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1999 03 18 HPC/ T Qj �z u S 7 � CF`y OF TNt' V HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION �AVffl[aZffWA� The Regularly Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California March 18, 1999 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 February 18, 1999 V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Environmental Assessment 98-375; Archaeological and Paleontological Assessments of Specific Plan 98-034 and Parcel Map 29052, a 111,000 square foot commercial center on 12.5 acres at the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50 for Lundin Development Company, by CRM Tech. B. Environmental Assessment 98-378; Cultural Resource Survey for the Jefferson Street Improvements between Avenue 54 and Indio Boulevard for the City of La Quinta by L & L Environmental, Inc., and RMW Paleo Associates, Inc. C. Professional Archaeological Consultant Qualifications VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT UUJ. HPC/AGENDA MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA FEBRUARY 18, 1999 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Acting Chairman, Robert Wright at 3:34 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call: Present: Commissioners Irwin, Mitchell, Vossler, and Acting Chairman Wright. Absent: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Vossler to excuse Commissioner Puente. Unanimously approved. Staff Present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and (Secretary Carolyn Walker. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Vossler/Irwin to add Election of Officers to the Agenda. Unanimously approved. B. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Vossler to add Staffing to the Agenda. Unanimously approved. IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS A. Acting Chairman Wright opened the nominations for Chairman. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Vossler to nominate Robert Wright as Chairman. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and Robert Wright was unanimously elected as Chairman. B. Chairman Wright opened the nominations for Vice Chairman. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Wright to nominate Maria Puente as Vice Chairman. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed and Mane Puente was unanimously elected as Vice Chairman. I U J ,I PACAR0LYN\HPC2-I8-99.wpd -I- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 18, 1999 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Commissioner Irwin had a question regarding exclusion of an item in the January 20" minutes regarding a letter the Commission requested be written to Dr. Bruce Love commending him on his archaeological reports received at that meeting. Staff directed the minutes be changed as follows: Page 2, Item #7 add the sentence: "Commissioners directed staff to draft and send a letter of commendation to Bruce Love complimenting; him on the quality of his reports." There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Wright to approve the Minutes of January 20, 1999, as amended. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS Commissioner Irwin questioned the change in staffing. Her concern was that staff changes were made because of the Commission's action at the last Council meeting. 2. Community Development Director Jerry Herman explained that in order to allow all staff members to broaden their experience in different aspects of planning, Mr. Sawa would be replacing Leslie Mouriquand as staff person for the Commission. 3. Commissioner Irwin stated she thought the City would want the most qualified personnel to serve as staff for the Commission. 4. Community Development Director Jerry Herman reiterated that staff assignments are made to benefit the Department and increase the experience of each of the planners. It is the decision of this Department that other planners need to gain experience. The Commission is comprised of professional and nonprofessional members of the community who have historical and archaeological expertise. Discussion followed regarding how staffing assignments were made. 5. Commissioners requested this decision be re-evaluated. Community Development Director Jerry Herman indicated he would re-evaluate the decision regarding staffing. PACAR0LYN\HPC2-18-99.wpd -2-1 U 0 J Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 18, 1999 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Mitchell corrected the last sentence of the first paragraph that states the monitoring mitigated the impacts of these resources. The sentence should read that it was as a result of the monitoring the artifacts were mapped and recovered. Recovery is what mitigates these, not the monitoring. 3. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Mitchell to adopt Minute Motion 99-008 approving the report as corrected. Unanimously approved. 1. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. She then asked for comments from the Commissioners before finalization of this draft. 2. Commissioner Irwin asked if the application she submitted to the City Council, to serve on the Commission, would be adequate. Staff replied in the affirmative. 3. Commissioner Mitchell had some comments on the installation of new air conditioning systems for the Casitas, within the La Quinta Hotel Resort, and whether that would affect their eligibility for the National Register. 4. Planning Manager di Iorio replied that the Casitas are potentially eligible for listing on the National Register. She then gave him a brief summary of the steps that had been taken to assure retention of the historic integrity of these buildings even though they were being modernized. 5. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Wright to approve Minute Motion 99-009 ,accepting the report as submitted. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL A. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio went over the various items submitted to the Commission which included tours available through the National Trust, some articles from the Society for American Archaeology, and an article regarding; Jay von Werlhof and his recent contribution to archaeology. PACAROLYN\HPC2-18-99.wpd -3- i, lj 4 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 18, 1999 VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Chairman Wright then introduced the new Commissioners Judy Vossler and Mike Mitchell and welcomed them to the Commission. B. Commissioner Irwin talked about the video "The Story of La Quinta" and its reference to Missions in the area. She felt contributions for the video came from Mr. Wilke and other historians when they put together the information for the video. Commissioner Irwin offered to contact Fred Rice to see where the information might have been obtained. C. Chairman Wright thanked Community Development Director Jerry Herman and Principal Planner Stan Sawa for attending the meeting. D. Chairman Wright also relayed a news story about the "Stonehenge of Florida". E. Commissioner Irwin informed the Commissioners about tours that were to be conducted in La Quinta. She had contacted Ms. Louise Neeley to do a tour of Point Happy Ranch as Ms. Neeley was born and raised there and would be able to give a more accurate historic perspective on Point Happy Ranch. After general discussion, it was decided the tour of Point Happy Ranch would be conducted on March 29' at 3:30 p.m. with Commissioner Irwin coordinating with Ms. Louise Neeley and staff obtaining approval from the property owner. F. Commissioners discussed visiting some un-surveyed sites to gain a perspective on surface observation work that is done for the Phase I archaeological study. Discussion of possible sites followed with the possibility of the Commissioners visiting the property at the northwest corner of Washington Street and ]Highway 111, given the property owner's approval, or a City -owned park site. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Vossler/Irwin to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next scheduled meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission on March 18, 1999. This meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. February 18, 1999. Unanimously approved. Submitted by: Carol alker yn Secretary U U 'j PACAR0L1i\HPC2-18-99.wpd -4- BI #A HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: MARCH 18, 1999 ITEM: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 98-375: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF SPECIFIC PLAN 98-034 AND PARCEL MAP 29052 LOCATION: APPLICANT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: PALEONTOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND: NORTHWEST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 50 LUNDIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CRM TECH (BRUCE LOVE, PRINCIPAL) PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM An Initial Study for a Negative Declaration has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act requirements for a proposed Specific Plan and Parcel Map to allow an 111,000 square foot commercial center. As a part of the Environmental Assessment, cultural resource and paleointologicl studies have been submitted. The studies were prepared at the request of the applicant. DISCUSSION: The Phase 1 cultural resource or archaeological report includes a records search and site survey for the 12.5 acre commercial center and 33 acres surrounding the site to the north and west, and is also owned by the applicant. This 33 acres is also zoned commercial, but proposed to be rezoned to low density residential to allow a subdivision in the near future. An interim Phase 2 (testing and evaluation) report has been submitted for the commercial center site only. The report concludes that none of the three archaeological sites identified within the project area meets CEQA criteria for historical resources or important archaeological resources, and therefore, the proposed project will have no effect on known cultural resources. Monitoring of the modified mesquite mound near Avenue 50 is recommended during grading and other earth -moving activities due to the fact that there is a potential for buried resources to be exposed. 000 C:hpc rpt jeff st widen n.d. The paleontological study states the site is located in an area that was under the shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Highly significant fossil remains have been recovered from sites in the vicinity of the project. As such, this project site has high potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources. Therefore, a qualified paleontologic monitor is needed for excavation of the entire commercial site. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 99 , accepting : 1.) The cultural resources report titled, "Tentative Parcel Maps 29052 and 29053", as prepared by CRM TECH, and; 2.) The interim cultural resources report titled, "Testing and Evaluation of CA-RIV- 6147. -6148, and -6149, as prepared by CRM TECH, and; 3.) The paleontologic assessment titled, "Paleontologic Assessment Tentative Parcel Map# 29052 (Commercial) and Tentative Tract 29053 (Residential), for Environmental Assessment 98-375, in partial compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Attachments: 1 . Two confidential Cultural Resource Reports (Commissioners only) 2. Confidential Paleontologic Report (Commissioners only) Prepared by: Submitted By: Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner Christine di lorio, PI Wing Manager C:hpc rpt jeff st widen n.d. Qvq NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT IS CONFIDENTIAL, NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION rya CITY .i.1iIVT PLl I iR f'• % 13E?ARTM,ENT PALEONTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP # 29052 (COMMERCIAL) AND TENTATIVE TRACT # 29053 (RESIDENTIAL,) CITY OF LA QUINTA RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared by: PALEONTOLOGIC RESOURCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM San Bernardino County Museum 2024 Orange Tree Lane Redlands, California 92374 Prepared for: LUNDIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 16400 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite #207 Huntington Beach, California 92649 November 1998 (revised February 1999) Confidential - Not for Public Distribution D 0 41 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY—� AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Y`J i COUNTY OF SERVICES OERGROUP O 1 <�':"*—� i PUBLIC SERVICES GROUP SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM ' '// PAUL J. OLES 2024 Orange Tree Lane • Redlands, CA 92374 • (909) 307-2669 Museums Director Fax (909) 307-0539 PALEONTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP #29052 (COMMERCIAL) AND TENTATIVE TRACT #29053 (RESIDENTIAL) CITY OF LA QUINTA, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA Introduction The Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program of the Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) has conducted a search of the pertinent literature, a review of the Regional Paleontologic Locality Inventory (RPLI), and a field survey for the above -named property in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. The proposed property 'is located in eastern Indio, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Jefferson Street and :50th Avenue. Specifically, the property is located within the southeastern quadrant of section 32, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, San Bernardino Base and Meridian, as shown on the La Quinta, CA 7.5' U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle map (1959 edition). Background The City of La Quinta lies along the southern margin of the Salton Trough, a northward extension of the Gulf of California (McKibben 1993). The Salton Trough lies below sea level, and is an active continental rift underlain by the landward extension of the East Pacific Rise; it is surrounded on three sides by mountains and bounded to the southeast by the Colorado River delta. Since the beginning of the Holocene Epoch [ t 11,000 years before present (ybp)], the Colorado River delta has blocked marine water from entering the Salton Trough from the Gulf of California. Freshwater lakes have existed intermittently in the deeper parts of the basin that developed landward of the Colorado River delta (Van de Kamp 1973; Waters 1983; Maloney 1986). Previous geologic mapping of the area by Rogers (1965) indicates that Tentative Parcel Map #29052 and Tentative Tract #29053 are located in part upon Quaternary lake sediments deposited below the 12-meter high shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla, which is thought to have existed intermittently from 470 ybp to at least f 6,000 ybp (Van de Kamp 1973; Waters 1983; Whistler and others 1995). Dune sands are also mapped as present within the boundaries of the property (Rogers 1965). The lacustrine sediments in this area were deposited during each of at least seven high stands of Lake Cahuilla, each high stand resulting from flooding of the Salton Trough by inflow from the Colorado River (Waters 1983). Fluvial sediments in the area were laid down during intervening lake low stands when the lake bed was dry. These alternating lacustrine and fluvial sediments, termed herein the Lake Cahuilla beds, have previously yielded fossil remains representing diverse freshwater diatoms, land plants, sponges, ostracods, molluscs, l;ish, and small terrestrial vertebrates. As a result, the Lake Cahuilla beds have high potential to contain non- renewable fossil resources that are subject to adverse impact from development -related excavation. 1... 01O ._ E iprt, ur i 6is 't DENNIS HxM13SE F' fi a6 oi3 ... d D' r LARfiY *VA' KER ... c � <�.c': _E',P EAVES ....... ..... �iftn Cis �n{:. al1-� Well u ... _.,.i� Wellq .,I n•. - 7 AVENUE •1 4 Well + a.a • • I .... = 0 n T .. 0 0 FIn I� W 1 II iJ .31 .� �2 ...- aJ/❑—FtV£NUE 3311Well 49'. I : ,6 :. •..,...,,. 1 TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP c o Wel # 29052 (COMMERCIAL) - o ;;i . „ v 1 ' n�: F n4 50 k AVENUEII ;.,el r IF;... TENTATIVE TRACT ry We �, II # 29053 (RESIDENTIAL) y ^ 4 r, o 6� . o LLI�^ - �j 4 /l �i SCALE 1.24000 0 i MILE 1000 0 10- 2000 3000 40r! 5000 60Y 700C - 0 1 KILOMETF s PALEONTOLOGIC a RESOURCE ASSESSMENT San BOO County Museum NORTH PROGRAM FIGURE 1 Locality Map, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 (La Quinta, CA 7.5' U.S.G.S. topographic quadrangle, 1959) Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 La Quints, Riverside County, California (rev.) A review of the Regional Paleontologic Locality Inventory (RPLI) and additional pertinent paleontologic literature was conducted by the staff of the Section of Paleontology, SBC:M. The results of this review indicate that no paleontologic localities are recorded from within the boundaries of Tentative Parcel Map #29052 and Tentative Tract #29053. However, paleontologic resource localities that have produced fossils from sediment lithologies similar to those within the boundaries of the proposed project property are located within approximately 11/2 miles due south of the property, in the La Quinta region (Whistler and others, 1995). These five sampling sites have yielded diatoms, land plants, sponges, molluscs, ostracods, bony fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals (Whistler and others 1995). The lowest stratigraphic unit in thus region was radiometrically dated to 5,890 ± 60 ybp, which indicated a high stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla older than any described previously. Methods A field survey of the excavation site and the surrounding area was conducted on 20 October 1998 by Quintin Lake, Museum Technician of the Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program under the direction of Kathleen B. Springer, Project Manager and Eric Scott, Field Supervisor. All of these individuals have previous experience in paleontologic field assessment and salvage in Riverside County and the Indio/La Quinta area. The field survey portion of the assessment was conducted on foot. Sedimentary exposures present within the boundaries of the property were examined to determine the nature of the sediments present at the surface as well as at depth. Visibility was good throughout the study area. Results Review of the pertinent geologic and paleontologic literature suggests the presence within the area of potential effect of Holocene lacustrine sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla. These sediments have a demonstrated high potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources subject to adverse impact by development -related excavation. The review of the RPLI indicated that highly significant fossil remains have been recovered from the near vicinity of the project property, reinforcing the interpretation of high paleontologic sensitivity at depth. The recovery of additional remains at depth, in a reliable stratigraphic context, would therefore have very high paleontologic significance. The field survey confirmed the presence of disturbed micaceous lacustrine sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla exposed at the surface in the southeastern quadrant of the property (Tentative Parcel Map #29052, the proposed Lucky Supermarket development site). These sediments consisted of grey -green clays and silts which were observed during the survey to contain fossil. molluscs and gastropods. These sediments closely resemble described lithologies of the lacustrine component of the Lake Cahuilla beds, and therefore have high potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources. Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 3 La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) Elsewhere within the boundaries of Tentative Tract #29053, sediments observed during the field survey consisted primarily of dune sands. These sediments overlie lacustrine sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla. The dune sands are in and of themselves not fossiliferous, and therefore are herein considered to have low potential to contain nonrenewable paleontologic resources. However, since these dune sands overlie fossiliferous lacustrine sediments, excavation at depth in this area is also likely to adversely impact fossil recourses. Fossil molluscs and gastropods observed during the field survey were not in situ, and therefore were not collected for curation into a permanent retrievable repository. Samples of these exposed remains were returned to the SBCM to determine their fossil status; given the extensive presence of archaeologic resources (= artifacts) within the boundaries of Tentative Tract #29053, particularly in the southwestern quadrant of the property, it was conceivable that the observed molluscs were artifactual in origin. However, no evidence of processing or use is evident on these remains, which emphasizes their fossil status. No vertebrate fossils were observed or recovered during the field survey. Significance of Paleontologic Resources Paleontology is a biologic and geologic scientific discipline involving the study of fossils. Despite the tremendous volume of sedimentary rock deposits preserved world-wide, and the enormous number of organisms that have lived through time, preservation of plant or animal remains as fossils is an extremely rare occurrence. Because of the infrequency of fossil preservation, fossils are considered to be nonrenewable resources. Because of their rarity, and because of the scientific information they provide, fossils can be highly significant records of ancient life. 'They can provide information about the interrelationships of living organisms, their ancestry, their development and change through time, and their former distribution. Progressive morphologic changes observed in fossil lineages may provide critical information on the evolutionary process itself --that is, the ways in which new species arise and adapt to changing environmental circumstances. Fossils can also serve as important guides to the ages of the rocks and sediments in which they are contained, and may prove useful in determining the temporal relationships of rock deposits from one area to another and the timing of geologic events. Time scales established by fossils provide chronologic frameworks for geologic studies of all kinds. Fossils are considered to be of significant scientific interest if one or more of the following guidelines apply: 1. The fossils provide data on the evolutionary relationships and developmental trends among organisms, both living and extinct; 2. The fossils provide data useful in determining the age(s) of the rock unit or sedimentary stratum, including data important in determining the; depositional history of the region and the timing of geologic events therein; Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 4 PRAP La Quints, Riverside County, California (rev.) 01d 3. The fossils provide data regarding the development of biological communities or interaction between paleobotanical and paleozoological biotas; 4. The fossils demonstrate unusual or spectacular circumstances in the history of life; 5. The fossils are in short supply and/or in danger of being depleted or destroyed by the elements, vandalism, or commercial exploitation, and are not found in other geographic locations. As so defined, significant paleontologic resources are determined to be fossils or assemblages of fossils which are unique, unusual, rare, uncommon, diagnostically or stratigraphically important, and/or those which add to an existing body of knowledge in specific areas--stratigraphically, taxonomically, and/or regionally. They can include fossil remains of large to very small aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, remains of plants and animals previously not represented in certain portions of the stratigraphy, and fossils that might aid stratigraphic correlations, particularly those offering data for the interpretation of tectonic events, geo-morphologic evolution, paleoclimatology, and the relationships of aquatic and terrestrial species. Determinations of the significance of paleontologic resources can only be made by qualified, trained paleontologists familiar with the fossils under consideration. Such determinations are best advanced in the light of a well -conceived and thoroughly -defined research design. With an efficient sampling program based upon such a research design in effect, the ability of the paleontologists to recognize, recover and preserve significant paleontologic resources is greatly enhanced. The guidelines for significance identified above all have in common one basic assumption: that the fossils in question have been identified to a reasonably precise level, preferably to the generic or the specific level. All identi able paleontologic resources are always potentially signijzcant. In general, fossils are not considered to be significant unless they can be identified with some degree of precision. It is of course true that there are exceptions to this rule; unidentifiable bones or bone fragments, for example, can be of great significance when recovered from a sedimentary unit or formation which previously had not yielded fossils, or from an area with no history of paleontologic sensitivity. However, questions of evolutionary relationships, age of the deposit, and so forth --those questions which are generally employed to determine the significance of a paleontologic resource --cannot be reasonably addressed until the fossils under study have been identified to a relatively precise degree. Viewed in this light, unidentifiable fossils or fossil fragments can be seen to have limited scientific significance. In the context of paleontologic mitigation, academically -driven research designs wherein every bone and/or bone fragment is collected and analyzed are not feasible. Destruction of at least some paleontologic resources is an unavoidable consequence of development -related excavation. Clearly, then, the goal of the paleontologists(s) in this context is not to eliminate impacts to fossil Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 5 PRAP is Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 014 resources, but rather to mitigate such impacts by collecting a representative sample: of the entire potential assemblage. In such cases, unidentifiable bones or bone fragments are not considered to be potentially significant in terms of the significance criteria presented above, since there is little chance of ever supplementing these specimens with their missing portions or advancing more detailed identifications at some future date. Further, isolated fragments cannot be placed in a sufficiently -detailed three-dimensional context with their missing portions to enable taphonomic data to be advanced with any reliability. For these reasons, nondiagnostic bones or unidentifiable bone fragments of extinct animals from areas of known high paleontologic sensitivity are herein considered to be scientifically significant only in a limited sense. In general, where exposed such elements will be employed by field monitors as indicating sediments or horizons which demonstrably contain fossil resources; these areas may be examined and test -sampled to determine the presence of more complete --and therefore more significant --paleontologic resources. Generally, however, nondiagnostic bones or unidentifiable bone fragments will normally not be collected. The omission of non -significant unidentifiable bones and bone fragments from the collection strategy is not perceived as a damaging bias in the sampling strategy. Rather, the recovery of generically or specifically identifiable fossil remains (that is, fossils which can be identified to the genus or species level) from the study area is most likely to provide scientifically significant data to paleontologists. Microfossils are an exception to this provision. These elements --generally not visible to the naked eye in the field --are obtained through recovery of bulk samples of fossiliferous sediments which are washed and processed in the laboratory. Although some unidentifiable microfossil. remains are an unavoidable circumstance of this collection procedure, many fossils recovered in this manner are readily identifiable. Since all identifiable paleontologic resources are always potentially significant, the question of determining potential significance thus becomes one of where the identifications of the resource(s) are made --in the field, before physical recovery of the resource, or in the laboratory subsequent to recovery and preparation. In some rare cases, accurate identifications of distinctive fossil elements to the genus or species level --and subsequent determinations of significance --are possible in the field, particularly when the skeletal elements in question are relatively complete, undistorted, well -exposed and undamaged by excavation equipment. In most cases, However, accurate genus- or species -level identifications of megafaunal remains are not possible in the field for the following reasons: 1.) the resource(s) are generally not sufficiently well --exposed and visible to permit accurate field identification; 2.) the resource(s) have generally suffered damage from scraper or other excavation equipment, which makes field identification(s) much more difficult; 3.) many bones of comparably -sized animals (for example, limb bones and vertebrae of camels, bison and horses) are very similar in overall appearance, and are difficult to discriminate without the aid of a well -provisioned comparative osteological collection; and 4.) in the context of an excavation that is proceeding according to a defined schedule, precise identification is neither efficient nor cost effective. Microfaunal remains offer an additional challenge, as these elements Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 6 PRAP La Quints, Riverside County, California (rev.) 075 are generally not visible to the naked eye in the field; rather, they are recovered in the laboratory through processing of bulk samples of fossiliferous sediments. Given the above, paleontologic field monitors are primarily trained and responsible; for the collection of resources which are diagnostic --that is, resources which exhibit distinctive features such as articular surfaces, bony spines, or prominent bony ridges which will enable detailed identifications to be made later, in the laboratory. Resources which do not appear to be potentially diagnostic in this manner are generally not collected, although their presence in the field may be recorded in field notes. Any of the fossil resources which appear in the field to be diagnostic are potentially significant in that they could provide data crucial to resolving one or more of the research questions outlined in the following pages. Since this significance in most cases cannot be accurately (or cost-effectively) determined prior to recovery of the resource(s), it is most reasonable and efficient to recover all diagnostic or potentially -diagnostic resources as they are exposed with the aim that these resources will, utilizing various techniques, be later demonstrated to be scientifically significant. The above discussion leads to the evident inference that an overall upper limit on the number of fossils to be recovered during paleontologic monitoring of excavation for T.P.M. #29,052 and T.T. #29053 cannot beset a priori. The number of scientifically -significant fossils present in any given fossil assemblage simply cannot be determined in advance of excavation. However, by concentrating upon the retrieval of exclusively diagnostic resources as excavation proceeds, the chances of recovering fossils of little or no significance are virtually eliminated. This approach is by no means expected to "oversample" the paleontologic resources present within the boundaries of the project property. Quite the contrary; despite the presumed presence of fossils in the subsurface of the property, it is not unlikely than only a small fraction of these fossils will be exposed by excavation and subsequently realized in the data sample through mitigation efforts. However, it is not the goal of the paleontologic mitigation program to collect every fossil present in the subsurface. Nor is it the goal of the paleontologists to collect as many fossils as possible, regardless of their diagnosticity and their significance. Rather, the focus of the paleontologic mitigation program is to generate a representative sample of the entire potential assemblage. By concentrating upon the recovery of diagnostic fossil remains, a sample of fossils and associated contextual data is expected to be recovered which will accurately reflect the abundance, diversity, and character of the living population of animals which once inhabited the study area. In this manner, State legal obligations requiring mitigation of adverse impacts to fossil resources caused by excavation (CEQA) will be effectively fulfilled. Recommendations Excavation in conjunction with development has a high potential to adversely impact significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources present at depth within the boundaries of Tentative Parcel Map #29052 and Tentative Tract #29053. This paleontologic sensitivity is particularly high in the Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 % PPUP IA Quinta, Riverside Cowry, California (rev.) 016 southeastern quadrant of the property (Tentative Parcel Map #29052, the site of the proposed Lucky Supermarket development), where paleontologically-sensitive sediments are exposed at the surface. For this reason, a qualified vertebrate paleontologist must develop a program to mitigate impacts to nonrenewable paleontologic resources exposed or unearthed during all such excavation. This mitigation program should be consistent with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as with regulations currently implemented by the County of Riverside and the proposed guidelines of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. This program should include, but not be limited to: Monitoring of excavation in areas identified as likely to contain paleontologic resources by a qualified paleontologic monitor. Based upon the results of the survey, the southeastern quadrant of the property (Tentative Parcel Map #29052, the Lucky Supermarket site) will require a paleontologic monitor during all phases of excavation. Other portions of Tentative Tract #29053 have fossil -bearing sediments only at depth; these areas have high paleontologic sensitivity only in sediments t 4' below the surface. Excavation in this area below this depth will therefore require a paleontologic monitor. The monitor should be equipped to salvage fossils as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays and to remove samples of sediments which are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates. The monitor must be empowered to temporarily halt or divert equipment to allow removal of abundant or large specimens. 2. Preparation of recovered specimens to a point of identification and permanent preservation, including washing of sediments to recover small invertebrates and vertebrates. 3. Identification and curation of specimens into a museum repository with permanent retrievable storage. 4. Preparation of a report of findings with an appended itemized inventory of specimens. The report will include pertinent discussions of the significance of all recovered resources where appropriate. The report and inventory, when submitted to the appropriate Lead Agency, would signify completion of the program to mitigate impacts to paleontologic resources. References Maloney, N.J., 1986. Coastal landforms of Holocene Lake Cahuilla, northeastern Salton Basin, California. In P.D. Guptil, E.M. Gath and R.W. Ruff (eds.), Geology of the Imperial Valley, California. South Coast Geological Society, Santa Ana, California 14: 151-158. McKibben, M.A., 1993. The Salton Trough rift. In R.E. and J. Reynolds (eds.), Ashes, faults and basins. San Bernardino County Museum Association Special Publication 934: 76-80. Paleontologic Assessment. T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 8 PRAP La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 017 Rogers, T.H., 1965. Geologic map of California, Santa Ana sheet. California Division of Mines and Geology. Scale 1:250,000. Van de Kamp, P.C., 1973. Holocene continental sedimentation in the Salton Basin, California: a reconnaissance. Geological Society of America Bulletin 84: 827-848. Waters, M.R., 1983. Late Holocene lacustrine chronology and archaeology of ancient Lake Cahuilla, California. Quaternary Research 19: 373-387. Whistler, D.P., E.B. Lander and M.A. Roeder, 1995. A diverse record of microfossils and fossil plants, invertebrates, and small vertebrates from the late Holocene Lake Cahuilla beds, Riverside County, California. In P. Remeika and A. Stutz (eds.), Paleontology and Geology of the Western Salton Trough Detachment, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, p. 109-118. Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program San Bernardino County Museum 11 February 1999 Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 9 PPUP La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) APPENDIX A: Resumes of Key Personnel Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 to La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 019 F974% KATHLEEN B. SPRINGER Senior Curator of Paleontology/Principal Investigator Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum EXPERTISE Vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology of southem California and Nevada, geologic/palee ntologic method and theory, paleontologic resource management, and morphometrics. EDUCATION Master of Science (1989) Geology: University of California, Riverside Bachelor of Science (1985) Geology: University of California, Riverside PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1990 - present Senior Curator of Paleontology/Project Manager/Principal Investigator, Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program, Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, California 1991 - 1996 Adjunct Instructor, Department of Geology, Chaffey Community College, Claremont, California 1989 - 1990 Field Supervisor, Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program, Division of Earth Sciences, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, California 1988 - 1989 Research Associate/Teaching Assistant, Earth Sciences Department, University of California, Riverside, California 1987-1988 Associate Research Specialist, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS Ms. Springer has an extensive background in both geology and paleontology. She has over fourteen years' experience in geology and paleontology, with more than seven years experience in paleontogic mitigation --as Field Supervisor, as Project Manager and presently as Senior Curator of Paleontology and Principal Investigator for the paleontologic mitigation program at the San Bernardino County Museum. She has directed both large- and small-scale sensitivity assessments and resource mitigation programs in addition to developing resource management guidelines for County, State and Federal agencies. Among the larger paleontologic resource management programs directed by Ms. Springer are the Kern River Gas Transmission Pipeline, the Mojave Pipeline and the! Eastside Reservoir. Ms. Springer has authored and co-authored numerous technical resource management reports, and has published research articles in professional scientific journals. She holds paleontologic collecting permits for use on public (= Bureau of Land Management) lands in Nevada (N-48816) and California (CA-94-P-02). Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 11 La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 020 KATHLEEN B. SPRINGER Senior Curator of Paleontology/Principal Investigator (continued) SELECT PROJECT HISTORY 1993 - (2001) Eastside Reservoir Project, Hemet, Riverside County, California 1995 - 1997 State Route 58 Expansion, Barstow, San Bernardino County, California 1994 -1998 State Route 71 Expansion, Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, California 1994 - 1995 Mead - Adelanto Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, Nevada - California 1993-1994 Paleontology Legacy Project, Edwards Air Force Base, San Bernardino County, California 1992 - 1993 Overton Power District 138 kV Transmission Line, Moapa Valley - Mesquite, Clark County, Nevada 1991 -1994 Santa Gertrudis Creek Rechannelization, Temecula, Riverside: County, California 1991 -1993 Clark County Flood Control Project, Mojave Desert, Clark County, Nevada 1990 - 1993 Mojave Gas Transmission Pipeline, Mojave Desert, Arizona - California 1990 - 1992 Kern River Gas Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, Nevada - California 1990 - 1991 Kramer - Victor 220 kV Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, California PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS 1998 Springer, K.B., E. Scott, L.K. Murray and W.G. Spaulding. "Partial skeleton of a large individual of Mammut americanum from the Domenigoni Valley, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 18(3) (in press). 1997 Scott, E., K. Springer and L.K. Murray. "New records of early Pleistocene vertebrates from the west -central Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 17(3): 75-A. 1994 Springer, K. B. and E. Scott. "First record of late Pleistocene vertebrates from the Domenigoni Valley, Riverside County, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 14(3): 47-A. 1994 Springer, K. B. and M. A. Murphy. "Punctuated stasis and collateral evolution in the Devonian lineage of Monograptus hercynicus." Lethaia 27: 119-128. 1993 Woodburne, M.O., J.A. Case, M.S. Springer, J. Woodburne, K.B. Springerand J.D. Power. "Biostratigraphy and paleontology of the Etadunna Formation, South Australia." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 13(4): 483-515. 1989 Murphy, M. A., and K. B. Springer. "Morphometric study of the platform elements of Amydrotaxis praejohnsoni n. sp. (Lower Devonian, Conodonts, Nevada)." Journal of Paleontology 63(3): 349-355. Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 12 PRAP La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 021 ERIc ScoT-r Paleontology Field Supervisor Section of Paleontology. San Bernardino County Museum EXPERTISE Plio-Pleistocene vertebrate paleontology, Plio-Pleistocene biostratigraphy, equid and hominid evolution, paleontologic resource management, and fossil preparation, identification and replication. EDUCATION Master of Arts (1990) Anthropology (Biological): University of California, Los Angeles Bachelor of Arts (1985) Anthropology (Physical): California State University, Northridge PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1991-present Paleontology Field Supervisor, Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program, Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, California 1989 -1991 Paleontologic Field Technician, PaleoEnvironmental Associates, Inc., North Hollywood and Costa Mesa, California 1987 - 1991 Chief Excavator/Pit 91 Supervisor, Rancho La Brea Project, George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California 1987 - 1988 Museum Technician, Vertebrate Paleontology Section, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California 1985 - 1986 Paleontology Excavator, Rancho La Brea Project, George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS Mr. Scott is a paleontologic resource management specialist with more than thirteen years' professional experience in the recovery, preparation, curation and preservation of nonrenewable paleontologic resources. Under the Senior Curator, he has coordinated, supervised and provided support for field, laboratory, curatorial and technical writing activities for numerous paleontologic resource assessment and impact mitigation programs. Mr. Scott has authored numerous technical resource management reports, and in addition has published several paleontology research articles in professional scientific journals. He currently holds membership in several professi.onall societies including the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, the Western Association of Vertebrate Paleontologists and the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 13 PRAP La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) - 022 ERIC SCOTr Paleontology Field Supervisor Continued SELECT PROJECT HISTORY 1993 - (2001) Eastside Reservoir Project, Hemet, Riverside County, California 1995 - 1997 State Route 58 Expansion, Barstow, San Bernardino County, California 1994 - 1998 State Route 71 Expansion, Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, California 1994 -1995 Mead - Adelanto Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, Nevada - California 1992 - 1993 Overton Power District 138 kV Transmission Line, Moapa. Valley - Mesquite, Clark County, Nevada 1991 - 1994 Santa Gertrudis Creek Rechannelization, Temecula, Riverside County, California 1991 - 1993 Clark County Flood Control Project, Mojave Desert, Clark County, Nevada 1990 - 1993 Mojave Gas Transmission Pipeline, Mojave Desert, Arizona - California 1990 - 1992 Kern River Gas Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, Nevada - California 1990 - 1991 Kramer - Victor 220 kV Transmission Line, Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, California PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS 1999 Scott, E. "Small horses from the `Ice Age' at Fort Irwin." Environmental Division, Directorate of Public Works, Fort Irwin Natural and Cultural Resources Series No 2 (in press). 1998 Scott, E. "Equus sconi from southern California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 18(3):76A. 1998 Springer, K.B., E. Scott, L.K. Murray and W.G. Spaulding. "Partial skeleton of a large individual of Mammut americanum from the Domenigom Valley, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 18(3): 79A. 1997 Scott, E. "A review of Equus conversidens in southern California, with a report on a second, previously -unrecognized species of Pleistocene small horse from the Mojave Desert." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 17(3): 75-A. 1997 Scott, E., K. Springer and L.K. Murray. "New records of early Pleistocene vertebrates from the west -central Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 17(3): 75-A. 1996 Scott, E. "The small horse from Valley Wells, San Bernardino County, California." .Punctuated Chaos in the Northeastern Mojave Desert (R.E. and L Reynolds, eds.), San Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly 43(1,2): 85-89. 1996 A.F. Pajak III, E. Scott and C.J. Bell. "A review of the biostratigraphy of Pliocene and Pleistocene sediments in the Elsinore Fault Zone, Riverside County, California." PaleoBios 17 (2-4): 27-48. 1994 Springer, K.B. and E. Scott. "First record of late Pleistocene vertebrates from the Domenigomi Valley, Riverside County, California." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (supplement to #3) 14(3): 47-A. 1993 Scott, E. and S. M. Cox. "Arctodus simus (Cope, 1879) from Riverside County, California." PaleoBios 15(2): 27-36. 1989 Scott, E. "Skeletal remains of Equus from the Page Museum Salvage, Rancho La Brea: a preliminary report." Current Research in the Pleistocene 6: 78-81. Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 14 PRAP La Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev,) '•. QUINTIN LAKE Senior Field Paleontologist Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum EXPERTISE Paleontologic field monitoring and salvage, paleontologic and biological resource surveys, fossil preparation, and fossil replication. EDUCATION Undergraduate studies, San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino, California PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1988 - present Senior Field Paleontologist, Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program, Section of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, California 1984 - 1988 Field Paleontologist, Paleontologic Resource Assessment Program„ Division of Paleontology, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, California 1974-1984 Paleontologic Technician, San Bernardino County Museum Association, San Bernardino County Museum, Bloomington and Redlands, California 1972 - 1981 Subcontract Archaeological Survey Assistant, United States Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino, California TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS Mr. Lake has more than two decades of experience in paleontologic resource salvage, recovery, and survey activities, as well as in the preservation of historic and prehistoric archaeological resources. He is extremely familiar with all current paleontologic salvage and recovery techniques as well as safety practices for construction -related excavation jobs with heavy equipment. Mr. Lake is familiar with field mapping procedures, preliminary stratigraphic mapping, and efficient recovery of both large resources and sediment samples containing small to microscopic paleontologic remains. He is proficient in laboratory preparation of recovered fossils, and has provided assistance in a variety of areas including locality plotting, specimen data recordation and fossil replication. Paleontologic Assessment, T.P.M. #29052 and T.T. #29053 15 [a Quinta, Riverside County, California (rev.) 024 END OF CONFIDENTIAL REPORT 025 lu uEC 3J8 CiTYOFLA JLIiNIr', PLANN DEPARTMENT CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORT TENTATIVE PARCEL MAPS NO. 29052 & 29053 At Avenue 50 and Jefferson Street City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California Submitted to: Herb Lundin Lundin Development Co. 16400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 207 Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Submitted by: Bruce Love, Principal Bai "Tom" Tang, Historian Harry M. Quinn, Field Director CRM TECH 126 Barrett Road `10� Riverside, CA 92507 December 14, 1998 CRM TECH Contract #348 APN 649-100-016 Approximate lyy 50 Acres La Qumta, Calif., 7.5' Quadrangle Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian Sites CA-RIV-6144, -6146 to -6151 026 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY Between October and December, 1998, CRM TECH performed a cultural resources study on approximately 50 acres of undeveloped land in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. 'The study area consists of what is currently APN 649-100-016, which is slated for subdivision and development under Tentative Parcel Maps No. 29052 and 29053. It is located on the northwestern corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50, in the southeast quarter of Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian, as depicted in the USGS La Quinta, Calif., 7.5 quadrangle. The study is a part of the environmental impact review process for the proposed subdivision and development of the property, as required by the City of La Quinta, Lead Agency for the project, in compliance of the study the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). purpose is to provide the City with the necessary information and analysis to determine whether the project would cause substantial adverse changes to any historical resources that may exist in or around the study area, as mandated by CEQA. In order to identify and evaluate such resources, CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search, a historical background review, and an intensive field survey of the study area. During the course of the study, seven prehistoric (i.e., Native American) archaeological sites were identified and recorded within the study area, and subsequently designated CA-R[V-6144 and -6146 to -6151 in the California Historical Resource Information System. Because their significance could not be determined without further investigation, CRM TECH recommends that an archaeological testing program be completed on these sites, so as to determine the extent and nature of the archaeological remains. Based on data collected during the testing program, the seven sites in the study area can then be properly evaluated as to their qualifications for the status of "historical resources" and "important archaeological resources," as defined by CEQA. 0 2 -1 TABLE OF CONTENTS MANAGEMENT SUMMARY ................................. INTRODUCTION...................................................... SETTING...................................................................... Current Natural Setting ............................... Cultural Setting .............................................. METHODS................................................................... RecordsSearch ................................................ Historical Research ........................................ FieldSurvey .................................................... RESULTS AND FINDINGS ...................................... Records Search Results ................................. Historical Research Results ......................... Field Survey Results ..................................... DISCUSSION.............................................................. Definitions........................................................................ SiteEvaluation............................................................... RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................... CONCLUSION.............................................................. I............. REFERENCES............................................................................. APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS ................. ii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. General vicinity of the study area.........................................................................I Figure 2. Location and configuration of the study area.....................................................2 Figure 3. Rectangular -shaped mound...................................................................................4 Figure 4. Old residential mound............................................................................................4 Figure 5. Previous cultural resources surveys.....................................................................9 Figure 6. The study area and vicinity in 1855-1856.............................................................10 Figure 7. The study area and vicinity in 1901......................................................................10 Figure 8. The study area and vicinity in 1941......................................................................10 Figure 9. The study area and vicinity in 1954-1959.............................................................10 Figure 10. Locations of archaeological sites in the study area..........................................12 Figure 11. P of Site .................14 12. gJ Projectile ti ea point collected from Locus C of CA-RIV-6146............... P �' .................14 Figure 13. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6147.........................................................................15 Figure 14. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6148.........................................................................16 Figure 15. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6149.........................................................................16 Figure 16. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6150.........................................................................17 Figure 17. Typical sherd and fire -affected rock....................................................................17 Figure 18. Fired clay and fish vertebrae.................................................................................18 Figure 19. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6151.........................................................................18 Figure 20. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6144.........................................................................19 029 iii INTRODUCTION Between October and December, 1998, at the request of Lundin Development Co., CRM TECH performed a cultural resources study on approximately 50 acres of undeveloped land in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Fig. 1). The study area consists of what is currently APN 649-100-016, which is slated for subdivision and development under Tentative Parcel Maps No. 29052 and 29053. It is located on the northwestern corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50, in the southeast quarter of Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian, as depicted in the USGS La Quinta, Calif., 7.5' quadrangle (Fig. 2). The study is a part of the environmental impact review process for the proposed subdivision and development of the property, as required by the City of La Quinta, Lead Agency for the project, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; PRC §21000, et seq.). CRM TECH performed the present study to provide the City of La Quinta with the necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed project would cause substantial adverse changes to any historical resources that may exist in or around the study area, as mandated by CEQA. In order to identify and evaluate such resources, CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search, a historical background review, and an intensive field survey of the study area. The following report is a complete account of the methods and results of the various avenues of research, and the final conclusion of this study. ,.Ran Sr- 0 r RA CZ w Aaec u � t--,•—� J' '77 .c WiGIOcat10C1 aa1 MCsiR-.o 4 s `4� s i 'w3�'•,�T i1W'. > 'r�-`•yti •° 1� L, �orex axe t raQ Gs uN es" ..,. �i T )a ' Figure 1. General vicinity of the study area. (Based on USGS Santa Ana, Calif., 1:250,000 quadrangle [USGS 19791) •• C► 3 G� 1 Figure 2. Location and configuration of the study area. (Based on USGS La Quinta, Calif., 1:24,000 quadrangle [USGS 19801) 031 2 SETTING Current Natural Setting Situated in the western Coachella Valley, the study area and its environs are marked by extremes in temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the area top 120 degrees in summer, and dip to near freezing in winter. Average annual precipitation is less than five inches. Elevations in the study area range around 40 feet above sea level. The study area abuts open undeveloped acreage on the north, past developed and undeveloped acreage on the west, Avenue 50 on the south, and Jefferson Street on the east. The southern portion of the property has been leveled for planting and once supported a series of citrus groves. The orchards occupied nearly the southern two- thirds of the area. Water for the citrus groves was supplied by an on -site well that is now used by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) as a ground water monitoring well. For descriptive purposes, the study area may be subdivided into four portions: the southeastern and the southwestern portions, each containing about three - tenths of the property, and the northwestern and the northeastern portions, each containing approximately two -tenths of the property. The southeastern portion of the study area has been previously leveled for a citrus grove. It now supports a dense to scattered growth of brush and weeds. In many areas the ground is still covered by scattered to locally concentrated citrus tree roots, limbs, and twigs left behind when the orchard was removed. Near the south-central part of this portion is a rectangular -shaped mound created by modifying an existing mesquite dune (Fig. 3). This mound is adjacent to Avenue 50 and is accessed from the east and west by dirt roads in the southeast and southwest corners. While there is a pile of boulders on top, no indications of any past development were found on this mound. The southwestern portion of the study area was nearly all leveled for a citrus grove. It is about four feet higher than the southeastern portion, and is separated from it by a north -south trending dirt road. One area of mesquite dune was left in the west -central part of this portion. This portion also supports a dense to scattered growth of brush and weeds. Like the adjacent southeastern portion, ground in this portion is often covered by remains of the citrus grove. Many of the removed citrus trees appear to have been dumped on the northwest portion of the property behind a tamarisk windbreak. This windbreak runs east -west and separates the southwestern portion of the property from the northwestern portion. The northwest portion of the study area contains part of the tamarisk windbreak, an old residential mound (Fig. 4), the dumping area for the citrus trees, and dumping areas of more recent trash. The mound was created by modifying a mesquite dune. Evidence of a past dwelling was found atop this mound. Also found here were the remains of a drip irrigation system that once watered the plants around the residence. This mound still supports five date palms and one native fan palm. Except for this mound, the northwest portion is basically undeveloped. It is crossed by some old dirt roads and 3 032 Figure 3. Rectangular -shaped mound in the southeastern portion of the study area. Figure 4. Old residential mound in the northwestern portion of the study area. 033 contains mesquite groves, a scattered growth of creosote bush, brush, and some grasses. The CVWD groundwater monitoring well is located in a low area just north of the mound. This well appears to have supplied water for the orchard, as well as for the dwelling. The northeastern portion of the study area is almost evenly divided between disturbed and undeveloped land. A triangular -shaped wedge in the south and southwestern part has been leveled for a citrus grove. This part supports a dense to scattered growth of brush and weeds. However, it mostly lacks the covering of citrus tree remains found in the other portions where orchards were removed. The northeast part of this portion was graded to prevent sand from blowing onto Jefferson Street, and it also supports a dense to scattered growth of brush and weeds. A sand ridge trends northwest -southeast across the central part of this portion of the study area. The ridge is crossed by some dirt roads, but is for the most part undisturbed. This area supports a growth of creosote bush along with some other bushes and grasses. Cultural Setting The Coachella Valley is a historical center of Native American settlement, where a large number of Indian villages and rancherias, occupied by the Desert Cahuilla people, were observed in the mid -nineteenth century. The basic written sources on Desert Cahuilla culture are Kroeber (1925), Strong (1929), and Bean (1978). The following ethnographic discussion of the Cahuilla people is based on these sources. The Cahuilla people are generally divided, by anthropologists, into three groups, according to their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla in the Banning -Beaumont area, the Mountain Cahuilla in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla in the Coachella Valley. The Cahuilla did not have a single name that referred to an all-inclusive tribal affiliation. Instead, membership was in terms of lineages or clans that were in turn grouped within the two main divisions of the people. Members of clans in one division, or moiety, had to marry into clans from the other division. Individual clans had villages, or central places, and territories they called their own. These were lands they considered theirs for purposes of hunting game, gathering food, or utilizing other necessary resources. They interacted with other clans in the forms of trade, intermarriage, and ceremonies. Native lifeways in centuries past was greatly influenced by the comings and goings of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, whose last drying up period began around AD 1650. During its peak years before that, the northern shore of the lake reached the present-day 42-foot elevation contour line, which runs across the study area. Located thus directly on the ancient lake shore, the study area undoubtedly presented an ideal location for early occupants of the Coachella Valley to exploit fish and other food resources from this now -vanished fresh -water lake. Population data prior to European contact are almost impossible to obtain, but estimates range from 3,600 to as high as 10,000 persons. During the 19th century, 5 034 however, the Cahuilla population was decimated as a result of European diseases, most notably smallpox, for which the Native peoples had no immunity. Today, Native Americans of Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in the Coachella Valley, including Cabazon, Torres Martinez, Agua Caliente, Morongo, and Augustine. Members of these reservations are highly conscious of the archaeological remains of their past, and have great concern when earth -moving activities disturb cultural remains. Although only a few elders can remember the old ways or speak the Cahuilla language, there appears to be a revitalization trend among many tribal members. Non -Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley began in the 1880s, after the public land was opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act, and other federal land laws. But due to the lack of an adequate and reliable water supply, agricultural development in the and region was greatly handicapped until the completion of the Coachella Canal in 1948-1949. The main agricultural staple in the Coachella Valley, the date palm, was first introduced around the turn of the century. By the late 1910s, the date palm industry had firmly established itself, giving the region its celebrated image of "the Arabia of America." Starting in the 1920s, a new industry, featuring resort hotels and golf courses, gradually spread throughout the Coachella Valley, and since then transformed it into Southern California's leading winter retreat. In present-day City of La Quinta, the earliest settlement and land development activities did not occur until the turn of the century. In 1926, with the construction of the La Quinta Hotel, the development of La Quinta took on the character of a winter resort town, typical of the desert communities along Highway 111. Starting in the early 1930s, the subdivision of the cove area of La Quinta and the marketing of 'weekend homes" further emphasized this new direction of development. On May 1, 1982, La Quinta was incorporated as the nineteenth city in Riverside County. METHODS The following sections outline the methods and procedures used during this study. Records Search The records search was conducted by CRM TECH historian Bai "Tom" Tang (see App. 1 for qualifications) at the Eastern Information Center (EIC) prior to the commencement of field work. The EIC, located at the University of California, Riverside, is the State of California's official cultural resource records repository for the County of Riverside, and a part of the California Historical Resource Information System established and maintained under the auspices of the California Office of Historic Preservation. During the records search, Tang examined maps and records on file at the EIC for previously identified cultural resources inside or within a one -mile radius of the study area, and existing cultural resources reports pertaining to the vicinity. Previously 'identified cultural resources include properties designated as California Historical Landmarks, 6 1.. 1 035 Points of Historical Interest, of Riverside County Landmarks, as well as those listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, or the California Historical Resource Information System. Historical Research Bai "Tom" Tang conducted the historical background research for this study on the basis of published literature in local and regional history, archival records of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the County of Riverside, and historic maps collected at the Science Library of the University of California, Riverside. Among maps consulted for this study are the U.S. General Land Office's (GLO) township plat maps dating to 1856, and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) topographic maps dating to 1904, 1941, and 1959. Field Survey On October 26, 1998, Harry M. Quinn, project archaeologist and field director, carried out the intensive field survey of the study area with a crew of three members, Landon T. Duro, Isaac Mirelez, and Gary W. Resvaloso, (see App. 1 for qualifications). During the survey, the team spread out in a line, generally at 10-meter (33-feet) intervals -- sometimes closer depending on the area's sensitivity but never farther apart than 10 meters. The team crossed back and forth over the property, usually in east -west transects, moving ahead to the next unsurveyed portion at the end of each crossing. Team members carried bundles of pin flags with which they marked the locations of artifacts. Only one area, at the tamarisk windbreak on the west side of the property, had vegetation too dense to inspect. For the most part, the once -farmed areas had dense vegetation cover and scatterings of citrus roots, limbs, and twigs that made ground visibility difficult at times. In the undeveloped areas, except for the mesquite thickets, surface visibility was excellent and vegetation was minimal. At the conclusion of the initial survey, the crew went back to each area with pin flags and conducted a more detailed coverage of these areas. At the conclusion of the field survey, Quinn revisited each of the areas with pin flags and determined whether the findings constituted archaeological sites or isolates (i.e., sites with fewer than three artifacts). The sites and isolates were then plotted on a project map, and then transferred onto a USGS quad sheet in preparation for completion of site record and isolate record forms to be submitted to the EIC. Site sketch maps were created in the field, using a hand-held compass and a Bushnell range finder. Maps included pin -point mapping of each flagged artifact and placement of prominent landmarks such as roads and irrigation pots. In order to use a scale at which individual artifacts could be distinguished from one another, several field maps were made, each of a different section of the property, to be joined later into one overall map of artifact concentrations. The field maps were later turned into official site sketch maps to be included in the site record forms. 036 A temporary datum stake of wooden lath was placed at each locus. At the conclusion of mapping all pin flags were left in place in the 12.5-acre commercial parcel (TPM 29052) for a proposed archaeological testing program. Flagging in the 37.5-acre residential parcel (TPM 29053) was collected at the end of the field work. The artifacts were left in place. The only artifact collected during the survey was a projectile point, or arrowhead, because of its importance and the threat of losing it if not collected. RESULTS AND FINDINGS The following sections discuss the results and findings of the various research procedures outlined above. Records Search Results The records search results indicate that the study area had not been surveyed for cultural resources prior to this study, and that no cultural resources had been previously recorded within the study area. In the vicinity of the project area, however, the bulk of the acreage within a one -mile radius has been surveyed, especially to the north, west, and south of the study area (Fig. 5). As a result of these surveys, a large number of prehistoric (i.e., Native American) archaeological sites had been identified and recorded within the one -mile radius, clustered mostly along and above the 42-foot elevation contour line, the ancient shoreline of Lake Cahuilla. EIC records show the City of La Quinta to be one of the areas in Riverside County that have been most extensively surveyed, and one of the richest in archaeological resources. The northern portion of the city, around the study area, demonstrates in particular a high concentration of prehistoric archaeological sites, due to the presence of the ancient lake shore. The study area, situated directly on the shoreline, is clearly very sensitive for prehistoric archaeological remains, based on the results of previous studies in the vicinity. Historical Research Results In contrast to its high sensitivity for prehistoric archaeological remains, the study area appears to be far less sensitive for historic (i.e., non -Indian) archaeological resources or other historic features of built environment. Historical sources indicate that the first land claim involving the study area was filed as early as 1912, a few years before a successful homestead claim on the southeast quarter of Section 32, including the study area, was approved by the U.S. government in 1917 (BLM n.d.:5). However, as Figures 6-8 show, no man-made feature was ever observed within or adjacent to the study area between the mid-1850s and the early 1940s. The earliest man-made features to be noted in historic maps, thus, were Avenue 50, Jefferson Street, a house near the center of the study area, and a dirt road connecting the house to Avenue 50, all of which appeared during the 1940s or early 1950s (Fig. 9). The house, which has since disappeared, was apparently built around 1957, shortly after 8 0� Figure 5. Previous cultural resources surveys in the vicinity of the study area, listed by EIC manuscript fil number. Locations of archaeological remains are not shown as a protective measure. 9 036 J -0 ti{r�T K:� .._ r. � road �a :amp study �e E area 4;4-. JM_ MWE yIa i Pin dlJ. )i M1Ja r1QJl aaJl IbtO 0)a K4 in) N}O )s AW Ag A80 /dV � w i.Xl N R97 f6 0,60 If. j wGm .11� '- trDd Y 4160 V ,^� rraa wrb0 WOO 1 � jllSi�. M/J l 0 1 mile I/r. Figure 6. The study area and vicinity in 1855-1856. (Source: GLO 1856a;1856b) Figure 8. The study area and vicinity in 1941. (Source: USGS 1941) Figure 7. The study area and vicinity in 1901. (Source: USGS 1904) SCALE 1:62,500 p 1 mile Figure 9. The study area and vicinity in 1954-1959. (Source: USGS 1959) 10 039 Cecil E. Harris, Sr., and his wife Carmel acquired what is now APN 649-100-016 (County Assessor 1955-1959:2). Since the house is less than 45 years old, dating only to the Coachella Valley's modern expansion period, neither the remains that it may have left in the study area nor any other features associated with it require further consideration as potential historical resources. The two major thoroughfares bordering the study area, Avenue 50 and Jefferson Street, demonstrate no identifiable historic characteristics today. As such, they require no further consideration, either. Field Survey Results The field survey revealed the presence of seven archaeological sites and 14 isolates in the study area, spaced across the property, occurring in the disturbed area of previous orchards as well as the native sand dunes to the north. The isolates include 12 sherds (two of them at the same location), two pieces of clay, and a sun -colored amethyst glass fragment. Three of the seven sites consist of multiple loci, or concentrations of artifacts. The sites have been assigned the official site numbers of CA-RIV-6146 to -6151 (Fig. 10) by the EIC, and entered into the California Historical Resource Information System. The isolates were designated CRM TECH 348-IF-1 to 348-IF-14, and their records were also submitted to the EIC for future reference. Site CA-RIV-6146 lies along the extreme western edge of the study area near Avenue 50, and consists of three loci. This site has suffered major disturbances in the form of vehicular traffic and grading, but remains relatively undisturbed in the mesquite dunes at the northern end (Fig. 11). Locus A is a scatter of charcoal, bone, clay, pottery sherds, and some fish vertebrae. It is located on the west side of an existing mesquite dune, consisting mainly of series of blowouts between an access road and the top of the dune. Locus B is a small scatter of about eight sherds along the dirt road. Locus C is located in the extreme southwest corner of the property, lying entirely in a disturbed area, and consists mainly of a sand berm constructed to prevent entry to the property. All of the artifacts found at Locus C were either on the berm, in the borrow area adjacent to the berm, or in the road blocked by the berm. This locus produced a scatter of roughly two dozen pottery sherds and the projectile point collected during the survey (Fig. 12). CA-RIV-6147 consists of four loci, all defined by concentrations of pottery fragments. The entire site lies within a disturbed zone, which was graded for a citrus orchard but is now overgrown with dense brush (Fig. 13). Locus A is a small area that produced only a scattering of about eight pottery sherds. Locus B is a larger area that contained about 50 sherds, one flake (or chipped stone) of milky quartz, partially fired pieces of clay, and a fire -affected rock. Locus C is another small area containing roughly nine sherds and a piece of fire -affected rock. Locus D consists of a narrow, elongated area along a dirt road that follows an underground cement irrigation line. The clear ground visibility along the road may account for the elongated shape of the site, or the sherds may have been brought to the surface and exposed during installation of the irrigation features. Future testing should answer this question. This locus produced about three dozen pottery sherds. 040 11 Figure 10. Locations of archaeological sites in the study area. 12 () 41 power Avenue Figure 11. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6146. • sherd A cottonwood triangular point B Ipne C fire affected Clary p milky quartz cklst R tire-a(feCted rack S Shell V fiatl vertebra ® temporary datum slake blowout in dune 0 20 40 m T (insert scab: i •.10 m) 174? 13 CA-RIV-6148 is a small site located in the southeast corner of the property. The site is entirely in the disturbed area that was graded for citrus cultivation. This site is covered by brush and citrus tree roots, limbs, and twigs. It contains about a dozen pottery sherds, two flakes of wonderstone, a quartz rock, and a couple pieces of fired clay (Fig. 14). CA-RIV-6149 is a large site in the northeast portion of the study area. Most of the site was Figure 12. Projectile point, or arrowhead, collected from Locus C disturbed during leveling for of CA-RIV-6146. the citrus orchard, but a small part of the eastern portion is in an undisturbed sand dune. A clay pan exists where water has collected and evaporated over untold years in a low area of the property. An extensive scatter of artifacts covers the site area (Fig. 15), including about 50 pottery sherds, basalt and quartz flakes, fired clay, freshwater mussel shell, and a metate fragment (a piece of a flat stone once used for grinding). CA-RIV-6150 is in the northeast corner of the property, and consists of two loci, one on top of a sand dune and the other in the disturbed, leveled area below the dune, next to Jefferson Street (Fig. 16). Locus A consists mainly of small pieces of fired clay, fire - affected rock, and about a dozen pottery sherds (Fig. 17). Locus B has been mostly disturbed by past grading. It contains about two dozen sherds, several pieces of fired clay, freshwater shell and fish vertebrae (Fig. 18). CA-RIV-6151 consists of a sparse scatter of fired clay, about 20 pottery sherds, and a very small number of fire -affected rock (Fig. 19). A portion of this site is covered by citrus tree remains and date palm fronds and disturbed by a couple of old dirt roads, but for the most part the site lies in an undisturbed state. The seventh site encountered during the survey, temporarily designated CRM TECH 348-7, is in fact the southern extension of another site that was recently recorded on the adjacent Rancho La Quinta property to the north, CA-RIV-6144 (Fig. 20). It is one of the few loci in the study area that is in a relatively undisturbed state. Situated in the dune formations in the northwest portion of the property, this relatively small locus contains the highest concentration of fire -affected rock observed during this study. More than two dozen examples of burned rock dot the surface in this area, mixed with numerous pieces of small animal bone, several small chunks of fire clay, and about 20 pottery sherds. One flake of wonderstone was also noted. 