points when use of the dart and atlatl were still common. Later, with the introduction of the bow and arrow, smaller points become prominent. Manos and metates become more common, and the mortar and pestle come into use --indicating a developing reliance upon fleshier seed foods such as mesquite pods and acorns. Presence of Haliolis and Olivella shell beads in sites of this period provide the earliest evidence for contact between desert and coastal peoples. Saratoga Springs Period The Saratoga Springs period lasts from about AD 500 to 1200. During this period the southern desert region, in which the Coachella Valley lies, deviates from the rest of the desert region due to heavy cultural influence by the Hakataya, a lower Colorado River group. The Hakataya influence brings drastic technological change to the peoples of this region. Buffware and Brownware pottery, made using the paddle and anvil technique are introduced and reliance on the bow and arrow increases which leads to a new projectile point type called Cottonwood Triangular. Millingstones, including manos, metates, pestles, and mortars are present in this time period. Late Pre -Contact Period The Late Pre -Contact Period spans from A.D. 1200 to contact with Europeans. It is characterized mostly by continuing regional development, which causes groups to differentiate technologically, ethnographically, and linguistically_ In the Coachella Valley region, Hakataya influence continues, with Colorado Buff -ware and Tizon Brownware still present. Desert Side - notched points have become the dominant point type. Proto-Historic Period Desert Cahuilla have inhabited the Coachella Valley region for at least the last 1000 years. They are a Takic speaking people who are more closely culturally tied with coastal and Colorado River groups than with most other Mojave desert peoples. First known contact with the Cahuilla by a European was during the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition in 1774-1776. They were largely ignored by the Spanish until the establishment of the Asistencias San Antonio de Pala (1816), rel 018 Santa Ysabel (1818), and San Bernardino (1830). Through these mission outposts the Spanish managaed to indirectly influence Cahuilla religious beliefs and culture. During the Mexican occupation of California, the Cahuilla were largely left alone by intruders. It was not until 1853 when the Southern Pacific Railroad began surveying the Coachella Valley for a possible railroad route that the Cahuilla were again bothered. By this point the lands inhabited by the Cahuilla had become desired by Americans. In response to this, President Ulysses S. Grant began allotting Cahuilla lands in 1875 to give to American settlers. It was during this period when the removal of the Cahuilla to government reservations began. Ten reservations were created that affected the Cahuilla; of these four are in the Coachella Valley. Ethnography Many studies of Cahuilla culture have been conducted over the years. Among the most informative accounts are Bean (1972, 1978), Strong (1929), Hooper (1920), and Kroeber (1908). Four excellent ethnobiological studies also exist (Ebeling 1986, Barrows 1900, Kroeber 1925, and Bean and Saubel 1972), as well as archaeological accounts of prehistoric Cahuilla adaptations to the desiccation of ancient Lake Cahuilla (e.g. Wilke 1978). The Cahuilla are divided by anthropologists into three subgroups, the Desert Cahuilla of the Coachella Valley, the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio pass area, and the Mountain Cahuilla of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. These divisions were based on geographic separation and dialect differences, but they were not necessarily recognized by the Cahuilla themselves. Actually, the Cahuilla did not consider themselves to be of one tribe as western anthropologists have designated them to be. Bean (1972:85) reported that "the maximal level of social identification among the Cahuilla was the ?ivi?lyu?atum, a linguistically and culturally defined group ... [which] refers to persons speaking the Cahuilla language and recognizing a commonly shared cultural heritage ... [but] a more precise membership criterion existed at the next level of group identity." A person's inclusion in his or her moiety and lineage (or clan) was primary to any tribal affiliation. The two moieties, or main divisions, of the Cahuilla were the Istam (coyote) and the Tuktum (wild cat). Moieties were patrilineal and exogamous, meaning that lineage was followed through the father and that members of one moiety had to marry into the other. Clans were numerous and were named after or associated with the villages they comprised. Individual clans claimed ownership over their village and the territories in which they hunted, gathered, and camped. Territories could be several square miles in extent and were only for the use of a specific lineage. Mesquite grove boundaries, for instance, were drawn to include specific trees. Everyone knew who those trees belong to so that if someone from another lineage was found trespassing, a fight could ensue. But in times of need, areas were shared with other clans. This allowance occurred regularly with mesquite because these groves do not produce bountiful crops each year. In the case of crop failure, a neighboring clan would invite the misfortunate person into their territory to gather. 7 019 Historical Background Some homesteaders were present in La Quinta as early as late last century, however the real origins of modern La Quinta rest with the opening of the La Quinta Hotel in 1926 (Cooper 1976:40). This was a hotel and winter resort with a golf course. It was developed on part of 1400 acres owned by the Desert Development Company (Gunther 1984:286). Archaeological Background Information Because this was a limited monitoring study rather than an archaeological reconnaissance report, a cultural resources record search was not conducted. Current record search information on file with AAG indicated that the La Quinta Resort area has never been surveyed for archaeological resources and that only about 10 percent of the area within a one -mile radius of the resort has been surveyed. No sites have been recorded within one-half mile of the project area. RESEARCH DESIGN Due to the limited nature of this study and the fact that the findings were negative, a formal research design was not prepared. METHODS FIELDWORK TECHNIQUES Standard archaeological monitoring techniques were utilized during the project. Daily field logs were kept by the monitors. 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. FINDINGS FIELDWORK DETAILS AND GENERAL FINDINGS Monitoring of trenching for the project was conducted on the following days in 1998: 8/6, 8/7, 8/14, 8/17, 8/18, 8/20, 9/9, 9/14, 9/16, 9/21, 9/23, 9/25, and 9/29. Monitoring was primarily conducted by Brenda Smith, with Mr. Brock also assisting. By recommendation of the City of La Quinta only monitoring of trenches dug to depths of 10-18 feet was conducted. Depths above ten feet were monitored on those occasions when a monitor was already present. No cultural material was identified during the monitoring. l 02G DISCUSSIONANTERPRETATION Monitoring investigations of the excavated trench lines provided no significant data pertinent to addressing research questions for the area. Nor was any data collected which added to current knowledge of precontact, contact, or historic use of the region. The negative data probably indicate that there were never any prehistoric sites present within the project area. Despite historic and modern disturbances it is unlikely that all evidence of prehistoric activity, had it once been present, would have disappeared from the area. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS SITE EVALUATION No sites of potential significance as defined by either CEQA (Appendix K) or Section 106 of the National historic Preservation Act were identified during the study. RECOMMENDATIONS The client has successfully complied with the archaeological monitoring conditions required by the City of La Quinta for trenching pertaining to the La Quinta Resort Homes project. It appears unnecessary to require future archaeological monitoring for earthmoving activity in this vicinity (i.e. the area outlined in Figure 1 above). The archaeological sensitivity for other areas of the La Quinta Resort remains unknown. REFERENCES CITED Bailey, Harry P. 1966 Weather of Southern California. California Natural History Guides 17. University of California Press, Berkeley. Barrows, David P. 1900 Ethno-botany of the Coahuilla Indians. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. 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. E 021 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 1989 Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format. California Office of Historic Preservation, 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. Cooper, Madge E. 1976 La Quinta-The Gem of the Desert. In Heritage Tales of Coachella Valley, edited by Florence Powell, pp. 40-41. American Association of University Women, Palm Springs, California. Ebeling, Walter 1986 Handbook of Indian Foods and Fibers of Arid America. University of California Press, Berkeley, California Gunther, Jane D. 1984 Riverside County, California, Place Names: Their Origins and Their Stories. Rubidoux Printing, Riverside, California 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. 1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. 1976 reprint edition. Dover Publications, Inc., New York. Strong, William Duncan 1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26:1-349. Berkeley. Warren, Claude N. 1984 The Desert Region. In California Archaeology, by Michael J. Moratto, pp. 339- 430. Academic Press, New York. 10 11 022 Warren, Claude N., and Robert H. Crabtree 1986 Prehistory of the Southwestern Area. In Great Basin, edited by Warren L. D'Azevedo, pp. 183-193. Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 11, William C. Sturtevant, general editor. Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C. 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 No. 38. University of California, Berkeley. APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS James Brock (President/Chief Archaeologist) • BA (Anthropology), UC Santa Barbara • MA (Archaeology), University of Durham, Durham, England • Registered Professional Archaeologist (ROPA Member; formerly the Society of Professional Archaeologists) • 18 years of experience as a Principal Investigator on cultural resource management projects throughout southern California Brenda D. Smith (Research Associate) • BS in Anthropology, emphasis in California Indian History, UC Riverside • MA candidate, Native American Studies Program, UCLA • 7 years of cultural resource management experience in southern California 11 r DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: DEVELOPER: CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND:. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DECEMBER 17, 1998 MONITORING REPORT FOR TRACT 28458 - BELLA VISTA NORTH SIDE OF FRED WARING DRIVE, BETWEEN WASHINGTON STREET AND ADAMS STREET ROGER SNELLENBERGER & ASSOCIATES, INC. ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTING SERVICES, JOHN STEPHEN ALEXANDROWICZ Archaeological monitoring was required as a condition of approval for Tract 28458.The developer complied with this condition during the mass grading of the project. Attached is a letter report from the consulting archaeologist regarding the results of the monitoring. No cultural resources were observed during the monitoring. RECOMMEND ATI N: No action is required. Attachment: 1. Letter report dated December 4, 1998, ACS Prepared by: L slie / nd, Ass ciate Planner C:\MyFiles\hperptTM28458monit. wpd Submitted by: Christine di lono, lanning Manager 024 ROGER SNELLENBERGER & ASSOCIATES, INC. LAND DEVELOPMENT 78615 NAPLES DRIVE LA QUINTA, CA 92253 (760)772-0222 FAX (760) 772-0257 December 7, 1998 DEC 0 8 1998 Mr. Hector Guzman Assistant Engineer I CITY OF LA QUINTA 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253-1504 RE: TRACT 28458, BELLA VISTA Dear Hector, Enclosed please find a letter from Archaeological Consulting Services dated December 4 1998 regarding the grading operations on the above referenced tract. As you can see that they did not find any cultural artifacts on the site during the grading operations. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Sincerely, onald sc Vice President IDO:ke Enclosures DEC 0 g 1999 CITY OF LAni uniTA Archaeological Consulting Services Mr. J. Donald Olson Vice President Roger Snellenberger and Associates, Inc. 78615 Naples Drive La Quinta, CA 92253 SUBJECT: Submittal of ACS' RE: Archaeological Bella Vista Project, California. Dear Mr. Olson: DEC 7 RECT December 4, 1998 Status Report and Invoice 98-11-No. 2; Monitoring at the Western Portion of the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, During the period from October 14 through 26, 1998, ACS staff conducted archaeological monitoring of construction grading at the Western Portion of the Bella Vista Project. ACS archaeologists identified one historic refuse feature (i.e., trash deposit) consisting of 43 metal can fragments and two glass bottle fragments. These artifacts date from the 1950s-1960s and are not significant per Appendix K of CEQA. No other cultural artifacts, features nor sites were identified during the construction grading for the Bella Vista Project. Enclosed is ACS' Invoice 98-11-No. 2 for archaeological monitoring at the Bella Vista Project. Your prompt payment is appreciated. Thank you for the opportunity to work with Roger Snellenberger and Associates, Inc. on this project. Please contact me with any comments and/or questions. Your Partner In Historic AR OLOGI' AL CONS n ,lexandrow: Director Preservation, LTING SERVICES M.S., R.P.A. P.O. Box 39 • 13826 Pollard Dr. • Lytle Creek, CA 92358 • 909/887-0795 026 BI #C DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: CONSULTANT: DEVELOPER: BACKGROUND: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DECEMBER 17, 1998 INTERIM ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT FOR ST. FRANCIS CHURCH TEMPORARY PARKING LOT WEST SIDE OF WASHINGTON STREET, SOUTH OF 47T" AVENUE AND NORTH OF 48TH AVENUE CRM TECH, BRUCE LOVE, PH.D. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH The Planning Commission, on December 8, 1998, approved a Minor Use Permit for a temporary church parking lot located immediately south of the church, with the condition that the Historic Preservation Commission review the interim report. The Planning Commission requested that if there are any modifications to the conditions of approval made by the HPC, that they be included in the final conditions of approval for Minor Use Permit 98-104. A Phase I archaeological survey was conducted on a vacant parcel located south of the existing church campus. The survey was conducted in preparation for an expansion of the church campus. Three prehistoric sites were found during the survey (RIV-2198, RIV-6134, and RIV-6135). Testing of the three sites has been recommended. One of the archaeological sites (RIV-6135) would be impacted by the proposed parking lot. Due to the urgency of creating the parking lot for the holiday season, testing was conducted on RIV-6135 on December 7, 1998, by CRM TECH. Testing of the site included hand excavated units and trenching. All surface artifacts were collected. The interim report states that the artifacts do not represent a true archaeological site because there is evidence of them having been washed in or brought in over time. The area contained gravels, asphalt, and other debris indicating that the site area did not have cultural integrity. C:\Mydata\hperptM UP98-104chu rch. wpd 02 7 However, RIV-6134 lies adjacent to the proposed interim parking lot on the northwest edge. A meeting of the project engineers and the archaeological consultant determined that: a proposed walkway at that location would be removed to avoid disturbance of the site. CONCLUSION: Staff concurs with the interim report and its conclusions and recommendations. The final report will be presented to the HPC when it has been received by the Community Development Department. RECOMMENDATION: Move to adopt a Minute Motion to accept the interim report in compliance with the environmental review for Minor Use Permit 98- 104. Attachment: 1. Letter report dated December 9, 1998, CRM TECH, Bruce Love, Ph.D. Prepared by: --� n �`--' Le lie Mouriqua� Associ to Planner ' C:\M ydatalhperptM U P98- 104c hu rc h. wpd Submiittjje---d/ by: Christine di lorio, Plann g Manager 026 1PCRM TECH December 9, 1998 ;----_ 126 Barrett Road Riverside DEC l% 1998 j� n CA, 92507 CITY 0 LA -U;;P,riA j T 909 784 3051 PLANNING DEP ARTM o F 909 784 2987 �'�'-----_.