04.3 14 Figure 13. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6147. 15 temporary F F datum stake • R. C • sherd C clay F flake, wonderstone p• quartz class R R survey stake rock ) o survey stake 0 20 40 m Figure 14. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6148. '•^•\ base of dune di IS orc (old citrLls orchard) , �• v Ri: RTIC \ C C z s � c •p c C temporary datum stake sC 0 30 60 to T Figure 15. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6149. sherd I flake, basalt 2 flake, quartz C clay R fire -affected rock 8 shell p milky quart! class T metals fragment irrigation pot r p I \� N� . / s C \ R 16 045 base of dune • sherd B bone C clay G glass, sun -colored amethyst R fire -affected rock S shell V fish vertebra A temporary datum stake 0 40 80 m Figure 16. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6150. Figure 17. Typical sherd and fire -affected rock found at CA-RIV-6150. 17 046 r � Z Unit 3 � ^� Ft Unit 4 ' R q temporary ' R ^(tee \\a$ stake ' Unit t F111.' gR B CB R Unit RC 1 B B J `\ 5� F R `RR R.R S. R iwmw . Y \ B RR `C C \t1//R 5 R B temporary datum stakeA R R • Sherd B bone C clay F flake R fire -affected rock S shell 0 20 40 m CR .B R B•R I 8 R B R q RB B R q C RR• R RB BR R B C .CBC C R B C q / R •B �� ✓ Figure 20. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6144. North of the property boundary is the Rancho La Quinta project. 19 043 The seven recorded sites in the study area fall into two classes, the ones occurring in the disturbed areas where former orchards had been removed, and the ones lying in the native sand dunes in the northern portions of the property. In the disturbed area, there is a tendency for sites to consists mainly of pottery sherds, while in the dunes, fire - affected rock from ancient cooking and heating are more evident. A discussion of the sites' significance follows in the next section. DISCUSSION The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate any potential cultural resources within or adjacent to the study area, and to assist the City of La Quinta in determining whether these resources meet the official definition of "historical resources" and "important archaeological resources" as provided in the California Public Resources Code, in particular CEQA. Definitions According to PRC §5202.1(j), "'historical resource' includes, but is not limited to, any object, building, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which is historically or archaeologically significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California." CEQA further specifies that "a historical resource is a resource listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources" (PRC §21084.1). A resource may be listed in the California Register if it meets any of the following criteria: 1. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage; 2. It is associated with the lives of persons important in California's past; 3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic value; or 4. It has yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. (OPR 1994:4) For the evaluation of archaeological sites, Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines further provides the specific definition of an "important archaeological resource." According to this definition, an "important archaeological resource" is one which: A. Is associated with an event or person of: 1. Recognized significance in California or American history, or 2. Recognized scientific importance in prehistory; B. Can provide information which is both of demonstrable public: interest and useful in addressing scientifically consequential and reasonable or archaeological research questions; 20 043 C. Has a special or particular quality such as oldest, best example, largest, or last surviving example of its kind; D. Is at least 100 years old and possesses substantial stratigraphic integrity; or E. Involves important research questions that historical research has shown can be answered only with archaeological methods. (CEQA Guidelines App. K, §III) In accordance with these statutory and regulatory guidelines, the seven archaeological sites discovered in the study area during the present survey are evaluated below under both sets of criteria listed above. The isolates, by definition, do not constitute potential resources, and thus do not warrant evaluation or any other further discussion for CEQA-compliance purposes. Site Evaluation In view of the results of the field survey and site recording, it is apparent that the property was extensively used in the ancient past by Native peoples of the Coachella Valley. Almost certainly, based on the findings of freshwater fish bone and shell, Indian camp sites were associated with the last high stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla, probably around AD 1650. The sites appear to be rather typical of sand dune sites along the old shoreline. Based on surface findings alone, none of the seven sites appear to meet CEQA criteria for historical resources or important archaeological resources. However, because of the nature of archaeological deposits, the sites cannot be truly evaluated for their significance without further testing to determine the presence or absence of subsurface deposits. Even in the previously leveled and disturbed orchard area, there is potential for deposits to exist below the root zone. Therefore the conclusion has to be that even though none of these sites appears to be of great significance, archaeological testing must be carried out before a proper evaluation can be presented. RECOMMENDATIONS CEQA establishes that "a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment" (PRC §21084.1). "Substantial adverse change," according to PRC §5020.1(q), "means demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration such that the significance of an historical resource would be impaired." This study has concluded that subsurface testing is necessary to determine whether the seven archaeological sites in the study area, CA-RIV-6144 and -6146 to -6151, meet the statutory definition of "historical resources," in which case the impacts on the sites by the proposed project would constitute a significant effect on the environment. However, even if the site is determined to be significant, it is expected that the proposed project may proceed because CEQA states that further mitigation is not required if the 21 050 completed testing phase has recovered the "scientifically consequential information" about the resource (P.RC §21083.2(d)). The information gathered during the testing program may serve as mitigation of adverse effects to the resource. Based on these considerations, CRM TECH recommends to the project proponent and the Lead Agency that an archaeological testing program be completed on these seven sites, consisting of the following procedures: • Surface collection of all visible artifacts; • Excavation of archaeological test units to determine the depth and subsurface content of the sites; • Laboratory analysis of artifacts recovered from the field procedures, including ceramics, lithics, fauna, groundstone, fire -affected rock, and hardened clay; • Preparation of a final report to summarize the findings of the procedures outlined above and to interpret such findings within the context of a regional research design. CONCLUSION The foregoing report has provided background information on the study area, outlined the methods used in the current study, and presented the results of the various avenues of research. During the course of the study, seven prehistoric archaeological sites, CA-RIV-6144 and -6146 to -6151, were identified and recorded within the study area. Because their significance could not be determined without further investigation, CRM TECH recommends that an archaeological testing program be completed on these sites, so as to determine the extent and nature of the archaeological remains. Based on data collected during the testing program, the seven sites in the study area can then be properly evaluated as to their qualifications for the status of "historical resources" and "important archaeological resources," as defined by CEQA. 051 22 REFERENCES Bean, Lowell John 1978 Cahuilla. In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8: California, edited by Robert F. Heizer. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. BLM (Bureau of Land. Management, U.S. Department: of the Interior) n.d. Historical Index, Land Status Records, T5S R7E, SBBM. Microfiches on file, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District, Riverside. County Assessor, Riverside 1955-1959 Real property tax assessment records, Book 25B, Map 19. Microfiches on file, Riverside County Assessor's Office, Riverside. GLO (General Land Office, U.S. Department of the Interior) 1856a Plat Map: Township No. 5 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian; surveyed in 1855-1856. Microfiche on file, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District, Riverside. 1856b Plat Map: Township No. 6 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian; surveyed in 1856. Microfiche on file, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District, Riverside. Kroeber, Alfred L. 1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78. Washington, D.C. OPR (Governor's Office of Planning and Research, California) 1994 CEQA and Historical Resources. Governor's Office of Planning and Research, Sacramento. Strong, William Duncan 1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology No. 26. Reprinted by Malki Museum Press, Banning, California, 1972. USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior) 1904 Map: Indio, Calif. (30', 1:125,000); surveyed in 1901. 1941 Map: Toro Peak, Calif. (15, 1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1941. 1959 Map: Palm Desert, Calif. (15', 1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1954, field checked in 1957 and 1959. 1979 Map: Santa Ana, Calif. (1:250,000); 1959 edition revised. 1980 Map: La Quinta, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1959 edition photo -revised in 1978. 052 23 APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 24 0153 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Bruce Love, Ph.D., SOPA (Society of Professional Archaeologists) Professional history 1993- Owner and Principal, CRM TECH, Riverside 1990-1993 Director, Archaeological Research Unit, UC Riverside; Coordinator, Archaeological Information Center, UC Riverside 1989-1990 Coordinator, Archaeological Information Center, UCLA 1987-1990 Owner and Principal, Pyramid Archaeology, Palmdale, California 1986-1987 Junior Fellow, Dumbarton Oaks Center for Pre -Columbian Research, Washington, D.C. 1981-1986 Part-time cultural resources management consultant; doctoral student at UCLA Education 1986 Doctor of Philosophy, Anthropology, UCLA 1981 Master of Arts, Anthropology, UCLA 1976 Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, UCLA 1996 "CEQA 101," presented by the Association of Environmental Professionals. 1995 "CEQA Workshop," presented by Association of Environmental Professionals. 1994 "Assessing the Significance of Historic Archaeological Sites," presented by the Historic Preservation Program, University of Nevada, Reno. 1994 "CEQA 1994: Issues, Trends, and Advanced Topics," presented by UCLA Extension. 1990 "Introduction to Federal Projects and Historic Preservation Law," presented by U.S. General Services Administration Training Center. Memberships Society of Professional Archaeologists (certified in field research, teaching, and archaeological administration) Association of Environmental Professionals American Planning .Association Society for American Archaeology Society for California Archaeology Society for Historic Archaeology American Society for Ethnohistory Coachella Valley Archaeological Society 054 25 PROJECT HISTORIAN Bai Tom Tang Education 1988-1993 Graduate Program in Public History/Historic Preservation, UC Riverside 1987 M.A., American History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 1982 B.A., History, Northwestern University, Van, China 1994 "Assessing the Significance of Historic Archaeological Sites," presented by the Historic Preservation Program, University of Nevada, Reno Professional Experience 1993- Project Historian, CRM TECH, Riverside, California 1993-1997 Project Historian, Greenwood and Associates, Pacific Palisades, California 1991-1993 Project Historian, Archaeological Research Unit, UC Riverside 1990 Intern Researcher, California State Office of Historic Preservation, Sacramento 1990-1992 Teaching, Assistant, History of Modern World, UC Riverside 1988-1993 Research Assistant, American Social History, UC Riverside 1985-1988 Research Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University 1985-1986 Teaching Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University 1982-1985 Lecturer, History, Van Foreign Languages Institute, Van, China Honors and Awards 1988-1990 University of California Graduate Fellowship, UC Riverside 1985-1987 Yale University Fellowship, Yale University Graduate School 1980,1981 President's Honor List, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China Cultural Resources Management Reports Preliminary Analyses and Recommendations Regarding California's Cultural Resources Inventory System (With Special Reference to Condition 14 of NPS 1990 Program Review Report). California State Office of Historic Preservation working paper, Sacramento, September 1990. Approximately 150 cultural resources managernent reports with the Archaeological Research Unit, Greenwood and Associates, and CRM TECH, since October 1991. r- r- JJ 26 PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGISTNIELD DIRECTOR Harry M. Quinn Education 1978 Certificate in Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles 1968 M.S., Geology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 1964 B.S., Geology, Long Beach State College, Long Beach 1962 A.A., Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington 1996 "Cultural Resources and CEQA: Your Responsibility," presented by the Association of Environmental Professionals, Hemet 1991 "Ceramic Workshop," presented by Jerry Schaefer, Palm Springs 1990 "Introduction to Coachella Valley Archaeology," presented by Anne Duffield, Palm Desert Professional Experience 1992- Independent Geological/Archaeological/Environmental Consultant, Pinyon :Pines 1994-1996 Environmental Geologist, E.C.E.S., Inc., Redlands 1991-1992 Director of Environmental Services, STE Associates, Inc., San Bernardino 1988-1991 Director of Environmental Services, Soil and Testing Engineers, Inc., San Bernardino 1987-1988 Senior Geologist, JIRSA Environmental Services, Norco 1986 Consulting Petroleum Geologist, Loco Exploration, Inc., Aurora, Colorado 1978-1986 Senior Exploration Geologist, Tenneco Oil Exploration and Production, Englewood, Colorado 1966-1978 Exploration and Development Geologist, Texaco, Inc., Los Angeles Memberships Coachella Valley Archaeological Society (President, 1993-1994; Vice President, 1992, 1995-1997; Basic Archaeology Training Course Instructor, 1996-1997) Coachella Valley Historical Society Southwest Museum Malki Museum Publications in Archaeology and History Forty-five articles in the publications of the Southwest Museum, the American Rock Art Research Association, the Colorado Archaeological Society, the Utah Rock Art Research Association., the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society, and the Coachella Valley Historical Society, 1978-1997. 27 056 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD CREW Three members of CRM TECH's field crew, Landon T. Duro, Isaac Mirelez, anal Gary W. Resvaloso, participated in the present study. All three are Native Americans of Desert Cahuilla heritage, affiliated to the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians. Field Experience (Survey) • Indian Palms Country Club: field survey of ca. 400 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at six prehistoric sites. • Coral Mountain Development Project: field survey of ca. 1,251 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 32 prehistoric sites, some with historic components. • State Route 86 Extension: field survey of ca. 30 acres; no sites found. • Palm Hills Specific Plan: field survey of ca. 1,200 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts and features at three historic sites. • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: field survey of ca. 350 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 30 prehistoric loci. • Cabazon Resource Recovery Park: field survey of ca. 160 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 13 prehistoric loci. • Tract 26595, Indian Wells: field survey of ca. 20 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 12 prehistoric loci. Field Experience (Excavation) • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: test excavation and screening at 30 prehistoric loci; completing 123 lx:l-m test units, 4 1x2-m test units, 4 4x8-m surface scrapes, and a 9- m vertical wall profile. • Tract 26595, Indian Wells: test excavation and screening at 12 prehistoric loci. Laboratory Experience: (Artifact Cataloguing) • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: sorting, counting, and re -bagging level bags from test excavation. Classroom Training The crew attended classes at Torres Martinez presented by CRM TECH principal Bruce Love, Ph.D., for a total of eight hours. Subjects included the following: anthropology as a sub -field of archaeology, pre -historic vs. historic archaeology, overview of pre -history of desert Southern California, overview of major historical events in early Spanish contact with Native Southern California. In classroom workshops, the crew was trained in reading USGS topographic maps, using an engineering scale, compass reading, and scaled feature drawing a feature using metric tape, scale, compass, and gridded note paper. 28 057 INTERIM CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORT TESTING AND EVALUATION OF CA-RIV-6147, -6148 AND -6149 Located on TPM 29052, Avenue 50 and Jefferson Street City of La Quinta, Riverside County Submitted to: Herb Lundin Lundin Development Co. 16400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 207 Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Submitted by: Bruce Love, Principal Harry M. Quinn, Field Director CRM TECH 126 Barrett Road Riverside, CA 92507 December 14, 1998 CRM TECH Job #i355 12.52 Acres in APN 649-100-016 La Quinta, California, 7.5' Quadrangle Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian 053 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY Since November, 1998, CRM TECH has been engaged in a testing and evaluation program on three archaeological sites located near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. The sites under investigation, designated CA-RIV-6147, -6148 and -6149, occur on approximately 12.5 acres of vacant land to be subdivided and developed under Tentative Parcel Map No. 29052, which occupies the southeastern corner of Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian. The study is a part of the environmental impact review process for the proposed project, required by the City of La Quinta pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of the study is to assist the City, as the Lead Agency for the project, in assessing the significance of the three archaeological sites in the project area, and to complete mitigation measures on those sites that constitute "historical resources" or "important archaeological resources," as defined by CEQA. Since the commencement of the study., CRM TECH has completed all necessary archaeological field work in the project area, including site mapping, surface collection of artifacts, and excavation of test units. Results of the field study indicate that CA-RIV-6147, -6148 and the small portion of -6149 that lies within the project area do not meet CEQA definitions of historical resources/important archaeological resources. While artifact analysis and final report preparation are still on -going at this time, CRM TECH recommends that, based on the results of the archaeological field study, the City of La Quinta may reach the following conclusions regarding the proposed project: • Potential historical resources/important archaeological resources within and adjacent to the project area have been properly identified and evaluated. • None of the archaeological sites in the project area meets CEQA criteria for historical resources/important archaeological resources. • The proposed project, therefore, will have no effect on known cultural resources. • Due to the high sensitivity of sand dunes for buried cultural resources, archaeological monitoring should be required during grading and other earth -moving activities related to the Mound Area, which is a modified dune. However, monitoring is not recommended for the level areas, which consist of old lake bed sediments and are not sensitive for subsurface cultural resources. 059 i TABLE OF CONTENTS MANAGEMENTSUMMARY.................................................................................................i INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1 SETTING.......................................................................................................................................3 NaturalSetting................................................................................................................3 CulturalSetting...............................................................................................................4 METHODS....................................................................................................................................5 SurfaceCollection...........................................................................................................5 TestUnits..........................................................................................................................5 RESULTSAND FINDINGS......................................................................................................8 SurfaceCollection...........................................................................................................8 TestUnits..........................................................................................................................8 CA-RIV-6147, Locus B........................................................................................8 CA-RIV -6147 Locus D.........................................................................................9 CA-RIV-6148........................................................................................................9 CA-RIV-6149........................................................................................................9 MoundArea.........................................................................................................10 Summary..............................................................................................................10 DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................................10 Definitions........................................................................................................................10 SiteEvaluations ..............................................................................................................11 CA-RIV-6147........................................................................................................11 CA-RIV-6148........................................................................................................11 CA-RIV - 6149........................................................................................................11 IsolatedFinds.......................................................................................................12 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................12 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................12 REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14 Figure1. Project vicinity...........................................................................................................1 Figure 2. Project area and recorded archaeological sites....................................................2 Figure 3. Rectangular -shaped mound...................................................................................3 Figure 4. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6147...........................................................................6 Figure 5. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6148...........................................................................7 Figure 6. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6149...........................................................................7 Figure 7. Location of the Mound Area..................................................................................13 Table 1. Artifacts Recovered during Surface Collection....................................................8 Appendix 1. Personnel Qualifications...................................................................................15 ii 060 INTRODUCTION At the request of Lundin Development Co., CRM TECH commenced in November, 1998, a testing and evaluation program on three archaeological sites located near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Fig. 1). The sites under investigation occur on approximately 12.5 acres of vacant land to be subdivided and developed under Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) No. 29052, which occupy the southeastern corner of Section 32, T5S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian (Fig. 2). They were identified and recorded during a recently completed cultural resources survey of TPM 29052 and the adjacent TPM 29053 (Love et al. 1998), and subsequently designated CA-RIV-6147, -6148 and -6149 in the California Historical Resource Information System (Fig. 2).. The present study is a part of the environmental impact review process for the proposed subdivision and development project, required by the City of La Quinta pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; PRC §21000 et seq.). The purpose of the study is to assist the City, as the Lead Agency for the project, in assessing the significance of the three archaeological sites in the project area, and to complete mitigation measures on those sites that constitute "historical resources" or "important archaeological resources," as defined by CEQA. IN project . ; Pax location k �w Y v 1 'a'a � •--...' aali. tea, � oa _. ,.�_ , � ,,,.., .,,w._.__ t �,�•' � r a yy77yyg 6 IND Rt� � fa y '{U''{ � q � �fp �"�`L � it,g.Y j(d — �41, (� A tl� _"'4� � �4n F ��,[ `rTt'� � � l �i'.+✓"�,. ti 1�}d{�:1F�' yip � `�i '�'a � `jai AS#1"3435} ,pµ..'.� ! s�k�.4`C`"�,`�y`�;��i��l ✓ ti at`��(�k ` � ��, wua �i` �'�.'': T .w :._.__. SCALE 1:250,000 i t �. Caa, T�rew n m fin r p 5 10m318s i a Figure 1. Project vicinity. (Based on USGS Santa Ana, Calif., 1:250,000 quadrangle, 1979 edition) 1 061 Well" A.-ri J. Ap J CA-RIV- projectwatt z� area 6 CA-RIV-6148 .50 Welt, QA -RIV-61 7 hl IV L 1:24,000 pu�np 1/2 4, 0 1000 0 1000 2000 3000 AOOp feet Figure 2. Project area and recorded archaeological sites within the project area. (Based on USGS La Quinta, Calif., 1:24,000 quadrangle, 1980 edition) 2 Since the commencement of the study, CRM TECH has completed all necessary archaeological field work in the project area, including site mapping, surface collection of artifacts and excavation of test units. While artifact analysis and final report preparation are still on -going, an interim report may be submitted at this time to present the methods, results, and conclusions of research procedures that have been completed to date. SETTING Natural Setting Situated in the western Coachella Valley, the project area and its environs are marked by extremes in temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the area top 120 degrees in summer, and dip to near freezing in winter. Average annual precipitation is less than five inches. Elevation in the project area is in general just below 40 feet above sea level. The project area has been previously leveled for a citrus grove. In many areas the ground is still covered by scattered to locally concentrated citrus tree roots, limbs, and twigs that were left behind when the orchard was removed. It now supports a dense to scattered growth of brush and weeds. In the southern portion of the project area is a rectangular -shaped mound created by modifying an existing mesquite dune (Fig. 3). Figure 3. Rectangular -shaped mound in the southern portion of the project area. 063 3 This mound is adjacent to Avenue 50, and is accessed from the east and west by dirt roads in the southeast and southwest corners. Native lifeways in the Coachella Valley was greatly influenced in centuries past by the comings and goings of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, whose last drying up period began around AD 1650. During its peak years before that, the northern shore of the lake reached the present-day 42-foot elevation contour line, which runs just to the north and west of the project area. Located thus directly on the ancient lake shore, the project area undoubtedly presented an ideal location for early occupants of the Coachella Valley to exploit fish and other food resources from this now -vanished fresh -water lake. Cultural Setting The Coachella Valley is a historical center of Native American settlement, where a large number of Indian villages and rancherias, occupied by the Desert Cahuilla people, were observed in the mid -nineteenth century. The basic written sources on Desert Cahuilla culture are Kroeber (1925), Strong (1929), and Bean (1978). The following ethnographic discussion of the Cahuilla people is based on these sources. The Cahuilla people are generally divided, by anthropologists, into three groups, according to their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla in the Banning -Beaumont area, the Mountain Cahuilla in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla in the Coachella Valley. The Cahuilla did not have a single name that referred to an all-inclusive tribal affiliation. Instead, membership was in terms of lineages or clans that were in turn grouped within the two main divisions of the people. Members of clans in one division, or moiety, had to marry into clans from the other division. Individual clans had villages, or central places, and territories they called their own. These were lands they considered theirs for purposes of hunting game, gathering food, or utilizing other necessary resources. They interacted with other clans in the forms of trade, intermarriage, and ceremonies. Population data prior to European contact are almost impossible to obtain, but estimates range from 3,600 to as high as 10,000 persons. During the 19th century, however, the Cahuilla population was decimated as a result of European diseases, most notably smallpox, for which the Native peoples had no immunity. Today, Native Americans of Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in the Coachella Valley, including Cabazon, Torres Martinez, Agua Caliente, Morongo, and Augustine. Members of these reservations are highly conscious of the archaeological remains of their past, and have great concern when earth -moving activities disturb cultural remains. Although only a few elders can remember the old ways or speak the Cahuilla language, there appears to loe a revitalization trend among many tribal members. Non -Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley began in the 1880s, after the public land was opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act, and other federal 4 064 land laws. But due to the lack of an adequate and reliable water supply, agricultural development in the and region was greatly handicapped until the completion of the Coachella Canal in 1948-1949. The main agricultural staple in the Coachella Valley, the date palm, was first introduced around the turn of the century. By the late 1910s, the date palm industry had firmly established itself, giving the region its celebrated image of "the Arabia of America." Starting in the 1920s, a new industry, featuring resort hotels and golf courses, gradually spread throughout: the Coachella Valley, and since then transformed it into Southern California's leading winter retreat. In present-day City of La Quinta, the earliest settlement and land development activities did not occur until the turn of the century. In 1926, with the construction of the La Quinta Hotel, the development of La Quinta gook on the character of a winter resort town, typical of the desert communities along Highway 111. Starting in the early 1930s, the subdivision of the cove area of La Quinta and the marketing of "weekend homes" further emphasized this new direction of development. On May 1, 1982, La Quinta was incorporated as the nineteenth city in Riverside County. METHODS Site survey and mapping of the three archaeological sites under investigation were previously completed during the recent Phase I survey of TPM 29052 and 29053 (Love et al. 1998). At the conclusion of that study, pin flags and other flagging were left on the ground in anticipation of this second phase of study for the 12.5-acre TPM 29052, the development of which is forthcoming. The methods and procedures used during the present Phase lI study, the testing and evaluation phase, are outlined in the following sections. Surface Collection Surface collection of artifacts was accomplished by revisiting each of the previously flagged artifacts, assigning a field number to that artifact, and then collecting it in numbered individual bags. In this way, later artifact analysis could be informed by the provenience, or original location, of each piece. As is usual for field studies of this kind, additional artifacts were found during the final mapping and collecting process, adding new points to the original site maps. The final site maps, showing artifact locations, are presented below as Figures 4-6. Test Units A total of 13 excavation units, one -meter square and one -meter deep, were hand -dug by crew members under the direct supervision of CRM TECH principal Bruce Love and/or field director Harry M. Quinn (see App. 1 for qualifications). Three members of CRM TECH's archaeological field crew, George Auclair, Tony Lavato, and Joe L oya, participated in this task. All three are Native Americans affiliated to the nearby Torres - Martinez Indian Reservation. 065 5 0 30 �0 m I� sherd C clay F milky quartz flake FF R fire -affected rode o irrigation standpipe irrigation pot ((, o survey stake A temporary datum stake (� tY Y z Lochs C ,Jh f; a, 1.3 'fik°^� n v s y t}�1(al' Lochs A 181 4* �+.,:¢.„�. a s;a power . power - e �. `'� Pae pore Avenue 50 Figure 4. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6147, indicating the locations of collected artifacts and test units. (See Fig. 2 for site location.) 066 M o \ temporary F F °Unit 3 datum stake® ° Unit t \� R . C 1f • sherd C clay quart \ UnH 2 F flake,quart wonderstorte ° C' p z Clast R survey staleted rook o survey stake 0 20 40 m Figure 5. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6148. base of dune R \ citru orc {rzkd citrus orchard) \ C \ Rr RT1C \ C C 2 \\ S a C •Q Ctemporary datum stale"A. SC 0 30 60 m Figure 6. Sketch map of Site CA-RIV-6149. within the shard 1 flake, basalt 2 flake, quarts C clay R fire -affected rock. S shall 0 milky quartz Clast T metate fragment irrigation pot C ~\ \ \\�K \\ \' \, 5 C \ R t"•_ C \ _ Unit 1 J 067 7 Each unit was hand -dug in 10-cm (4-inch) levels, with all material screened through 1/8-inch hardware mesh. Artifacts and other cultural materials from each level were bagged and labeled prior to proceeding to the next level. As a rule, units were dug to 100 cm, whether or not artifacts were encountered. The locations of the units are shown in Figures 4-6, RESULTS AND FINDINGS The following sections discuss the results and findings of the various research procedures detailed above. Surface Collection A total of 106 artifacts were recovered through surface collection, as listed below in Table 1. These artifacts are predominantly prehistoric (i.e., Native American) in nature, with only one piece of historic (i.e., non -Indian) artifact in the entire assemblage. Table 1. Artifacts Recovered durin Surface Collection Sherds Clay Rock FlWCIasts oric Total fact-RIV-6147, Locus B 46 6 1 0 53A-RIV-6147, Locus D 30 1 0 0 31-RIV-6148 10 0 1 0 15A-RIV-6149* 2 1 0 0 3solated Finds 3 0 0 1 1 106 4Total 91 8 2 Percentage 85.85% 7.55% 1.89% 2.83% 0.94% 0.94% 100.00% " Portion within the project area. Three of the isolated finds (i.e., sites with fewer than three artifacts) were encountered in the vicinity of the rectangular -shaped mound in the southern portion of the project area, including two pottery sherds and the only historic artifact, a piece of sun -colored amethyst glass. Test Units As mentioned above, 13 test units were excavated at CA-RIV-6148 and the portions of CA-RIV-6147 and -6149 in the project area. Findings from these units are summarized below. CA-RIV-6147, Locus B Unit 1: 0-10: Charcoal 10-20: Charcoal 20-30: Missing 30-40: Charcoal, snail shell, bone 40-50: Charcoal, snail shells, bone 50-60: Charcoal, snail shells, bone 60-70: Charcoal, common snail shells, bone 70-80: Charcoal, common snail shells 8 063 80-90: Charcoal, common snail shells 90-100: Charcoal, common snail shells, fish vertebra Unit 2: 0-10: Rocks, bone, anadonta fragments 10-20: Rocks, bone, anadonta fragments 20-30: 1 Sherd, snail shell, anadonta fragments, bone 30-40: No recovery 40-50: Snail shell, anadonta fragments 50-70: Snail shells 70-80: Snail shells, anadonta fragment 80-90: Snail shells 90-100: Snail shells Unit 3: 0-10: Anadonta fragment 10-20: Rocks 20-30: No recovery 30-40: Bone 40-50: No recovery 50-60: Charcoal 60-70: Charcoal, common snail shells 70-80: Charcoal, common snail shells 80-90: Charcoal, common snail shells (2 ramshorn snails) 90-100: Charcoal, common snail shells Unit 4: 0-100: No recovery Unit 5: 0-10: No recovery 10-20: Snail shell, bone 20-30: Charcoal, snail shell, anadonta fragment 30-40: Charcoal, snail shells, anadonta fragment 40-50: Missing 50-60: Charcoal, common snail shells 60-70: Charcoal, common snail shells 70-80: Charcoal, common snail shells, anadonta fragment 80-100: No recovery CA-RIV-6147 Locus D Unit 1: 0-10: 1 Sherd, 1 clay fragment, 1 milky quartz flake 10-20: Bottle glass 20-30: Milky quartz flake 30-40: Charcoal, bone, anadonta fragment 40-70: No recovery 70-80: Anadonta fragment 80-90: Snail shell, anad.onta fragment 90-100: Snail shell, anadonta fragment Unit 2: 0-10: Nail, snail shell, anadonta fragment 10-20: Bottle glass, snail shell, anadonta fragment 20-30: Rock, 1 clay fragment 30-40: No recovery 40-50: Charcoal, snail shell 50-60: Charcoal 60-70: Bone 70-80: Bone 80-90: Anadonta fragment 90-100: Common snail shells, anadonta fragment, bone CA-RIV-6148 Units 1, 2, and 3: No items recovered CA-RIV-6149 Unit 1: 0-10: Bottle glass, anadonta fragment 10-20: Bottle glass, anadonta fragment, concrete irrigation pipe fragment 9 069 20-30: Anadonta fragment 30-40: Anadonta fragment, burned soil 40-70: No recovery 70-80: Anadonta fragment 80-90: Snail shells, anadonta fragment 90-100: Snail shells, anadonta fragment Unit 2: 0-10: Anadonta fragment 10-20: Anadonta fragment, bone 20-30: 1 Sherd, snail shell, anadonta fragment, bone 30-40: No recovery 40-50: Snail shell, anadonta fragment 50-70: Snail shells 70-80: Snail shells, anadonta fragment 80-90: Snail shells 90-100: Snail shells Mound Area The Mound Area is located southwest of CA-RIV-6148. It is essentially a modified mesquite dune that has been cat into a rectangular shape and flattened on the top. The mound did not yield enough material to be considered as a site, but was tested with one excavation unit to see if any cultural layers may be present below the graded level. No materials were found from this unit, but the excavation did confirm that the mound was a modified mesquite dune that had been graded and shaped, not an artificial mound built from the ground up. Summary To summarize, test units within the 12.5-acre TPM 29052 show an almost complete absence of artifactual materials or cultural items below the existing surface. From thirteen excavated units, only three pottery sherds and two flakes of chipped quartz were found. The balance of materials recovered, the vast abundance of which was fresh -water shell (snail and mussel), are naturally occurring in this old lake bottom soil. Fragments of modern materials, such as nails, concrete, etc., were found mixed into the top levels of some of the units. DISCUSSION Based on the research results discussed above, the following sections present CRM TECH's conclusion on whether.any of the archaeological sites in the project area meets the official definition of a "historical resource" or an "important archaeological resource," as provided in the California Public Resources Code, particularly CEQA. Definitions According to PRC §:5202.1(j), "'historical resource' includes, but is not limited to, any object, building, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which is historically or archaeologically significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California." CEQA further specifies that "a historical resource is a resource listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources" 10 070 (PRC §21084.1). A resource may be listed in the California Register if it meets any of the following criteria: 1. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage; 2. It is associated with the lives of persons important in California's past; 3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic value; or 4. It has yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. (OPR 1994:4) For the evaluation of archaeological sites, Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines further provides the specific definition of an "important archaeological resource." According to this definition, an "important archaeological resource" is one which: A. Is associated with an event or person of: 1. Recognized significance in California or American history, or 2. Recognized scientific importance in prehistory; B. Can provide information which is both of demonstrable public interest and useful in addressing scientifically consequential and reasonable or archaeological research questions; C. Has a special or particular quality such as oldest, best example, largest, or last surviving example of its kind; D. Is at least 100 years old and possesses substantial stratigraphic integrity; or E. Involves important research questions that historical research .has shown can be answered only with archaeological methods. (CEQA Guidelines App. K, §III) Site Evaluations CA-RIV-6147 More than half of this site lies within the project area. Based on the results of surface collections and test units, this site does not contain enough archaeological information to help answer scientific or archaeological research questions, has no special qualities, and has no depth. Therefore, it does not meet any of the criteria listed above. CA-RIV-6148 Lying completely within the project area, this sparse site, consisting of a light scatter of only 10 sherds and 3 flakes, yielded no artifacts below the surface. It clearly does not meet any of the CEQA criteria for importance or significance. CA-RIV-6149 The small portion of this site that lies within the project area was tested with two excavation units and found to be lacking in archaeological finds. However, the greatest extent of this site lies to the north, outside the immediate project area. If future development is expected on the property to the north (TPM 29053), 11 0 71 further testing will be required at this site to determine its significance. At this point, it can be said that the portion of the site that lies within the current project area does not meet CEQA criteria for importance or significance. Isolated Finds Isolated artifacts, by definition, do not constitute archaeological sites. As such, they require no further consideration in the cultural resources management process. RECOMMENDATIONS CEQA establishes that "a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment" (PRC F21084.1). "Substantial adverse change," according to PRC §5020.1(q), "means demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration such that the significance of an historical resource would be impaired." Results of the field work indicate that CA-RIV-6147, 6148, and the portion of CA-RIV- 6149 that occurs in the project area, the only potential cultural resources identified in TPM 29052, do not meet CEQA definition of historical resources/important archaeological resources. Therefore, the proposed development of TPM 29052 will cause no "substantial adverse change" to any historical resources or important archaeological resources. Based on the results of research procedures completed to date, CRM TECH recommends that the City of La Quinta may reach the following conclusions regarding the proposed project: • Potential historical resources/important archaeological resources within and adjacent to the project area have been properly identified and evaluated. • None of the archaeological sites in the project area meets CEQA criteria for historical resources/important archaeological resources. • The proposed project, therefore, will have no effect on known cultural resources. • Due to the high sensitivity of sand dunes for buried cultural resources, archaeological monitoring should be required during grading and other earth - moving activities related to the Mound Area, which is a modified dune (Fig. 7). However, monitoring is not recommended for the level areas, which consist of old lake bed sediments and are not sensitive for subsurface cultural resources. CONCLUSION The foregoing report has summarized the methods, results, and conclusions of research procedures completed to date. A 100% surface collection and 13 subsurface test units have determined that none of the three sites in the project area meets CEQA criteria for historical resources/important archaeological resources, and therefore the proposed project will have no effect on known cultural resources. However, CRM: TECH recommends archaeological monitoring during grading and other earth. -moving 072 12 4 , " �� ��� 400 ft - 4 '"' 4 1. a f. s{ . g k 0 $jF k 5 x tl r roe r a4 ,Src :x 4 Mound' ,., Area 4 Figure 7. Location of the :Mound Area, site of recommended archaeological monitoring. activities related to the Mound Area (Fig. 7) due to the fact that there is a potential for buried resources to be exposed in that area during future development activities. 073 13 REFERENCES Bean, Lowell John 1978 Cahuilla. hi Handbook of North American .Indians, Vol. 8: California, edited by Robert F. Heizer. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Kroeber, Alfred L. 1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78. Washington, D.C. Love, Bruce, Bai "Torn" Tang, and Harry M. Quinn 1998 Cultural Resources Report: Tentative Parcel Maps No. 29052 & 29053, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. Manuscript report on file, Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside. OPR (Governor's Office of Planning and Research, California) 1994 CEQA and Historical Resources. Governor's Office of Planning and Research, Sacramento. Strong, William Duncan 1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology No. 26. Reprinted by Malki Museum Press, Banning, California, 1972. 074 14 APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 0 %$ 15 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Bruce Love, Ph.D., ROPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists) Professional history 1993- Owner and Principal, CRM TECH, Riverside 1990-1993 Director, Archaeological Research Unit, UC Riverside; Coordinator, Archaeological Information Center, UC Riverside 1989-1990 Coordinator, Archaeological Information Center, UCLA 1987-1990 Owner and Principal, Pyramid Archaeology, Palmdale, California 1986-1987 Junior Fellow, Dumbarton Oaks Center for Pre -Columbian Research, Washington, D.C. 1981-1986 Part-time cultural resources management consultant; doctoral student at UCLA Education 1986 Doctor of Philosophy, Anthropology, UCLA 1981 Master of Arts, Anthropology, UCLA 1976 Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, UCLA 1996 "CEQA 101," presented by the Association of Environmental Professionals. 1995 "CEQA Workshop," presented by Association of Environmental Professionals. 1994 "Assessing the Significance of Historic Archaeological Sites," presented by the Historic Preservation Program, University of Nevada, Reno. 1994 "CEQA 1994: Issues, Trends, and Advanced Topics," presented by UCLA Extension. 1990 "Introduction to Federal Projects and Historic Preservation Law," presented by U.S. General Services Administration Training Center. Memberships Society of Professional Archaeologists (certified in field research, teaching, and archaeological administration) Association of Environmental Professionals American Planning Association Society for American Archaeology Society for California Archaeology Society for Historic Archaeology American Society for Ethnohistory Coachella Valley Archaeological Society 076 16 PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST Harry M. Quinn Education 1978 Certificate in Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles 1968 M.S., Geology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 1964 B.S., Geology, Long Beach State College, Long Beach 1962 A.A., Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington 1996 "Cultural Resources and CEQA: Your Responsibility," presented by the Association of Environmental Professionals, Hemet 1991 "Ceramic Workshop," presented by Jerry Schaefer, Palm Springs 1990 "Introduction to Coachella Valley Archaeology," presented by Anne Duffield, Palm Desert Professional Experience 1992- Independent Geological/Archaeological/Environmental Consultant, Pinyon Pines 1994-1996 Environmental Geologist, E.C.E.S., Inc., Redlands 1991-1992 Director of Environmental Services, STE Associates, Inc., San Bernardino 1988-1991 Director of Environmental Services, Soil and Testing Engineers, Inc., San Bernardino 1987-1988 Senior Geologist, JIRSA Environmental Services, Norco 1986 Consulting Petroleum Geologist, Loco Exploration, Inc., Aurora, Colorado 1978-1986 Senior :Exploration Geologist, Tenneco Oil Exploration and Production, Englewood, Colorado 1966-1978 Exploration and Development Geologist, Texaco, Inc., Los Angeles Memberships Coachella Valley Archaeological Society (President, 1993-1994; Vice President, 1992, 1995-1997; Basic Archaeology Training Course Instructor, 1996-1997) Coachella Valley Historical Society Southwest Museum Malki Museum Publications in Archaeology and History Forty-five articles ir. the publications of the Southwest Museum, the American Rock Art Research Association, the Colorado Archaeological Society, the Utah Rock Art Research Association, the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society, and the Coachella Valley Historical Society, 1978-1997. 17 077 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD CREW Three members of CRM TECH's field crew, George Auclair, Tony Lavato, and Joe Loya, participated in the present study. All three are Native Americans of Desert Cahuilla heritage, affiliatied to the Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians. Field Experience (Survey) • Indian Palms Country Club: field survey of ca. 400 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at six prehistoric sites. • Coral Mountain Development Project: field survey of ca. 1,251 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 32 prehistoric sites, some with historic components. • State Route 86 Extension: field survey of ca. 30 acres; no sites found. • Palm Hills Specific Plan: field survey of ca. 1,200 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts and features at three historic sites. • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: field survey of ca. 350 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 30 prehistoric loci. • Cabazon Resource Recovery Park: field survey of ca. 160 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 13 prehistoric loci. • Tract 26595, Indian Wells: field survey of ca. 20 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 12 prehistoric loci. • Tentative Parcel Map No. 29052: field survey of 50 acres; identification and flagging of artifacts at 8 prehistoric sites. Field Experience (Excavation) • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: test excavation and screening at 30 prehistoric loci; completing 123 lxl-m test units, 4 Ix2-m test units, 4 4x8-m surface scrapes, and a 9- m vertical wall profile. • Tract 26595, Indian Wells: test excavation and screening at 12 prehistoric loci. Laboratory Experience (Artifact Cataloguing) • Rancho La Quinta Country Club: sorting, counting, and re -bagging level bags from test excavation. Classroom Training The crew attended classes at Torres Martinez presented by CRM TECH principal Bruce Love, Ph.D., for a total of eight hours. Subjects included the following: anthropology as a sub -field of archaeology, pre -historic vs. historic archaeology, overview of pre -history of desert Southern California, overview of major historical events in early Spanish contact with Native Southern California. In classroom workshops, the crew was trained in reading USGS topographic maps, using an engineering scale, compass reading, and scaled feature drawing a feature using metric tape, scale, compass, and gridded note paper. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: MARCH 18, 1999 ITEM: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 99-378: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENTS LOCATION: JEFFERSON STREET BETWEEN AVENUE 54 AND INDIO BOULEVARD ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: LAURA S. WHITE, L&L ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. PALEONTOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: DAVE STEVENS, RMW PALEO ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED BACKGROUND: An Initial Study for a Negative Declaration has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act (if federal funds are used for the project) requirements for proposed roadway improvements along approximately 6.2 miles of Jefferson Street from Avenue 54 (PGA West) north to Indio Boulevard, within the corporate limits of the Cities of La Quinta and (Indio, and a portion of unincorporated Riverside County. The City of La Quinta is acting as the lead agency for review and approval of the project. Generally, the project consists of the widening of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 north to Indio Boulevard, up to a maximum of six travel lanes (three in each direction), with the construction of a multiple arch structure at the existing low water crossing of the Whitewater River, and the widening of the existing bridges over the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Coachella Canal (All American Canal). As a part of the Environmental Assessment, cultural resource and paleontological assessments have been submitted. The assessments were prepared at the request of Robert Bein, William Frost, and Associates, consultants for the project. DISCUSSION: The appendixes for the "Cultural Resources Survey" has been prepared so that the information provided will fulfill Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requirements. ry^ �Q C:hpc rpt jeff st widen n.d. R5 / ��1 The archaeological report assesses an area that included the Jefferson Street right-of- way and land generally 15 feet beyond the ultimate street right-of-way width. The report notes that the street alignment lies in an area that is archaeologically sensitive. The prehistoric sites previously recorded within or immediately adjacent to the surveyed area have been destroyed by the road or adjacent development. However, there is a possibility that buried sites exist within the boundaries of the project. Therefore, monitoring by a professional archaeologist is recommended during the initial phase of any rough grading connected with improvement of the roadway along its entire length. Several historic resources were identified within or immediately adjacent to the assessed area. They include the Coachella Canal, an underground irrigation lateral, two residences, and twe date groves. As noted in the report, only the Shields Grove requires mitigation. Three trees of the Shields Date Palm Grove adjacent to the La Quinta Evacuation Channel at the southeast corner of Jefferson Street and Highway 111 will be impacted by the project. These trees were planted no earlier than 1950, and as such are not considered historically significant. However, the grove is considered to comprise a potential historic cultural landscape and thereby merits special consideration in local planning. Relocation of these trees elsewhere in the grove, or along Jefferson Street as a mitigation measure is recommended. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 99- , accepting : 1.) The archaeological report titled, "A Cultural Resources Assessment of the Jefferson Street Improvement Project, Avenue 54 to Indio Boulevard, Coachella, Riverside Counm", as prepared by L&L Environmental, Inc., and, 2.) The paleontological report titled, "Paleontological Resources Assessment for Jefferson Street Widening, La Quinta, California. as prepared by RMW Paleo Associates, Incorporated: for Environmental Assessment 99-378, in partial compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Attachments: 1. Confidential Archaeological Report (Commissioners only) 2. Confidential Paleontological Report (Commissioners only) Prepared by: Submitted By: Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner C:hpc rpt jeff st widen n.d. Christine di lorio, Planning Manager 080 i MAR 02 '99 11:57 TO-17607771233 FROM-RBF PLANNING T-913 P,02/07 F-075 1 Paleontological Resources Assessment ror Jefferson Street Widening La Quints, California Prepared for Robert Bein, William Frost and Associates 14725 Alton Parkway Post Office Box 57057 Irvine, California 92619-7057 Prepared by RMW Paleo Associates, Incorporated 23392 Madero, Suite L Mission Viejo, California 92691 (949)770-9042 FAX (949) 458-9058 RMW Project 99-1365 Author Dave Stevens Certified Paleontologist 2 March 1999 Gill 03-02-99 12:57 RECEIVED FROM +714 837 4122 P'02 MAR 02 '99 11:58 TO-17607771233 FROM-RBF PLANNING T-913 P.03/07 F-075 Introduction The following report;presents the results of RMW Paleo Associates' assessment of the paleontological resources along Jefferson Street, between Avenue 54 and Indio Boulevard in the City of La Quints, California (Figure 1). The purpose of assessing paleontological resources is to determine the impact the widening of Jefferson Street will have on the region's paleontological resources. This report is based on a review of published and unpublished paleontological and Scological literature of the area (See References). The locality records of the San Bernardino County Museum were examined for records of fossil occurrences within and near the study area. Afield reconnaissance of the area was conducted by Dave Stevens on 18 February 1999. This report was prepared by Dave Stevens, Certified Paleontologist for RMW Paleo Associates. Paleontological resources are the remains or traces of organisms that lived in the geologic past. The division between the geologic past and the Recent time period is typically defined on a climatic event that occurred about lo,000 years ago. Therefore, remains less than 10,000 years old are generally not considered to be fossils. The younger the remains, the less likely they are to _ be fossils. Paleontologic resources are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific, cultural, and educational value, which are protected on private land by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA Guidelines specify that a project will normally result in a significant effect on the environment if it will disrupt or adversely affect a paleontologic site except as part of a scientific study. Section 5097.5 of the California Public Resources Code protects fossils on public lands. Federal regulations that protect paleontological resources include the Antiquities Act of 1906, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA;) of 1969, the 1872 Mining Law, and the - 1976 Federal Land Management and Policy Act (FLPMA). Stratigraphy and Paleontology _ Exposed along Jeft'son Street are Quaternary age sedimentary deposits. These sediments represent several depositional environments. Sand dune deposits overlie alluvial deposits in the study area. The youngest sediments in the study area are Recent sand dune deposits. These dunes are formed by wind blown sand and are less than 10,000 years oid. Because the dune field is active, there is — little chance that fossils will be found in the dune deposits proper. Reworked fossils eroded from older rocks in the area may be present in the dune deposits, but they would be of little significance since they have lost their geologic province. No fossil materials were observed during the field reconnaissance. RMW NCO Assmiatas, Incorporated 03 03-02-99 12:57 RECEIVED FROM:+714 837 4122 P•03 MAR 11.cn Tn_1798777119.11 FROM-RBF PLANNING T-918 P.04/07 F-075 ca a � V i - 33i C 32 ' I L�f.... I • t• i. • ...• � Sf'� I - . :. is o �. + pl' - f. �f . ` Paleontology Figure I - Location Map Archaeology History Portion ofUSGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle La Quinta 1959, photorevised 1980. 23392 Madero, Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Scale = 1:49,000 kmW (949) 770-8042 Paleo Associates FAX (949) 458-9059 U(5J 2 RMW Peleo Associates, Inc. 03-02-99 12:57 RECEIVED FROM:+714 837 4122 P-94 MAR 02 •99 11:58 TO-1760771-1233 FROM-RBF PLANNING T-913 P.05/07 F-075 Underlying the dune deposits at shallow depths an Quaternary age alluvial deposits. These alluvial sediments were deposited by water that flowed off of the hills surrounding the valley and delta deposits that the Whitewater River formed where it entered lakes which occupied the region in the past. The age of these deposits vary greatly from a few years to several thousand years. To the north, sediments associated with the Whitewater River delta have produced late Pleistocene age (more than 1 o,000 years old) snail and rodent fossils. The depth to these fossils is unknown. It is possible that at some depth beneath the study area there are deposits old enough, to contain - similar fossils. However, there is no way to accurately predict the depth to these older potentially fossitiferous deposits, if they exist in the area. Conclusions and Recommendations Grading operations associated with the widening of Jefferson Street are unlikely to have significant impacts on the regions paleontological resources given the nature of the rock units present in the study area. The sand dune deposits have no potential for producing significant fossils because they are too young geologically to contain fossils. The potential for the discovery of fossils in the alluvial deposits is more difficult to determine. The presence of fossils in similar deposits to the north of the study area indicates that these alluvial deposits are fossil iferous in some areas. However, the complex mixing of older mud younger alluvial materials that occurs in the study area makes it more difficult to determine the potential for the discovery of fossils. The potential for discovery of fossils increases with depth, because the sediments are increasingly older with depth. Grading operations associated with the widening of Jefferson Street are unlikely to reach the depth where fossils are present. Based on geologic reports on the region, the depth to potentially fossiliferous sediments is at least five (5) feet below the present surface. Therefore, if grading activities along Jefferson Street do not penetrate more than five (5) feet below the present surface, then no paleontological mitigation measures are necessary. However, if excavations are greater than five (5) feet, paleontologic mitigation measures xuill be necessary. The following mitigation measures will reduce the adverse impacts of improvements to Jefferson Street on the region's paleontological resources to an acceptable level- These mitigation measures have proven successfid in protecting paleontological resources, while allowing the timely completion of many developments in southern California. 1. A qualified paleontologist shall be retained to perform periodic inspections of excavations and, if necessary, salvage exposed fossils. The frequency of inspections will depend on the rate of excavation, the materials being excavated, and the abundance of fossils. _ 2. The paleontologist shall be allowed to divert or direct grading in the area of an exposed fossil to facilitate evaluation and, if necessary, salvage. 12MW Peloo Associates, Incorporated 004 03-02-99 12:58 RECEIVED FROM +714 837 4122 P.05 MAR 02 '99 11:59 TG-17607771233 FROM-R6F PLANNING T-913 P.06/07 F-075 i 3. Because of the small nature of some fbssiis present in these rock units, matrix samples should be collected for processing through fine mesh screens. 4. Provision; for preparation and curation shall be made before the fossils are donated to their final repository. 5. All fossils collected should be donated to an institution capable of maintaining the collection, such as the San Bernardino County Museum. 6. A report detailing the results of the mitigation efforts should be prepared and deposited along with the fossils in the scientific institution. If you have any questions, or if we can be of additional service, do not hesitate to contact us. Respectfully, Dave Stevens Certified Paleontologist RMW Palm Associates, IAe WrmtW 4 085 03-02-99 12:59 RECEIVED FROM:+714 837 4122 P.O6 MAR 02 '99 12:00 TO-17607771233 FROM-RBF PLANNING T-913 P.07/07 F-075 References Arnal, R. R., 1961. Limnology, Sedimentation, and Microorganisms of the Salton Sea, California. Geological Society of America, Bulletin 72:427479. Dibblee, T. W., 1954. Geology of the Imperial Valley Region, California. In Jahns, R.H., ed. Gcology of Southern California, Bulletin 170. Chapter 2 Part 2, California Division of Mines and Geology. Laylander, D. The last days of Lake Cahuilla: The Elmore site. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society33(1&2):1-138. Miller, R. V., 1988. ltdineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs Production -Consumption Region. Special Report 159, California Division of Mines and Geology. Proctor, R. J., 1968. Geology of the Desert Hot Springs -Upper Coachella Valley area, California. Special Report 94, California Division of Mines and Geology. Raschke, R., 1998. Paleontological Resources Assessment for the La Quinta, California, General Plan. Report on file at RMW Paleo Associates, Incorporated, Mission Viejo, California. Raschke, R., 1999. Paleontological Resources Assessment for Jefferson Street Widening, La Quinta, California. Report on file at RMW Paleo Associates, Mission Viejo, California. Roger, T. H., 1965. Geologic Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet, California Division of Mines and Geology. Waters, M. R_, 1983. Late Holocene lacustrine chronology and archaeology of ancient Lake Cahuilla, California. Quaternary Research 19:373-387. RMW Pako Assaeiates, InoaWmted 086 03-02-99 12:59 RECEIVED FROM:+714 837 4122 P•07 r A CULTURAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT OF THE JEFFERSON STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AVENUE 54 TO INDIO BOULEVARD, COACHELLA VALLEY, RIVERSIDE COUNTY by Robert S. White Laura S. White David M. Van Horn L & L Environmental, Inc. 1269 Pomona Road Suite 102 . Corona, CA 91720 for Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates 9501 Jeronimo Road Floor 2 Irvine, CA 92618 2wd Revision February 3, 1999 Study Area USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle: La Quinta Study Area Acreage: Linear, 6+miles KEYWORDS: Survey, Coachella Valley, La Quinta, Indio, Jefferson St., Riverside County The undersigned certifies that the attached report is a true and accurate description of the results of an ARCHAEOLOGICAL survey described herein. Laura S. White, M.A. Principal Investigator 087 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Management Summary v I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. SETTING 2 A. Study Area Location and Environment 2 B. Geographic Setting 15 C. Hydrology: Lake Cahuilla and the Salton Sea 16 D. Biotic Resources 18 E. Cultural Setting 20 F. Brief Historical Sketch of the Study Area 24 III. RESEARCH DESIGN 32 A. Previous Research . 32 B. Research Goals 33 IV. METHODS 33 A. Literature/Archival Research 33 B. Field Survey 43 V. FINDINGS 46 A. Avenue 54 to Avenue 52 46 B. Avenue 52 to Avenue 50 49 C. Avenue 50 to Avenue 48 51 D. Avenue 48 to Westward Ho Avenue 51 E. Westward Ho Avenue to Fred Waring Drive 54 F. Fred Waring Drive to Indio Boulevard 54 VI. DISCUSSION 49 A. Prehistoric Archaeological Resources 5:5 B. Historic Resources . 55 C. NRHP Eligibility Criteria 516 D. CEQA Compliance 57 VII. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS 59 A. Prehistoric Archaeological Resources 59 B. Historic Resources . 60 -i- REFERENCES CITED APPENDIX A: Personnel Qualifications APPENDIX B: Records Search Results APPENDIX C: Neg BPSR Form APPENDIX D: Neg ASR Form 61 LIST OF FIGURES Page 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. Figure 2. Southern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. Figure 3. Northern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. Figure 4. 1936 Imperial Irrigation District map showing 29 the proposed Imperial Valley Power project and the future All -American Canal line to the Coachella Valley. Figure 5. 1856 GLO plat map for Township 5 South, 40 Range 7 East showing dirt (wagon) road bisecting Sections 28 and 29. Figure 6. 1941 Army Corps of Engineers' Toro Peak 15' 41 topographic quadrangle showing the community of La Quinta and surrounding environs. LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1. Archaeological sites within a 1/4-mile of the 35 study area. Table 2. Homestead Patent Information for the study area 44 Table 3. Assessor Parcel Information for resources that lay 45 within and adjacent to the project APE 1790 LIST OF PLATES Page Plate I. Top: Looking north along Jefferson Street from southern study area boundary (Avenue 54). Bottom: Westerly view of Coachella Branch of the All -American Canal. Plate H. Top: Looking north along west side of Jefferson Street from Avenue 52. Note: date palm grove (Sniff's) at left. Bottom: Looking north up west side of Jefferson Street from north of Avenue 50. Plate M. Top: Looking north at improved section of 10 Jefferson Street at Avenue 48. Bottom: Looking northeast along La Quinta Evacuation Channel at intersection of Jefferson Street and Highway 111. Note: a portion of Shields Date Grove lies in left of photo. Plate IV. Top: Wbitewater River crossing looking north along Jefferson Street from Vista Grande. Bottom: Looking north along Jefferson Street from Miles Avenue. Plate V. Top: Looking north up western side of Jefferson Street from 200 yds. north of Fred Waring Drive. Bottom: Looking north toward Indio Blvd. from just south of Country Club Drive. -Iv- II 14 u(a1 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY At the request of Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates, L & L Environmental, Inc. has undertaken a Cultural Resources Assessment of 6+miles of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 on the south and Indio Boulevard on the north. The route transects portions of the Cities of La Quinta, Indio as well as a small portion of the Bermuda Dunes area of unincorporated Riverside County. Presently, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is considering standardizing the width of the roadway to four -lanes. Ultimately, some sections may be expanded to six -lanes. Maximum right-of-way (ROW) for the project varies from 60 to 120 feet along Jefferson Street. The proposed improvements do not involve substantial deviation from the existing alignment. Improved crossings of the Coachella Canal/All-American Canal, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River are also planned as components to the proposed undertaking. Right-of-way for these improvements will vary from 75 to 200 feet. The purpose of this study was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated within the boundaries of the project Area of Potential Effects (APE). 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 results of the records search conducted at the Eastern Information Center at UC Riverside indicated that the alignment transects a region sensitive for prehistoric archaeological sites. However, the results of the field survey revealed that the prehistoric sites mapped within or adjacent to the APE have been destroyed by development or road construction. Of the six historic resources identified within or immediately adjacent to the APE, none have been found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. However, two comprise potential historic cultural landscapes and the third a local potential historic landmark. -v- Consequently, all three appear to be eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). The remaining three historic resources are not eligible for the CRHR. Recommendations for prehistoric resources call for monitoring of the rough grading phase of the street widening project. This recommendation is made with regard to the issue of sand dune migration which can obscure archaeological sites from view. This measure will ensure that if buried archaeological material is encountered during the rough grading phase of development, an archaeologist will have the opportunity to recover the finds and ascertain their significance. It is not anticipated that the undertaking as currently proposed will have any adverse effect on two of the three historic resources found eligible for the CRHR (La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal and the Sniff Date Palm Grove). Consequently, no further mitigative measure are recommend for these resources. However, the third resource, Shields Date Palm Grove aka Shields Date Garden, will suffer a loss of about three trees. As a mitigative measure, it is recommended that the subject palms be relocated. -vi- 0 9" I. INTRODUCTION The following report was written for Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates by L & L Environmental, Inc. It describes the results of an archaeological assessment of 6+miles of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 on the south and Indio Boulevard on the north. The route transects portions of the Cities of La Quinta, Indio as well as a small portion of the Bermuda Dunes area of unincorporated Riverside County. Presently, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is considering standardizing the width of the roadway to four -lanes. Uhimately, some sections may be expanded to six -lanes. Maximum right-of-way (ROW) for the project varies from 60 to 120 feet along Jefferson Street. The proposed improvements do not involve substantial deviation from the existing alignment. Improved crossings of the Coachella Canal/All-American Canal, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River are also planned as components to the proposed undertaking. Preliminary information suggests that two of these crossings (Whitewater River and La Quinta Evacuation Channel) will require ROW of between 150-200 feet on either side of Jefferson Street for associated construction activities (e.g. staging, temporary access road, channel modifications). An addition of one lane to either side of the Coachella Canal crossing will require approximately 84 feet of additional ROW. However, a distance of 75 feet (1:50 feet total) on either side of the Coachella Canal crossing was selected for the APE. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the Jefferson Street Improvement Project was defined by Laura S. White, a SOPA certified archaeologist. The APE boundary for this Class II project was drawn to include: 1) all buildings, structures and vacant land within the project ROW, and 2) all buildings and structures fronting the ROW that could be affected by construction activities. Additionally, where the alignment adjoins vacant land, a 15 foot buffer was added to either side of the ROW unless physically prohibited by existing development. The purpose of this study was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated within the APE. 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 1 U9�i historic or prehistoric material is present within the subject property, (2) literature and archival review, and (3) a field reconnaissance intended to identify any previously unrecorded cultural resources. The study was conducted in accordance with the provisions of: (1) the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which includes criteria for eligibility to the National Register of historic Places (NRHP); and (2) the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended in 1992, which includes criteria for eligibility to the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). Although the City of La Quinta is acting as the Lead Agency for the project, CALTRANS District 8 is acting as the Responsible Agency. Therefore, the document format complies with CALTRANS requirements for negative cultural resource assessments. Furthermore, the report format also complies with the City's requirements for cultural resource documents. Consequently, aside from the production of the Neg HPSR and the Neg ASR CALTRANS forms, this report was prepared according to the Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format contained within the State's Preservation Planning Bulletin Number 4(a) (California Department of Parks and Recreation 1989). II. SETTING A. Study Area Location and Environment The Jefferson Street alignment is located in the Coachella Valley both north and east of the Santa Rosa Mountains and south of Interstate 10, Riverside County (fig. 1). As mentioned, the route is approximately 6 miles in length, and lies between Indio Boulevard on the north and Avenue 54 on the south. This includes the entire length of route currently regarded as Jefferson Street. Previously, Jefferson Street had extended two miles south of Avenue 54 until it was removed for the PGA West development. By in large, the majority of the route lies in or adjacent to the City of La Quinta. Legally, the Jefferson Street alignment lies in Sections 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29 32 and 33, Township 5 South, Range 7 East and Sections 4, 5, 8 and 9, Township 6 South, Range 7 East, -2- 095 Ell • 'I` WIN IMM NX j��� '� " ,•� � ., jam`. ��I T -- - �� - �. - 11,51, �.101 L H Figure 1 Regional location of the project area as indicated on a portion of the USGS tianur Ana 1:250,000 scale Topographic Map Sheet. -3- . 096 NUE iB 41 M O f . u 0 o --- 32 ENUE 33-.Weu a : •. i 0: .•u� IIO ::::::: 0 �...:�::. r= . i;.. ...:: u 110 :- .. p ...... a-.:,.'•� Q-, I4 nnlIF AVENUE•• >.•.:i.7:. N •5 ..., x .Y... e .............. .. 14* STUDY AREA ...— — .. ......... C :•.a....r.. ...........•I. c . -��. IIII��\\ yy •Y - Y ................ � • I• G . ,11 n - II 0 l Y y if 1 'fir -x G Y n .• ... Y.-.. • .Well .---•.