��. ENT Jerry Herman, Community Development Director City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Re: Saint Francis of Assissi Church Parking Lot project Dear Mr. Herman, In October and November, 1998, CRM TECH performed a cultural resources survey on a proposed parking lot development for the Saint Francis of Assissi Church on Washington Street in the City of La Quinta (Love et al. 1998). As a result of that survey, three archaeological sites were found, designated CA-RIV-2198 (a previously recorded site), -6134, and -6135. Of these three sites, only CA-RIV-6135 would be impacted by the "interim parking lot" proposed by the Church to be constructed prior to the upcoming Christmas programs and services for which the installation of the parking lot has become an urgent need. The surface of this site, as originally recorded, contained approximately 30 pottery sherds, five flakes of chipped stone, half a dozen fire -affected rocks, and a light scattering of partially fired clay pieces, all lying on the surface (Love et al. 1998:10, 12-13). On December 7, 1998, CRM TECH performed a testing and evaluation program on Site CA-RIV-6135 in order to determine if the site meets CEQA criteria for importance or significance. Seven archaeological test pits were excavated, five of which went to 100 cm (3.3 feet) of depth. The other two were excavated to 40 cm and 60 cm respectively. In addition to the test units, three backhoe trenches were excavated to a depth of two meters (6.6 feet) in search of buried deposits. All surface artifacts were collected, test unit and trench sidewalls were logged, and photographs were taken. The final report with complete descriptions of methods and results is pending. While the final report is in preparation, the conclusion of the test phase can be reported at this time. The artifacts do not represent a true archaeological site because they show evidence of having been washed in or hauled in over time. All artifacts were found either on the surface or within the top 20 cros (8 inches) of the test units. Geologic profiling of the units and trenches showed that the soil containing artifacts is highly disturbed and is not the original soil of that location. It contains gravel, bits of asphalt, 1 02S and other debris indicating it had been transported to the site during past episodes of flooding and/or hauling of fill dirt. The artifacts probably originated from the direction of the major archaeological deposits known to exist closer to the intersection of Highway 111 and Washington Street. As a result, CRM TECH recommends to the City of La Quinta, Lead Agency for the project, that Site CA-RIV-6135 does not meet CEQA criteria for importance and therefore construction of the proposed "interim parking lot" will have "no effect" on cultural resources. It should be noted however, that another site recorded during the survey phase (CA- RIV-6134), which has not yet been tested, lies adjacent to the "interim parking lot" on the northwest edge of the project, and that during a meeting with Robert Ross of Robert Bein, William Frost and Associates and Betty Williams of Oliphant and Williams Associates, it was agreed that a proposed walkway at that location would be removed from the project plans in order to avoid said archaeological site. CRM TECH recommends that the final design of the "interim parking lot" be reviewed to assure that the untested recorded site is protected from disturbances. Sincerely, 6A Bruce Love, Principal CRM TECH References: Love, Bruce, Tom Tang, and Harry Quinn 1998 Cultural. Resources Report, St. Francis of Assissi Church Parking Lot Site, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. Ms. on file at Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside. 2 1. 030 BI #D HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: DECEMBER 17, 1998 ITEM: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 25691, A 10+ ACRE PARCEL LOCATED ADJACENT TO MILES AVENUE LOCATION: SECTION 20, T5S, R7E; NORTH SIDE OF MILES AVENUE BETWEEN DUNE PALMS ROAD AND JEFFERSON STREET CONSULTANT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES: ROBERT WHITE AND LAURIE WHITE DEVELOPER: WORLD DEVELOPMENT, INC. BACKGROUND_ During August, 1998, a Phase I archaeological investigation was conducted on a 10- acre parcel as part of the environmental assessment for proposed Tentative Tract Map 25691. World Development, Inc. proposes to subdivide the property into a 38-lot residential community. No cultural resources were observed on the project site during the survey, although there are several recorded prehistoric sites in the general vicinity. The report states that there is no evidence of dune migration or blow sand accumulation on the property; thus, there is little likelihood that any subsurface deposits are present. No mitigation measures are recommended by the archaeologist for this project. A review of the records and maps in the Community Development Department indicates that the proposed project site is approximately '/2 mile west of the ancient Lake Cahuilla shoreline, and just west of a zone of recorded prehistoric sites along the shoreline. Previous archaeological surveys on parcels further west and northwest have not resulted in any recorded sites. There are four recorded sites in the quarter - section just north of the project site. In addition, there is a recorded isolate in close proximity to the east of the project site. However, no sites were recorded adjacent to the west. The report does not recommend monitoring for this project. However, staff recommends, because of the proximity of the project site to recorded sites, the isolate to the east, and the potential for buried deposits, requiring 031 monitoring of the grubbing and grading as a contingency measure. It is recommended that all trenching and cuts be inspected by a professionally -qualified archaeologist, as they are created. A report of the monitoring results should then be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission prior to issuance of any building permits, as follow up. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Minute Motion to accept the archaeology report as submitted to the City, with the recommendation for monitoring of the grubbing, trenching, and cuts as discussed in this report, in partial compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Attachment: 1. Confidential Archaeological Report (HPC only) Prepared by: L LIE MOURIQUAND Associate Planner C:\MyFiles\H PC rptTTM 25691 .wpd Submitted by: CHRISTINE DI IORIO Planning Manager 032 11-20-1998 6:24Ph1 FROM ARCHAEC. ASSOC. 909 244 0084 rr. AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF TENTATIVE TRACT 25691, A 10+ACRE PARCEL LOCATED ADJACENT TO MILES AVENUE, CITY OF LA QUINTA, RIVERSIDE COUNTY by Robert S. White Laurie S. White Archaeological Associates P.O. Box 180 Sun City, CA 92586 (909)244-1783 FAX 244-0084 for World Development, Inc. 78-120 Calle Estado, Suite 104 La Quinta, CA 92253 REVL4ED November 20, 1998 Study Area USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle: La Quinta Study Area Acreage: 10±acres KEYWORDS: Survey, Coachella Valley, La Quinta, Riverside County The undersigned certifies that the attached report is a true and accurate description of the results of an ARCHABOLOCr1CAL survey described ein, Robert S. White Principal Investigator ».. 03 S TABLE OF CONTENTS Management Summary I. NTRODUCTION . II. SETTING . A. Study Area Location and Environment B. Cultural Setting III. RESEARCH DESIGN A. Previous Research . B. Research Goals IV. METHODS A. Literature/Archival Research B. Field Survey V. FINDINGS VI. DISCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS REFERENCES CITED APPENDIX A.: Personnel Qualifications APPENDIX E: Records Search Results -i- Page m 1 1 1 5 12 12 15 15 15 18 034 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1. Regional location of the project area as indicated . 2 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 . 3 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. Figure 3. Study area as illustrated on Tentative Tract 6 Map 25691. LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1. Archaeological sites within a one -mile radius of 13 the study area. LIST OF PLATES Page Plate I. Top: Looking west/southwest across study area 17 from atop highest dune. Bottom: Looking northeast across study area from vicinity of southwest property comer. 035 11-20-1998 5:24PM FROM ARCHAEO. ASSOC. 909 244 0084 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY At the request of World Development Inc., Archaeological Associates has undertaken a Phase I Archaeological Assessment of Tentative Tract 25691, a 10+acre parcel located adjacent to the north side of Miles Avenue and just east of Dune Palms Road in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County. Presently, it is desired to develop the property into a 38-lot residential subdivision. The purpose of this study was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated within the boundaries of the study area. This information is needed since adoption of the plan could result in adverse effects upon locations of archaeological or historical importance. Assessment constraints comprised a fixed budget and schedule. The remelts of the records search conducted at the Eastern Information Center at UCR indicated that no archaeological sites have been recorded within the boundaries of the subject property. The results of the field survey were equally as negative as no archaeological finds of any kind were made. Although the study area lies in a region of the Coachella Valley subject to seasonal windstorms, no evidence of dune migration or blow sand accumulation was observed. Thus, it is improbable that buried prehistoric resources exist on the subject property. Consequently, archaeological monitoring of the brushing/grubbing element of the rough grading phase of the project is not warranted. In summary, since a thorough study has failed to reveal the presence of any cultural resources within the boundaries of the study area, no farther work im conjunction with such resources is recommended. 036 I. INTRODUCTION The following report was written for World Development Inc. by Archaeological Associates. It describes the results of an archaeological assessment of 10+acres as depicted on Tentative Tract Map 25691. The study area is located adjacent to the north side of Miles Avenue approximately 220 yards east of Dune Palms Road in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County. Presently, project proponents wish to develop the subject property into a 38-parcel residential subdivision. The purpose of this study was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated within the study area. This information is needed since adoption of the plan could result in adverse effects upon locations of archaeological or historical importance. Our assessment consisted of. (1) a records search conducted to determine whether any previously recorded historic or prehistoric material is present within the subject property, (2) map research, and (3) a field reconnaissance intended to identify any previously unrecorded cultural resources. The study was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it pertains to the management of cultural resources. Furthermore, it is understood that the City of La Quinta is acting as the Lead Agency for the project and therefore the document format complies with the City's requirements for cultural resources. Consequently, this report was prepared according to the Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format contained within the State's Preser-ration Planning Bulletin Number 4(a) (California Department of Parks and Recreation 1989). IL SETTING A Study Area Location and Environment Regionally, the study area is located in the Coachella Valley, both north and northeast of the Santa Rosa Mountains and south of Interstate 10, Riverside County (fig. 1). More specifically, the project area lies within the City of La Quinta adjacent to the north side of Miles -1- 03 7 ��I �a.J • ate aler ��:-,�..� v� � P�� ���� V�p. � -` 'N th Pal in •Wata R nch 'RaMh �Ranc1A . � 1 /6! r A A ` �� A ` r " T "�, Ranch .;. Pry T o s nE Pal 1 �l �R�� ✓ 0 � �; i � '4� •Ran l Y � ;� �- —� Atur�lK %y Ran, !A l^. ` \ i oaRr CaMOilla Hills�l Y S star t� IND RE Radio I �' C- aCI1 CIO . Cam Ran UG Therm 5 I �i s 4 J � r.1`. ��.✓� rtr �� 4y�, r� ti m � I ��, - T`N Nlghling , e\ MOUM � /, i TOFF SM Cam i �{ N IPN ES ` � � i eZ �� a ene T � � Can J' r-• � 'C O� r i Figure 1 Regional location of the project area as indicated on a portion of the USGS Santa Ana 1:250,000 scale Topographic Map Sheet. -2- 038 �7 LOA, 42,, UU1 L i �17 BERKUDA DUNES \,��.COUNTRY CLUB S,phon, X, 0 ROAD...:. C, Z. Y BM 3 VA To le, C Well P.,, \AV 20 MILES 211�AVENUE. � IN 80 Q- 0 AVENUE 0 16 L 60 "AL4 Q 0 2 •0749 v 1129 BM 61 30 I ell Figure 2 Study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. —3- 039 Avenue, 220-yards east of Dune Palms Road and just north and west of the Indio city limits. Legally, it comprises the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 20, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, San Bernardino Base Meridian. Figure 2 illustrates the study area on a portion of the USGS La Ordnta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. The subject property is bounded on the south by Miles Avenue and on the north by existing residential development (fig. 3). The western property boundary is delineated by a dirt access road, the eastern boundary is relatively unmarked. Both the western and eastern boundaries adjoin vacant, undeveloped land. Geographically, the Coachella Valley comprises the northwestern corner of the Colorado Desert or "low desert" province. The southern part of the valley forms the northern half of the Salton Basin --the province's largest low area. The basin is currently occupied by the Salton Sea, a man-made lake. However, the major drainage from the Colorado Desert is into the Salton Basin (Norris and Webb 1976:149). Thus, the current body of water was preceded by a series of natural prehistoric lakes, the most recent of which is known as "Lake Cahuilla." The Salton Basin is underlain by thick Cenozoic sedimentary materials of primarily terrestrial (i.e. non -marine) origin. The sediments west of the Salton Sea comprise, soft, easily eroded fine-grained material known as the Palm Springs Formation. The sediments deposited by the former natural lakes comprise similar soft beds of weakly consolidated siltstones and clays (ibid. 153). Topographically, our study area comprises an undulating dune field which represents the southern fringe of the Myoma Dunes. These mounded dunes once bordered the edge of Lace Cahuilla at its highest stand. They acquired their sand from the Whitewater River drainage and were apparently formed by mesquite thickets: Mounded dunes lacking slip faces apparently were formed by deposition among mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) thickets that grew in response to the high water table during the recent stands of Lake Cahuilla. The mesquite continued to crown out the tops of the dunes as they gradually rose to heights of up to 35 or 40 feet. Many of the mesquite thickets that crown these dunes have ring -shaped growth patterns many yards across. They are probably clones, arisen from a single plant, and if so, are not less than 500 years old. There are also -4- 040 interdune basins with elevations of less than +42 feet, the level of the last stand of Lake Cahuilla. (Wilke 1978:63) Elevations within the study area range from a maximum of 85-feet above sea level atop the highest dune to a minimum of approximately 62-feet in a low-lying trough situated midway along the southern margin of the property. Study .area vegetation is best described as a sparse scatter of Creosote Bush Scrub. Some of the more readily identifiable plants observed included mesquite, creosote bush, saltbush, sage„ tumbleweeds and grasses. Soils consist entirely of loosely compacted, fine- grained sands and silts. Fauna observed were limited to a Desert Iguana and doves. No natural surface water or bedrock outcrops were encountered anywhere within the study area. Disturbance within the project area comprises an elevated berm along the western property boundary, off -road vehicle trails, several backfilled geo-soils trenches, and illicitly dump construction debris. In no way did the disturbed areas hinder the performance of the field investigation. B. Cultural Selain No early prehistoric aboriginal activity has ever been documented in the Coachella Valley. However, by late prehistoric times (say after about 1,000 A.D.), human activity seems to have abounded. During this late prehistoric period, the valley was the home of the Desert Cahuilla Indians, a hunting and gathering people who spoke a Shoshonean dialect. The reader may find full ethnographic accounts of the Cahuilla in a number of works including Barrows (1900), Kroeber (1908' 1925), Strong (1929) and Bean (1978). The primary published source of information on the prehistoric archaeology of the region is P.J. Wilke's Late Prehistoric Human EcoloJy at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California (1978). 1. Prehistoric Occupation of the Lake Cahuilla Shoreline Archaeological evidence clearly indicates that the northern shoreline of Lake Cahuilla was fairly heavily populated during the last high stand of the lake some 400-600 years ago. -5- 041 TIR"A""e'�1 HQ% CVV/D WELLI -El '12 S11 LU ms' 6 LLI 9LX9 WALL A: F 7 443 3)7SF 35, 34 33 32 31 30 38 U7�_� 1 1 " SFr j113_SE 7V Ir S�F 7 - 7 S rC A45 5 AD- PAD - A Q, 'Gnm- LEJa, "LI 3, t A 1 (2z' V 20', 21 /!�"12\ 23 '34 26 2 /Sf 5 7 7.139 IF 1 7 4g. J9 SF�',� �A'l ' 63, �76 ; i PA 7 01 Vw77V r BLM All 9.5729 .159 PAO sF�� '1�1'7' S F - J,43 F 1399 $F 7,439 SF,$ 7 58 PQ.76-1 PQ-13 9 �PADP W716= PAD- 75/0 ftD. 75.1- - 4 S LANbIS6 RETENTI \31 —4) -"$.I.. 8 —,BASIN �7.710 SF'r 7, �P 40SG' ].65 ,SF 7.710 SF� 31 5F 7 IQ774.3- A A, AD-7V� p .7$ 5- YkD 7 C) P 7 `LONE 0.oW 6 1 All 61 2T I L A '.D SC` �L 0T 2Al2 LOY E Figure 3 Study area as illustrated on Tentative Tract Map 25691. 60 Scale map reduced 50% from original. 0 0 4 2 Study area as illustrated on Tentative Tract Map 25691. 60 Scale map reduced 50% from original. 0 0 4 2 Today the area consists of sandy washes, hillocks, and dunes bearing numerous small prehistoric sites. Typically, these consist of scatters of Tizon brown and Colorado Buff ware potsherds mixed with fire -cracked rock, occasional ground stone milling implements, and chipped stone tools (arrow points, scrapers, etc.). These represent mesquite gathering sites, camps of various sizes, and in a few cases, village sites. Although no one knows what the human population of the shoreline was, it seems reasonable to assume that it was quite substantial by local prehistoric standards. Wilke has investigated the ecology of Lake Cahuilla's shoreline inhabitants in a study based partly upon the contents of coprolites (dried human fecal matter) collected from surfaces of sites in the Myoma Dunes area. He summarized his conclusions as follows: Investigation of 109 coprolites and faunal and floral remains, mostly from the Myoma Dunes in Coachella Valley, reveals the nature of aboriginal subsistence practices. Identified food residues indicate that subsistence was oriented primarily to the open waters and marshes, with heavy reliance on the adjacent low desert flora. Seeds of bulrush of several species, cattail, witchgrass, cattail, pollen, fish, and aquatic birds were all derived from the aquatic setting. Screwbean pods, seeds of lowland purslande... and a variety of the desert floor and lower mountain slopes... The restricted seasonal availability of certain plant foods and aquatic birds suggest that the Myoma Dunes locality was occupied the year round. (Wilke 19,78:128). Thus it appears that the Cahuilla Indians who resided next to the lake were well -adapted to both the lacustrine and desert environments. In all probability, the latter adaptation had developed prior to the appearance of the lake. In any event, it has been estimated that within a period of some 25 years, the lake evaporated to the extent that it would no longer support most of its dependent aquatic life and that within 55 years, it had disappeared altogether due to evaporation (ibid. 129). -7- 043 2. The Desert Cahuilla The Cahuilla themselves seem to have believed that their ancestors followed the lakeshore southward as it retreated into the basin. This belief is reflected in the first ethnographically recorded Cahuilla legend as told to William Blake in 1853: When questioned about the shore -line and water marks of the ancient lake, the chief gave an account of a tradition they have of a great water (agua grande) which covered the whole valley and was filled with fine fish. There was also plenty of geese and ducks. Their fathers lived in the mountains and used to come down to the lake to fish and hunt. The water gradually subsided "poco," "poco" (little by little,) and their villages were moved down from the mountains, into the valley it had left. They also said that the waters once returned very suddenly and overwhelmed many of their people and drove the rest back to the mountains. (Blake 1856:98). The "mountains" probably refer to the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and west of the study area from whence most of the Cahuilla clans were supposed to have emanated (Strong 19291'ables 3 & 4, pp. 41f.). Thus, it would appear that these informants were either unaware of, or discounted, the archaeologically documented Lakeshore occupation discussed above. In any event, the legend seems to indicate that villages were built on the playa as the lake receded. Also, some of the lakeside inhabitants may have returned to upland areas with the concomitant reduction in pressure on rapidly depleting water resources. Since potable water was no longer available from the lake (which would have become very brackish), the Cahuilla turned to drawing water from springs, artesian wells, and, in some cases, excavated walk-in wells. These are somewhat romantically described by Barrows: For generations they [the Cahuillas] have been well diggers. Their very occupation of the desert was dependent upon their discovery of this art. The whole valley of the Cabeson is dotted with wells, most of then marking sites of homes long ago abandoned... These wells are usually great pits with terraced sides leading down to the narrow hole INI 044 at the bottom where the water sparkles, built in such a way that a woman with an olla on her head can walk to the ver water's edge and dip her painted vessel full. (Barrows 1900:27). By historic times there is evidence that the Cahuilla practiced limited irrigation and agriculture. However, we may assume that the traditional food sources were the most important during the final days of the prehistoric era. These would have included mesquite and screwbean pods in addition to rabbits and other small game. Testimony to the success of the adjusted lifestyle may be found in the fact that when the U.S. Land Office surveyors entered the Coachella Valley in the mid-19th century, they found and recorded some twenty-two villages, many of which may have had as many as 100 or more occupants (Wilke 1978:120). 3. Ethnographically Recorded Cahuilla In 1929, William Duncan Strong published his classic Aboriginal Society in Southern California, a work which includes a detailed study of the villages in the southern end of the Coachella Valley. Strom s informants were elderly Cahuilla whose recollection extended back into the mid-19th century. They were able to provide our best details regarding the character of the local villages. Str on s comments with regard to the subsistence patterns of the villages are particularly enlightening: The essential thing to any community, especially to one living in the desolate environment of the desert, is water, and it is around the natural water holes and artificial wells that the Desert Cahuilla were grouped. It appears to have been possible for several clans to use one water hole or well, and yet to be almost independent of each other in every other regard. Where there was more than enough water for domestic purposes a little farming was carried on, each clan having its allotted area for this purpose. Within the memory of all informants questioned, both corn and wheat were raised in these small patches, and doubtless other vegetables, such as melons, beans, and squash. Francisco [Hombre, b. 1849 or thereabouts] was told by his grandfather that before the Mexicans came the Desert Cahuilla had !� only corn; this they did not raise but traded for with the Yuma Indians of the Colorado River area. The staple foods, however, appear to have been the beans of the various mesquite trees, a great variety of cactus, and similar native plants of the desert. Excepting such irrigable areas as were owned by the individual clans, the territory in the immediate vicinity of the village was common ground, but beyond this each clan had certain clusters of mesquite trees and small districts in the mountains which they owned and jealously guarded. Within the clan these food -gathering territories were communally utilized, but in the case of uninvited incursions of any alien people, the owners were prepared to fight ... (Strong 1929:39f.). A typical village was located in an area of dense mesquite tree thickets near a spring or well. Individual houses contained one or more families but always of the same clan. If members of two clans occupied a village, each had its own separate irrigated garden (in historic time). 4. The Cahuilla After European Contact The Spanish first passed through Cahuilla territory in 1774 during the Juan Batista de Anza Expedition but Bean believes that they were aware of the existence of Europeans at an earlier date (Bean 1978:583). In any case, the Spanish found them to be hostile. It was not until 1819 when the Spanish established several asistencias near Cahuilla territory that they came into much contact with Europeans. From that point, the Cahuilla began to adopt certain Spanish cultural elements including the language, religion, and agriculture. Nonetheless, the Cahuilla still maintained their economy up through the American Invasion of California. However, a severe smallpox epidemic in 1863 greatly reduced their numbers and left them . relatively defenseless against the constantly increasing number of Americans. -10- 046 III. RESEARCH DESIGN A. Previous Research The primary published source of information on the prehistoric archaeology of the region is P.A. Wilke's Late Prehistoric Hunan Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California (1978). Also of interest in this regard are two unpublished papers by McWilliams (1970, 1971). These works relate to the archaeology of Lake Cahuilla at its highest stand; a time when the northern two-thirds of the alignment lay along the shoreline of the lake. There are some good sources on the ethnographically known villages which sprang up around the various wells and springs after Lake Cahuilla dried up. The primary source is William Duncan Strong's Aboriginal Society in Southern California (1929); most of the later works comprising rehashes of Strong's study (see Bean [1978] for the latest work and additional references). Much of the published history of La Quinta and Indio have appeared in the Periscope, an annual magazine published by the Coachella Valley Historical Society. Another invaluable source of local history is the Coachella Valley County Water District's Coachella Valley's Golden Years (Nordland 1978). Several other more focused volumes include Cecilia Foulkes' Mecca, a Cal forma Desert History (1985) and Francis J. Johnston's The Bradshaw Trail (1987). Collectively, these works provide a reasonably thorough background history of the region although it is necessary to assemble the various pieces for oneself. In-depth individual histories of the local cities are notably lacking. I B. Research Goals The goals of our research were to identify known locations of potential significance situated within the study area. Our hypotheses were as follows: (1) Prehistoric sites may be clustered within dune fields regardless of elevation. Typically, prehistoric sites in the upper Coachella Valley comprise scatters of potsherds, fire - affected rock, chipped stone implements, and at times, human cremations. Pottery sherds, of both the Tizon :Brown and Colorado Buff varieties are perhaps the most abundant indicator of prehistoric activity in the region. 04 (2) Historic sites in the region are connected with early farming, ranching, date palm or citrus activities. Lacking standing structures, remains of these homesteads and farmsteads typically comprises concrete, cobble or adobe structure foundations, irrigation systems and trash scatters. However, not all debris scatters (e.g. tin can, glass, crockery) can be connected to a particular home or farmstead. In many instances, isolated scatters of dumped historic debris represent nothing more that illicitly discarded rubbish. IV. METHODS A. LiteratureiArchival Research 1. Archaeological Records Search A records search of the study area was conducted by Ms. Laurie White at the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside on August 21, 1998. The search entailed a review of all previously recorded prehistoric and historic archaeological sites within a one -mile radius of the study area. Additionally, the National Register of Historic Places, California Historic Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, and the Office of Historic Preservation's Historic Property Inventory were reviewed for the purpose of identifying any historic properties. a. Previously F:ecorded Archaeological Sites The results of the records search indicated that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the study area. However, this portion of the Coachella Valley is very sensitive for archaeological resources. A total of 27 previously recorded sites are recorded within a one -mile radius of the project area. The majority of these comprise prehistoric artifact scatters (12) and habitation sites (6) which typically include combinations of pottery, lithics, groundstone, fire -altered rock, bone and charcoal. Additionally, human cremations are known from at least one of the habitation sites (RIV-1178). Remaining site categories comprise campsites (4) and ceramic scatters (5). Each site is briefly characterized in Table 1. -12- Ile Table li.. Archaeological Sites within a One -mile Radius of the Study Area. Site Number Site Description RIV-1178 Habitation site with cremation. RIV-1303 Artifact scatter. RIV-1638 Artifact scatter. RIV-1769 Habitation site. RIV-1971 Artifact scatter. RIV-1972 Artifact scatter. RIV-2200 Artifact scatter. RIV-3667 Ceramic scatter. RIV-3668 Ceramic scatter. RIV-3795 Artifact scatter. RIV-3866 Campsite. RIV-5332 Artifact scatter with possible clay quarry. RIV-5333 Habitation site. RIV-5334 Artifact scatter. RIV-5340 Habitation site. RIV-5342 Artifact scatter. RIV-5343 Habitation site. RIV-5344 Artifact scatter. RIV-5345 Habitation site. RIV-5347 Artifact scatter. RIV-5351 Artifact scatter. RIV-5828 Campsite. RIV-5840 Campsite. RIV-5841 Ceramic and fire -affected rock scatter. RIV-5842 Campsite. RIV-5843 Ceramic scatter. RIV-5844 Ceramic scatter. -13- 049 The closest recorded archaeological site to the study area is RIV-3667. The site was recorded by Brooke Arkush of the Archaeological Research Unit (ARU), University of California at Riverside in 1990 and described as a ceramic scatter covering an area of 15 x 38 meters. Test: excavations conducted at the site revealed that a total of 23 sherds were recovered (10 surface finds, 13 excavated finds). No cultural material was found below the 20- 30 cm. level (Arkush 1990:40). RIV-3667 lies approximately 1/4 mile to the northeast of the study area. b. Heritage Properties No National Register sites, California Historic Landmarks, or California Points of Historical Interest have been identified within a one -mile of the study area. However, one archaeological site (RIV-1178) has been determined eligible for the National Register as part of the La Quinta Evacuation Channel Archaeological District. RIV-1178 lies approximately one -mile to the southeast of the study area. The Historic Property Inventory (HRI) failed to identify any historic structures in the vicinity of the study area. 2. Historic Maps In addition to the records search, several historic maps were examined at the Tomas Rivera Library., University of California at Riverside and at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Riverside. Map reviewed at the BLM included the 1856 U.S. General Land Office (GLO) plat map for Township 5 South, Range 7 East (surveyed by Washington and La Croze). USGS topographic quadrangles examined in the map room at the Tomas Rivera Library included the 1904 USGS Indio 30' quadrangle (surveyed 1901), the 1941 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Toro Peak 15' quadrangle, the 1944 Army Corps of Engineers' (War Department) Toro Peak 15' quadrangle, the 1959 USGS Palm Desert 15' quadrangle, and the 1959 USGS La Quinta 7.5' topographic quadrangle. Examination of the 1856 GLO plat map for Township 5 South, Range 7 East shows no cultural activity in the study area. However, to the south in Sections 28 and 29, a single east- -14- 050 11-20-1998 5:25PM FROM ARCHAEC. ASSOC. 900 244 2024 P.4 west oriented dirt (wagon) road is delineated. It appears that this road paralleled a portion of the Whitewater River. Similar to the GLO plat map, none of the aforementioned USGS topographic quadrangles indicate the presence of any man-made features within the subject property. It appears that this property has always been vacant, undeveloped land. B. Field Reconnaissance A field reconnaissance of the study area was conducted by Laurie S. White, M.A. (surveyor, SOPA certified), Susan Underbrink (surveyor, B.A) and Robert S. White (surveyor & Principal Investigator) on August 25, 1999. As previously discussed, the intent of the survey was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated within the boundaries of the study area. Historic resources include places and structures relating to significant historic events or having historical or special aesthetic qualities in and of themselves. Prehistoric resources include Indian sites of all types. The pedestrian survey began in the northwest comer of the property and proceeded in an easterly direction. The field study was conducted by walking parallel transects spaced at 5-10 mews across the site_ IxA to the archaeological sensitivity of the region, an extra effort was trade during the field reconnaissance to identify any evidence of prehistoric occupation on the property. Surface visibility was excellent, approaching 100% throughout the project area. V. FINDINGS The results of our field investigation were entirely negative. No prehistoric or historic cultural resources were observed anywhere within the boundaries of the study area. Furthermore, there were no indications of significant sand or dune migration that can obscure archaeological resources. VI. DISCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS The records search failed to indicate the presence of any previously recorded sites within the study area, The results of the field study were equally as negative. Furthermore, -15- 11-20-1998 5:2EPM FROM ARGHAEO. ASSUL;. 9t49 244 WW64 V'.b ahhough the subject property lies in an area of the Coachella Valley that is known for migrating dunes which are created by seasonal windstorms, no evidence of dune migration or blow sand accumulation was observed. Thus, it is unlikely that any buried archaeological resources are present within the study area. Consequently, archaeological monitoring of the brushing/grubbing element of the rough grading phase of development is not warranted. In conclusion, since a thorough study has failed to reveal the presence of any cultural resources within the boundaries of the study area, no fiuther work in conjunction with such resources is recommended. -16- 05� M4 a. .i �1-i.� 4 ✓. L u w, Y. � Y a 4• e .sg Plate I Top: Looking west/southwest across study area from atop highest dune. Bottom: Looking northeast across study area from vicinity of southwest property corner. -17- „ 05, REFERENCES CITED ARKUSH, BROOKE S. 1990 Archaeological Investigations at CA-RIV-1769, CA-RIV-3667, and CA-RIV- 3795, Tentative Tract 24197, La Qunita, Riverside County, California. Archaeological Research Unit. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. BARROWS, DAVID PRESCOTT 1900 The Ethno-botrnry of the Coahuilla Indians of Southern California. University of Chicago Press. BEAN, LOWELL J. 1978 Cahuilla. IN, Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8, California, :Robert F. Heizer, ed., pp. 575-587. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, D.C. BLAKE, WILLIAM PHIPPIS 1856 Geological Report. IN: Reports of Explorations in California for Railroad Routes near the 35" and 32nd Parallels of North Latitude (by Lt. R.S. Williamson). Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable aiid Economic Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Vol. 5. Beverly Tucker, Printer. Washington, D.C. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 1989 Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format. California Office of Historic Preservation. Sacramento. FOULKES, CECILIA 1985 Mecca: A California Desert History. Privately printed. JOHNSTON, FRANCIS J. 1987 The Bradshaw Trail. Historical Commission Press. Riverside. KROEBER, ALFRED L. 1908 Ethnography of the Cahuilla Indians. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 8(2):29-68. Berkeley. 1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin no. '78, pp. 1-995. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, D.C. [E� 0514 McWILLIAMS, STEVEN 1970 The Occupation of the Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla (Paper #1). Unpublished paper on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. 1971 The Occupation of the Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla (Paper 42). Unpublished paper on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. NORDLAND, OLE J. 1978 Coachella Valley's Golden Years. Coachella Valley County Water District. Coachella. NORRIS, R.M. AND R.W. WEBB 1976 Geolq;y of California. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. STRONG, WILLIAIvI D. 1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26(1):1-358. Berkeley. WILKE, PHILIP J. 1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla Coachella Valley, California. University of California Archaeological Research Facility Contribution No. 38. Berkeley. -19- 0,55 APPENDIX A: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 056 LAURA S. WHITE, CO -PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR * 1989 M.A. in Anthropology with emphasis in Archaeology, San Diego State University, San Diego. * 1981 B.A. in Anthropology, University of San Diego, San Diego. * Member of the Society of Professional Archaeologists (SOPA) * Riverside County Certified Archaeologist * Orange County Certified Archaeologist * San Diego County Certified Archaeologist * Holds a "blanket" Cultural Resource Use Permit on the supervisory level with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Ridgecrest, Barstow, Palm Springs, El Centro, and Needles desert resources areas. * 14 years of :full-time experience conducting cultural resource management projects in southern California. ROBERT S. WHITE, CO -PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR * 1987 B.A. in Liberal Studies with emphasis in Anthropology, California State University, Long Beach. 1977 A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts, Los Angeles Harbor College. * Riverside County Certified Archaeologist * Orange County Certified Archaeologist * Holds a "blanket" Cultural Resource Use Permit on the supervisory level with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Ridgecrest, Barstow, Palm Springs, El Centro, and Needles desert resources areas. * 15 years of full-time experience conducting cultural resource management projects in southern California. APPENDIX B: RECORDS SEARCH RESULTS U5� .ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDS SEARCH An in -person archaeological records search was conducted by Laurie S. White at the Eastern Information Center;, University of California at Riverside on August 21, 1998. Consequently, there is no official letter from the clearinghouse to attach here. The in -person search included a review of all previously recorded prehistoric and historic archaeological sites situated within a one -mile radius of the study area (see Table 1). Additionally, the National Register of Historic Places, California Historic Landmarks, and California Points of Historical Interest were reviewed for the purpose of identifying any historic properties. Copies of'site record forms as well as archaeological reports were obtained for those resources situated within a one -mile radius of the project area. These documents were reviewed and all relevant information was incorporated into our study. 059 BI #E HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: DECEMBER 17, 1998 ITEM: TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 28964 - FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT FOR PHASE III ALTERNATIVES FOR POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL RESOURCES LOCATION: A.P.N. 649-100-015, NORTH SIDE OF 50"' AVENUE, BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND PARK AVENUE CONSULTANT: L & L ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. DEVELOPER: OLIPHANT & WILLIAMS BACKGROUND: A Phase II archaeological investigation prepared for Tentative Tract Map 28964 was considered by the Historic Preservation Commission at the November 19, 1998, meeting (Attachment 1). The report presented the results of a testing investigation of four recorded prehistoric sites located within the project boundaries. Two of the sites were determined to meet various criteria of significance for potential listing on the National Register as stipulated in Section 15064.5 of the CEQA statues, the Public Resources Code (Subsection 5024.1, Title 14 CCR, Section 4852), and the CEQA Guidelines. The testing investigation resulted in the recovery of a variety and large number of artifact types, demonstrating that a wide range of prehistoric lifeways and activities took place at this location. This implies that these archaeological sites are some of the richest and important prehistoric cultural deposits encountered in the City of La Quinta. Attachment 2 contains a discussion from the CEQA Guidelines regarding mitigation of potentially significant archaeological sites. In order to determine the most appropriate course of action, to preserve in -situ, full recovery, or a combination of both, the Commission requested that the applicant prepare a feasibility study to evaluate the two resource mitigation alternatives as discussed in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. The two mitigation alternatives available for the potentially significant archaeological sites within the project boundaries are: (1) preservation of the two significant sites through avoidance of destruction by various means, and, (2) data recovery through a 100% salvage excavation program. The financial impacts of both alternatives were to be included in the feasibility analysis. On December 7, 1998, the Community Development Department received a letter of proposed excavation (Attachment 3) prepared by L & L Environmental, from the applicant. The proposed excavation plan is for conducting Phase III excavations and monitoring of the two significant sites on the project. In addition, the City received a letter from the applicant regarding projected financial loss (Attachment 4), a memorandum from the applicant's engineering firm regarding cut and fills for P:\LESLIE\HPCrptPhaseIIITTM 28964o-w. wpd 06C the proposed lots (Attachment 5), and a map with quantitative artifact and site location information overlain onto the proposed subdivision design (Attachment 6). DISCUSSION: Staff has reviewed the information submitted by the applicant, and has several comments. The information submitted did not include a complete analysis of Alternative 1- Preservation, as requested. This Alternative 1 is the preferred alternative according the CEQA. It calls for site preservation. This portion of the feasibility study does not discuss any of the opportunities for preservation in -situ or a combination of preservation and data recovery. This can be accomplished by redesigning the proposed project to avoid the archaeological sites, including reduction of lot sizes and shifting lot lines to create open space lots where sites can be protected from over -excavation and then by a cap of sterile soil or featured in a landscape setting, or by custom designing utility lines to avoid sites. The use of conservation easements should also be considered. The loss of lots or potentially significant archaeological sites is not necessary, given some creativity in design. By reconfiguring the lot lines, reducing the size of lots, and reducing the width of streets, open space lots can be created to preserve some of the significant archaeological site areas. The applicant could end up with the same number of lots, just slightly reduced in size, that would still result in large lots. Specific examples of some of the opportunities to examine are: Lot 14 could be preserved by reducing the size of adjacent lots by moving the lot lines to create an open space lot to preserve the majority of this archaeological site. The width of the proposed 42-foot wide streets can be reduced to the City's minimum requirement of 28-feet to gain additional area. The proposed cul de sac can be eliminated and the roadway extended to tie in with the proposed roadway located further north. Lots 20 and 21 can be redesigned to either create an open space lot for preservation of the majority of that site area or to facilitate an conservation easement over the residential lots. Recovery could be performed on the small area indicated by the RBF map dated 12-1-98. Staff recommendation: That the applicant redesign the proposed tentative tract map to accommodate site preservation by reducing the size of residential lots, reducing the width of streets, and eliminating cul de sacs in order to create open space lots and opportunities for preservation where the significant archaeological sites are located. The applicant shall submit the redesigned subdivision to the Community Development Department for review prior to proceeding to a Planning Commission hearing. The excavation plan discusses the use of a backhoe for a portion of the excavation of the significant site areas. P:\LES LIE\H PC rptPhaseI IITTM 28964o-w. wpd 061 Staff has consulted with the Archaeological Research Unit, at the University of California, Riverside, regarding the accepted use of backhoes in conducting archaeology in sites located in sand dune environments. There are two primary accepted uses for a backhoe in a Phase III excavation. First, a backhoe is acceptable to remove culturally -sterile overburden above a site so that hand excavation can begin once the cultural deposits are reached. Second, the use of a backhoe is acceptable to expose a cross-section of a dune in order to view the geomorphological structure of that dune. The stratigraphic structure of a dune can offer clues to site chronology that are very helpful in interpreting the nature and age of the archaeological site. However, it is not acceptable to use a backhoe to excavate a site. This is because of the lack of data control. The use of a backhoe to excavate a site does not allow for the point plotting of cultural deposits and features contained in a site. The archaeological method requires careful record keeping, including precise measurements of all artifacts, ecofacts, and features. The goal is to be able to recreate the site in three-dimensional perspective to allow for interpretation and preservation of the scientific information contained in the site. Preservation of this information is the mitigation measure. In addition, project archaeologist Barbara Hall, Ph.D., stated at the November 19, 1998, HPC meeting, that the sites should be hand excavated due to their importance and so that there would be good stratigraphic information. Staff recommendation: The excavation plan for the proposed project shall be required to consist of 100% hand excavation for total recovery of the potentially significant site areas as identified by the Phase 11 report. The use of a backhoe shall be limited to the two accepted uses: (1) to remove culturally sterile overburden, and (2) to trench a cross-section of a dune for the purposes of determining geomorphological structure and potential chronology of the archaeological site. 3. The excavation plan states that 1 meter units will be excavated. It should be clarified that excavation is to continue until sterile levels are encountered, not just to 1 meter depth in the event that cultural deposits extend beyond I meter deep. It should also be clearly stated in the proposal that the estimate given reflects a 100% excavation recovery program for the two sites that have been determined to be significant, unless preservation is included in the treatment program. Staff recommendation: That the excavation plan clearly state that the excavation will continue until sterile levels are reached, irregardless of depth, and that it be clearly stated that the Phase III will consist of a total recovery program. 4. The excavation plan does not provide a discussion connecting the significance determinations and research goals made in the Phase 11 report with the proposed excavation methodology outlined in the Phase III proposal. This type of discussion is necessary as it provides the justification for the proposed methodology and work program, and guides the excavation plan in terns of appropriateness of techniques, assessing how stated research goals are to be met. It also provides for a holistic framework for interpretation of the archaeological sites beyond mere quantitative artifact lists. Staff finds that preserving the information from the P:\LESLIE\H PC rpt PhaseI I ITTM 28964o-w.wpd 06 C archaeological sites is more important than preserving the artifacts alone because the relationship of the artifacts to each other provides valuable information that can be lost when the artifacts are removed. Staff recommendation: The excavation plan shall include a detailed discussion connecting the significance determinations and the stated research goals with the proposed Phase 11 treatment plan methodology. The excavation plan does not provide a discussion of proposed procedures for human remains. There are specific procedures required by law (Public Resources Code Subsection 5097.98' Health and Safety code Section 7050.5, Section 15126.4 of CEQA) that are the jurisdiction of the State of California Native American Heritage Commission and the County Coroner's Office that must be met regarding the reporting of human remains and their disposition. Staff recommendation: To ensure that there is proper understanding regarding the laws and procedures pertaining to treatment of human remains, the excavation plan shall include a discussion of proposed procedures. In addition, the report shall provide a discussion of proposed provisions for the scientific study of the remains prior to final disposition. 6. The excavation plan designates an individual as the project's Native American Coordinator without indication that this individual is designated by the Native American Heritage Commission to serve in this capacity. Staff recommendation: Native American consultation for the Phase III component of work shall be coordinated through, and in compliance with, the State of California Native American Heritage Commission. Page 6 of the excavation plan states that there is a $5,000 line item for lab testing, however, Page 8 states that radiocarbon dating and obsidian hydration are not included. Such testing should be included in the scope of work and included in the proposed budget. On page 4 of the excavation plan, "hydration rim thickness" is indicated to be conducted if obsidian specimens are recovered. Please explain this test method and its applicability to the research design. Staff recommendation: That the excavation plan clarify what is included in the $5,000 line item for testing with the consideration that radiocarbon testing and obsidian hydration tests be included in this line item. The excavation plan does not contain a discussion of the organization and composition of crew members and consultants. The City of La Quinta is a Certified Local Government and as such is required to uphold the standards of the Secretary of the Interior per the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and a Resolution of the State Historical Resources Commission, dated February 2, 1996, P:\LES LIE\H PC rptPhaseI IITTM 28964o-w. wpd 060- Staff recommendation: The resumes of all proposed crew members shall be placed in an appendix to the excavation plan. Documentation by the Native American Heritage Commission for Mr. Marc Benitez shall be included in another appendix. 9. There is no discussion regarding the provision for publication and dissemination of the final report of the Phase III component of work. It is standard professional responsibility to address these issues. Staff recommendation: That the excavation plan include a discussion of the proposed provisions for publication and dissemination of the final report of the Phase III component of work. 10. The map prepared by the applicant's engineer does not match Figure 3 in the Phase 11 report. There are additional site areas identified on the map prepared by RBF. The plotting of Heavy and Moderate artifact densities does not distinguish between surface and subsurface manifestations of the sites. Do the geometric areas represent test units and trenches) If so, how deep are they) This information needs to be provided for comparison purposes with the memorandum submitted by RBF in order to determine actual field situations and potential preservation opportunities. Staff recommendations: That the map prepared by RBF be revised to factor for depth of the cultural deposits where known, and reviewed for accuracy by the consulting archaeologist. This map shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review. CONCLUSION: When cultural resources have been determined to be potentially significant per the National Register criteria and according to the state criteria contained in CEQA, impacts to these resources from the proposed project must be assessed and appropriate mitigation measures determined so that the environmental assessment of the proposed project can be concluded. CEQA states in Section 15064.5 (b) that "A project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment," thus triggering an FIR process. Preservation of archaeological sites is in keeping with the requirements of CEQA, and Policy 4-4.1.4 of the Open Space Element and Policy 6-2.1.3 and 6-2.1.4 of the Environmental Conservation Element of the La Quinta General Plan which state that "where appropriate portions of proposed projects shall be designated as Open Space and delineated as such on the Open Space Policy Diagram to ensure preservation. The City shall use density incentives or other alternative means to facilitate the preservation of such areas in privately owned development projects." Staff has concluded that the information submitted needs to be supplemented or modified according to the discussion above. If the requested information is not submitted, then consideration for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be required as indicated in Section PALES LIE\H PC rptPhaseI IITTM 28964o-w. wpd 064 15126.4 (b)(3) of CEQA. RECOMMENDATION: Approve a Minute Motion to accept the recommendations of staff as contained in this staff report. Attachments: l . Minutes of November 19, 1998, HPC meeting. 