-•-_•_ ,- iPY u :.,..._AVENUE , P pump n F: II 11 .: 9 g =� G 1, II I g 1 N P p • it p N ii P P AV NUE Figure 2 Southern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. -4- Plate 1 Top: Looking_ north along .lellerson street. from southern study area boundary (Avenue 54)_ Bottom: Westerly view of Coachella Branch of the All -American Canal_ -5- •••• 093 San Bernardino Base Meridian. Figure 2 illustrates the alignment on a portion of the USGS La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. Specific information is presented in the sections below in 1-mile increments progressing from south to north. The reader is also referred to Appendix C for detailed 100 scale maps of the entire alignment. 1. Avenue 54 to Avenue 52 This southernmost section of Jefferson Street lies wholly within the City of La Quinta. It currently comprises a relatively narrow, two-lane road (Plate I:top). Maximum ROW along this segment will vary from 60 to 85 feet. Legally, it is situated in Sections 8 and 9, Township 6 South, Range 7 East (fig. 2). The Coachella Canal transects this portion of Jefferson Street from east to west about 1/4-mile south of Avenue 52 (Plate I:bottom). Elevations range from a maximum of approximately 31 feet above sea level at Avenue 52 (north) to a minimum of +7 feet at Avenue 54 (south). Topographically, the area had originally comprised a relatively featureless playa that was created when ancient Lake Cahuilla receded. Since dessication of the lake, dunes comprised of accumulations of fine blow sand have come to dot the landscape at sporadic intervals. The undulating dunes are vegetated with members of the saltbush scrub community. However, most of the area, including the ROW has been denuded of native vegetation and graded flat for agricultural endeavors (e.g. turf farm, row crops, citrus). Underground utilities also lie adjacent to the roadway. Consequently, disturbance is quite substantial on both sides of the road. 2. Avenue 52 to Avenue 50 This section of Jefferson Street also lies wholly within the City of La Quinta. It presently consists of a three lane road (two lanes on west side) and a landscaped center median between Avenue 52 and the entrance to the Citrus Course -La Quinta Country Club (Plate II:top). From that point north to Avenue 50 the segment is two lanes in width. Maximum ROW along this section is 90-feet. Legally, it is situated in Sections 4 and 5, Township 6 South, Range 7 East (fig. 2). Elevations range from a maximum of 34 feet above sea level at Avenue 50 (north) to a minimum of 31 feet at Avenue 52 (south). 10 099 Plate II Top: Looking north along west side of Jefferson Street from Avenue 52. Note. date palm grove (Sniff's) at left. Bottom: Looking north up west side of Jefferson Street from north of Avenue 50. -7- 100 Figure 3 Northern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. 101 Topographically, the area is very flat aside from several artificial building pads. The areas adjoining both sides of the roadway have been heavily disturbed by agriculture (date palm grove, citrus), underground utilities and residential/resort development. Consequently, no undisturbed ground lies within the ROW and little outside. 3. Avenue 50 to Avenue 48 This segment of the alignment divides the City of La Quinta (west side) from the City of Indio (east side). It currently comprises a wide, two lane roadway (Plate II:bottorr). Maximum ROW for this section of Jefferson Street varies from 60 to 120 feet. Legally, it is situated in Sections 32 and 33, Township 5 South, Range 7 East (fig. 2). Elevations range from a maximum of 47 feet above sea level at Avenue 48 (north) to a minimum of 34 feet at Avenue 50 (south). Topographically, the east side of the ROW is relatively flat; a significant portion of the west side comprises a series of elevated dune fields. The east side of the ROW has been to a greater or lesser extent disturbed by farming activities, underground utilities, weed abatement and residential development. On the west side of the ROW, improvements to the intersection of Avenue 48 and Jefferson Street have resulted in significant earth work (Plate III:top; see Brock 1997). 4. Avenue 48 to Westward Ho Avenue (Avenue 46) This portion of Jefferson Street transects portions of both the City of La Quinta and the City of Indio. Depending on the meandering boundaries, portions of both cities can be found on either side of the route. Highway I I I bisects the route from west to east as does the Whitewater River (Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel). The La Quinta Evacuation Channel also transects this segment of Jefferson Street southwest to northeast just south of Highway I I I (Plate III:bottom). Presently, this section of Jefferson Street comprises a wide, two lane road. A landscaped center median can be found along the route north of the Whitewater River (Plate -9- 102 0;� Plate IH Top: Looking; north at improved section of Jefferson Street at Avenue 48. Bottom: Looking northeast along La Quinta Evacuation Channel at intersection of Jefferson Street and Highway l 11. Note: a portion of Shields Date Grove lies in left of photo. -10- 103 IV:top). Maximum ROW through this section varies from 85 to 100 feet. Legally, it lies in Sections 28 and 29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East (fig. 3). Elevations range from a maximum of 60 feet above sea level at Westward Ho Avenue (north) to a minimum of approximately 30 feet at the Whitewater River crossing. Topographically, the west side of the ROW, south of Hwy. 111 comprises undulating dune fields vegetated with members of the creosote bush and shadscale scrub communities. No doubt the surrounding area was similar in character before development took place. The entire ROW and adjoining areas (with the exception of the aforementioned portion of dune fields) have been thoroughly disturbed by agricultural activities (date grove), underground utilities, weed abatement and residential/commercial/resort development. 5. Westward Ho Avenue (Avenue 46) to Fred Waring Drive (Avenue 44) The southern portion of this segment transects the City of Indio while the northern portion adjoins Indio on the east and the City of La Quinta on the west. Miles Avenue (Avenue 45) bisects the segment from west to east. Presently, the subject section of Jefferson Street comprises a two lane road with a center median (dirt) between Westward Ho Avenue and Miles Avenue. No center median exists north of Miles Avenue. Maximum ROW through this section is 120 feet. Legally, this segment of the project lies in Sections 20 and 21, Township 5 South, Range 7 East (fig. 3). Elevations range from a maximum of 80 feet above sea level near Westward Ho Avenue (south) to a minimum of approximately 55 feet at Fred Waring Drive (north). Topographically, the west side of the ROW comprises a series of undulating dune fields, some of which are quite elevated above the roadway. The east side of the ROW, between Westward Ho and Miles Avenue, consists of rolling sand fields. However, north of Miles Avenue, the east side of the ROW adjoins resort development (Plate IV:bottom). Native vegetation along this portion of the route is composed of members of the creosote bush and shadscale scrub communities. -12- 105 Disturbance along this segment is minimal except for that portion of the ROW that adjoins the Heritage Palms Country Club. Underground utilities appear to be less intrusive along this stretch of the route as well. 6. Fred Waring Drive (Avenue 44) to Indio Boulevard This section represents the northerly most segment of the project. The east side of the ROW adjoins the City of Indio along its entire length. The west side of the ROW adjoins unincorporated Riverside County (Bermuda Dunes) as well as a small section of Indio. Presently, this portion of the route comprises a two lane road with no center median. Country Club Drive intersects the west side of Jefferson Street near the northern end of the segment. Maximum ROW through this section is 120 feet. Legally, this final leg of the project lies in Sections 16 and 17, Township 5 South, Range 7 East (fig. 3). Elevations range from a maximum of approximately 55 feet above sea level at Fred Waring Drive (south) to a minimum of 40 feet at Indio Boulevard (north). Topographically, the majority of the west side of the ROW comprises a series of undulating dune and sand fields (Plate V:top). The dunes at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Country Club Drive are quite elevated above the roadway ( Plate V:bottom). The southern half of the east side of the ROW adjoins resort development, the northern half abuts rolling sand fields. Native vegetation along this portion of the route is composed of members of the creosote bush and shadscale scrub communities. Disturbance along this segment is quite widespread, the most noticeable comprising a portion of the Heritage Palms Country Club on the east side of the ROW. On the west side of the ROW, just south of Country Club Drive, a large spoils area has been created in conjunction with an adjoining residential tract. Within the northern half of the segment, earthen berms have been created to prevent runoff from heavy rains from inundating the roadway. However, underground utilities appear to be less intrusive along this stretch of the route. -13- 106 Plate V Top: Looking north up western side of Jefferson Street from 200 yds. north of Fred Waring Drive. Bottom: Looking north toward Indio Blvd. from just south of Country Club Drive. -14- 107 B. Geographic Settine The study area is situated in the Coachella Valley which comprises the northwestern comer 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). Today, our study area encompasses two geographic regions. The first, which accounts for the southern one-third of the project alignment (south of Avenue 50), consists of the featureless playa left behind by the receding shoreline of Lake Cahuilla following its last high stand some 400-500 years ago. The second, which comprises the northern two-thirds of the study area (north of Avenue 50), is the southern edge of the Myoma Dunes which once bordered the edge of Lake Cahuilla at its highest stand. These mounded dunes, which acquired their sand from the W itewater River drainage, 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 interdune: basins with elevations of less than +42 feet, the level of the last stand of Lake Cahuilla. (Wilke 1978:63) -15- Although the current north shore of the Salton Sea is situated more than 15 miles south of the southern terminus of Jefferson Street, the environmental history of the study area is largely equivalent to the histories of the various bodies of water that have occupied the basin. In fact, it would not be possible to understand the prehistory and history of the area without some familiarity with the advances and recessions of the lakeshore back and forth across the study area. C. Hydrology Lake Cahuilla and the Salton Sea When William Phipps Blake, the first geologist known to enter the Salton basin, crossed the area in 1853, he correctly surmised that the basin's floor lay below sea level. He further suggested that construction of the deltaic barrier by the Colorado River had isolated the northern extremity of the Gulf of California, allowing it to evaporate and form the extensive salt flats he observed (there was no Salton Sea at that time). Later investigations confirmed the existence of elevations below sea level, but they also showed that the basins' history was considerably more complicated than Blake had realized. (Norris and Webb 1976:151). The history of Lake Cahuilla and its predecessors remains conjectural even today. In all probability, the basin was inundated on more than one occasion by distributaries of the Colorado River delta. The distributary courses shifted back and forth between the Gulf of Cafifomia and the Salton Basin. After prolonged periods of deprivation, the basin would dry up only to be refilled when one or more distributaries reverted back to the Salton Basin drainage. Wilke places the beginning of the last prehistoric stand of the Lake, i.e., Lake Cahuilla, at about 900 A.D. when a prolonged diversion of the Colorado River into the Salton Basin is believed to have begun (Wilke 1978:33). The basin filled to a level of approximately 42 feet above sea level leaving tufa deposits on the rocks around its edge. It comprised a substantial body of water extending from some 20 miles north of the Mexican border to the Myoma Dunes 5n 109 near the present day community of Bermuda Dunes. Wilke estimates its maximum width at about 34 miles and its maximum depth at about 315 feet. The lake is believed to have desiccated some 400-500 years ago when its distributary from the Colorado River delta reverted back to the Gulf of California. The whole process, which may have required only 60 years (ibid. 109), resulted in the barren playa found by Blake when he surveyed the; area in 1853. However, it would not be long before the lake would be reformed, this time as a human -induced phenomenon. Real estate promotions and farming development in the Imperial Valley during the late 19th century had drastically increased the demand for water. A series of canals were built from the Colorado River in response to this new demand. Subsequent silting in of the canals created a demand for increased water flow which caused the canal flood control gates to be by passed while new facilities were under construction. As luck would have it, an episode, of intense flooding occurred at this inopportunistic time. The first important flood to occur during this perilous situation was in January 1905, followed by three large flash floods in February. By then the river was out of control, and considerable water was entering the canal system. The engineers in charge hoped to close the gaps in the west bank during the normal period of low water before the late spring floods. This period failed to materialize, and during the late summer attempts to plug the gaps were curtailed by continued high water. Early in the summer of 1905, about 16 percent of the river was entering the canal system, and by October virtually the entire Colorado River was flowing into the valley. The Southern Pacific Railroad tracks had been inundated, and the company built a new barrier. Unfortunately, a violent flash flood in November again allowed much of the river to enter the valley. In early 1906, new control gates were completed, and the river was finally contained on 4 November 1906, On 10 December, still another violent flash flood swept down the river, and the entire flow once again poured into the New rivers and into the valley. On 11 February 1907, the breach was sealed for the last time. The level of the Salton Sea then stood at 198 feet (60 m.) below sea level, its highest point. (Norris and Webb 1976:166). -17- 1101 D. Biotic Resources 1. Lacustrian Naturally, the drastic changes in the lake level concomitantly affected local biotic resources. The prehistoric biology of the region is surprisingly well-known thanks to various archaeological studies, particularly those of Wilke (1978) to whom the reader is referred for additional information and references. It is believed that about 400-500 years ago, the shoreline of Lake Cahuilla transected the northern two-thirds of the study area at the foot of the Myoma Dunes (currently "Bermuda Dunes"). The shore is thought to have comprises an extensive shallow water marshland with a gently sloping gradient and silty or muddy bottom. Wilke thinks that the marshy zone may have been up to a mile wide in places and was probably quite irregular in shape. He infers the presence of vast stands of cattail (Typhus), reed (Phragmites australis), and tule or bulrush (Scirpius, ibid. 39). McWilliams has suggested that the shoreline in the vicinity of the present- day intersection of Country Club Drive and Jefferson Street formed a bay or cove and that some of the dunes or higher elevations may have formed islets (McWilliams 1971:3) The freshwater lake would have supported several forms of lacustrine fauna including mussels (Anadonta dejecta) and, to judge by the modern lower Colorado River (which would have furnished the water which formed the lake), some five species of fish: humpback sucker (Xyrauchen tetanus), Colorado River bonytail chub (Giloa elegans), Colorado River squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius), stiped mullet (Mugil cephalus), and desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius c.). In addition, water fowl such as pelicans (Pelicanus erythrorhyncos), cormorants (Phalacrocoraz auritus), and herons (Ardea herodias) would also have established themselves on the lake's islands and shoreline. Of course, the biotic resources of the lake would have been supplemented by those of the surrounding creosote bush scrub community. Most important among the floral resources of this community from an archaeological perspective were the mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and screwbean (Prosopis puhescens). Both of these plants provided edible beans which were among the staples of the local aboriginal diet. Cottontail and jackrabbits constituted another particularly important resource commonly found in the creosote scrub community. 2. Desert As Lake Cahuilla desiccated, the lacustrian fauna died off and the biota of the study area once again became dominated by its desert alkali sink flora. Like the creosote bush scrub community, the alkali sink flora tended to be dominated by deep-rooted plants such as mesquite: The Mesquite... is the most dominant tree at the lower elevations [around Mecca). It heralds in the spring with its bright green leaves. The yellow catkin -like blossoms attract bees and are a source of excellent honey. It is called honey mesquite. The straight long pods (like string beans) are nutritious and are a source of food for cattle and wild animals. Indians and early pioneers ground the dry pods and made them into flour. The dry beans or pods are sweet. When I was teaching here at the Mecca school I often found dry mesquite pods in the desks of the Indian pupils who relished them. (Foulkes 1985:21). Screwbean also grows in the alkali sink zone, often in the same thickets as mesquite. Desert mistletoe, a parasite which feeds and sometimes kills both the mesquite and screwbean trees, is a third common floral species. Other native alkali sink species which survive in the playa area and canyons around Mecca today include cat's claw (Acacia greggii) and ironwood (Olneya tesota). The latter, which is found mostly in canyons and sandy washes, yield seed pods which are said to taste like peanuts when roasted. It is also said that the Indians enjoyed them (ibid. 22). Characteristic alkali sink shrubs include pickleweed (Allenrolfea occidentalis, lowland purslane (Sesvvium verrucosum), and quail bush or giant saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis; see Wilke 1978:31 for additional species). Animal life in the alkali sink is also similar to that in the creosote bush scrub although it is considerably more sparse. Jackrabbit and desert kit fox are probably the most: important species although various rodents including kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) and ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurs) also inhabit the zone. 3. Present Agriculture The Coachella Valley, especially the lower reaches, comprise a very rich agricultural region. The first commercial date offshoots, which had been brought from Algeria by Bernard Johnson, were planted in Mecca in 1903. While the valley is probably best known for its date palms, citrus also comprises an important crop (white and pink grapefruit as well as lemons, oranges, tangerines, tangelos, and limes). Other crops include asparagus, a particularly valuable cash crop, and grapes, which ripen early in this low desert area (Foulkes 1985:16). A few of the ranchers still use water from artesian wells to irrigate their crops but today the vast majority of the water comes from the Colorado River via the Coachella branch of the All American Canal. E. Cultural Settine 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 Ecology 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. 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. -20- 113 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 purs➢ande... 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 1978:128). 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). 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 -21- 114 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 1929:Tables 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 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. -22- 115 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. Strong'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. Strong'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 com; 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. acepting 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 -23- 116 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. F. Brief Historical Sketch of the Study Area 1. City of Indio Surveyors of the Southern Pacific Railroad reached the site of the future town of Indio on March 25, 1872. They reported that the point was 132 miles from Los Angeles and halfway between Los Angeles and Yuma. "This was an ideal location for a subdivision and it was not only halfway to Yuma but near an Indian reservation where labor was available and for which Indio was named, "Indio' being Spanish for Indians" (Nordland 1978:14). The original name of the town had been "Indian Wells" but this was changed to Indio in 1877 at the request of the government since there were already several places called Indian Wells on the maps. The early days of railroad construction were arduous ones for the new town. Water had to be hauled from a spring known as "Twelve Apostle Palms" located some three miles to -24- 117 the northwest. At first, all of the railroad crews stayed in a company bunkhouse and at a 24- hour restaurant which they called "T-bone." A special bunkhouse with a porch around it to accommodate outdoor summer sleeping was later built for the engineers and firemen. Locomotives were housed in a six -bay roundhouse and a car department was built to maintain the rolling stock. Fuel was stored in the open but problems were encountered since "The heat of the summer's sun would ignite the coal" (ibid.). Indio's growth was relatively slow, the population growing to only 50 over the next twenty years. A.G. Tingman is generally regarded as the father of the City, coming to Indio in 1877 as a railroad construction boss. He later became the station agent and telegrapher. In 1885 Tingman resigned from his railroad job in order to start the first general store on the opposite side of the tracks. Truly the area's first entrepreneur, Tingman purchased 160 acres in Section 23 in 1891. Three years later he subdivided the property and laid out the townsite of Indio. During the period from about 1888 to 1898 homesteaders began moving into the region around Indio and these individuals doubtless became customer's of Tingman's store along with numerous prospectors. The homesteaders, who had been encouraged by the "Desert Entry" :Homestead Act, cultivated the land which, given sufficient water, was said to be capable of grooving almost anything. The town developed more rapidly during the early 20th century, partly as a result of railroad activity and partly because the region was becoming famous for its early production of melons and vegetables. However, the dry air was also an attraction to those suf%ring from respiratory ailments such as tuberculosis. During 1903, N.O. Nelson arrived in Indio from St. Louis. He opened a health camp west of the depot about 100 feet north of the tracks. The camp consisted of a series of tents spaced 20 feet apart and a single open veranda covered with a tin roof which served as a meeting place. By 1909, the Indio school census included 43 families with 82 children, 44 of whom were school age (ibid. 115). Growth in Indio was also encouraged by construction of the Metropolitan Water District Aqueduct. In 1930, Indio became the first incorporated City in the Coachella Valley. -25- t 1 t3 Fred Koehler and Sons Feed Store became the first business licensed by the new city. The feed store is still in operation today at its original Fargo Street location. The depression of the 30's had less affect on Indio than many other cities, thanks to the payrolls of the aqueduct and railroad workers (Periscope 1984:12). The city's agricultural economic base also proved to be resistant to the poor economic conditions of the decade. The prosperity continued into the'40s: World War 11 brought a sudden influx of population to Indio as General George S. Patton set up training camps to prepare troops for desert combat. The Coachella Valley Museum and Cultural Center, then the residence and professional offices of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Smiley, was one of several private residences in Indio to provide housing for the wives and families of soldiers stationed at Camp Young and other desert training facilities. (ibid.). Many ofPatton's soldiers later returned to Indio to settle permanently. This insured a steady post-war growth that has continued to the present. While agriculture remains the most important single element of the economy, services in connection with commerce, retirement, recreation, and winter residency have all been growing. 2. City of La Quinta The name La Quinta has several Spanish translations meaning "country house", "villa", and the "fifth". According to Gunther (1984:285), the latter translation focuses on traveling (either by horseback or wagon) through the desert on known trails for four days. The fifth day was a stopping place or a day of rest and it was at these stopping places that settlements grew_ The first resident of La Quinta was Dean Marshall, owner of a Los Angeles paint company who moved to the region in the early 1900's. Marshall reportedly had a home near the present shopping center at Washington Street and Highway I 1 I (Hamilton 1988:17). Development of the town of La Quinta evolved around the establishment of the La Quinta Hotel. In the early 1920's, 1400 acres of desert land was purchased by Walter H. Morgan. Morgan, a native of San Francisco, was the son of John S. Morgan, wealthy owner -26- I19 of the Morgan Oyster Company. Like so many others of his day, health reasons brought Walter Morgan to the Coachella Valley (Brown 1985:210). With the help of Pasadena architect Gordon Kaufman, Morgan constructed his La Quinta Hotel in 1926. The secluded retreat, was named after a "Mexican Hacienda" of similar name. Construction of the original six cottages (or casitas) cost an estimated $150,000. The Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings required over .100,000 adobe bricks, 60,000 roof tiles, and 5,000 floor tiles (ibid.). According to Mellon and Associates (1997), Walter Morgan's house and the 268-room hotel were also constructed in 1926. Other associated buildings including "La Casa" and the Cyrus Pierce House were later added in 1927 and 1929 respectively. The hotel soon became a hideout retreat for several celebrities. President 'Dwight D. Eisenhower reportedly used the hotel as his western White House retreat during his presidency and after his retirement. Hollywood celebrities also found tranquility at La Quinta as well. Some of the stars who relaxed at the hotel included Frank Capra, Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Myrna Loy, and Groucho Marx (Periscope 1984:27). Following the; death of Walter Morgan in 1931, the La Quinta Hotel changed hands many times. Some of the subsequent investors included John Gilbert and Greta Garbo, the Desert Development Company (Harry Kenner), John Balaban, and Leonard Ettleson (Periscope 1984:26; :Brown 1985:210). Although the resort originally had a nine -hole golf course, it was Ettleson who revitalized golf in La Quinta. He created the La Quinta Country Club in 1957. Fifteen years later he hired professional golfers Ernie Vossler and .foe Walser as consultants for a new course. Vossler and Walser were also senior vice-presidents of Landmark Land Company, Inc. After recognizing the investment potential of the hotel and surrounding undeveloped land, Landmark Land Company, Inc. purchased the property from Ettleson in 1977 (Brown 1985:210). In the early 1980's, the hotel opened both a golf and tennis club. Today, the facility offers two world class golf courses as well a 22-court tennis club that is ranked among the best in the United States (Periscope 1984:27). Consequently, the La Quinta Hotel is still a mecca for vacationers and sports enthusiasts. -27- 1'2 0 The cove community of La Quinta was laid out on a grid system with the major roads situated along 1/4, 1/2 and whole section lines. The rest of the grid was laid out on fractional sections to maximize the density of the community. La Quinta was accessed from Highway I I I by Marshall Street (now Washington Street) and Eisenhower Drive. Avenue 52 provided the easterly access. Interestingly, in the early development days of the Coachella Valley, Washington Street in La Quinta was recognized as somewhat of a dividing line. Generally, the resort cove communities were located to the west of Washington Street. To the east, one would find agricultural land and related businesses (ibid. 28). Although citrus and date related agriculture contributed to the development of La Quinta and the surrounding environs, it was La Quinta's well -established reputation as a destination resort that gave the city its identity. More so today than ever before, La Quinta continues to attract multitudes of visitors to its world class golf courses and resorts. According to Mellon and Associates (1997:8f.), "The Cove" was La Quinta's first residential subdivision. Originally known as the Santa Carnelita de Vale subdivision, the tract was subdivided by E.S. "Hang" Keiner between 1933 and 1937. Houses were generally small and their construction resembled that of the La Quinta Hotel (Spanish Colonial Revival). Approximately 94 houses were built between 1935 and 1950. However, in the last half of this century, the Cove has witnessed extensive build out. La Quinta was officially incorporated as Riverside's 19th city on May 1, 1982. 3. Coachella Canal/All-American Canal A variety of both technological and political quirks sparked the desire to replace the old Alamo Canal with a new "All American" canal to be located entirely within the boundaries of the United States. The primary purpose of the canal was to provide irrigation water to the Imperial Valley. At a later date, the Coachella Branch of the All -American Canal would be constructed to convey water to the Coachella Valley for similar agricultural uses. The Imperial Valley branch of the All -American Canal is some 80-miles long. The intake for the canal is on the Colorado River at the Imperial Diversion Dam which is located approximately 15-miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona and 5-miles north of Laguna Dam. The Na 121 U w Ld pie o i p L+ XXX?LLJ a ON ` 2= a }} G d O W d 55 i4V y= wi-J n f a Fr 6 ra' c � ¢ ¢ a E Figure 4 1936 Imperial Irrigation District map showing the proposed Imperial Valley Power project and the future All -American Canal line to the Coachella Valley. -29- _ [1 canal is concrete lined and has a maximum section width of 250 feet with a bottom width of 160 feet. Depth varies from 16 to about 21 feet (Calexico Chamber of Commerce n.d.). A unique feature of the canal is that it is always flowing downhill, negating costly pumping stations. To take advantage of the natural flow of water, hydroelectric plants have been installed at four of the drops and at Pilot Knob on the Colorado River where excess water is discharged back through the Rockwood Heading (Hoover et al. 1966:111). To prevent the buildup of silt in the canal, a large complex of settling ponds were constructed (Lantis et al. 1977:61). Congress first considered bills on the new canal project in 1918 and 1919. In 1922, approval for dam and canal projects by states through which the Colorado River flows was secured in the Colorado River Compact. From 1922 to 1928 four additional bills known as the "Swing Johnson Bills" were introduced into both houses of Congress. The last of the bills (1928) provided for construction of Hoover Dam and the All -American Canal (Hoover et al. 1966:110). However, financial support for the canal project did not come until the Congressional passage of the Boulder Canyon Act of 1928 and availability of Public Works funds in 1933 (Lantis et al. 1977:61). Actual construction of the canal did not begin until 1934. Phil Swing, co-author of the Swing Johnson Bills, was one of the men credited for getting the legislation passed (Hoover et al. 1966:111; Henderson 1968:21). It took many years to cut the 80-mile long canal through the Sand Hills and into the Imperial Valley, with the first water diverted into Imperial Dam in 1940 (Lantis et al. 1977:61). It was not until 1938 when the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) began construction of the 123.5-mile branch of the All -American Canal to the Coachella Valley (fig. 4). Its construction was interrupted by World War II and was finally finished in 1948. Canal water first reached the valley in 1949 (Nordland 1978:10). The terminus of the 123.5 mile Coachella Branch of the All -American Canal is Lake Cahuilla (Terminal Reservoir) in La Quinta. It is primarily used for regulatory storage but Riverside County operates a regional park there which is open for fishing and other aquatic activities (ibid. 101). -30- 123 4. Whitewater River/Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel Through the ages, the Whitewater River has sent flood waters streaming through the Coachella Valley. With each flood, debris comprising gravel, sand, silt, clay as well as other man-made debris have been redeposited along its path. By 1915, the townspeople of the communities of Indio, Coachella, and Thermal realized that they needed protection from such flooding events. Cons(Nuently, necessity to control the flows through channelization prompted the creation of the Indio Levee District and the Coachella Stormwater District. The latter district would eventually merge with the Coachella Valley County Water District (now the CVWD) in 1937 (Nordland 1978:18f). The Indio Levee District soon initiated plans to divert the flood waters from Township 5 South, Range 7 East around the town of Indio. Plans included diverting waters at Point Happy into a channel that would connect with a similar channel from Thousand Palms Wash. The combined flow of the channels would then flow away from Indio, southeast of Coachella to Thermal. Originally, the: Point Happy channel included a 4-mile alignment. However, only the first mile of levee was completed prior to the 1916 flood which was regarded as the worst and most devastating of all 20th century floods in the region. Besides washing out much of the valley floor, 11 miles of the Southern Pacific Railroad roadbed were destroyed. In the late 1960's, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers widened and improved the section of Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (aka Whitewater River) between Point Happy and Thermal (including the: section that falls within our study area.). The improvements were, made as part of a 1.5 million dollar flood damage restoration project (ibid. 101). Today, the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel is maintained by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Controlling the Whitewater River has allowed several communities, developments, and golf courses throughout the valley to straddle the banks of this ancient and unpredictable watercourse. -31- 124 5. La Quinta Evacuation Channel The La Quinta Evacuation Channel is an earthen channel measuring approximately 2.5 miles in length with a 240 ft. wide easement. It was excavated circa 1979 by the CVWD for the purpose of diverting excess flood waters away from the City of La Quinta. The channel begins near the intersection of Avenue 50 and Washington Street and drains to the northeast. It continues to meander into Indio where it flows into the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel northeast of the intersection of Highway I I I and Jefferson Street (Berryman 1977). M. 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 Human 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 also proved helpful including Cecilia Foulkes' Mecca, a California 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. -32- 125 B. Research Goals The goals of our research were to identify known locations of potential significance situated within the Jefferson Street ROW. Our hypotheses were as follows: (1) Prehistoric sites may be clustered along the 40-43 foot elevation contour which adjoins the northern two-thirds of the alignment because this was the former shoreline of Lake Cahuilla. (2) Prehistoric sites dating to post -Lake Cahuilla times would be found around water sources which survived the dessication of the lake. Water sources available to the aboriginals (wells and springs) may have been located both east .and west of the alignment 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. (3) 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. In summary, we anticipated identify three types of cultural resources that may be found within the project APE. The first, which would comprise prehistoric lake shore camps and activity areas, would be concentrated north of Avenue 50. The second would consist of late prehistoric and early historic villages around springs and wells located in the vicinity of the ROW at any elevation. The third would represent the vestiges of early 20' century home or farmsteads connected with agriculture. IV. METHODS A. Literature/Archival Research 33 �26 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 December 23, 1997. The search entailed a review of: 1) all previously recorded prehistoric and historic archaeological sites adjacent to or within 1/4-mile of Jefferson Street, and 2) all survey reports conducted along the six mile route. Additionally, the National Register of Historic Places, California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Iiistorical Interest, and the California State Office of Historic Preservation's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) were reviewed for the purpose of identifying any historic properties within a 1/4-mile of the alignment. a. Previously Surveyed Areas The records search revealed that much of the study area has been previously surveyed for cultural resources as part of several larger projects. In fact, approximately 4.4 miles or 73% of the right-of-way (ROW) adjacent to the western side of Jefferson Street has been surveyed for cultural resources. Basically, almost the entire length of this side of Jefferson Street has been surveyed south of Highway 111. In contrast, 2.5 miles or 42% of the eastern side of Jefferson Street has been previously surveyed. Generally, this comprises portions of the APE at the northern and southern limits of the study area. b. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites The results of the search indicated that this portion of the Coachella Valley is very sensitive for archaeological resources. A total of 40 previously recorded sites are recorded within 1/4-mile of the alignment. The majority of these comprise prehistoric habitation sites (18) which vary in size. These sites typically include combinations of pottery, lithics, groundstone, fire -altered rock, bone and charcoal. Additionally, human cremations are known from at least two of the eighteen habitation sites. Remaining site categories comprise artifact scatters (12), potsherd scatters (7), and historic trash scatters (3). Each site is briefly characterized in Table 1. -34- 127 TABLE 1 Archaeological sites within a 1/4-mile of the study area. Site Number Description RIV-1171 Habitation site RIV-1176 Habitation site RIV-1177 Habitation site RIV-1178 Habitation site with cremation RIV-1303 .Artifact scatter RIV-1637 .Artifact scatter RIV-1638 Artifact scatter RIV-1769 :Habitation site RIV-1770 Potsherd scatter RTV-1971 .Artifact scatter RTV-1972 Artifact scatter RIV-2842 Artifact scatter RIV-3667 Potsherd scatter RIV-3668 Potsherd scatter RIV-3795 Artifact scatter RIV-5332 Potsherd scatter RIV-5333 Habitation site RIV-5334 Artifact scatter RIV-5340 Habitation site RIV-534.2 Artifact scatter RIV-5343 Habitation site RTV-5344 Artifact scatter RIV-5345 Habitation site RIV-5346 Habitation site RTV-5347 Artifact scatter RIV-5351 Artifact scatter RIV-5764 Habitation site RTV-5765 Habitation site RIV-5766 Potsherd scatter RTV-5770 Habitation site RIV-5771 Habitation site RIV-5772H Trash scatter RW-5773 Habitation site RIV-5775 Habitation site RIV-5778 Potsherd scatter RIV-5828 Habitation site RIV-6059 Potsherd scatter RIV-6060 Habitation site with cremation LAQ3-TI (temporary q) Trash scatter LAQ4-H (temporary >f) Trash scatter -35- �•�� 1?8 c. Archaeological Sites Located Adjacent to the APE Following a review of the site forms, five of the forty archaeological sites (RIV-1178, RIV-1638, RIV-5344, RIV-5345, and RIV-6060) were considered to lie near the APE (within 30 meters). Each is briefly discussed in the following paragraphs: RIV-1178 RIV-1178 was originally recorded by Phil Wilke in 1972. The site was found to comprise two separate areas (Locus A & B) located northeast of the intersection of Jefferson Street and Nrghway 111. Locus A (identified as CV-114) was characterized as a small portion of a much larger site comprising basketry and cordage, human coprolites, and shell beads. Wilke noted that much of this area "has already been destroyed by construction". Locus B ofRIV-1178 (identified by Wilke as CV-125) was described as a heavy surface scatter of artifacts situated on a large sand dune. Cultural material observed at this location included a large potsherd scatter, ash pits, one human cremation, concentrations of fired clay, fish bones, and some shell beads. In conjunction with his dissertation work, Wilke's investigation of the site included a surface collection of a sample of the finds. RIV-1178 was revisited in 1977 by Stan Berryman, M. Fox, and B. Welker in conjunction with investigations for the proposed La Quinta Evacuation Channel. Berryman noted that the site had witnessed extensive use and that it either represented a single village site or a combination of several campsites. Although Berryman stated that the site (large dune) had been partially disturbed by a grocery store (Circle K) and housing, he still found RIV-1178 to be of "National Register quality". Consequently, he recommended that either the site be preserved by realignment of the channel route or that a salvage excavation program be implemented (Berryman 1977). It is presently unknown if the site was ever salvage excavated as no report is on file with the Eastern Information Center. According to Berryman, the channel was not realigned around the site and he personally did not conduct any further work at RIV-1178 (1999:pers. comm.). -36- 12J RIV-1638 RIV-1638 was recorded by Steve McWilliams in the 1970's and described as an occupation site containing a midden deposit, potsherds, lithic scatter, and some stone and bone items. The site was reported to lie on both sides of Jefferson Street near Indio Boulevard. The western portion of RIV-1638 (west of Jefferson Street) was reinspected by Scientific Resource Surveys (SRS) in 1981 as part of a 130-acre survey (Gasser -Henriksen 1982). The site was found to lie approximately 100 meters west of the roadway. Artifacts observed included potsherds, lithics, groundstone, bone, and shell. No developed midden was found and the area had been heavily disturbed by motorcycle traffic. Due to the surficial nature of the site, mitigation recommendations included surface collection and mapping. In 1989, Archaeological Associates, under contract to SRS, conducted a controlled surface collection program on the western portion of RIV-1638 (Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. 1989). A re -inspection of the site area confirmed SRS's observation that no archaeological material was located adjacent to Jefferson Street. With regard to the eastern extension of RIV- 1638 (east of Jefferson Street), this part of the site could not be relocated during CRM TECH's field reconnaissance of the 383-acre U.S. Home -Heritage Palm property (Love et al. 1994). RIV-5344 RIV-5344 is characterized as a habitation site consisting of potsherds, lithics, fire - altered rock, and fragments of schist situated adjacent to Jefferson Street north of Fred Waring Drive. The site was discovered by CRM TECH during a field reconnaissance of the 383-acre U.S. Home -Heritage Palms project in 1994 (Love et al. 1994). Mitigation recommendations for the site included a test program comprised of surface collection, mapping, test unit excavation, and surface scrapes. Testing of RIV-5344 was conducted by CRM TECH in September of 1994. Grading monitoring of the site was performed between July -November of 1995 (Love 1996). -37- 1r0 RIV-5345 RIV-5345 was also recorded in 1994 by CRM TECH during a survey of the 383-acre U.S. Home -Heritage Palms project (Love et al. 1994). The site is described as a habitation site consisting of a large concentration of bone fragments and lithic debitage (quartz). It was recorded north of RIV-5344 adjacent to Jefferson Street. Mitigation recommendations for the site included a test program comprised of surface collection, mapping, test unit excavation, and surface scrapes. Testing of RIV-5345 was conducted by CRM TECH in September of 1994. Grading monitoring of the site was performed between July -November of 1995 (Love 1996). RIV-6060 RIV-6060 was recorded by Carol Demcak of Archaeological Resource Management Corporation (ARMC) in 1997. The site is characterized as a small potsherd scatter associated with a hearth and some fired, unshaped clay. The site was discovered during a reconnaissance of a 40-acre parcel northeast of the intersection of Avenue 48 and Jefferson Street (Demcak 1997). In August of 1997, a human cremation was unearthed at RIV-6060 (Mouriquand 1998:pers. comm.). The feature was exposed by equipment during grading for the Avenue 48 improvement project. Preliminary information supplied by the Indio Branch of the Riverside County Coroners office indicates that the cremation was of a single, adult or sub -adult. C-14 dates for charcoal recovered from the cremation pit are pending (Brock 1998:pers. comm.) 2. Heritage Properties No National Register sites, California Historical Landmarks, or California Points of Historical Interest have been identified within a 1/4 mile of the study area. However, one archaeological site within the APE (RIV-1178) has been determined eligible for the National Register. In 1978, the Office of Historic Preservation found RIV-1178 and five other sites outside the APE (RIV-119, 158, 208, 1180, and 1838) eligible as part of the La Quinta Evacuation Channel Archaeological District. Additionally, the California State Office of Historic Preservation's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) identified two historic properties -38- Al within a 1/4-mile of the study area. These comprise the 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival residence at 80041 Avenue 50 (outside the APE) and the Coachella Canal (Primary # 33-5705). The canal was constructed in 1948. A small segment of it transects the APE near the southern project boundary. 3. City of La Quints Historic Resources Research also included an examination of certain sections of City documents for the purpose of identifying potential historic resources. A review of the "Cultural Resources" section of the "Final Environmental Impact Report, City of La Quints 1992 General Plan Update" by BRW, Inc. (1992) indicated the presence of several historic buildings/structures within the City that are regarded as locally significant. The list comprises 13 structures identified by the California Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) in addition to some 11 resources recognized by the La Quinta Historical Society. However, none of these structures lie within the APE. In 1997, Mellon and Associates completed a city-wide Historic Resources Survey for the City of La Quinta. The survey consisted of a systematic windshield survey of every street within the City. All pre-1950 buildings, sites, and structures were evaluated for architecture, building type, historical association, location and rarity (Mellon and Associates 1997:3). The Resources Survey resulted in the identification of 74 historic properties that appeared eligible for landmark status (National Register and City of La Quinta landmarks). Of the six resources that appeared eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places one is identified as the La Quinta segment of the Coachella/All-American Canal, a portion of which crosses the study area. However, this is incorrect as the canal was determined to be ineligible for the register by the California State Office of Historic Preservation in 1983. Mellon and Associates also identified two properties within the City as potential historic cultural landscapes. One of these resources, the Sniff Date Palm Grove, is located adjacent to the study area at the northwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. The date grove is said to have been planted by Dana Sniff in 1926. -39- 132 ABO A/60 , S / .45 A6 Sze 6ZIA0 6 0 6 0 M/ 1 ABO A/6G 6'p BQOO BO.00 fJB STUDY AREA ABO A/60 /9 20 .Se .2/ S 22 640 64.0 64.0 ar &e. 7Z 79. 0 79-86 7 BS 9 6.30 6 0 D 4. O d d5 79. 6 79.9z 4 K•/ •e A AB.7 A'YOO 111 olz •P6 66\ 6�40 6 O O M/ tl W ABu �� �i6o f3 S • Y Figure 5 1856 GLO plat map for Township 5 South, Range 7 East showing dirt (wagon) road bisecting Sections 28 and 29. -40- 133 Figure 6 1941 Army Corps of Engineers' Toro Peak 15' topographic quadrangle showing the community of La Quinta and surrounding environs. -41- 134 4. Historic Map Research 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. Maps 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) and the 1903 U.S. GLO plat map for Township 6 South, Range 7 East (surveyed by Sickler). Additionally, several early USGS topographic quadrangles were examined in the map room at the Tomas Rivera Library. These 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 a limited amount of cultural activity in the study area. The single feature delineated includes an east -west oriented dirt (wagon) road that traversed the northern half of Sections 29 and 28 (fig. 5). It appears that this road paralleled a portion of the Whitewater River. Outside of the study area, a second portion of a dirt (wagon) road oriented north -south is shown connecting with the aforementioned road in Section 30. An Indian village and well site are indicated some three miles to the east of the study area in Section 24. No man-made features are shown on the 1903 GLO plat map for the southern portion of the study area (Township 6 South, Range 7 East). The 1941 Army Corps of Engineers' Toro Peak 15' quadrangle gives us the first glimpse of the location of the La Quinta Hotel resort and adjoining community of La Quinta. Washington Street served as the main north -south access road while Avenue 52 and a portion of Jefferson Street provided an east -west route. What few structures/buildings lie outside the community to the east most likely were connected with agriculture (fig. 6). The 1959 USGS Palm Desert 15' quadrangle is the first map that actually shows a significant portion of Jefferson Street. However, at that time Jefferson Street only existed south of Highway 111. -42- Ab 5. Homestead Patents Archival research also included a review of homestead patents on file with the BLM office in Riverside. In 1885, the Desert Entry Homestead Act was passed which initiated considerable homesteading in the Indio area. BLM records show that homesteading began in the vicinity of the study area in the early 1900's. Consequently, several historic homestead patents (ranging in size from 80 to 160 acres) have been recorded adjoining Jefferson Street. Specific information on each is listed in Table 2. 6. Assessors Information The APE was configured to include ten resources that lay within or irmnediately adjacent to the ROW (see Table 3). All front on Jefferson Street and include private residences, date palm groves, a small residential tract., and club house. In order to determine the age of these resources it was necessary to obtain assessors parcel information from both the Riverside and Palm Springs offices of the County Assessor. The results of this research indicated that four of the resources are over 45 years of age. 7. Personal Interviews In order to learn more about the age of the small portion of date grove within the APE, it was necessary to conduct interviews with both the current owner of Shields Date Garden (Mr. Richard Wilson) as well as the Riverside County Agriculture Department in :Indio (Mr. Lynn Gillis). The results of these interview can be found in the Findings section (Section V) of this report. B. Field Survev A field reconnaissance of the study area was conducted by Laurie S. White,, M.A. (surveyor, SOPA certified) Susan Underbrink (surveyor) and Robert S. White (surveyor & Principal Investigator) between December 1997 and January 1998. Additional field study was carried during August'September, 1998 and January/February 1999. As previously mentioned, the intent of the survey was to identify all potentially significant cultural resources situated -43- 136 TABLE 2 Homestead Patent Information for the study area. TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH. RANGE 7 EAST Legal - Acres Patent Description Number NE & SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4, also the NE & SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 20 160 1017477 NW & SW 1/4 of the NW 114, also the NW & SW 1/4ofthe SW 1/4 of Section 28 160 498309 NE 1/4 of Section 32 160 697767 SE 1/4 of Section 32 160 590814 txalrri.l,9:uzfY.1 R3ii Legal Acres Patent Description Number NW 114 of Section 4 160 698307 NW & SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 4 80 1154186 E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 8 80 1154187 NE & SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 8 80 426488 Date Patentee 7/1211928 Wesley E. Morgan 11/10/1915 Raymond J. Merritt 7/11/1919 John K. Adams 7/5/1917 Carlton W. Woodhouse Date Patentee 7/14/1919 Ethelbert F. Woodhouse 9/8/1955 Marion P. Walter 9/8/1955 Stephen J. Prociw 8/20/1914 John T. Dupree M0 137 TABLE 3 Assessor Parcel Information for resources that lay within or adjacent to the ROW. Resource # Address Assessors Parcel No. Year Built #1 52250Jefferson St. 772-300-014 1954 #2 (Sniff date grove) 769-480-011-2 1926 #3 50810 Jefferson St. 769-270-008-1 1952 (Demolished) #4 50400Jefferson St. 769-270-002-5 1963 #5 50110 Jefferson St. 769-270-001 1944-11959 #6 49730 Jefferson St. 649-340-001-3 1958 #7 49450Jefferson St. 649-310-003-2 1978 #8 80-255 Highway 111 649-240-001-4 1950 (Shields date grove) 49 (46480-46055) Jefferson St. tract (3 examples below) early 1960s 46480 649-090-009-9 1965 46425 649-071-019-9 1963 46145 649-071-012-2 1961 #10 46080 Jefferson St. 649-080-013-1 1961 (club house) within the boundaries of the APE. 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 at the southern end of the alignment (Avenue 54) and proceeded in a northerly direction. The field study was conducted by walking parallel transects spaced at 5-10 meter intervals along the ROW on either side of the roadway. The width of the surveyed area varied depending on the maximum width of the ROW for any given section of the alignment. Where possible, a buffer of approximately 15 feet was added to either side of the maximum ROW. This buffer area was applicable only to undeveloped land. The survey -45- 138 of the designated portions of the Coachella Canal, La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River (Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel) were conducted in a similar manner. Due to the archaeological sensitivity of the region, an extra effort was made during the field reconnaissance to identify any evidence of prehistoric occupation within or immediately adjacent to the project ROW. Particular attention was paid to: 1) the west side of the ROW between Avenue 50 and Highway 111 which is undeveloped and comprises sand fields and dunes, and 2) both sides of the ROW at the northern end of the alignment between Westward Ho Avenue (Avenue 46) and Indio Boulevard where similar topography can be found. Surface visibility along the undeveloped portions of the route was generally excellent (approaching 100%). V. FINDINGS A. Avenue 54 to Avenue 52 No prehistoric archaeological resources were discovered within this segment of the Project APE. However, several linear features, a small bridge and a residence were identified in this section of the project. Each is discussed in the following paragraphs. 1. Coachella Canal/All-American Canal The Coachella Canal, which crosses the APE alignment north Avenue 53 and south of Avenue 52, has been identified as a potential City of La Quinta landmark. In 1983 the Coachella Canal was evaluated by Ceclia Foulkes of the Riverside County Historical Commission (Primary #33-5705). The Commission determined that the canal was ineligible for National Register (NR) listing. Consequently, the California State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) concurred with the Commission's findings and listed the canal as ineligible under NR status code 5. In 1997 Mellon & Associates conducted a windshield survey of the City of La Quinta with the intent of identifying standing historic structures. They concluded that the canal "appeared" eligible for inclusion in the National Register and listed the canal as NR status code 3S (1997:8). However, the official status of the canal as currently listed in the Historic M 139 Resources Inventory maintained by the OHP remains as ineligible under status code 5. In any event, the proposed widening of the canal crossing, should have no adverse effect on the historic integrity of the canal itself. 2. Jefferson Street Bridge over Coachella Canal/All-American Canal The existing, single span bridge over the canal was constructed in 1959 and comprises precast concrete voided slab girders with asphalt concrete topping. Portions of the abutments of the existing bridge were reused from the original bridge constructed circa ?9 7 1998). The existing bridge is purely utilitarian in function and devoid of any interesting engineering or architectural features. The fact that the current bridge footings were incorporated into those of the original bridge is an interesting engineering footnote but is of no historical consequence. Consequently, the Jefferson Street bridge over the canal is not regarded as an historic resource. Current plans call for upgrading and widening the bridge crossing to a total width of 114 feet. The new bridge will comprise a precast concrete slab which will match the existing bridge. 3. Irrigation Laterals Extending to the north and south of the canal within the APE are large, underground irrigation laterals that convey water for agricultural use. These laterals lie in the ROW on both the east and west side of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 and Avenue 48 (3 miles). Installed between 1948 and 1951, the pipes are constructed from precast concrete and vary in diameter from 36 to 54 inches. The only above -ground evidence of the laterals comprise vertical stand pipes which can be seen at intervals along both side of Jefferson Street. This segment of the irrigation system comprises only a very small portion of the overall distribution system which is in excess of 600-miles in length. The system is owned by the U.S. Department of the Bureau of Reclamation and is operated and maintained by the Coachella Valle), Water District (Schaefer 1999:pers. comm.). Since the path of the laterals fall within the project limits, current plans call for excavating them, replacing them with new pipe, and relaying them in the same location(s). -47- 140 The layout of this portion of the lateral system does not constitute an unusual feat of engineering nor does the pipeline itself manifest any unique properties of construction. Thus, the primary intent of the distribution system is to convey irrigation water to agricultural lands in the simplest and most straightforward manner possible. As has been previously discussed, the development of citrus and date agriculture has contributed to some degree to the growth of La Quinta. However, La Quinta's historic identity has always been that of an exclusive, destination resort and not an agricultural center. Therefore, it is concluded that this portion of the lateral distribution system does not comprise a significant historical resource. 4. Electrical Transmission Pole Line An electrical pole line owned and operated by the Imperial Valley Irrigation District lies on the east side of Jefferson Street. The pole line is composed of 40-45 foot high wooden poles supporting a 7.2/12.5 kilovolt distribution line. The pole line was constructed to serve the PGA development to the south and was erected approximately 20-years old (Solis 1999:pers. comm.). The pole line is not significant and does not comprise an historical resource. 5. Residence at 52250 Jefferson Street (Resource 41) This single -story Ranch style residence was constructed in 1954. The Ranch style originated in the mid-1930's with several California architects. It gained popularity in the 1940's and became the dominant architectural style across the country during the 1950's and 1960's (McAlester & McAlester 1990:479). The house is irregular in plan and lies on a slab foundation. It has a low-pitched, cross -gabled roof with a wide eave overhang. The residence is wood framed and clad with a combination of stucco and T-111 wood siding. Fenestration comprises large picture windows and aluminum sliders. A detached garage of similar construction and style lies to the north. The residence is situated on a large, artificial sand mound and is set back approximately 125 feet from the edge of pavement. The house is ubiquitous in design and exhibits no noteworthy architectural elements or construction techniques. Consequently, it does not comprise a significant historical resource. MR Al B. Avenue 52 to Avenue 50 No prehistoric archaeological resources were discovered within this segment of the project APE. However, a cultural landscape, several linear features, and two residences (one standing one demolished) were identified in this section of the project. Each is discussed in the following paragraphs. 1. Sniff Date Grove (Resource #2) The Sniff Date Palm Grove is located at the northwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. Planted in 1926 by Dana Sniff, the grove lies a short distance outside of the project APE and is regarded as a potential City of La Quinta histofic cultural landscape. Furthermore, Mellon & Associates (1997) rated the grove as a 5S1 (not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places but of local interest). As presently configured, the proposed street widening project will not adversely effect the grove. 2. Irrigation Laterals See previous section for discussion. 3. Jefferson Street This one mile segment comprises the oldest portion of Jefferson Street and probably dates to the late 1930's. The 1941 Toro Peak 15' Topographic map shows that this was a section of improved roadway. The segment was part of an east -west route that primarily followed Avenue 52 and Avenue 50 between La Quinta and Highway 86. By 1959, Jefferson Street had been extended to the south (Avenue 58) and to the north (Highway 111) as delineated on the 1959 Palm Desert 15' USGS Topographic Quadrangle. It is important to note that it wasn't until after 1959 that Jefferson Street extended north of Highway 111. As has been previously discussed, this section of Jefferson Street has been significantly altered from its original two-lane configuration. Thus, the integrity of this section of Jefferson Street has been lost and as such does not comprise a historical resource. -49- 142 4. Electrical Transmission Pole Line An electrical pole fine owned and operated by the Imperial Valley Irrigation District lies on the west side of Jefferson Street between Avenue 52 and Highway 111. The pole line is composed of large, 100 foot high wooden poles supporting a 92 kilovolt line under -built with a 7.2/12.5 kilovolt distribution line. The pole line was constructed within the last ten years (Solis 1999:pers. comm.). The pole line is not significant and does not comprise an historical resource. 5. Residence at 50810 Jefferson Street (Resource #3) An inspection of this location revealed that the 1952 residence has recently been demolished. A series of modem concrete slabs and a soil filled swimming pool are all that remains at the location. The property is landscaped with oleander shrubbery and several palm trees. Mellon & Associates had previously evaluated one of the structures at this location in 1997. They concluded that the resource was not eligible for the National Register but of special consideration in planning (NR code 5S3). 6. Residence at 50110 Jefferson Street (Resource ##5) This small, vernacular cabin is single -story and has a low-pitched, gabled roof sheathed with galvanized metal. The wood framed structure appears to lie on a slab foundation. A shed roof addition incorporating the entrance has been attached to the western elevation. A second addition may have been added to the northern elevation but lack of access failed to confirm this. The cabin has been recently re -sheathed with T-I I I wood siding and a screened security door added. A louvered attic register is visible under the roof peak on the southern elevation. Fenestration comprises 2-over-2 double hung wooden sashes covered with added security bars. Originally, this structure was probably an outbuilding (storage shed) associated with agriculture (citrus or dates). No construction date was available for this address through the Riverside County Assessors Office. However, based upon a review of topographic quadrangles (1944 Toro Peak and the 1959 Palm Desert 15' ), we known that it was constructed sometime between 1944 and 1959. The integrity of the structure has been compromised by the -50- 143 aforementioned alterations. Furthermore, there is nothing unique about the structure as it fails to exhibit any noteworthy architectural style or construction techniques. Consequently, it does not comprise a significant historical resource. The building is situated approximately 25 feet from the pavement edge. It is probable that the building will be directly impacted by the project as it appears to fall within the project ROW. C. Avenue 50 to Avenue 48 No prehistoric resources were discovered within this segment of the project ROW. However, two linear features comprising irrigation laterals and a pole line were identified in this section of the projeciL For a discussion of these features, the reader is referred to the two previous sections (A .and B) for descriptions. D. Avenue 48 to Westward Ho Avenue (Avenue 46) The results of the literature review indicated that two prehistoric sites have been recorded within or in close proximity to the APE along this portion of the project. The disposition of each is discussed below. Furthermore, a single linear feature, a cultural landscape and a bridge were identified in this section of the project. These are discussed below as well. 1. RIV-6060 The results of the literature review indicated that prehistoric site RIV-6060 lay in close proximity to the ROW at the northwest comer of Jefferson and Avenue 48. The site has been the focus of recent archaeological investigations :in concert with improvements to the intersection. Consultation with Ms. Carol Demcak (Archaeological Research Management Corporation) and Mr. Jim Brock (Archaeological Advisory Group), both of whom have worked on the site, indicated that RIV-6060 lay outside the limits of the APE. Consequently, that portion of RIV-6060 which survives outside the APE will not be adversely impacted by the proposed road widening project. 144 -51- 2. RIV-1178 The literature review also indicated that a portion of prehistoric site RIV-1178 had been recorded within the APE immediately northeast of the intersection of Highway I I I and Jefferson Street. Furthermore, the site had been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as part of the La Quinta Evacuation Channel Archaeological District. However, commercial and residential development has destroyed that portion of the site adjacent to the east side of Jefferson Street and north of Highway 111. Surviving portions of the site, if any, will not be adversely impacted by the project. 3. Electrical Transmission Pole Line This transmission pole alignment ends at Highway 111. For a complete description of the feature see Section B above. 4. Shields Date Palm Grove During the field reconnaissance, the westerly edge of a date grove was encountered within the APE adjacent to the La Quinta Evacuation Channel at the southeast comer of Jefferson Street and Highway 111. The grove comprises a portion of the Shields Date Gardens which has its retail store at 80-225 Highway I I I in the City of Indio. In 1924, E. Floyd Shields and Bess M. Shield took possession of the date garden located outside and to the to the northeast of the APE on Shields Road. This original grove is still visible today at the same location as is the old salesroom (Wilson 1998:pers. comm.). The original grove is said to be one of the oldest and most interesting gardens in the country with 119 different kinds of dates planted from seeds. Several of the dates from the Shields Garden comprise one of a kind varieties found nowhere else in the world. These include Shields Black Beauty and Shields Blonde and Brunette Beauties (Shields Date Gardens 1957:26f.). In 1950, the Shields opened at the present location on Highway 111. The building that incorporates the salesroom and packing house comprises a move on. Originally, the building belonged to the Metropolitan Water District (MAD) and was formerly utilized as a mess hall -52- 145 and hospital (Wilson 1998:pers. comm.; Riverside; County Assessors Office 1.998: pers. comm.). A 108 seat theater has been added to the west end of the building. Since 1955, the theater has featured the movie "The Romance &: Sex Life of the Date". A, residence constructed in 1954 lies in back of the retail building. Some of the date varieties produced and sold by the Shield Date Gardens include Medjools, Deglet Noors, Blonde Dates, Brunette Dates, and Bread Dates. Shields Date Crystals are also very popular. For many years, Mr. Friend F. Wilson served as the Shields Date grove manager. When Floyd Shields died in the 1960's, he willed half interest of the business to his wife Bess Shields and half to his grove nnanager, Friend Wilson. Following the death of Mrs. Shields in 1984, the Wilson family became sole owners (Wilson 1998:pers. comm.) . The date garden its currently owned by Mr. Richard Wilson, son of Friend and Lucile Wilson. Interviews with Mr. Richard Wilson and Mr. Lynn Gillis of the Riverside County Agriculture Department indicated that the westerly portion of the grove situated within the APE was planted no earlier than 1950. (Gillis 1998:pers. comm.). Thus, it is clear that the portion of grove that will be impacted by the project (three trees) is not a component to the original Shields grove and is therefore not considered historically significant. However, the grove is considered to comprise a potential historic cultural landscape and thereby merits special consideration in local planning. An appropriate mitigation measure would be to relocate trees elsewhere in the grove or incorporate them into future landscaping along Jefferson Street. 5. Jefferson Street ]Bridge over Evacuation Channel The existing six -span bridge over the La Quinta Evacuation Channel (Bridge No. 56C- 198) was constructed circa 1979 and is of reinforced concrete slab deck design (Young 1999:pers. comm.). The existing bridge is purely utilitarian in function and devoid of any interesting engineering; or architectural features. Consequently, the Jefferson Street bridge over the channel is not regarded as an historic resource. Current plans call for upgrading and widening the bridge crossing to a total width of 131 feet. The new bridge will comprise a cast - in -place reinforced concrete slab structure (RBF 1998). -53- ���- 14G E. Westward Ho Avenue (Avenue 46)_to Fred Waring Drive (Avenue 44) No prehistoric or historic resources were discovered within this segment of the project APE. F. Fred Waring Drive (Avenue 44) to Indio Boulevard No historic resources were identified within this segment. However, the results of the literature review indicated that three prehistoric sites have been recorded within the APE along this portion of the project. The disposition of each is discussed below. 1. RIV-5344 RIV-5344 was recorded within the APE on the east side of Jefferson Street approximately 1000 feet north of Fred Waring Drive. The site was tested for significance in 1995 by Bruce Love of CRM Tech. Love concluded that the site was not significant and recommended no further work other than grading monitoring. The area that the site occupied has been graded and subsequently incorporated into the Heritage Palms Country Club development. The field reconnaissance failed to find any surviving portions of the site. 2. RIV-5345 RIV-5345 was recorded within the APE on the east side of Jefferson Street approximately 500 feet north of RIV-5344. This site was also tested for significance in 1995 by Bruce Love of CRM Tech. Love concluded that the site was not significant and recommended no further work other than grading monitoring. The area that the site occupied has been graded and also incorporated into the Heritage Palms Country Club development. The field reconnaissance failed to find any surviving portions of the site. 3. RI V-1638 RIV-1638 had been recorded within the APE on both sides of Jefferson Street approximately 700 feet north of RIV-5345. In 1989, a joint effort by Scientific Resource Surveys (SRS) and Archaeological Associates (AA) evaluated the western portion of RIV- -54- 147 1638. The results of that study indicated that the western portion of the site lay well to the west of Jefferson Street and outside the proposed ROW. In 1994, Bruce Love attempted to relocate the eastern portion of the site. Despite a thorough search of the area, he could find no evidence of the site. Our own field reconnaissance confirmed that the western portion of RIV-1638 lies well outside the proposed APE. Similarly to Love, we found no traces of the site within the east side APE. Consequently, the proposed street widening project will not adversely impact the surviving portion of RIV-1638. VI. DISCUSSION A. Prehistoric Archaeological Resources The records search and literature review have shown that the northern half of the study area is sensitive for prehistoric archaeological resources. This is not surprising since this area lies on or adjacent to the last high stand of ancient Lake Cahuilla (40-43 foot contour). In fact, it has been suggested that this particular section of the ancient shoreline comprised a back -bay accompanied by small islets. If true, it would have been particulary attractive to ;prehistoric peoples due in part to the abundant waterfowl and fish available. However, as has been discussed, those sites previously recorded within or adjacent to the northern half of the project alignment have been destroyed in conjunction with commercial, residential, and resort development or road construction/improvement projects. B. Historic Resources Buildings. Structures and Cultural Landscapes Several historic resources were identified within or immediately adjacent to the APE. As previously discussed, these comprise the La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal, the underground irrigation laterals that 6e between Avenue: 54 and Avenue 48, the two residences at 52250 and 50110 Jefferson Street and the Sniff and Shields Date Palm Groves. All historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes were evaluated for significance under criteria based on two separate but overlapping legislative sources: (1) the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which includes criteria for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); and (2) the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), -55- as amended in 1992, which includes criteria for eligibility to the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). Essentially, all resources which have been determined eligible for the National Register are also eligible for the California Register, but the latter also provides for the inclusion of additional resources that have been identified by historic resource surveys or that have been designated as a result of a local landmark ordinance. Thus, many cultural resources are significant under California law but need not be addressed under Federal law. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the criteria applied to assess impacts on historic resources differ between federal and state statutes. C. NRHP Eligibility Criteria These criteria require that in order for a building or structure to be significant, it must be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Most state agencies, including CALTRANS, have adopted the federal criteria. Buildings are entities that are designed primarily to provide shelter for human activity. They include houses, schools, churches, courthouses, sheds, barns, stores, etc. Structures are distinguished from buildings by the virtue that they are designed for purposes other than providing human shelter. They comprise lighthouses, bridges, tunnels, highways, dams, canals, irrigation systems as well as aircraft, automobiles, trains, ships, boats, etc. Generally, fisting in NRHP requires that a building or structure be at least 50 years old and that it possess "The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture ... present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, material, workmanship, feeling, and association ..." and... (A). That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or (B). That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or -56- 1413 (C). That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or (D). That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history." D. CEOA Compliance In September of 1992, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2881 which became Chapter 1075 of the Public Resources Code, thereby amending CEQA. The amendment defined historic resources as any property listed or determined eligible for listing in the newly established California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). Projects substantially adversely affecting such resources might be regarded as projects that may have a significant effect on the environment. According to CEQA, a resource may be listed as an historic resource in the California Register if it: (1) Meets one of National Register of Historic Places criteria A through D; or (2) Has been determined eligible for, or is listed in the National Register of Historic Places; or (3) Is a State Historical Landmark designated after No. 770 and potentially if it was designated before No. 770; or (4) Is a Point of Historical Interest; or (5) Has been determined significant by the; State Historic Resources Commission, including individual resources, contributors to historic districts, significant resources identified in qualifying historic resources surveys, locally designated historical resources, districts, or landmarks ( i.e. City of Los Angeles Historic - Cultural Monuments), or has been designated under any municipal or county ordinance (i.e. in an historic preservation overlay zone). (PRC §5024.1). -57- 150 Furthermore, a resource may be fisted in the California Register if it is significant at the local, state, or nation level, under one or more of the following four criteria: (1) It is associated with events or patterns of events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history and cultural heritage of California or the United States. (2) It is associated with the lives of persons important to the nation or to California's past. (3) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values. (4) It has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the state or nation. 