2. Excerpt from CEQA Guidelines. 3. Letter Proposal for Phase I]I excavations, L & L Environmental, Tnc., December 4, 1998, 4. Letter dated December 4, 1998, Richard R. Oliphant, Oliphant & Williams. 5. Memorandum dated December 4, 1998, Modified December 9, 1998, Joe Cicchini, RBF & Associates. 6. Map dated 12-4-98, RBF & Associates. Prepared by: J ,,f-eslie Mouriquand Associa e Planner P: � LES LIE1H PCrptPhase)I ITTM 28964o-w. wpd Submitted by: Christine di lorio, Planning Manager 060 ATTACHMENT #1 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA November 19, 1998 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Vice -Chairman DeMersman at 3:30 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Present: Commissioners Puente, Wright and Vice -Chairman DeMersman. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Wright to excuse Commissioner Irwin. Unanimously approved. B. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to approve the Minutes of August 20, 1998, as submitted. Unanimously approved. B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to approve the Minutes of October 15, 1998, as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. An Interim Report on the Phase II Archaeological Resources Assessment of the 40+ acre site APN 649-100-015 City of La Quinta (TTM 28964). I . Planning Manger Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. At the request of staff, Vice Chairman DeMersman explained the basics regarding the NAGPRA law in regards to Native American participation and curation of artifacts. In his opinion staff s recommendation 42 did not need to be addressed by the Commission as this was an issue that is handled by NAGPRA. Native American human remains and associated grave goods must be repatriated under this law. C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\HPCI 1-19-98.wpd ® �p & Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 3. Commissioner Puente questioned Page 9 and Page 24 of the report and the depth of the findings. Does staff think objects could be found at a deeper level. Ms. Leslie Irish, speaking for L & L Environmental, Inc., stated she did not believe any items would be found any deeper. The deepest material recovered was 80 centimeters and that was unusual. Most material was found at a shallower depth. The listing on Page 9 are sites that surround this site within a one mile radius. 4. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that in reading the report he did not get a sense of what kind of human remains were found. Were they significant or not? Ms. Irish stated they were fairly small fragments. It was a cremation that had been found and had eroded to the surface at a fairly shallow depth and made its way down the slope and spread out. The recover involved picking up all the material identified by the Coroner's Physical Anthropologist to be human and then any bone that was in the general area. 5. Mr. Oliphant, the applicant, informed the Commission that a blessing ceremony was also held on the site by the local tribe. Ms. Irish stated a tribal member was able to perform the ceremony at the site. 6. Vice Chairman DeMersman asked how significant was the site to the development, where are they located at on the site, and what impact would they have to the site. 7. Mr. Bob Ross, RBF Engineers, identified where the sites would be found on the tract. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if the width and length of the sites had been identified. Ms. Irish stated it was established in the report on Page 24. Staff asked that the depth be identified as well. With the existing topography and the proposed grade and what the differential is given the depth of the project, is what staff is looking for. It was important to have the depth differential in relation to the project between the existing topography and fill. Mr. Ross went over the topography of the site. 8. Planning. Manager Christine di Iorio asked the consultant what more they hope to 'Find and why they were recommending the additional work in the cremation area. Ms. Irish stated they went through a portion of the site, and then went higher in expectation that the cremation would be higher on the slope due to the erosion down into the wash. They cut through and got an amount of material from the higher end. They opened a section north of this site which was three meters by nine meters and found material in the lower range. If they propose to collect the remainder they need to go south of this site to obtain cremation material that could have eroded off. 9. Vice Chairman DeMersman asked if they find significant material and it Q\MyDocuments\WPDOCS\HPC11-19-98.wpd 0lDq N,,. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 needs to be preserved, how will that be done. Ms. Irish stated they do not have any objection to preservation. CEQA shows this to be the preferred method of handling archaeological resources. More knowledge might be gained from excavation later on. CEQA allows an analysis and a determination of feasibility for doing this and that depends on a lot of factors including the size of the project and what the site can bear in terms of removal of lots or inclusions of open space area. They have not done a feasibility analysis for preservation because the developer has indicated that is not something they want done. Staff has indicated that an analysis should be done, but the conditions do not call for this. Is the City requiring the preservation of the site or asking for more analysis? 10. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated there should be a feasibility report because if there is something there, it should be preserved. This Commission has been a flexible group when it comes to looking at development and issues of preservation within that development. There are also times when things need to be preserved. As a City we are losing a lot and we need to look at this issue a little more closely. It is his recommendation that they look at the feasibility of preservation, if it is warranted. 11. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it is a part of CEQA and the environmental assessment and mitigation that the City can't require a study as a part of the assessment if it is going to have the opportunity to change the project. The City has to have the information now and have it approved before the environmental assessment can go forward. 12. Mr. Oliphant asked staff what they would anticipate finding that has not already been found and would need to be preserved. It was his understanding that what: had been found could be collected. Ms. Irish stated they were proposing 100 percent mitigation of what they feel is a significant portion of the originally identified site. This is an acceptable alternative under CEQA. She feels the analysis has been made and they did not recommend avoidance because the results were fairly consistent. The subsurface material was consistent with the surface material. They are finding the same thing all over the site. The advantage to the mitigation as it offers the opportunity to answer questions or determine factors they might not have retrieved to date. The significance of the site is that it is a rich deposit with two contrasting time periods. Their recommendation is mitigation. 13. Ms. Barbara Hall, gave her credentials and stated she was an Associate Professor with the Riverside Community College. She has done a lot of field work in both the State of California and Arizona. Ms. Irish asked what her opinion was regarding preservation versus mitigation. Ms. Hall stated preservation is the better option, as in the future there will always be better techniques. There is a lot to be learned from the site which can only be CAMy Documents\WPDOCS\HPC 1-19-98.wpd I ^ nx O W v Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 learned from excavation of the site. They have tested the site and they have an idea of the limits, some idea of the formation structure process of the site. However, they have no real information of the subsurface remains in terms of location for future excavation. Ms. Betty Williams, applicant, asked if this could be done during the grading process. Ms. Hall stated that if it is excavated it should be done by hand to have good stratigraphic information such as grids and this could be done in a reasonable amount of time. 14. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand stated that excavating by hand is not associated with monitoring of grading. 15. Ms. Williams stated that as developers they have tried to work with the City in conducting the studies requested. In her opinion it has been extremely expensive and they feel the material that has been gathered and the report written, clearly identifies solutions to them being able to work on the site. A major factor is that there is a large amount of money that has been spent to bring the information that is before the Commission to date. To support Ms. Irish's statement would be repetitive of what has been presented and reported. 16. Commissioner Wright stated they have been flexible to help every developer in a timely and cost saving manner. He is concerned that there may be more here than what appears and would agree with Vice Chairman DeMersman on his original assessment. 17. Mr. Joe Loya, a member of the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation and spokesman for Native American Field Resource Crew who assisted with the consultant L & L Environmental, on the project, stated he did consult with Mark Benitez regarding the site and he was aware of him being present at this meeting. He shared with Mr. Benitez what happened on the site as far as him being the lead for spiritual and other areas. They are concerned about the site. There is a number of things that are there that have not been seen before. They have put together a Native American crew of ten people and are finding items that have never been seen before. They felt so moved with this project to the point that if things were not taken into consideration for their feelings, they would have to walk off the project. On reading the report, there was more: than one Native American working on the site doing the excavation and he does agree with L & L Environmental, Inc., that they do need to look further into the site. He does understand the developers point of view, but they need to take into consideration what could be found. Items found can be a marketing item for the developer's project. 18. Ms. Irish asked if staff wanted the resume's and appendix of each of the workers on the site. Staff stated it was an option not a requirement CAMy Documents\WPDOCS\HPCI 1-19-98.wpd 069 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 19. Commissioner Puente stated that when there is a site with human remains it is more important. The items found are from the people who were there. You can consider the economics, but they need to stress the preservation. 20. Commissioner Wright stated the Commission was created and became a Certified Local Government because of what our past has been. This Valley has been dozed under due to the lack of concern for these sites. He is in favor of following through with staff s recommendation. 21. Mr. Oliphant stated that from the conversations, it sounds like additional work is being required. If that is the alternative to preservation and collection, could staff give him some idea of the area involved. He would need this information to determine if the project would be viable. Ms. Irish asked what area needs to be done. Staff stated this is what staff has been asking for. They now have information and it is significant. The area has been reduced, in coordination with the project development does it fit and is there an opportunity for preservation for some or all of the material found. Maybe the remainder is mitigation through recovery. As staff does not have that information, they do not know how it fits with that area that is to be graded, what the ultimate grade will be, or what opportunities are left. 22. Mr. Oliphant stated that if they were to lose two or more lots, economically this project does not work. Staff stated this is why a feasibility report is needed. Mr. Ross stated if the areas are what he thinks they are, it is ten or fifteen lots. Staff stated that with previous tracts where there are sites like this, they have been able to define them and make a determination, to define the boundaries, and see if there is some work that could be done like possibly changing the grade. 23. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that when significant sites had been found on previous tracts the Commission was given options. They are not being given an option on this tract. It is either this or that and the Commission wants some options. 24. Commissioner Puente asked if staff was asking for the hand excavation due to the importance of the site. Ms. Hall stated yes. Some areas are very shallow redeposited areas and part of the trenching is to define where the significant deposits are located. Staff stated this is what staff has been asking. Now staff is requesting how the existing topography is affected by the areas that are affected. 25. Wlliams stated that staff had done an overlay of the tract. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated they do not have the grading, as it is the responsibility of the archaeologist and engineer. Ms. Irish stated the tract CAMy Documents\WPD0CS\HPC11-19-98.Wpd 070 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 map was plotted on top of the topographic map showing where the sites were located. The grading analysis, however, was not been a part of the overlay prepared by staff. In their opinion, this is such a small project that to avoid the area, given the information presented by the applicant, it makes the project infeasible. While she has no objection to a further analysis, if the applicants have to avoid one or two lots, the project becomes marginal. As an archeologist she would like to see preservation where ever it is possible, especially when it relates to features. With the difference in the topography it is not possible to avoid and cap the site, especially given the fact that the applicant will have to compact the soil. If they want further analysis, she will do that, but the results will be the same. It makes the project stop. 26. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated that one of the reasons staff has been in favor of preservation is the cost of 100 percent recovery. Staff is looking at preservation through CEQA as the alternative and to provide the City with other information. When you talk about feasibility, this should be considered. 27. Mr. Oliphant stated this tract has large lots and it to attract the higher priced market. Each lot is worth $108,000 to them. So to lose one or two lots it becomes a substantial loss and the project becomes infeasible. With the cost per lot being what it is, to spend additional money on recovery does not make sense. To spend $50,000 on a study would be less than losing one lot. 28. Ms. Williams asked what would satisfy staff. Staff stated it is up to the Commission. Ms. Williams stated she would like to have some criteria so they can respond to. 29. Commissioner Wright responded to Ms. Williams comment by stating the Commission was not dictated to by staff. They take staff's recommendation very seriously. The Commission just finished a review of a project where preservation was a decided upon issue by the developer. It was a very congenial decision by everyone. In his opinion, an assessment is needed. 30. Vice Chairman DeMersman and Commissioner Puente concurred with Commissioner Wright's comments. 31. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand read Commissioner Barbara Irwin's comments into the record. 1111. The City needs to keep the standards for cultural resource preservation as set with the Tradition Project and the Avenue 48 project. 071 C:\Mv Documents\wPDOCS\HPCI 1-19-98.wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 a. The two significant sites on TTM 28964 should be capped and preserved. b. The human remains on the project should be buried on the project site." 32. Ms. Williams asked if this was typical. She thought the remains would be removed to sacred ground. Staff stated that in La Quinta, they have been re- buried on the project site per the wishes of the Native American representatives of that project. 33. Ms. Williams asked what Mark Benitez indicated. Ms. Irish stated she understood he would want them buried on a different site. 34. Ms. Williams asked for definitive guidelines to follow so they could provide the Commission with the information they wanted. 35. Vice Chairman DeMersman stated that the Commission wanted the feasibility and analysis of preservation as opposed to mitigation. How much area is involved on the tract site. 36. Commissioner Puente asked staff to consider preservation of the entire site due to the human remains. Staff stated the human remains would be excavated. 37. Mr. Tony Lavato, Torres Martinez Survey Group, stated that in the areas they worked in there were four or five bags of human remains. If you walk the whole section you find a lot of stuff. You need to look at everything not just the human remains. It is good to develop and it could make the developer look good if they were to help them preserve their history. Need to resurvey and test because if you walk around you find something everywhere. 38. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if the Commission was approving the interim report with staffs recommendations. She had a list to better define what the feasibility study would be for the preservation of the two sites: a. The potential depth of the sites. b. Feasibility study for preservation of the sites. C. Analysis of the economics of the preservation. d. The cost of 100% recovery of the two sites. 072 CAMy Documents\WPDOCS\HPC11-19-98.wpd Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 19, 1998 39. Following discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to adopt Minute Motion 98-010 accepting the Interim Report on Phase 11 Archaeological Resources Assessment for Tentative Tract 28964 with partial compliance with the requirements of CEQA with the modifications as follows: a. Provide a list of all field crew. b. Provide a feasibility study for: 1.) The preservation of the two sites including the sites relationship to the tract map as far as the topography and proposed grade. 2.,1 Its location with the proposed lots. 3.) The depth of the sites. 4.) The economic feasibility 5.) 100 percent recovery of the two sites versus the preservation of the sites. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: A. Planning Manager Christine di lorio stated staff had submitted an application for preservation award in conjunction with The Tradition project for the Hacienda del Gato. II COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioners 'Wright and Puente went to the La Quinta Historical Society's Workshop on Archiving training and gave a brief report. B. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand stated the Commissioners were required to make a presentation stating how archival skills could be put into the planning process. . C. Staff informed the Commission that on December 17`h training would be given by Mr. Jim Brock of Archaeological Advisory Group. III. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business., it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Puente to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next scheduled meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission on December 17, 1998. This meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:37 P.M. Unanimously approved. C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\HPC11-19 '38.wpd 073 ATTACHMENT 2 Section 15126.4 (b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines state that "Public agencies should, whenever feasible, seek to avoid damaging effects on any historical resource of an archaeological nature. The following factors shall be considered and discussed in an EIR for a project involving such an archaeological site: (A) Preservation in place is the preferred manner of mitigating impacts to archaeological sites. Preservation in place maintains the relationship between artifacts and the archaeological context. Preservation may also avoid conflict with religious or cultural values of groups associated with the site. (B) Preservation in place may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, the following: 1.) Planning construction to avoid archaeological sites; 2.) Incorporation of sites within parks, greenspace, or other open space; 3.) Covering the archaeological sites with a layer of chemically stable soil before building tennis courts, parking lots, or similar facilities on the site; and 4.) Deeding the site into a permanent conservation easement. When data recovery through excavation is the only feasible mitigation, a data recovery plan, which makes provision for adequately recovering the scientifically consequential information from and about the historical resource, shall be prepared and adopted prior to any excavation being undertaken. Such studies shall be deposited with the California Historical Resources Regional Information Center. Archaeological sites known to contain human remains shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 7050.5 Health and Safety Code. P:\LESLIE\HPCrptPhaseII ITTM28964-o-w. wpd 074 12/04/96 kKi 05:[ti raA "v _1a rouv L L tnviro inL Ewa I A=Ar`L-11►ACAIT #3 BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL ATl0NS & MO NI TOR IN 1998 December 4, 1998 J CIT`' OF LAQ, ; i TA i PLANNING DERL9TRAEN'T Betty Williams Via Fax# 760-345-0307 Oliphant & Williams 43725 Monterey Ave., Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 REGARDING: PHASE III EXCAVATIONS AND MITIGATION MONITORING AT (PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE RIV-3013 AND OW-2 ON THE 39-ACRE RANCHO FORTUNATDO SITE, APN 649-100-o15, CITY OF LA QUINTA, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA. Dear Ms. Williams: As you know the Phase II Test Level Investigations have identified sites with significant archaeological resources as defined under CEQA that should be mitigated for prior to construction. This proposal will identify the two locations which will be focused upon and the both field and office work costs associated with this effort r.mer . ..� . .t RIV-3013 (OW-1) has two loci of density one, identified in the Phase II report as RIV- 3013-A, was located on, the ridge and found the heaviest concentration of prehistoric cultural material on the surface and through trenching and test pits. This dense area covers approximately 40 X 35 meters. A second concentration of shell, fish and mam nal bone (some bumt), sherds, and fire -affected rock was found in the deflated drainage east of the ridge (RIV-3013-B)_ At this location the dense concentrations of bone and artifacts are estimated at 15 X 30 meters. Site OW-2 is a moderately dense scatter of broken shell and bone, pottery, and fire affected rode, and lithics. it extends approximately 55 X 70 meters. There are three areas that should be excavated further; the cremation site, where the remaining human remains should be collected and any associated artifacts noted and analysed, and the two locations where lithic materials were previously collected. 1269 Pomona lid' • Suite 102 • Corona, Cr'191720 • Phone: 909279.3608. 7ax.909.279.9609 075 12/04/98 lKl U5:Lti I-Ak 9u9 z(U Vt)VU L L nmiro inc ��V' 1 • '$SBUKAW U-161WIT6701M1 -•• L&L has developed a mitigation program for the subject two sites and included it in this proposal for your review, comment and approval. A copy of this proposal will be forwarded to Marc Benitez for his comment and approval at the same time. Though the city has a copy of the mitigation program before them in the approved Phase II Interim Report, due to the special circumstances of this project, it may be in your best interest to forward a copy of this proposal (absent the fees) for their comment Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist you in this effort. The following summary of the mitigation measures from the Phase II Interim Report has been included for easy reference. These actions will all be necessary in order to fulfill your obligation under L'EQA and the city of La Quinta's approvals for grading and development permits. In summary, the following measures are recommended: 1. Phase III mb'Dation of the significant portion of sites RIV-3013 and OW-2. This would involve 100% mitigation of 400/c (a reduced area) of both sites. 2. Immediately prior to dirt moving, one full day to surface collect any additional materials that have appeared on the surface, after original collection. Exposure is occurring constantly as a result of wind and water erosion. 3. A gap in the tme between clearing and grubbing and grading of the heavily vegetated areas of the project with time for a crew of monitors to tolled materials not accessible during survey and testing phases. 4. Two full time monitors during all dirt moving phases of the development which could impact resources. With rpducbon in individuals and time as the project warrants. Description of Work to be Performed The following paragraphs will explain in greater detail the actual work that needs to be done. Each section describes the work that must be completed on both RIV-3013 & OW- 2- This is true for both sites, although the level of effort varies, both within the individual sites and between the two sites, due to the variance in quantity and quality of the surface and subsurface deposits. It is very important that Nre all keep mind as a primary fad that our work plan is based on what we know to date from the previous efforts (survey and testing phases). In actuality our work effort may later be increased or decreased based on further information acquired during the mitigation program. In either case I will as I have done in the past, keep both D1N98-152 page 2 L&L 076 you and the city appraised of any needed changes in our work plan and the reasons behind the decision,. Should any additional work need to be approved you will first be notified verbally and it will be followed with a written request The kind of find which may necessitate additional work would be a finding in the field of any human remains or accompanying burial materials or buried features not previously known, i.e.: structural remains or discover of a. hearth etc. If we have enough money in the budget to address the issue you will merely be notified of the find and its impact. I. SITE EXCAVATION Each site has an area that has been identified through test level excavations as having a density and uniqueness of artifacts that warrants further investigation. These areas as outlined above will require some excavation by hand and by backhoe. Methods Backhoe trenching is generally used to cover large distances with relatively few deposits, to establish stratigraphy of large areas, to remove overburden on a site or to establish limits. Hand units are :spaced throughout the mitigation area by the archaeologist based on the site and both surface and sub -surface deposits and to establish greater understanding of the depth and nature of a deposit. See below. Both methods require 100% screening of the backdirt and both methods are proposed in this work effort. .• c A manned backhoe will be employed to dig backhoe trenches as necessary through the perimeter of the site. This will allow for the excavation of cultural deposition over more extensive areas than will be possible with hand -excavated test units. Trench walls will be scraped to reveal any stratigraphy that is possible to identify. If unique artifacts, concentrations of artifacts or features are uncovered excavations will continue by hand and will extend in an outward direction from the deposit until the deposit diminished and the archaeologist determines trenching can continue. Trenches will be excavated in 20-30em levels and artifacts organized and collected by 50cm levels after being sifted through 1/8-inch screen- B. Ex0veti0n5 Excavation by hand will be employed when the trenching encounters unique artifacts, concentrations of artifacts or features, or when the archaeologist determines a location to have a deposit, which would benefit significantly from excavations by hand. At this time we anticipate hand excavation around the location where the whole bowl and other artifacts were concentrated at RIV-3013-A and around the cremation site. Additional hand- a"W-98-152 Page 3 L&L 077 12/1.14/Y8 txi ua:_r !i1 1'VV —,IV VDVV a. I_ ca=. iav ..' work will be determined in the field. Each unit will be excavated in10 cm. levels and backdirtfrom each level will be screened using 1/8-inch mesh. All artifacts found in the units will be bagged according to unit and level. The sites must undergo a single surface collection to retrieve all artifacts that have been exposed since Phase II surface collection was conducted. The artifacts will be collected and bagged according to the site on or near which they were retrieved- This will be completed on or as close to the day before brushing and grubbing begins to prevent additional artifacts being exposed between surface collection and the beginning of construction. In order to complete this in one day, a minimum crew of four will be used. Similarly, following brushing and grubbing, a crew will reexamine the site for exposed artifacts. Although monitors will be observing and collecting during all earthmoving activities, due to the extent of the surface scatter and in order to ensure the collection of all materials, additional time to collect exposed materials will be needed. This portion of surface collection, following brushing and grubbing has not been included in this cost estimate and will be provided on an hourly basis under a separate scope of work. During all earthmoving activities and during the Gearing of the site of all illicitly dumped trash a minimum of one archaeological monitor will be necessary to watch for and collect any cultural materials exposed and ensure that all cultural materials are dealt with appropriately and to minimize adverse effects that may occur to archaeological resources, which may be uncovered on the site. When multiple dozers or scrapers are being employed two monitors should be on site. Monitors will have the power to divert heavy equipment if a find of questionable significance is exposed until such a time as the projects lead archaeologist is able to examine the find. Mitigation monitoring has been included for discussion purposes and so that the client will understand it will be required, however, it is not included in this cost estimate and will be provided on an hourly basis under a separate scope of work. tl. LABORATORY WORK AND CATALOG similarly to the Phase II laboratory work, all cultural material recovered during fieldwork will be washed, identified, and cataloged at L&L Environmental, Inc.'s laboratory facility in Riverside. All other lab work, as listed below, will be provided as necessary on an hourly basis or as charged by specialists. Obsidian specimens, if recovered, will be inspected for hydration rim thickness in Riverside. Other special studies such as micro -wear and seed flotation will also be conducted in-house. C-14 specimens, if recovered, will be sent OW-99.152 _ Page 4 L&L 078 to Beta -Analytic in Miami, Florida. Faunal remains will be submitted to the Zooarchaeology Lab at UCLA for identrfication. 111. REPORT An interim letter report certifying that the field investigation is complete and briefly describing the resufts will be provided immediately following completion of test operations. It will be followed by a complete Final Phase Ill narrative report describing the methods and finds at the site. it will include a copy of the surface collection map, artifact descriptions, graphics, site interpretations, and completed mitigation and any laboratory analysis etc. that was done. Copies of the artifact catalogs and site record forms will be appended to the text - IV. SCHEDULE Barring inclement weather, it is estimated that the fieldwork for the project will take approximately forty-five (45) days. Upon completion of the mitigation work, an interim letter report (described above) will be issued within 1 week of completion of all mitigation work. The final reportwill be completed as soon as all lab and cataloging work has been completed, generally within 90 days of the last field day. Work on the project will commence upon receipt of the written notification to proceed and the advance payment. The following summary will assist the client, Native American Consultant, the city and the associated consultants in understanding our proposed work plan. Please keep in mind that this is estimation only and will be revised up or down in the field by the project archaeologist based on either negative or positive findings. Field Work Hand & Trenchjgg IC�oncurrentl Days Hours Comments 18 144 Feld work Max Cost, wlHoe 35 260 Field work Max Cost, handwork Ri,nnnrt Work and Field Report Write Up Days Hours Comments 10 80 Final Report 10 80 Process Finds Phase II & III Laboratory work to be completed within 90 days of the last field day. See section of schedule for details about timing of the report and other issues. OW-98.152 page 5 LdL __0_z9 IZIV41vo rni ".co re vvo zio noon I a cuv i,v 1u1 V. COST (remove ttus page for circulation to city and associated consultants) COSTS delineated by tasks are shown in the following table. Maximum Estimated Costs Field Work Hand & Try h, ing Days Hours Dollars Per Total Comments 18 144 $265.00 $38,160.00 Field work Max Cost, w/Hoe 35 260 $200.00 $56,000.00 Field work Max Cost, handwork Sul) oort Work and Field Report ite Uo Days Hours Dollars Per Total Comments 10 80 $45.00 $ 3,600.00 Final Report 10 80 $37.50 $ 3,000.00 Process Finds Phase II & III $ 5.000.QQ Estimated Lab Testing Budget Additional Totals Office/Field/Total $11,600.00 Estimated Total for Office Work Machine $38,160.00 Costs Aritigipated Co ut Ave. Estimated Cost Total Estimated Additional The costs outlined above are based on excavation times for a 1 meter depth. It is felt that the actual deposits are most likely between 20 & 80 centimeters and that the portion of the above budget which will actually be used is more likely to be approximately one half of the estimated maximum amount, or 29,340.00. This proposal therefore requests an authorized estimate budget of 29, 340,00. Estimated Budget Requested by this proposal 29, 340.00. This is not a lump sum contract Any fees not used will not be billed and any items not covered by this proposal will be done under separate contract 01W-98.152 Page 6 L&L 080 This cost estimate does not include expenses needed to perform the work- Expenses for this project may include, but shall not be limited to, facsimile charges, reproduction, phone, equipment rental (as necessary), special mail handling charges, mileage, etc. (See attached fee schedule - Also not included is consultation with specialists or specialty services including but not limited to Obsidian hydration, floatation, Faunal analysis, Radiocarbon (C-14) dating and, in the event of the discovery of human (Indian) remains, Native American consultation. These expenses will be charged to the client hourly or at cost whichever is appropriate. L&L is proposing the minimum recommended services, should our understanding of the site change significantly more or less time or effort may be necessary. L&L will only bill for the time used. Due to the extent of this project, where possible, L&L may use a college student volunteer (majoring in anthropology or archaeology) when accompanied by at least two experienced archaeologists and only for the purposes of assistance in the most basic tasks. If used, their time will not be billed (although expenses and insurance costs will), in an attempt to keep costs down. This proposal represents the costs to recover and process surface and subsurface materials at sites, Riv-3013 and OW-2 as was discovered from our Phase If investigation_ Specifically not included in this proposal are costs related to any work above and beyond that described, as well as any subsurface material or additional sites found as a result of the mitigation or the mitigation monitoring. Also specifically excluded from these costs are any and all costs related to storage fees and or assessionment in an approved repository - The client will be required and should expect to contract for and pay for all work required by standard guidelines and approved practices common to the industry or required by the agencies, including a report of positive findings. This scope of work represents the work that is known, at this time, to be required. The client should expect other costs will be incurred. All costs related to these additional services will be billed at the hourly rate on the attached fee schedule or under a separate scope of work as appropriate. It awarded this contract L&L will request payment according to the following schedule: (50%) prior to the start of the field program. (300%) at the completion of the field program. (200/6) upon submittal of the final reporL Only if actually billed, plus any accrued costs Expenses will be billed as accrued. OW 98-F52 page 7 L&L 081 12/04/Vb tKl UJ:.'v k:l any -iv uova i, a. cur 1,-V •au VI. COSTS AND EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY PROPOSED BUDGET Radiocarbon Dating as well Human Osteological and Native American consultation fees are not covered in the preceding budget If one or both of these are considered germane to the project they will be billed for on an as needed basis. The following section summarizes each and provides an estimate of their cost .� fir �• �. �i Conducted by Beta -Analytic at their lab in Miami Beach Florida. The cost for standard samples with C-12/C-13 correction currently run $260/sample with a 30 day turn -around. Priority (1-week), or very small samples cost substantially more. B. Native American Consultation The client has already retained the services of Mr. Marc Benitez of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians_ Should additional services be required, and a separate scope of work not be provided, fees will be provided according to the attached fee schedule. 1_ L&L is proposing a Phase III archaeological excavation and mitigation monitoring under specifications we feel are adequate according to minimum standard guidelines. This includes the excavation of two sites, three loci. Should site conditions or coordination with the regulatory agencies determine: additional work is required L&L will provide an additional Scope of Work. 2. L&L will perform all surveys to applicable protocoVstandards/guidelines. Should they change over the course of the life of the project our Scope of Work and corresponding fees may change. L&L reserves the right to increase both field and office hour should the protocol, field results or other circumstances dictate the need. 3. Specialized studies or specialists required (Obsidian hydration, C-14, etc.) will be provided at cost. L&L has predetermined some of the companies that will be used. L&L can, at any time and for any reason, change the company/ndividual to be used as necessary. 4. Once the: Authorization is signed the project will be followed through to completion as quickly and professionally as possible by L&L Environmental, Inc OW-98-152 page 8 L&L 3 11, 082 12/04/98 FRI 05:29 FAX 909 279 9609 L L Envlro Inc WJ olv BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS & MONITORING December 4, 1998 Marc Benitez Cabazon Band of Mission Indians 84-245 Indio Springs Drive Indio, CA 92203.3499 Regarding: Phase III Recommendations for the Prehistoric Sites on APN#649- 100-016, for Oliphant & Williams, Inc., City of Le Quints, County of Riverside, California Mr. Benitez As you know there has been some question as to what work should be completed on the above referenced site. Since you are the Native American Consultant, I would appreciate it I you could review our recommendations, which were written in the Phase II Interim Report, and have been included in the proposal for Phase III. I am enclosing the Phase III proposal so that you will know our plans and intentions for the site. Please let me know what you think of our proposed work, both methods and tasks, and if there are any areas you feel we need to include an additional scope of work. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at our Corona office, 909-279- 9608. We look forward to working with you on Phase Ill of this project - Sincerely, L&L Environmental, Inc:. Les ie Irish Principal LNydk OW-98.152 1269 Pomona Rd • Suite 102 • Corana, CA 91720 • 'Phone_ 909?79.9608 • faX• 909279.9609 083 12/00/08 15:15 FAX 70U428912 FANTASY PRESS 002 On behalf of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, I Marc Benitez acting as interim archeological liaison to the L & L cnviroiunental team I believe L & Us plan of recovery and mitigation of artifacts at Avenue 50th and Jefferson street is the best means of preserving the history of the area and fur- thering the study of the inhabitants of this valley and the ancient shoreline of the inland sea. The Cabazon Band share a great interest in protecting and preserving these artifacts that serve as last testimonials of a time that shapes the history of the Coachella Valley and the surrounding regions. Sincerely, 'got n of Marc Benitez Second Vice Chairman Cabazon Band of Mission Indians DEC o 919� — YOFIcn W ATTACHMENT #4 9,98 Ii, �.... ; 1- i,Q\1f^N CITY CF LAQ J`j vTN. PI_ANV91vGQrPA.�4TMENT 1 ai c. l998 I December d, 1998 City of La Quinta I listorical Preservation Commission La Quinta City Hall La Quints, California Ke: 40 acres on Avenue 50 west ofleflerson Kai Lcho hoitunado We were asked to estimate the economic impact on the project should we havo to do a preservation of the known artifacts. We have reviewed the overlay created by the engineers and aichtxlogists.md have determinat it ntinitnunt oT 10 lots will be affected. 'rhe lots, at a conservative value of $125,000 each, would mean it loss of S 1,250,000 to the project. 'flus loss would be fatal to the ability to develop this piece of land for any purpose. [n addition to the loss of the 10 lots, the site would be unbuild able. '['here is a significant sand dmte in the middle front portion of the property that has to be cut approximately 13' deep to be relocated to the rear of the project to create an approximate 7' fill. The cut and fill areas are both involved in the artifact area. This would stake it phyviadly Impossible to develop this site not disturbing the cut and fill areas. By not being able to develop the property, the financial loss would be nearly $9,750,000 We are interested in coolxlrating with the fndian "Tribe that has jurisdiction over this site, the Cabazon Tribe, and it is their recommendation that a portion of the artifacts be recovered for their use as a cultural display at their proposed museum. 'they :u e also t rcatiug mt area on "tribal land for the interment of found Indian bodies and thoy would like to inter the remains found on this property to this now location. We are pleased to work with the Cabaxon 'Tribe to achieve their recommendations. erely, Ktchard R_ Oliph nt L'1 Chairman 085 4742.5 NIONTE]MY MNOR • SU1*1'C C ` PALM OPSlia1'. CA 7!'660 • 16191 Wifi-0I!;:i • FAX ),i19) U-i 0160 Z d bid CC.:£ 666T't ':)3Q TOSS SO£ 09L :-131 0NI 00 NOI A6iSN00 431H111-:Ud : NOdd DEC-10-98 14:03 J- To: From: Date: Subject: FROM-OF &ASSOCIATES 7603468319 ATTACHMENT #5 ROBERT BEIN, WILUAM FROST & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS. PLANNERS & SURVEYORS MEMORANDUM Betty Williams Joe Cicchini, December 4, 1998, Modified December 9,1998 Tentative Tract Map No. 28964 CITY OF LAQUINTA E PLANNING ----DEPARTMENT --=__ On the table below is a listing of the testing surface grade at the found artifact locations at the various Lots, The proposed pad grade, and the resulting difference, either cut or fill. LOT No. SURFACE GRADE PROPOSE D PAD GRADE. CHANGE 14 54.5 49.2 5.3' cut 14 55.4 49.2 6.2' cut 20 38.0 46.0 8.0' fiIl 21 34.4 48.2 13.8' fill 21 37.0 48.2 11.2' fill 63 46.5 47.1 0.6' fill 63 44.0 47.1 3.1' fill 64 47.5 48.0 0.5' fill 65 42,5 49.1 6.6' fill 72 43.0 50.6 7.6fill 73 1 42.1 50.1 1 8.0' fiIl 76 11.4 46.0 14"6' fill Please call if you have 1my questions. Professional Service Since 1944 74-410 HIGHWAY 111 • PALM DESEP"r, CALIFORNIA 92260-4114 • 760.346,7481 • FAX 760.346.8315 ` OFFICES LOCATED THROUGHOUT CALIF-ORMA, ARIZONA AND NEIIADA • wEE SITE: Ww jbf'com 06 >.,,e., .,.....,.,. V 12-10-98 14: 93 RECEIVED FROM:7603468315 P.02 e JOE LOYA 63-832 LANDON LANE THERMAL, CALIFORNIA 92274 (760) 399 - 4403 TO: City of La Quinta Community Development Department Leslie Mouriquand, Associate Planner Fr: Joe Loya, Spokesman Archaelogical Field Service Crew Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribal Member Re: L & L Environmental Ave 50 near Jefferson Survey ECOVE U NOV 131998 CITY OF November 7th, 1998 I am writing on behalf of the Archaelogical field service crew who are members of the Torres_ Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation, they are George Auclair, Sheldon Auclair and Tony Lavato tribal member of the Pala Indian Reservation. The crew was given the opportunity to work with L&L Environmental. on the La Quinta Project. The reason for this letter is to inform you that we are concerned that the work performed was insensitive to the findings, especially in the area were human cremation remains were identified. The. protocol set forth for handling human remains was not followed according to CEQA, nor was the County Corner notified after findings were discovered regaurding the sighting of cremation remains. L&L was made aware of our concerns regaurding the cremation remains, after consulting with L&L on two seperate occasions regaurding the cremation, the outcome was not to our satifaction. therefore we demanded that L&L Enviornmental contact the corner or we would have to walk off the job. I have discussed this issue with other members of the field service crew that were 'present during then testing and they to feel as strong as I do in making the statement that the company given the job was inexperienced in working and dealing with sensitive issues such as those mentioned. The company used a back hoe to dig every unit, except one that was dug by hand. The cremation area was first excavated by back hoe 3 meters by approximately 5 meters going west to east, with a shovel screening at the end of the unit 3 meters by 3 meters north to south. 087 I We do not feel as a crew that the work done can answer questions necessart in preparing an archaelogical Resource Management Report. I strongly recommend that the survey and testing done at Ave 50 near Jefferson be redone using proper procedures by an Archaelogist that understands the area, reason being there are still artifacts lying above ground as well as a great deal of human cremation remains that was not excavated, also in the area where a cooking area was discovered there was no record concluded on the perimeter of the affected area, all data regarding the survey and testing is insufficient and data misleading. I will be available as well as the crew to answer any questions that you may have regarding this 'sensitive issue of concern. Sincerely, 1-7 ____ __ _______ Job Loyal p esman Archaelogical Field Service Crew cc: Art Lopez, Chairman Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation Marc Benitez, Indian Monitor Ernie Morreo, Indian Monitor Anthony Andreas, Indian Monitor Ernest Siva, Indian Monitor 488 U 0❑ � ■O CORRESPONDENCE upw-Al WRITTEN MA TERIAL 093 o �F I J L J_��I� 2 ��� _I _IBC%%���_� 1 I �JUU�Il�I.21111I1 i��1LIL [lid r:nn :f� 'bf- [�"Yt._ ftd@,�F('uP, lI ift 11ffbw&-� TGLX -I V©[LUI_M]f Z II. MO. I0 11 DVT LJ;�,Dle[a�L�,jr 1, rrc ;sac [ti Fft oz CC ,u Kai l LZa a rw 094 PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE standards To promotewing a d man n managing for preserving and managing cultural resources DIRECTOR Contents VOLUME 21 NO. 10 1998 �+ ®®� ISSN 1068-4999 Theo e o Preserve PublicAmheology and Local Government Robert Stanton Foreword.........................................................3 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR William D. Lipe CULTURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS Katherine H. Stevenson Public Archeology and Local Land Use Law ..............................4 David W. Cushman EDITOR Ronald M. Greenberg Community Archeology —Working with Local Governments ..................5 Brona G. Simon and Edward L. Bell ASSOCIATE EDITOR Janice C. McCoy Planning and Zoning Strategies —Protecting Connecticut's GUEST EDITOR Archeological Resources.............................................9 David W Cushman Nicholas F. Bellantoni and William R. Haase ADVISORS Archeological Review in Ann Arbor, MI.................................12 David Andrews John M. O'Shea and William Parkinson Ed.,Nas Joan Bacharach M,veum Regimv;NK Passing the Ordinance is Not Enough —'Iwo Examples from Iowa ............15 Randall J. Biallas Kerry C. McGrath Hhraidarhirect NN Susan Bu%ey Archeological Site Protection in La Quinta, CA 18 g Q ......................... . Dlrecmr.Hismrial5aricu Branch v m Leslie J. Mouricluand John A. Bums . hiim Nes Preserving Our Options —Public Archeology in Santa Fe, New Mexico .........2o Harry A. Butowsky David W. Cushman H'erams NP Pratt Cassity si, Exttwre Direc'a: Preservation Policy and Procedures —Public and Private Sector N.rlahreae,gerao�e�mss Development Review in Pima County, Arizona ...........................23 Muriel Crespi Linda L. Mayro C�INaia.,r.Ps,MNrs Mark R. Edwards ouerrorHakR. Edwards; D'Msim Miami Underground —Dade Coun s Archeological Success Story 26 g tY g rY ............ smr�Harg��norc�� Robert S. Carr Roger E. Kelly A,&.i,i,NK The Soapstone Local Historic Preservation District, Georgia ................28 Antoinette J. Lee H„a .Nrs Thomas R. Wheaton ASSISTANTS When Archeological Ordinances Fail —Protecting the Resource Denise M. Mayo by Other Means...................................................30 Jessica Olived Aleta Lawrence An electronic version of this issue of CRM can be accessed Cover: Pima County's redevelopment of an entire city block in downtown Tucson required both historical research through the CRM homepage at and archeological investigations to document its developmental history. Beneath the asphalt of a parking lot <http://www.cr.nps.gov/erm>. installed in the 1950s, archeological features and materials were found that dated from the prehistoric, Spanish colonial, Mexican, American Territorial, and early Statehood periods. Photo courtesy Linda Nlayro. Statements of fact and views arethe responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect an opinion or endorsement on the part of the editors, the CRM advi- sors and consukants, or the National Park Service. Send articles and correspondence to the Editor, CRM, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resources, 1849 C Street, NW Suite 350NC, Washington, DC 20240; 202-343-8164, fax 202-343-5260; email; <crmmag@nps gov>, 2 "CRM Nou19698 Leslie J. Mouriquand Archeological oog' • Site e Protection in La Quinta, CA A typical bedrock milling station slick and handstone found along the base of the moun- tains in to Quinta. Many of these are being preserved and incorporated as golf course land- scape features. Photo by the author. a Quinta, California, is a small com- munity of 19,000 located approxi- mately 30 miles southeast of Palm Springs, at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, in the Salton Basin of the Colorado Desert. The city was incorporated in 1982, but his- toric settlement began in the area over 100 years ago. Known for its golfing opportunities and as a hideaway for the stars, La Quinta is now approxi- mately 32 square miles in size and is still growing. Twenty-five years of archeological investiga- tions have resulted in the discovery of over 200 pre- historic sites in the area spanning the last 3,000 years. The sites are significant to the local area and offer a clear picture of increasing interaction through time between prehistoric cultures of the Pacific Coast and Colorado River regions. Since the city's incorporation, La Quinta has experienced continual urban development pressure as it has grown from a small village community to a progressive city. Numerous residential subdivisions have been reviewed, approved, and constructed in La Quinta, many of them on top of prehistoric resi- dential areas. This continued development puts many of the archeological sites at risk. To mitigate this risk of archeological site destruction, La Quinta has, over the past 10 years, developed an award -winning cultural resource man- agement program. The program has elevated the level of legal compliance with state cultural resource laws and has become a model of local cultural resource stewardship. The success of the archeologi- cal resource management program in La Quinta directly relates to its passage of a historic preserva- tion ordinance in 1992; this put the city on record as saying that the cultural heritage of the area is signifi- cant and worthy of proper consideration and protec- tion efforts.' Because of this commitment, La Quinta was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for an Outstanding Local Cultural Resources Management Program by the Association of Environmental Professionals in 1996, and the President's Award by the California Preservation Foundation in 1998. Although the city regards its cultural resources with a somewhat holistic approach, considering his- toric, archeological, and paleontological resources alike, there is special emphasis on archeological sites. This emphasis is included as a primary compo- nent of the city's certification as a Certified Local Government (CLG), a national preservation program administered by the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Being a CLG entitles the city to benefit from special grant monies, technical advice, and the prestige associated with being certified. The city's Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Commission are approved by the CLG Program, which means that the ordinance and the commission both meet federal and state standards for proper consideration and protection of cultural resources. The ordinance follows the California State model, and provides the tool for the city staff and Historic Preservation Commission to utilize in enforcing proper survey, recordation, and mitigation of the archeological resources in La Quinta. Prior to enactment of this ordinance, the city had to rely on implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Appendix K, as its only tool to require proper archeological investigations for private development projects. The ordinance pro- vides the needed local legislation in support of the state law. The ordinance requires that the city have a qualified Historic Preservation Commission com- posed of both professionals meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and qualified lay members. As La Quinta is a relatively small city, it has at times been difficult to find professionally qualified candi- dates for the commission. An amendment to the ordinance allows for non-resident professionally qualified candidates to be appointed by the City Council to the commission. Lay -commissioners must be residents of La Quinta. With an active local his- torical society, there is never a shortage of lay - member candidates. The next most important component of the archeological resource management program is the requirement that all archeological reports submitted to the city follow the Archeological Resource Management Report (ARMR) format as recom- mended by the California SHPO. This format ensures that there is a standard style of reporting that is detailed and comprehensive. The ARMR for- IN 096 CRM No 10-1998 mat provides for easier review of archeological reports by the city staff. A Historic Context Statement has been researched and written by staff that covers an exten- sive period of time ranging from 10,000 years before present to 1950. This document identifies and describes thematic and chronological periods in the history of La Quinta. It also sets forth criteria for determining significance for the city's cultural resources from these periods. La Quinta's Context Statement is a little different from most other California cities in that there is an equal amount of attention paid to the prehistoric heritage as there is to the historic built environment. The document is intended to be updated and expanded periodically as more pieces of the city's archeological puzzle are fitted together. New to the city's cultural resource manage- ment program is the Cultural Resources Element that is being prepared for the city's General Plan. A General Plan is required by state law for every city in California to identify its goals, policies, and objec- tives for both development and open space preserva- tion. The Cultural Resources Element will guide the city in planning and considering its cultural resources for the future. This particular element is not required by state law, thus its inclusion will pro- vide yet another local preservation tool. Throughout the development of La Quinta's cultural resource management program, it has been necessary to educate city staff and decision -makers on its implementation. The first task was educating staff, which includes planners and engineering department personnel. Cultural resources are one of the environmental issues on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study Checklist that must be addressed as to presence, sig- nificance, project impacts, and reasonable mitigation measures. Since the planners prepare these Initial Studies, they were the first target group for educat- ing. In 1992, the planners did not know that they should require that archeological reports make sig- nificance determinations or to look for opportunities to redesign projects to preserve archeological sites located within a project boundary. The intent of CEQA was not being met. The planners were informed about CEQA and laws pertaining to arche- ological resources and were briefed about the stan- dard professional archeological practices. This edu- cational process was accomplished through casual discussions, formal presentations at workshops, and information memos and materials. Staff of the engineering departments, who typi- cally were not involved with archeological sites until the project implementation/permit issuance phase, are now brought in at the design review phase. Similar educational efforts and tools have been used for this group. Field engineering inspectors were briefed on the nature of archeological sites and arti- facts, archeological laws, pot hunting, and the responsibilities and methods of project archeolo- gists. The field staff have become the "eyes and ears" for the city in the field, interfacing with project archeologists. Making archeological resource management palatable to city administrators and decision makers required more subtle and persuasive efforts accentu- ating the "carrot" of the various benefits of proper management by the city, rather than the "stick" of legal liability and compliance. Informal discussions and detailed staff reports have provided much of the education for this group. The "carrot" aspects that the staff has focused on have included pride in com- munity prehistory and history, historic tourism, and the importance of scientific investigation of the city's archeological resources. The implementation of the city's archeological resource management efforts has included network- ing with archeologists, historians, and paleontolo- gists in both academia and the professiional contract worlds. Networking has promoted effective working relationships, and reinforces the city's concern for its resources. One of the results of networking has been an improvement in the quality of archeological reports submitted to the city. There is a strong focus on research and interpretation in archeological resource investigation. Close communication with the California SHPO and the local archeological information center is an important means of implementing the city's program. La Quinta communicates frequently with these agencies on a variety of topics ranging from organizing a training workshop to getting advice on technical issues and legal interpretations. Other agencies that are regularly contacted include the local and state archeological organizations, the local Native American tribal councils, and the various local conservancy groups. Communication is vital to effective implementation of a successful archeologi- cal resource management program. The various components of La Quinta's arche- ological resource management program require con- tinual monitoring to ensure proper implementation. As with any program, there are successes and set- backs. La Quinta has had repeated successes in implementing its program which has made the city a leader in local archeological resource management. Note La Quinta Historic Preservation Ordinance, Title 7, "Historic Preservation," La Quinta Municipal Code, 1992. Leslie Mouriquand is an associate planner, Community Development Department, City of La Quinta, La Quinta, California. 0°7 CRM No 10-1998 19 DB#8950 To Leslie Mounquand Date 11/18/98 Time. 8 37 24 PM Page 1 of 3 November 1998, Vol. 7 r. CrIrl t rr°eser�vatl®n Advocate II1 -- News NATIONAL TRUST r.HisTORlc 1'RFSERv.•Jl09 Department of Law and Public Policv ELECTION DAY `98: Democrats Hold Margin in Senate, Gain 5 Seats in the House A resurgent Democratic party bucked historical precedent in the November ;rd mid-term congressional elections by gaining five seats in the House and holding the GOP to a ten seat margin in the Senate. The election marked the first time since 1934 that the party in control of the White House gained seats on the majority party in the House In this edition .... i - ELECTION 198: Democrats Hold Margin in Senate; Gain 5 Seats in the House GOP Poised for Change In House Gingrich Resigns Speakers Post Election `98 Feedback. What can you tell us about the new Members of Congress? Voters Demand "Smart Growth'' At the Polls 105th Congress Adjourns: Final Report on Preservation Legislation FY99 Appropriations Millennium Program Receives $30 Million I Congress Fails to Enact Historic Preservation Fund(HPF) Reauthorization ANNOUNCEMENTS TEA-21 Workshops Eleven Most Endangered List Nomination Forms Available GAO to Prepare Report on Consequences of Sprawl, Administration to Prepare Report on Smart Growth 11-18-98 18:32 The Democratic gains in the House leave the GOP with a much smaller majority -- 223 Republicans to 211 Democrats — to further their agenda in the 106th Congress The party ratio in the Senate — 55 Republicans to 45 Democrats -- remains unchanged from the 105th Congress_ Below is a summary of mid-term election results and a comparison of party representation from the 105th to the 106th Congress. 1998 National Election Results Comparison of 105th & 106th Congresses Chamber Party Ratio Senate Republicans Democrats 105th 55 45 106th 55 45 Net Change 0 0 Chamber Party Ratio House Republicans Democrats 105th 228 206 106th 223 211 Net Change -5 +5 Complete election results, including a listing of the new State congressional delegations, are available from the Law and Public Policy Department. For further information. call 202-588-6254. GOP Leadership Poised for Change in House; Gingrich Resigns Speaker's Post Representative Robert Livingston (R-LA), the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, is the leading candidate for the Speaker's job, which Newl Gingrich (R-GA) resigned on Movember 6, and appears to have the votes to win the post. Changes in other leadership positions may be afoot_ RECEIVED FROM: House Republicans will meet to organize and DB#8950 To: Leslie Mouriquand Date. 11/18/98 Time. 8.37.24 PM Page 2 of 3 A& ocate News, November 1998, Vol. 8 ote on their new leadership and committee chairmen ov8 ber 18-20, while House Democrats will begin `rganization meetings on December 16. Both parties will commence their leadership and organizational meetings in the Senate from December 1-3. Election `98 Feedback: What Can You Tell Us About Your Members of Congress? The National Trust needs information about the Members of Congress elected in your congressional district or state Information about newly -elected Members helps us in formulating strategy for passing our legislative agenda in the 106th Congress. Please send any press clippings, editorials, or campaign and promotional materials about the new Members from your state and district by mail, fax or e-mail to the fallowing National Trust for Historic Preservation, Department of Law and Public Policy, ATTN_ Election'95 Feedback, 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W-, Washington, DC 20036, 202-588-6038 (fax), policy@nthp.org (e- mail) Voters Demand "Smart Growth" at the Polls The mid-term congressional elections proved to be a national referendux on urban sprawl as voters from coast to coast overwhelmingly approved more than 100 state and local ballot initiatives supporting''smart growth.' National Trust President Richard Moe summed up the election results during a press briefing held on November 4, stating "the message from the voters was clear -- that people want their communities to develop by choice, not chance. This years election results show a Willingness by voters to pay for open space and revitalized communities." Mr- Moe led representatives from historic 'preservation, environmental, community planning, and academic organizations in a round table discussion on _ sprawl. A summary of election -day ballot measures, referenda, and initiatives entitled "1998 Sprawl Watch Report Card" was circulated to attendees The press event was also an the opportunity for the National Trust to announce the launch of a clearinghouse formed this year in response to the growing public demand for information about smart growth and community revitalization issues. The clearinghouse will provide information. advice and referrals on sprawl and smart growth to an array of constituencies that include: advocates, grass roots organizations, public officials, developers, architects, planners, and policy makers. The clearinghouse will coordinate its efforts with other numerous organizational partners to promote alternatives to sprawl These partnerships will Include such diverse organizations as the American Farmland Trust, the Conservation Fund, the Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy, the National Growth Management Leadership Project, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Scenic .America, the California Environmental Trust, the Surface Transportation Policy Project, the Trust for Public Land, the Smart Growth Network, and the Biodiversity Project, among others. For further Information about the activities of the clearinghouse or a copy of the '1998 Sprawl Watch Report Card," contact Cad Wolf at (202) 588-6254- 105th Congress Adjourns: Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill Closes Session Congress adjourned for the year on October 22 with its major accomplishment a $486.7 billion omnibus spending package. The spending bill wrapped the remaining eight appropriations bills (including the Interior Appropriations bill) along with other discretionary, and emergency spending provisions into one package. Despite grumbling from many Members about the size of the bill and not having enough time to examine its contents, the measure easily passed both houses of Congress FY99 APPROPRIATIONS Millennium Program Receives $30 Million The omnibus spending bill included $30 million in funding for Millennium Programa major increase over the $10 million provided by the Senate version of the Interior Appropriations bill. The conference report states that the $30 million appropriation for Millennium grants be directed toward 'priority preservation projects, including preservation of intellectual and cultural artifacts and of historic structures and sites.' House and Senate conferees also stipulated that all Millennium program grants be subject to a 50% non -Federal match. No grant funds may be used for administration expenses or staffing and all projects must be approved by the Secretary of the Interior and the House and Senate committees on Appropriations prior to any commitment of grant funds. Criteria for funding Millennium projects will include national significance urgency of need, and education value. The omnibus spending bill also included appropriations of $1 million for the Virginia City Historic District in Montana and $600,000 for Sotterly Plantation in Maryland -- sites previously listed on the National Trust's Eleven Most Endangered Places List. Historic Preservation Fund fHPF) Reauthorzation Fails to Pass Congress adjourned without passing a reauthorization of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which provides the funding for the national preservation program. The previous authorization of the HPF expired on September 30, 1997 — meaning no deposits have been made into the Fund for over a year. The HPF is authorized at 5150 million each year, although only about one-third of that amount is appropriated annually 099 11-18-98 18:33 RECEIVED FROM: P•92 DB#895D T. Leslie Mour guand Date. 11/18/98 Time. 8.37.24 PM Page 3 of 3 1 Advocate News. November 1998, Vol. S { The House and Senate had approved their t dividual versions of the bill -- H R. 1522 and S. 2257, �,. respectively -- to extend the HPF reauthorization to 2004 Unfortunately, a compromise was never reached between the two versions of the proposed legislation. Neither side was successful in attaching the HPF reauthorization to another legislative vehicle for passage before Congress adjourned. The reintroduction and swift passage of the HPF reauthorization bill will be a top legislative priority for the preservation community when Congress returns next year. Announcements • The Surface Transportation Policy Project (STOP) is sponsoring two TEA 21 workshops on December 4 (Atlanta) and December 1 tth (San Francisco). The registration fee Is $25 for the one -day sessions- If you need further Information about registration, contact Karen Nozik at STPP at 202-331-9680 or by e-mail at rtcknozik@transact.org. • The 1999 Request for Nominations for the National Trust's America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic. Places List Is underway. Each year the National Trust chooses 11 sites to illustrate highly significant symbols of our American heritage that are threatened by neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy. All nomination forms must be completed and submitted to the National I-rust's Media P.ela4ens Office by January 8, 1999. For further information or copies of the nomination forms, contact the Media Relations Office [202-588-6141 (phone), 202-588-6299 (fax), pr@ntheorg (e-mail)] or visit the National Trust's Internet web site at httpJ/wovwjetronafhtwt.org to file your nomination on- line. 6 Senators James Jeffords (R-VT) and Carl Levin (CFMI) have asked the General Accounting Office (GAO) to prepare a report on the impact of federal policies on sprawl. The report, which is expected in April, will expose those federal policies that encourage sprawl and raise barriers to historic preservation and reinvestment in existing communities The National Trust and other organizations engaged In the issue of sprawl have provided input to GAO in its investigation. Also expected In the spring is a report to Vlce President Gore on Federal Support for Smart Growth and Regional Cooperation. F'seserTVAuoN Anvocare News Is ,uel IsFED oN A FIONIFLY n4515 NY THE 14AT10 HAL TRUST 5 DEFAF111CM OF LAW AND PLIFFIc POLICY AND DISTRIBUTED VIA FACSIHILE r0 115 GRASSROOTS Fti(BOAFD NETWORK. FOR SICN UP INI ORFI AT ION CONTACT: NATF]NAL -IPUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION DFPARTNENT Of LAN a PUBLIC PoucY 17t1:S I.IASSACHUSETTs AVENu E. N.w. W1:HwOION, DC 20036 202-n864264 (,HONE) 202-vB11 A038 IPA%) E-I'141L: F`OLICNT NTFY.ORG TANIAR L. OSTERNIAN r)IRLCIOR OF GOVF-RNMENr AFFAIRS I DITOR STAFF" WRITERS: GARL `A JI.I', DAN CiOSTEL TO I AURA $NAOOS I QP13 PRESERVATION AuvocATE News too I1-18-98 18:34 RECEIVED FROM: P.03