1. NRHP Evaluation All of the historic resources under consideration are in excess of 45 years of age. However, it may be observed the Coachella Canal has already been evaluated and both the Riverside County Historical Commission and California State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) have determined that it is not eligible for the NRHP. Mellon & Associates' 1997 determination that the La Quinta section of the canal appeared eligible (3S) is an enigma since the current inventory list maintained by the OHP clearly states otherwise. Furthermore, the Sniff Date Palm Grove was also evaluated by Mellon and Associates and found to be ineligible for the NR (5S1). However, they concluded that the grove did comprise a potential City of La Quinta historic cultural landscape. None of the remaining historic resources qualify as eligible for the NRHP under Criteria (A) or (B) because none are associated with prominent historical figures or events. Moreover, a reasonably thorough research effort has failed to yield evidence suggesting that any of the buildings or structures are likely to yield information important to history. Consequently, we are left to consider the elements of Criterion (C). I" 151 Criterion (C) is the "architectural' criterion which posits eligibility on the basis of style or artistic merit. With consideration to Criterion (C), none of the buildings or structures within the APE are believed to represent the work of a master, nor are they unique in choice of building materials, design, or execution. There is nothing which sets these particular buildings and structures apart from others in the region. Consequently, we conclude that none are eligible for listing under Criterion (C). 2. CRHR Evaluation The subject historic resources (La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal, the underground irrigation laterals that He between Avenue; 54 and Avenue 48, the two residences at 52250 and 50110 Jefferson Street and the Sniff and Shields Date Palm Groves.) were also evaluated for the California Register. Of these, the underground irrigation laterals and the two residences are not considered significant on the local, state or national level under any of the criteria as outlined above. Therefore, none are eligible for listing in the CRHR. However, since both the Sniff and Shields Date Palm Groves are considered potential historic cultural landscapes and the La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal is regarded as a potential City of La Quinta historic landmark, all three appear eligible for the CRl IR. VH. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS A. Prehistoric Archae:olo@ical Resources Although the; survey of the project APE failed to discover any prehistoric sites or isolated finds, it is a given fact that the Jefferson Street alignment (especially the northern two- thirds) lies in an area that is archaeologically sensitive. Although the prehistoric sites previously recorded within or immediately adjacent to the APE have been destroyed, there is a possibility that buried sites exist within the boundaries of the project. This portion of the Coachella Valley is frequented by windstorms that move the fine-grained blow sands from dune to dune. In doing so, the seasonal winds cover or expose prehistoric archaeological sites on a regular basis. Therefore, it is recommended that a professional archaeologist monitor the initial phase of any rough grading connected with future development of roadway along its entire length. If -59- 152 archaeological material is unearthed during the rough grading phase, the Project Archaeologist should have the authority to temporarily halt or redirect the earthwork until the significance of the find(s) can be established. B. Historic Resources The underground irrigation laterals that lie between Avenue 54 and Avenue 48 and the two residences at 52250 and 50110 Jefferson Street respectively have been found to be ineligible for listing in either the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic Resources. All are considered to be insignificant. Therefore, no further work in conjunction with these structures is recommended. Although the La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal qualifies as a potential City of La Quinta historic landmark and appears eligible for the CRHP, it is not anticipated that improvements to the Jefferson Street overcrossing of the canal will have any adverse effects on its historic integrity. Consequently, no mitigative measures are recommended. The Sniff Date Palm Grove also qualifies as a potential City of La Quinta cultural landscape and appears eligible for the CRHP. However, current plans indicate that the grove is set back far enough from the project ROW that it will not be adversely impacted by the project. Therefore, no further mitigative measures are recommended. Similarly to the Sniff grove, the Shields Date Palm Grove also qualifies as a potential City of Indio cultural landscape and appears eligible for the CRHP. Current plans indicate that at least three date palms within the Shields grove require removal in conjunction with street widening and improvements to the La Quinta Evacuation Channel overcrossing. It is therefore recommended that the impacted trees be relocated either to another section of the grove or be incorporated into landscaping along Jefferson Street. -60- 153 REFERENCES CITED BARROWS, DAVID PRESCOTT 1900 The Ethno-botany of the Coahuilla Inman 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. BERRYMAN, STANLEY R. 1977 Archaeological Investigation of the Evacuation Channel. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. 1999 Personal communication. Archaeological consultant. BLAKE, WILLIAM PHIPPS 1856 Geological Report. IN: Reports of Explorations in California for Railroad Routes near the 35h and 32' Parallels of North Latitude (by Lt. R.S. Williamson). Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economic Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Vol. 5. Beverly Tucker, Printer. Washington, D.C. BROCK, JAMES 1998 Personal communication. Principal at Archaeological Advisory Group. Pioneertown. 1997 Heritage Resource Assessment for the Extension of Avenue 48 between Jefferson Street and the Emergency :Evacuation Channel, City of La Quinta, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. BROWN, JAMES T. 1985 Harvest of the Sun: An Illustrated History of Riverside County, Windsor Publications. Northridge. BRW, INC. 1992 Final Environmental Impact Report: City of La Quinta 1992 General Plan Update. Unpublished report on file with the City of La Quinta. 61 154 CALEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE n.d. Calexico, the All -American Canal City. Brochure on file with the Spencer Library/Media Center, Imperial Valley College. El Centro. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 1989 Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents andFormat. California Office of Historic Preservation. Sacramento. DEMCAK, CAROL R. 1997 Archaeological Assessment of 40-Acre Parcel in La Quinta (La Quinta Quad), Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. FOULKES, CECILIA 1985 Mecca: A California Desert History. Privately printed. GASSER-HENRIKSEN, KAREN 1982 Archaeological Survey Report on: TT 16789 Located Near the City of Indio, Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. GUNTHER, JANE DAVIES 1984 Riverside County, California, Place Names: Their Origins and Their Stories. Rubidoux Printing Company. Riverside. HAMILTON, TED J. 1988 Highway 111. Privately printed. Palm Desert. HENDERSON,TRACEY 1968 Imperial Valley. Neyenesch Printers. San Diego. HOOVER, MILDRED B., HERO E. RENSCH and ETHEL G. RENSCH 1966 Historic Spots in California. Stanford University Press. Stanford. 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. CYAs 155 LANTIS, DAVID W., RODNEY STEINER, and ARTHUR E. KARINEN 1977 California: Land of Contrast. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. Dubuque. LOVE, BRUCE 1996 Archaeology on the North Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. LOVE, BRUCE, STEiVEN MOFFIT, and BAI "TOlvf' TANG 1994 Cultural Resources Report: U.S. Home Project, Indio, Riverside County. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. McALESTER, VIRGIMA and LEE McALESTER 1990 A Field Guide to American Houses. .Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New York. McWILLIAMS, STEVEN 1970 The Occupation of the Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla (Paper 41). 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 #2). Unpublished paper on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. MELLON AND ASSOCIATES 1997 City of La Quinta Historic Resources Survey. Unpublished manuscript on file with the City of La Quinta. MOURIQUAND, LESLIE J. 1998 Personal communication. Associate ]Planner, City of La Quinta. NORMAND, OLE J. 1978 Coachella Valley's Golden Years. Coachella Valley County Water District. Coachella. NORRIS, R.M. AND R.W. WEBB 1976 Geology of California. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. PERISCOPE 1984 Series of anonymous historical columns (October). Annual publication of the Coachella Valley Historical Society. Indio. -63- 15 6 ROBERT BEIN, WILLIAM FROST & ASSOCIATES (RBF) 1998 A Draft Type Selection Study for Jefferson Street Bridge Widening at La Quinta Evacuation Channel and All American Canal, Indio and La Quinta, California. Irvine. SALIS, JUAN 1999 Personal communication. Distribution Coordinator, Imperial Irrigation District. SCHAEFER, MICHAEL 1999 Personal communication. Irrigation Engineer, Coachella Valley Water District. SCIENTIFIC RESOURCE SURVEYS, INC. 1989 Archaeological Surface Collection at Two Locations on Tract 23317, Bermuda Dunes, Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. SHIELDS DATE GARDENS 1957 Coachella Valley Desert Trails: The Salton Sea Saga and The Romance and Sex Life of the Date. Indio. STRONG, WILLIAM D. 1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26(l):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. YOUNG, PAUL 1999 Personal communication. Vice President of Structural Engineering, Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates. -64- 157 APPENDIX A: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 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. 159 DAVID M. VAN HORN, Ph.D., ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANT * Ph.D. 1976 University of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Classical Archaeology * B.A. 1969 University of California at Santa Barbara, Dept. of Art History (with honors) * SOPA Certified Archaeologist * Orange County Certified Archaeologist * Riverside County Certified Archaeologist * San Diego County Certified Archaeologist * BLM Certified Archaeologist * 32 years experience in southern California archaeology * Editor of the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society uarterly (1990-1991). * Founding principal of Archaeological Associates (AA) 160 APPENDIX B: RECORDS SEARCH RESULTS 161 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 December 23, 1997. 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 1/4 :mile of Jefferson Street (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 all site record forms as well as all archaeological reports conducted within the vicinity were obtained. These documents were reviewed and all relevant information was incorporated into our study. 162 APPENDIX C: CALTR9NS NEG HPSR FORM 163 Department of Transportation HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT- NEGATIVE FINDINGS 1. HIGHWAY PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION District County Route PM/KP Expenditure Authorization 8 Riverside Jefferson St. Description: Presently, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is considering standardizing the width of 6+miles of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 on the south and Indio Boulevard on the north. The route transects portions of the Cities of La Quinta, Indio as well as a small portion of the Bermuda Dunes area of unincorporated Riverside County. Ultimately, some sections may be expanded to six -lanes. Maximum right-of-way (ROW) for the project varies from 60 to 120 feet along Jefferson Street. The proposed improvements do not involve substantial deviation from the existing alignment. Improved crossings of the Coachella Canal/All-American Canal, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River are also planned as components to the proposed undertaking. Preliminary information suggests that two of these crossings (Whitewater River and La Quinta Evacuation Channel) will require ROW of between 150-200 feet on either side of JefFerson Street for associated construction activities (e.g. staging, temporary access road, channel modifications). An addition of one lane to either side of the Coachella Canal crossing will require approximately 84 feet of additional ROW. However, a distance of 75 feet (150 feet total) on either side of the Coachella Canal crossing, was selected for the APE. 2. AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS (APE) FHWA Senior Transportation Engineer Approval: Name Description: Date The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the Jefferson Street Improvement Project was defined by Laura S. White, a SOPA. certified archaeologist. The APE boundary for this Class II project was drawn to include: 1) all buildings, structures and vacant land within the project ROW, and 2) all buildings and structures fronting the ROW that could be affected by construction activities. Additionally, where the alignment adjoins vacant land, a 15 foot buffer was added to either side of the ROW unless physically prohibited by existing development. 164 Department of Transportation HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT - NEGATIVE FINDINGS - Page 2 3. SOURCES CONSULTED X National Register of Historic Places Year: 1997 X California Inventory of Historic Resources Year: 1997 X California Historical Landmarks Year: 1997 X California Points of Historical Interest Year: 1997 Archaeological Site Records [Name(s) of Institution(s)J: _X_ Eastern Information Center @ UC Riverside Date: December 23, 1997 Local Historical Society [Namel' Date: SHPO: n/a Date: n/a Other 4. RESUME OF SURVEY Yes No N/A Attachment No. Archaeolo ical Survey Report X g Bridge Evaluation X Historic Architectural Survey Report X Historic Research Evaluation Report X Historic Studies Report X Native American Input X Other (Specify): Correspondence 5.CALTRANSAPPROVAL Recommended for Approval: Approved: Heritage Preservation Coordinator Date Chief, Environmental Analysis 165 Date Department of Transportation HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT - NEGATIVE FINDINGS - Page 3 6. FHWA DETERMINATION Check One: ElA. No cultural resources are present within or adjacent to the project's APE. ZB. Cultural resources wiithin or adjacent to the project's APE do not possess any historical, architectural, archaeological or cultural value. Cultural studies are complete and satisfactory; the requirements of 36CFR§800 have been completed. Senior Transportation Engineer Date Historic Property Survey Report - Negative Findings - Preparer: Laura S. White, M.A., Principal Investigator February 3, 1999 166 Department of Transportation HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT - NEGATIVE FINDINGS - Page 5 ^Well.. '.' '. �. .o� ;-p.. _. -�;• e I O '.. .. o o D.... - = 1 - 3i; ��2 ! � ENUE eeWell' a�.._ e o Zr Y........... DiliR- ^ • ... - r.. _____e. •�:]: 0 Ys :/III • •... •..... .u•.. so. J4 AV£NUER • •90 2 ::WS�I•' :D:: iJ: :5ni: i :• ... R• o'.. : Y:::::u •.:: y .. •. ....�....•.i _. W. �� • •�.•. e:c c¢rO•: •.�:••••...•• 1 ...... STUDY -AREA ; �, 1pp1. ':::::•M e . .. S 4*r •.� .a.'.e .. .1 ._. e .................... 1 1 •Y• R • `Well - �..... 'VENUE w � R R it d � . n 11 II I� e o R u r • X Figure 2 16 Southern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7-5' Topographic Quadrangle. Department of Transportation Figure 3 16 Northern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle. Page I of 2 -Resource Name or #: Jefferson Resource # 1 P1. Other Identifier: None 'P2. location: ® Not for Publication [I Unrestricted e. County Riverside b. USGS 7.5' Quad La Ouinta Data 1980 T 6S • R 7E - hMI14 of NW/s of sec •• SBM U. c. Address 52250 Jefferson Street city La Ouinta ziP 92253 d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/or linear feature) Zane 11 567960 mE/ 3725450 mill e. Other Locations] Data: (e.g. parcel #, legal description, directions to resource, elevation, additdnal UTMa. etc. as appropriate) Project APE Map 4, Resource #1, APN 772-300-014 -P3a. Deudption: (Describe resource and ns major elements. Include design, materials, condition, allerations, size, selling, and boundaries.) This single -story Ranch style residence was constructed in 1954. The house is irregular in plan and lies on a slab foundation. It has a low-pitched, cross -gabled roof with a wide eave overhang. The residence is wood framed and clad with a combination of stucco and T-111 wood siding. Fenestration comprises large picture windows and aluminum sliders. A detached garage of similar construction and style lies to the north. -P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP2. Single Family Property Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.) P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date, etc.) Southeasterly view 'Pa. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: ❑ Prehistoric ® Historic ❑ Both Constructed in 1954 (factual) -P7. Owner and Address Chariaca Inc. P.O. Box 1996 Palm Desert, CA 92261 P--Private 'Pe. Recorded by: (llama, affiliation, address) Laurie S. White L&L Environmental, Inc. 1269 Pomona Road, Suite 102 Corona, CA 91720 -P9. Date Recorded: 02 /04 / 1999 (Describe) 'P10. Survey Type: scribe) Intensive Survey C--Comprehensive Survey P11. Report Chation: (Cite surrey report/other sources or *none') "A Cultural Resources Assessment of the Jefferson Street Improvement Project, Ave. 54 to Indio Blvd., Coachella Valley"-R&L White 1999 'Attachments: ❑ NONE ❑ Location Map ❑ Sketch Map ❑ Conlinuallon Sheet ® Building, Structure and Object Record ❑ Archaeological Record ❑ District Record ❑ Linear Feature Record ❑ Milling Station Record ❑ Hock Art Record ❑ Artlfect Record ❑ Photograph Record ❑Other: (List) t -1tl DPP 523A (1/95) 'Required information State of California --The Resources Agency Primary ` DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRl J BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD Page 2 of 2 •NRHP Status Code 5S1 -Resource Name or a: Jefferson Resource # l W. Historic Name: None B2. Common Name: None B3. Onginai use: Residential Bd. Present Use: R--Residential -135. Architectural Style: Ranch style •86. Construction History: (Construction dale, alterations, and date of alterations.) Not applicable '67. Moved? ® No ❑ Yes ❑ Unknown Date: Original Location: •Ba. Related Features: Detached garage 89a. Architect: unKnown b. Builder: -B10. Significance: Theme Residential Architecture Area La Ouinta Period of Significance 1950'S Property Type Single family residence Applicable Crilerfa C (Discuss Importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address Integrity.) The house is ubiquitous in design and exhibits no noteworthy architectural elements or construction techniques. Bl1. Addillonai Resource Attributes: (Lis] attributes and codes) HP2. Sinde Family Property •812. References: Riverside Assessor's Map Books, Book 772 Page 300 B13. Remarks, Zoning: RR; Threats: None •614. Evaluator: Dr. David M. Van Horn Date of Evaluation: 02/03 / 1999 (This space reserved for official comments.) DPR 523B (1/95) is C Page 1 of 2 •Resoi.ceName orat: Jefferson -Resource #2 _ P1. Other Identifier: Sniff Date Palm Grove •P2. Location: 0 Not for Publication ❑unrestricted a. County Riverside b. USGS 7.5' Quad La Ouinta Date 1980 r 6S ,• R 7E • SE 1/4 of SEt/a of SM: 5 ; SBM B.M. c. Address city La Ouinta zip 92253 d. UT■: (Give more than one for large and/or linear feature) Zone 11 567680 —ME/ 3725840 mN e. Other Locational Data: (e.g. parcel d, legal description, directions to resource, elevation, additional UTMs, etc. as appropriate) 21 acre grove located at northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 52 (APN 769.480-011-2). •P3a. Description: (Describe resource and f:5 major elements. Include design, materials, condition, afleratlons, size, setting, and boundaries.) This cultural landscape comprises a remnant portion of a larger grove. The grove is purported to have been planted by Dana Sniff in 1926. •123b. Resource Attributes: (Ust attributes and codes) HP33.Farm/Ranch a Cf[l�t Vi [{ .1 ^Y°•Yfr 1;i 1�! P \41W yA�Fff'p tM'��(i/?/jy t 'era �1 ., 71ae (i`a41'i if p' f(((��rtl )"'Ip✓ �4+ p a 1111 4 I•,`'J i �ll r* �.,�'ia. (ut� � .G r— - •AML P11. Report Citation: (Cris survey report/other sources or'none') imnrovement Proiect. Ave. 54 to Indio Blvd., I -Attachments: ❑ NONE ® Location Map ❑ Archaeological Record ❑ Distrct Record ❑ Photograph Record ❑ Other: (List) _ Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.) P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date, etc.) westerly view iew of grove •P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: 0 Prehistoric 10 Historic ❑ Soth Planted 1926 •P7. Owner and Address: Warner C. Lusardi Trust 1570 Linda Vista Drive San Marcos, C,6, 92069 P--Private •P5. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, address) Laurie S. White L&L Environmental. Inc. 1269 Pomona Road, Suite 102 Corona, CA 91720 •PS. Date Recorded: _ 02/03 / 1999 •P10. Survey Type: (Describe) Intensive survey_ C--Comprehensive Survey ❑ Sketch Map ❑ Continuation Sheet tD Bulking. Structure and Object Record ❑ Unear Feature Record ❑ Milling Station Record ❑ Rock An Record ❑ Artifact Record DPR 523A (1/95) 172 -Required Inforrhatim State of California —The. Resources Agency Pjimwy DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION :iiB I I# LOCATION MAP Trlo ial Page 2 at 2 -Re&ourl;eName or*; Jefferson Resource #2 -1111apillarrie:. LaQuintal'S -scale; 1" 2000 ft Date of Map: —1959 P] _16 :0 < ................ � ...... ro 32 "ENUE 33" well Ye"ter._ .4 QN, UEJ.1 13 AVEN 4.1 0 so Well 0 W 0 .......... . ........... ........... 6 ....... ir - - - - - - - - - - - I DPR 523J (1 /95) 173 -Required kdorrritation State of California =The Resources Agency DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Primary:#.._ HRI 11 LJ Page I of 2 -Resource Name or #: _ P1. Other Identifier: NRHP Statuei code' .P2. Location: C Not for Publication ❑ Unrestricted a. County mveli _ b. USGS 75' Ouad La Quinta Date 1980 T 6S - R 7E -- NW11/4 o1 NWj4 of sec c. Address 50110 Jefferson Street city La Quinta _ d. UTM: (Give more than one for large aM/or Ilneer feature) zone 11 567900 _ e. Other Locatlonal Data: (e.g. parcel #, legal description, directions to resource, elevation, additional UTMs, etc. a5 appropriate) Project APE Map 8, Resource #5 (APN 769-270-001). *P3e. Descrii ion: (Describe resource and yes major elements. Include design. materiels, condition. aneratwns, size, selling, and boundaries.) This small, vernacular cabin is single -story and has a low-pitched, gabled roof sheathed with galvanized metal. The wood framed structure appears to he on a slab foundation. A shed roof addition incorporating the entrance has been attached to the western elevation. A second addition may have been added to the northern elevation but lack of access failed to confirm this. The cabin has, been recently re -sheathed with T-111 wood siding and a screened security door added. A louvered attic register is visible under the roof peak on the southern elevation. Fenestration comprises 2-over-2 double hung wooden sashes covered with added security bars. Originally, this structure was probably an outbuilding (storage shed) associated with agriculture (citrus or dates). •P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP2. Single Family Property Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.) PSh. Description of Photo: (View, dale, era) Easterly view PI1. Report Citation: (Cite survey report/other sources or'none') • Imnrovement Proiect, Ave. 54 to Indio Blvd., `Attachments: ❑ NONE ❑ Location Map ❑Archaeological Record ❑ District Record ❑ Photograph Record ❑ Other: (Ust) _ -Pa. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: ❑ Prehistoric ® Historic ❑ Both Constructed between 1944-1959 •P7. Owner and Address: Jeffrev and Kathleen Cole 80041 Avenue 50 La Quinta, CA, 92253 P--Private -Pa. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, address) Laurie S. White L&L Environmental. Inc: 1269 Pomona Road, Suite 102 Corona. CA 91720 •P9. Daft Recorded: 02/04/1999 •P1o. Survey Type: (Describe) Intensive survey C--Comprehensive Survey ❑ Sketch Map ❑ Continuation Sneet ® Building, Structure and Object Record ❑ Linear Feature Record [3 Milling Station Record ❑ Rock Art vfecord ❑ Artifact Record DPR 523A (1/95) ... 174 -Required information State of California -The Resources Agency Primary-d. DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION - ".: HRI,r BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD Page 2 of 2 •NRHP Status code 5S1 -Resource Name or # 81. Historic Name B2. Common Nan 133. Original Use: •65. Archnectural •86. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations.) Shed roof addition on the western elevation. Building re -sheathed with T-111 wood siding. Security bars on windows and security screen on door. •87. Moved? ® No ❑Yes ❑ UnlvWvvn Date: Original Location: •Be. Related Features: None age. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: Unknown •810. Significance: Theme Citrus Industry Area La Ouinta Period of Significance 1940s-1950s Property Type Single family residence Applicable Criteria C (Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address Integrity.) The integrity of the structure has been compromised by the aforementioned alterations. Furthermore, there is nothing unique about the structure as it fails to exhibit any noteworthy architectural style or construction techniques. Bi 1. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP2. Single Family Property `812. References: Riverside Assessor's Map Books, Book 769 Page 270 B13. Remarks: noning: RA; Threats: May be impacted by widening of Street.; Zoning: RA -814. Evaluator: Dr. David M. Van Horn Date of Evaluation: 02/03/1999 (This space reserved for official comments.) DPR 523B (1/95) • El of California --The Resources Agency RTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIARY RECORD PnrnaryM HRI # Page I of 2 -Resource Name or a`: Jefferson Resource #8 P1. Other Identifier: Shields Date Palm Grove •P2. Location: ® Not for Publication ❑ Unrestricted a. County Riverside b. USGS 7.5' Quad La Ouinta Date 1980 T _iS ' R 7E . NY11/4 of SW/4 of Se< 28 - c. Address 80225 Highwa 1 111 chy Indio d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/or linear feature) Zone 11 567880 _ME/ . e. Other Localional Data: (e.g. parcel #, legal description, directions to resource, elerallon, additional UTMs, etc- as appropriate) Southeast corner of Jefferson Street and Highway I11 (APN 649-240-001-4). •P3a. Description: (Describe resource and Its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, aneratlons, size, setting, and boundaries.) This cultural landscape comprises the westerly most portion of the Shields Date Grove. This section of grove was planted circa 1950 by Floyd Shields. Older portions of grove He further to the east. Furthermore, the original Shields grove was planted in 1924 and lies to the northeast on Shields Road. •123b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP33. Farm /Ranch Element of District ❑ Other (Isolates, etc.) P5b. Description of Photo: (View, dale, etc.) Easterly view A prove •P4. Resources Present: ❑ Building ❑ Structure ❑ Object Is Site ❑ District ❑ - - -Pa. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: ❑Prehistoric ®Hiatonc ❑Both * Planted circa 1950 <..' s - .�- 'i N" � •P7. Owrrer and Address: Lucile E. Wilson Trust 80225 Highway I l l Indio, CA 92201 P--Private •P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report/other sources or 'none') n Improvement Project, Ave. '34 to Indio Blvd., Coachel -Attachments: ❑ NONE ® Location Map []Archaeological Record ❑ District Record ❑ Photograph Rewrd ❑ Other: (List) _ -Pa. Recorded by: (Name, allllietlon, address) Laurie S. White L&L Environmental, Inc. 1269 Pomona Road, Suite 102 Corona, CA 91720 •P9. Date Recorded: 02/04/1999 •Poo. survey Type: (Describe) Intensive Survey C--Comprehensive Survey ❑ Sketch Map ❑ Continuation Sheel ❑ Linear Feature Record ❑ Milling Station Record ❑ Building. Structure and Object Record ❑ Rock Art (Record ❑ Artifact Record DPR 523A (1/95) 176' -Required Information State of Cetifornia —The Resources Agency ptlmaryi ' DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Hm� LOCATION MAP Tenom a Page L of L •Raaource Name or •: Jefferson Resource #8 -Map Name: La Ouinta 7.5' -Scale: 1"=2000 ft --Date of rap: 1959 PR19 S Y t 11 rr RIP— ���� i YI YY .IWr • • �O Y 4 �� iI Trailer Park Y Trailer :Palk .n •" x " ;. Iff��IIIff''11��O � I I • •I Y Ur 46 ...... .... I �I M wall isr a ' .: .. .. - - u e I t 0 a 3I JC ENU£ 3" we it +d4 0 . ... ::: j t .. _. � ;. t,l _ O O � ki � j� _ .. • Y,�! tyahr' . % D 7.7 ........ .rz . if , II N j JI II r Sol aJl O- J<-•1v4 AVENUE' We Ga" .... 6 11 . WaFer 3e $ n - e Wall `aY '._aT ...AVENUE I II a II II • V N y • p �E .v... n. is I a - POnp .11• .. p .. u � n 11 ' II 9 DPR 523J (1/95) ... 177 •Requireefafonnallon APPENDIX D: CALTRANS NEG ASR FORM DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-I5 (REVIM) Page 1 I. HIGHWAY PROJECT DESCRIPTION District County Route Post Miles Expenditure Authorizations 8 Riverside Jefferson St. Presently, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is considering standardizing the width of 6+miles of Jefferson Street between Avenue 54 on the south and Indio Boulevard on the north. The route transects portions of the Cities of La Quinta, Indio as well as a small portion of the Bermuda Dunes area of unincorporated Riverside County. Ultimately, some sections may be expanded to six -lanes. Maximum right-of-way (ROW) for the project varies from 60 to 120 feet along Jefferson Street. The proposed improvements do not involve substantial deviation from the existing alignment. Improved crossings of the Coachella Canal/All-American Canal, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River are also planned as components to the proposed undertaking. Preliminary information suggests that two of these crossings (Whitewater River and La Quinta Evacuation Channel) will require ROW of between 150-200 feet on either side of Jefferson Street for associated construction activities (e.g. staging, temporary access road, channel modifications). An addition of one lane to either side of the Coachella Canal crossing will require approximately 84 feet of additional ROW. However, a distance of 75 feet (150 feet total) on either side of the Coachella Canal crossing was selected for the APE. II. STUDY FINDINGS The results of the records search conducted at the Eastern Information Center at UC Riverside indicated that the alignment transects a region sensitive for prehistoric archaeological sites. However, the results of the field survey revealed that the prehistoric sites mapped within or immediately adjacent to the APE have been destroyed by development or road construction. Six historic resources have been identified within or immediately adjacent to the APE. They comprise the La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal, the underground irrigation laterals that lie between Avenue 54 and Avenue 48, the two residences at 52250 and 50110 Jefferson Street and the Sniff and Shields Date Palm Groves. None of the six have been found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. However, two comprise potential historic cultural landscapes and the third a potential local historic landmark. Consequently, all three appear to be eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). The remaining three historic resources are not eligible for the CRHR. Recommendations for prehistoric resources call for monitoring of the rough grading phase of the street widening project. This recommendation is made with regard to the issue of sand dune migration which can obscure archaeological sites from view. This measure will ensure that if 179 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25 (REV.2/63) Page 2 buried archaeological material is encountered during the; rough grading phase of development, an archaeologist will have the opportunity to recover the finds and ascertain their significance. It is not anticipated that the undertaking as currently proposed will have any adverse effect on two of the three historic resources found eligible for the CRHR (La Quinta section of the Coachella Canal and the Sniff Date Palm Grove). Consequently, no further mitigative measure are recommend for these resources. However, the third resource, Shields Date Palm Grove aka Shields Date Garden, will suffer a loss of about three trees. As a mitigative measure, it is recommended that the subject palms be relocated. M. INTRODUCITON Name of Surveyor Qualifications Dates of Fieldwork Laura S. White M.A. in Anthropology, SDSU, 1989; January 1997 through SOPA-certified since 1990; February 1998; 15 years experience in southern California August thou September 1998; January &: February, 1999. Robert S. White B.A. in Liberal Studies with concentration in Anthropology, CSULB, 1987; 15 years experience in southern California David M. Van Horn Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania, 1969; 32 years experience in southern California Susan M. Underbrink B.A. in Anthropology, University of Illinois, 1981; 4 years experience in southern California Present Environment: Colorado Desert; sand fields and dunes, dessicated lake playa. Creosote Bush Scrub and Saltbush Scrub plant communities. Elevations: 80 feet above sea level to 7 feet above sea level. Ethnography: Desert Cahuilla. Alfred M. Kroeber, Handbook of the Indians of California. William Duncan Strong, Aboriginal Society in Southern California. Lowell John Bean, Cahuilla in Handbook of North America Indians, Vol. 8, California. 180 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25 (REV.2W) Page 3 IV. SOURCES CONSULTED National Register of Historic Places ® Year: 1997 California Inventory of Historic Resources ® Year: 1997 California Historical Landmarks ® Year: 1997 California Points of Historical Interest N Year: 1997 Archaeological Site Records ® [Name(s) of Institution(s) & Date] Eastern Information Center @ UC Riverside; December 23, 1997 Other Sources Consulted: Bureau of Land Management archives, California Desert District, Riverside Historic maps of the APE, Tomas Rivera Library, UC Riverside Riverside County Assessors Office's, Riverside and Palm Springs Riverside County Agriculture Department, Indio Imperial Valley Irrigation District Coachella Valley Water District Structural Engineering Division, Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates Results: No historic properties were discovered within or adjacent to the APE as a result of the archival research, literature review or field survey. V. FIELD METHODS The pedestrian survey began at the southern end of the alignment (Avenue 54) and proceeded in a northerly direction. The field study was conducted by walking parallel transects spaced at 5-10 meter intervals along the ROW on either side of the roadway. The width of the surveyed area varied depending on the maximum width of the ROW for any given section of the alignment. Where possible, a buffer of approximately 15 feet was added to either side of the maximum ROW. This buffer area was applicable only to undeveloped land. The survey of the designated portions of the Coachella Canal, La Quinta Evacuation Channel and the Whitewater River (Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel) were conducted in a similar manner. VI. REMARKS 181 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25 (REV1/83) Page 4 VH. CERTMCA Preparer: Laura S. White I Title: Principal Investigator Signature: Date: 02/03/99 Reviewer: I Title: Signature: Date: VITL MAPS _ District Location N U.S.G.S. N (La Quinta) Project Maps N (Delineate area of actual survey on Project Map, a7 largest scale map available.) IX. PHOTOGRAPHS Yes N No ❑ Attached ❑ (optional) X. BIBLIOGRAPHY BARROWS, DAVID PRESCOTT 1900 The Ethno-botany 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. BERRYMAN, STANLEY R. 1977 Archaeololical Investigation of the Evacuation Channel. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. BLAKE, WILLIAM PMPPS 1856 Geological Report. IN: Reports of Explorations in California for Railroad Routes near the 35' and 32nd Parallels of North Latitude (by IA. R.S. Williamson). Reports c f Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economic Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Vol. 5. Beverly Tucker, Printer. Washington, D.C. BROCK, JAMES 1998 Personal communication. Principal at Archaeological Advisory Group. Pioneertown. 1 ; 182 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT Page $ DPD-EP 25 MEV.2183) _ 1997 Heritage Resource Assessment for the Extension of Avenue 48 between Jefferson Street and the Emergency Evacuation Channel, City of La Quinta, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. BROWN, JAMES T. 1985 Harvest of the Sun: An Illustrated History of Riverside County. Windsor Publications. Northridge. BRW, INC. 1992 Final Environmental Impact Report: City of La Quinta 1992 General Plan Update. Unpublished report on file with the City of La Quinta. CALEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE n.d. Calexico, the All -American Canal City. Brochure on file with the Spencer Library/Media Center, Imperial Valley College. El Centro. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 1989 Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format. California Office of Historic Preservation. Sacramento. DEMCAK, CAROL R. 1997 Archaeological Assessment of 40-Acre Parcel in La Quinta (La Quinta Quad), Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. FOULKES, CECILIA 1985 Mecca: A California Desert History. Privately printed. GASSER-HENRIKSEN, KAREN 1982 Archaeological Survey Report on: TT 16789 Located Near the City of Indio, Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. GUNTHER, JANE DAVIES 1984 Riverside County, California, Place Names: Their Origins and Their Stories, Rubidoux Printing Company. Riverside. HENDERSON,TRACEY 1968 Imperial Valley. Neyenesch Printers. San Diego. HOOVER, MILDRED B., HERO E. RENSCH and ETHEL G. RENSCH 1966 Historic Spots in California. Stanford University Press. Stanford. JOHNSTON, FRANCIS J. The Bradshaw Trail. Historical Commission Press. Riverside. 1987 183 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCRAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT 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 c f the Indians of California. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin no. 78, pp. 1-995. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, D.C. LANTIS, DAVID W., RODNEY STEINER, and ARTHUR E. KARINEN 1977 California: Land of Contrast. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. Dubuque. LOVE, BRUCE 1996 Archaeology on the North Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside,. LOVE, BRUCE, STEVEN MOFFIT, and BAI "TOM" TANG 1994 Cultural Resources Report: U.S. Home Project, Indio, Riverside County. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. McWILLIAMS, STEVEN 1970 The Occupation of the Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla (Paper 41). Unpublished paper on file with the Easter 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 Easter Information Center, University of California at Riverside. MELLON AND ASSOCIATES 1997 City of La Quinta Historic Resources Survey. Unpublished manuscript on file with the City of La Quinta. MOURIQUAND, LESLIE J. 1998 Personal communication. Associate Planner, City of La Quinta. NORDLAND,OLEJ. 1978 Coachella Valley's Golden Years. Coachella Valley County Water District. Coachella. NORRIS, R.M. AND R.W. WEBB 1976 Geology of California. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. PERISCOPE 1984 Series of anonymous historical columns (October). Annual publication of the Coachella Valley Historical Society. Indio. 184 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25(REV.2/83) Page 7 SCIENTIFIC RESOURCE SURVEYS, INC. 1989 Archaeological Surface Collection at Two Locations on Tract 23317, Bermuda Dunes, Riverside County, California. Unpublished manuscript on file with the Eastern Information Center, University of California at Riverside. SHIELDS DATE GARDENS 1957 Coachella Valley Desert Trails: The Salton Sea Saga and The Romance and Sex Life of the Date. Indio. STRONG, WILLIAM 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. 185 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25 (REV.2/83) Page S 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. 1 8 b DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT DPD-EP-25 (REV.2/83) Page 9 IF : t:t7 ... ..... .. .. Well IF u °Well.. IF � �.O ° ' ° ... 'a o ...-FF IF 32 IF IF ' ENUE 3311 e N Cj ...".... O:.... •Y• O 7-1 n Q.. 31••• v4 AVENVEP Q _ .♦ N In We We - L�:�::.:::::::::c 3t ........... :)I ' ................« '.,a:: :::.::: ._ STUDY AREA._yti_n—� •'::•n ..lad �•m`{�kz`�Y4 J •O IF to • 1' 'well - Y .•..iaVENVE ✓!? IF 4:• _ n Puln n • 8 e.,Nle: . 1 vy� nil Y y II j : Y n tl 1 0 I 0 '' I tl N n tl I i tl 11 VENUE I n 3! Figure 2 187 Southern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 75 Topographic DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEGATIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT Figure 3 Northern section of study area plotted on a portion of the La Quinta 7.5' Topographic (lerironnla , W CW LL W ..............0 .�..... i J Q ■' ■ K d EI MI a Z cd L Lu LU xLL W Z W i LL 31 z ' I �I x F]71, x w.e Til! xa •�: \; \� Y �. � I w 'f it4Pi v 1 ;. I,/ :O } m w W O a. a a Q iw W :Z :N :z f3 LL y L°w^o Tina vat `o c01a naroc ua5 `ate LL�°1 Lo,_v wa��m2a mac $ 5 m a o"avv Way;Lan=a « Y u N n ao0_'ry�Qm- o ti N _ �3E m m m Y E dd'„a33> ,00 =w 35 aa¢`m>>Sv 1x��^ q �aA P/' 4i VC��EBeC it Q II i � C w A • 0 w I'� ayA 1 I J 1 i Z j 1 i fitt' d `M i r � ' 111 %1 % o a ; 1 , IV N M1 OWAMy to I a ... ..... . ... ..... ... .. .... Tt ......... . n. 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FFFM INA �,RM ........ .. ... . ... .......... . ...... rw ;j z 1b; < 00 D qj 411 i m91 .,ZCD X ^ � / ail �,� � , `Sb ( '•/. •> � �,;;" I,,,,�'%ram Pill 1 a— \ � 1 ♦ s„An\\\ 1 1 j x r 0 0 0 In V 0 • w HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: MARCH 18, 1999 ITEM: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA BACKGROUND: The City Council, at its February 2, 1999 meeting, requested the Qualifications for Archaeologists be returned to the Historic Preservation Commission due to new information being submitted (See Attachment 1). Two letters are attached which comment on the draft qualifications (See Attachment 2). Staff has reviewed the Qualifications and has made the following changes: Principal Investigator, Evaluation/Data Recoveryy Excavations: Add the following: If this person is not certified and listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists (ROPA) (formerly Society of Professional Archaeologists (SOPA)), they will need to provide documentation that they meet the equivalent educational and professional standards. 2. Crew Member: Minimum qualifications were deleted. 3 Traditional Cultural Property Expertise- Minimum qualifications were deleted. The California Environmental Quality Act clearly defines the protocol to be followed if Native American or other human remains are discovered. Additionally, staff has provided excerpts from Forging A Future with a Past: Comprehensive State-wide Historic Preservation Plan for California. (Attachment 3) prepared by the Office of Historic Preservation Department of Parks and Recreation Resources Agency, December 1997. The document offers some insight into the field of archaeology and State-wide problems. By the City adopting qualifications following the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for the Principal Investigator Evaluation/Data Recovery Excavations and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) with the exception of crew members, we are implementing State- wide goals and objectives at the local level. The HPC reviewed the draft qualifications at their January 20, 1999 meeting and recommended approval to the City Council (Attachment 4). P:AI-IPC-Cultuia1RcsConsultQual.wpd 213 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the City Council adoption of the "Archaeological Consultant Qualifications. Attachment: 1. City Council Minutes for February 2, 1999 2. Letters from Jerry Schaefer and Michael Rodarte 3. Forging a Future with a Past: Comprehensive State-wide Historic Preservation Plan for California 4. HPC Minutes for January 20, 1999 Prepared and Submitted by: C- A��G Christine di lorio, Planning Manager 214 P:AHPC-CulturalResConsultQual.wpd CItV of La QUinta ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS MARCH,1999 P:\CH RISTI\Archaeological-Consultant-Qualificaitons. wpd 215 City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines 1. Principal Investigator. Evaluation/Data Recovery Excavations Minimum qualifications are as follows: Educational requirements Advanced degree (such as an M.A., M.S., PH.D., or D.Sc.) from an accredited institution in archaeology, anthropology, art history, classics, history, or other related discipline with a specialization in archaeology. Designed and executed an archaeological study and have report on that research in the form of a master's thesis, Ph.D., dissertation or report (or several. reports that together are) equivalent in scope and quality to a master's thesis or Ph.D., dissertation. A purely descriptive report, however long, is not considered equivalent. The thesis, dissertation, or report must show a substantive data analysis by the applicant directed toward an explicit archaeological research problem; and, Certification and listing within the Register of Professional Archaeologist (ROPA) (formerly Society of Professional Archaeologists-SOPA) or its equivalent with regards to educational and professional requirements as noted below. M.A. in anthropology (or related discipline) with an emphasis in archaeology. This requirement includes completion of a thesis or dissertation consisting of the design and execution of an archaeological study. A total of at least 16 months of professional archaeological experience, including, at a minimum, one year of field experience. This must include: 1) at least 24 weeks of field work under the supervision of a professional archaeologist, of which at least 12 weeks must be excavation work; 2) at least 20 weeks of fieldwork in a supervisory capacity, at least eight weeks of which must be on California sites; and 3) at least eight weeks of supervised laboratory experience on collections from California sites; and, For prehistoric archaeological investigations, at least one year of the -required 16 months of experience must concern prehistoric archaeological resources; and, For historical archaeological investigations, at least one year of the required 16 months of experience must concern historical archaeological resources; and, P:\CHRIST I\Archaeological-Consultant-Qualificaitons. wpd 216 rage 2 of 5 City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines Demonstrated ability to carry archaeological research to completion, as evidenced by the timely completion of excavation proposals and reports; and, Familiarity with the City of La Quinta resource policies, procedures and goals, as demonstrated in research designs and past, performance. For CEQA and/or NEPA compliance, the City is committed to ensuring that: cultural resource studies are conducted by qualified professionals. To accomplish this goal, the City requires that individuals working in the discipline of archaeology meet certain minimum professional standards in education, training, and experience as described below. 2. Lead Archaeological Surveyor The lead archaeological surveyor is authorized to sign archaeological survey reports. Minimum qualifications are as follows: B.A. in anthropology with emphasis in archaeology (a minimum of four upper division archaeology courses required to satisfy this "emphasis") or B.A. in anthropology or closely related discipline with subsequent course work in archaeology (a minimum of four upper division or graduate courses in archaeology required); and, At least six months of professional archaeological experience in California, including at least 12 weeks of California field survey experience; and, Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct archaeological surveys, complete site record forms, and report on survey findings. 3. Excavation Crew Chief, Extended Surveyor The excavation crew chief is authorized to lead excavation field crews and direct extended survey projects. Minimum qualifications are as follows: Qualifications as a lead archaeological surveyor for the City of La Quinta; and, A total of at least 12 months of professional archaeological experience or P:\CH RISTI\Archaeological-Consultant-Qualificaitons. wpd 217 Page 3 of 5 City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines specialized training, including: 1) at least 10 weeks of California excavation experience under the supervision of a professional archaeologist; 2) at least four weeks of excavation experience in a supervisory capacity; and 3) at least four weeks of supervised laboratory experience on collections from California sites; and, Familiarity with the City of La Quinta cultural resources policies, procedures, and goals as demonstrated in research designs and past performance. 4. Archaeological Monitors The minimum qualifications for archaeological field/laboratory supervisors and monitors are: A bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or closely related field (e.g., Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology); and, At least two years of demonstrable experience (or equivalent specialized training) with prehistoric archaeological resources of the United States; and, At least one year of full-time demonstrable experience at a supervisory level with prehistoric archaeological resources of southern California. Demonstrable experience includes, but is not limited to: Administrative, project review or supervisory experience in a historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and related to prehistoric material culture, prehistoric archaeological resources of the prehistoric built environment of southern California; or, Field work that emphasizes the identification, evaluation, treatment or documentation of prehistoric material culture, prehistoric archaeological resources or the prehistoric built environment of southern California. 5. Crew Member The crew member is authorized to participate in surveys and excavations under the direction of a lead archaeological surveyor or excavation crew chief. P:\CHRISTI\Archaeological-Consultant-Qualificaitons. wpd 218 Page 4 of 5 City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines Students and Volunteers In order to encourage educational and community service participation, students majoring/minoring in anthropology or a closely related college or university degree program fulfilling course requirements or additional training/internship requirements, or volunteers with archaeological field training certified by a university/college certification program or archaeological society certification program are permitted to participate in appropriate aspects of archaeological investigations with 100% supervision by a qualified Crew Chief or higher level personnel. Student and/or volunteers are not to replace or serve in lieu of duly qualified crew members, but rather to supplement a crew. 219 P:\CHRI STRArchaeological-Consultant- Qualificaitons. wpd Page 5 of 5 r 6 ATTACHMENT #1 City Council Minutes 13 February 2, 1999 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the proposed Council Policy modification to utilize the $8.50 per ton Landfill Tip Fund to fund regional waste programs, local recycling programs, and franchise implementation of the City's Collection and Recycling programs; and to establish one revenue and expenditure account to tract the financial activity. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 99-13. Council Member Sniff felt it's imperative for the City to continue working with the other entities in regard to a transfer station or alternate solution because 2004 is not far away and it takes three years to build a transfer station. Mayor Pena wished for staff to come back with the exact balance in the account and to see some consideration given to refunding the excess funds. 7. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF CULTURAL RESOURCES 'GUIDELINES - APPENDIX B: CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS. APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA. Ms. di lorio, Planning Manager, advised that each public and/or private project application :submitted to the City is required to include a cultural resources report as part of the development review process. The Historic Preservation Commission, who has been entrusted by the State Historic Preservation Office to uphold the Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, is recommending that the City adopt the Secretary of Interior's qualification standards and guidelines for archaeological principal investigators. They're also recommending that Caltrans' requirements be used for other qualified crew member positions not identified by the Secretary of the Interior's standards. Council Member Perkins asked about some comments on the proposed guidelines that were distributed to Council just prior to the meeting, and stated that he wished to review them before ,going any further with this. Ms. Mouriquand, Associate Planner, advised that the comments were submitted by Michael Rodarte, who she understood is a senior at Cal -State University San Bernardino. MOTION - It was moved by Council Member Perkins and seconded by Mayor Pena to continue consideration of the Cultural Resources Guidelines to February 16, 1999. 220 City Council Minutes 14 February 2, 1999 Robert Wright, 53-795 Eisenhower. Drive, an Historic Preservation Commission member, asked for this item to be referred back to the Commission for further review. Bruce Love, an archaeologist, stated that the project he's working on would not be in compliance if the. guidelines are adopted as recommended, and he didn't know of any other jurisdiction that dictates down to the crew member level. He would be more comfortable if it contained an equivalency clause for those without degrees. AMENDED MOTION - It was moved by Council Member Perkins and seconded by Mayor Pena to refer the Cultural Resources Guidelines back to the Historic Preservation Commission for further review. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 99-14. Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT- None PRESENTATIONS The Mayor and Council Members presented Art Awards to the following students of Adams School whose artwork has been on display at City Hall: Sarah Baker Cody Blate Jessica Burnett Lisa Carlos Patrick Canaan Alberto Chavez Monique De La Rosa Aimee Fain Lauren Gayler Danielle Knickerbocker Stevie Loera Gabrielle Martinez Miguel Munoz Lucy Orozco Angel Pena Elisa Polanco Luis Quintero Ismena Rivas Itzel Roses Juliet Segal Penelope 'Vargas Stephanie Wright 221 a f f i l i a February 11, 1999 Mr. Stan B. Sawa City of La Quinta P.O. Box 1504 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quima, California 92253 Re: Cultural Resources Consultant Qualifications Dear Mr. Sawa, 14 ATTACHMENT 2 t e s L= �"Ell Ft 1 '7 1999 CITY OF LAQUINTA— PLANNIItiG DEPARTMENT Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Consultant Qualifications (January 1999). I found them to be appropriate for each personnel category and to be both sufficiently rigorous and fair. My only concern is for the number of Cahuilla who have more than enough supervised field training in archaeology but have not had the formal academic training. As archaeological research is particularly relevant to these individuals and the communities that they represent, I believe that both the resource and the Cahuilla would be well served if they could be included somehow. In summary, I believe these qualification requirements will do much to ensure that the City of La Quinta's cultural resource investigations are of the highest caliber. Sincerely yours, Jerry S efer, Ph.D. Senior Archaeologist 222 546 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. 114, Encinitas, CA 92024 Voice: [7601 632-1094 FAX: [760] 652-0913 Feb-02-99 12:00A Michael Roclarte l `JUy�bbb-ci�7-r City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct archaeological surveys, complete site record forms, and report on survey findings. The excavation crew chief is authorized to lead excavation field crews and direct extended survey projects. Minimum qualifications are as follows: Qualifications as a lead archaeological surveyor for the City of La Quinta; and. A total of at: least 12 months of professional archaeological expenence or specialized training, including: 1) at least 10 weeks of California excavation experience under the supervision of a professional archaeologist, 2) at least four weeks of excavation experience in a supervisory capacity; and 3) at least four weeks of supervised laboratory experience on collections from California sites, and, Familiarity with the City of La Quinta cultural resources policies, procedures, and goals as demonstrated in research designs and past performance. Princiyal Investigator Evaluation/Data $ecovery Excavations A , s �. •o�, .� e A (--Mel lg AA-eZ. r'(� Minimum qualifications are as follows: ", .L soC �l iGtct.s jr �oFessio, �1 4-0-CU�LO 5} ,,,11}L Educational requirements i �•^�` v l o q + 47 5�0 ���•-la .�.o-I- � h.Gv Va.s c.. �7rc�`GSTs; r ti `(� 1 tc ,Sf Advanced degree (such as an M.A., M.S., P11.D. or D.Sc from an accredited institution in archaeology, anthropology, art history, assics, history, or other itll discipline with a specialization in archaeology; and, xecution of an Archaeological Stud - and Designed and executed an archaeological study and have report on that research in the form of a master's thesis, Ph.D., dissertation or report (or several reports that together are) equivalent in scope and quality to a master's thesis or Ph-D., dissertation. A purely descriptive report, however long, is not considered equivalent. The thesis, dissertation, or report must show a substantive data analysis by the applicant directed toward an expheit Page 3 of 6 02-02-99 01:17 RECEIVED FA.OM:909 885 6994 P.65 Feb-02-99 12_00A Michael Rodarte (�J-U'J-)t3Gb-o'er--�-. r -••� City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines archaeological research problem and Certification by the Society for Professional Archaeologists (SOPA) or Register f Professional Archaeologists (ROPA)- M.A_ in anthropoloty (or related discipline) with an emphasis in archaeology. This requirement includes completion of a thesis or dissertation t design and execution of an archaeological study. j L A total of at least 16 months of professional archaeological experience.. including, at it minimum, one year of field. experience. This must include. 1) at least 24 weeks of field work under the supervision of a professional archaeologist, of which at least 12 weeks must be. excavation work; 2) at least 20 weeks of fieldwork in a supervisory capacity. at least eight weeks of which must be on California sites; and 3) at least eight weeks of supervised laboratory experience on. collections from California sites: and, For prehistoric archaeological investigations, at least one year of the required 16 months of experience must concern prehistoric archaeological resources; and, For historical archaeological investigations, at least one year of the required 16 months of experience must concern historical archaeological resources; and. Demonstrated ability to carry archaeological research to completion, as evidenced by the timely completion of excavation proposals and reports; and. Familiarity with the City of La Quinta resource policies, procedures and goals. as demonstrated in research designs and past performance. Archaeological Monitors The minimum qualifications for archaeological field/laboratory supervisors and monitors are: A bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or closely related field (c.g., Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology); and, At least two years of demonstrable experience (or equivalent specialized Page a of fi r 224 02-92-99 01:17 RECEIVED FROM:909 888 5994 P•05 Feb-02-99 12:OOA Michael Rodarte I City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines training) with prehistoric archaeological resources of the United States; and. At least one year of full-time demonstrable experience at a supervisory level with prehistoric archaeological resources of southern California. Demonstrable! experience includes, but is not limited to: Administrative, project review or supervisory experience in a historic preservation program or office (academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, cultural resources management consulting firm or similar professional institution) with an emphasis on and related to prehistoric material culture, prehistoric archaeological resources of the prehistoric built environment of southern California; or, Field work that emphasizes the identification, evaluation, treatment or documentation of prehistoric material culture, prehistoric archaeological resources or the prehistoric built environment of southern California. Traditional Cultural Property Expertise The minimum qualidications for traditional cultural property expertise (1.e., Native. American advisor/observer) are: A community -recognized traditional cultural authority who can speak on behalf of the community with regard to historic or prehistoric resources: or, Community -recognized Xpesnieeie>Yto cinnsult with a traditional cultural authority and to speak on behalf of that authority; and. At least. one year of demonstrable experience in applying information concerning traditional cultural properties in the historic preservation arena. Demonstrable experience includes, but is not limited to: Study with traditional cultural authorities concerning community traditions associated with traditional cultural properties of southern California; or, Teaching or passing on community traditions that relate to traditional cultural Page 5 of o 22;5 02-02-99 01:17 RECEIVED FROM:909 888 6994 P-07 Feb-02-99 12:01A Michael ROOarLe �`J-ub�boo-o7y-. City of La Quinta Cultural Resources Guidelines properties of southern California; or, Administering or working in a program on behalf of a traditional community that identifies, evaluated, documents and protects traditional cultural properties in southern California; or, Fieldwork on behalf of the community to identify, evaluate, document and protect traditional cultural properties in southern California. Students and Volunteers In order to encourage educational and community service participation, students majoring/minoring in anthropology or a closely related college or university, degree program fulfilling course requirements or additional training/internship requirements, or volunteers with archaeological field training certified by a university/college cP.rtification programs or archaeological society certification program are permitted to participate in spects of archaeological investigations with 100% supervision by a qualified Cr C ief or higher level personnel. Student and/or volunteers are not to replace or s e in 'eu of duly qualified crew members, but rather to supplement a crew, Page 6 of 6 226 02-92-99 01:18 RECEIVED FRDM:909 588 5994 P•09 Feb-02-99 12:01A Michael Rodarte �yuy�bab-ob7-. C w .Q O v, ,pir ✓vt 5 �ti GGP� o ,,� - lcct,..a,rc1✓�.c.t 1G �£� w vu . 2r a v. S �3�1. • 5 �. �o (e: �,. S� - z. �c,•i �. C-a.�.G� �-CtiJV � 1®d" cC�1,�S �.yCtJ�'� tC_c..-s�.C� , l.� c �Z o v r-. ,� `G lv� a ..._c.•lc� , '{•--A-+' G+.�. J' L- �%C w � � /1/�ems- vie- crc r �.a r- tq (^G 4�1 +D Z> v Lam ►r� � ► {3 s�,ti,�ii, �r Ar.��e� uv-cc �t5✓tcLA_ S�,tiL�l�r 6Y {2e r �.A..-._i �.. t� t�C.V �G IaJ t �' V--nle—e .227 02-02-99 01:18 RECEIVED FROM:909 888 5994 P•08 FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST http://cem.uor.edu/chri& library/l)rescr✓ation_plan/histpresplm. him ATTACHMENT #3 FORGING A FUTURE WITHA PAST: COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE HISTORIC PRESER VA TION PLAN FOR CALIFORNIA Office of Historic Preservation Department of Parks and Recreation Resources Agency December 1997 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS The Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan for California was prepared by the Office of Historic Preservation with the assistance of the OHP State Plan Committee, chaired by Eugene Itogawa. Committee members included Cherilyn Widell, Daniel Abeyta, Steade Craigo, Steve Grantham, Cynthia Howse, Maryln Lortie, Jenan Saunders, William Seidel, and Jan Wooley. The Office of Historic Preservation is grateful to everyone who responded to the public questionnaire, participated in the community leadership interviews, and provided comments on the draft State Plan. A special appreciation is extended to the State Historical Resources Commission for providing an official and open forum for public outreach and publicity. Jenan Saunders provided technical expertise and guidance in the design and production of the State Plan. The Society for California Archaeology, Office of Historic Preservation, and the State Historical Resources Commission contributed to the preparation of the 1995 Preservation Task Force Sub -Committee on Archaeology Report of Findings. The Archaeology Task Force members are listed in Appendix 5. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY California is characterized by a rich historical past and a bright, promising future. The State's historic resources represent the contributions and collective human experiences of a diversified 228 1 of 121 3/10/99 10:19 AM FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST http://cem.uor.edu/chris/library/preservation_plmhistprespimn htm population spanning 10,000-12,000 years of occupancy in California. This heritage is embodied in the cultural and historical landscapes of California as evidenced by the archaeological remains, historic buildings, traditional customs, tangible artifacts, historical documents, and public records extant in California. All these evidences of the past contribute to the sum total of California's history. Such historical resources provide continuity with our past and enhance our quality of life. The Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan (State Plan) is a concise, strategic document that describes the vision for historic preservation in California and outlines future direction for the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). The State Plan identifies the critical preservation issues, needs, challenges, and opportunities for historic preservation in California. The goals and objectives statements further clarify preservation priorities with recommendations on improving historic preservation needs for technical assistance, education, economic incentives, preservation partnership, and local government participation. The State Plan represents a collaborative planning process expressing a shared vision and active contribution of a wide range of public and private organizations and individuals with vested interests in historic preservation programs, issues, and concerns. The State Plan also incorporates specific archaeological issues and recommendations presented in the 1995 Preservation Task Force Sub -Committee on Archaeoloev Report of Findings. The Report of Findinas on California archaeology is an integral component of the State Plan. The implementation of the State Plan goals and objectives requires the dedication and personal commitment of many individuals and organizations interested in a society respectful of the state's fragile cultural environment. The shared vision for historic preservation includes the principles of working with current and new preservation partners, considering all cultural resources, and adopting sound, mutual preservation goals and objectives leading into the 21st century. Statewide Preservation Goals • Increase the number of private and public historical resources that are protected and preserved in all geographical regions of the State. • Increase the number of individuals and organizations who understand the value of historic preservation through education and community outreach programs. • Improve California's economy by using historic preservation tools and incentives to promote jobs and stimulate investment in local communities. • Expand and diversify the existing funding base for historic preservation programs while seeking dependable, long-term sources of economic support. • Encourage and implement historic preservation as a regular component of public policy planning at all levels of government. • Ensure that the identification of, and information about, historical and cultural resources in California is comprehensive, available in a consistent and complete format, and continually acquired. • Promote the preservation and the stewardship of cultural resources among a diversified state population representing all levels of the socio-economic spectrum. 229 2 of 121 3/10/99 10.19 AM FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST http://cem.uor.edu/chFis/library/preservation_plan/histprespla .htm The National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior, is the federal agency responsible for the nationwide administration and implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Native American Heritage Commission The Native American Heritage Commission is a nine member California commission appointed by the Governor and managed by an Executive Director. The Commission is responsible for the religious and cultural concerns of Native Americans in California. Commission members represent Native American communities throughout California. State Historical Building Safety Board The State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB), a 21 member public review body in the Division of the State Architect, includes representatives from the design and construction industries, state agencies, and local governments. SHBSB serves as the authority on the State Historical Building Code, which provides alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of ;structures designated as qualified historic buildings. The Board is responsible for advising and consulting with state and local agencies on the administration and enforcement of the State Historical Building Code. Interpretation of the Code regulations or specific Code compliance issues may be referred to the Board on appeal. 1995 PRESERVATION TASK FORCE SUB -COMMITTEE ON ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT OF FINDINGS PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Findings The stewardship and management of archaeological resources can be effective only if archaeologists have adequate professional training and qualifications and they conduct their activities according to a common set of principles and standards. Under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California archaeology has become an unregulated industry. Presently, there are no uniform professional standards or guidelines for the practice of non-federal archaeology in California. In a competitive contracting environment the lack of standards, guidelines, or uniform oversight has resulted in a number of problems. While 230 3/10/99 10:19 AM 32 of 121 FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST hup://cem,uor.edu/ch6s/library/preservation_piwhistprespian htm the following list is far from comprehensive, it addresses several problems and deficiencies in contemporary California archaeology. Unqualified firms and individuals conduct "archaeological studies" and determine the disposition of archaeological resources, which result in inappropriate, costly, and destructive treatment. Without statewide standards and consistent monitoring of such standards and CEQA compliance beyond the local agency level, advocacy for the preservation of archaeological resources is weak, resulting in a bias toward the destruction of archaeological resources without adequate consideration of preservation alternatives or adequate treatment. While archaeologists should seek ways to reduce costs, the absence of uniform professional standards or guidelines for the practice of non-federal archaeology has resulted in competitive "low -ball" bidding that is often based on inadequate work rather than efficient and economical procedures. The term "low -ball" also refers to situations where the contractor purposefully bids a low price with the intent of adding additional costs after the contract has been awarded. Archaeological information generally is inadequate for regional research, comparison, pattern recognition, and synthesis because there are no standards, guidelines, or comprehensive statewide planning documents to direct the collection of consistent, high -quality data. Native American and other cultural descendants of archaeological resources are often not adequately consulted or involved during archaeological resources inventories, evaluations, and management. This results in disenfranchisement of those descendants from their ancestral heritage, poor and sometimes hostile relations with these potential advocates for archaeological preservation, and diminished capacity for ethnographic and archaeological research. Meaningful archaeological information is seldom disseminated or conveyed to the interested public because competitive bidding discourages such "extra" costs. Professional reports and information are not routinely provided or available to the archaeological comnnunity, or to Native Americans, historical societies, and other informants who are consulted and who contributed to the reports. Academic, agency, and contract archaeology studies are often deficient in one or more of the following areas: background research; pre -field work plans or research designs; field survey coverage; site resource recording; adequate information, criteria, or application of criteria for evaluation; treatment; and reporting. Similar archaeological resource types are sometimes evaluated and treated inconsistently. The phasing and costing of archaeological studies (e.g., inventory, evaluation, management) often is unnecessarily partite and protracted and often misleads clients and the public regarding total costs of archaeology. 231 33 of 121 3110/99 10:19 AM FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST http://cem.uor. edu/cbri s/library/preservation_plan/h istpresplm.htm Curation of archaeological materials and records is inconsistent and generally unacceptable. Management studies conducted under different authorities (federal, state, local) do not follow a single set of standards. Project changes and certain agency planning processes often result in the addition of new authorities during the course of project planning. Studies conducted under CEQA often do not meet the professional standards dictated by federal authorities, sometimes resulting in costly delays and added expense to supplement, revise, or redo inadequate studies. The California Heritage Task Force Report addressed the issue of professional standards in cultural resource management, but their narrow recommendations focused on qualifications and hiring practices for personnel in State service. Unless Professional Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs) are developed to address these deficiencies, the very legislative foundation upon which cultural resources management is based is likely to be eliminated. Recommendations The development of Professional Standards & Guidelines for archaeology can help to address many of the problems stated above. Uniform standards and guidelines would promote consistency between federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations. Such Standards and Guidelines would provide a springboard for the foundation for a variety of implementing measures that may be developed through legislation, rule, or agency guidance. S&Gs would provide uniform and explicit expectations for the conduct of professional archaeological studies in California. The development of S&Gs can be facilitated by existing agency guidance which has been developed over the last decade, and many of these works can be incorporated/adopted with little modifications. The Office of Historic Preservation's (OHP) Archaeological Management Report: Contents and Format and Guidelines for Archaeological Research Designs are two examples. In addition, several state and federal agencies have developed internal guidance that may be modified where appropriate and used for statewide S&Gs. Caltrans Environmental Handbook is an excellent example of uniform standards and procedures that meet both federal and state historic preservation mandates. A manual should be developed under the auspices of the OHP and/or the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) which would include portions of the documents cited above. 'This manual would set out professional standards for those conducting archaeological studies, would establish a step-by-step process for conducting archaeological and other cultural resource investigations, and would provide guidance for determining levels of effort. This would result in more consistent work efforts by different researchers and would also provide guidance to local governments and other agencies regarding the timing and requirements to meet local, state, and federal mandates. Caltrans' Guidance to Consultants, U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Wetlands Manual, and California Department of Fish and Games' special status species survey guidelines perform somewhat similar tasks for biological studies. This manual would be used by cultural resource professionals (archaeologists, historians, architectural historians, ethnographers, etc.) as well as local governments for carrying out studies required for CEQA, National Environmental Policy Act 232 _ 3/10/99 10:19 AM 34 of 121 FORGING A FUTURE WITH A PAST http://cem.uor.edu/chrislibraty/preservation_plan/histprespia .htm (NEPA) and other environmental review requirements. The following list includes a few of the topics that should be considered or addressed in S&Gs: Efficacy of professional licensing or certification requirements Requirements for professional oversight and involvement in archaeological studies Minimum education and training levels for various tasks and sub -disciplines Review of archaeological reports by qualified professionals Consultation with and participation by the Native. American Heritage Commission Standards for consultation with Native American and other descendant groups Oversight mechanisms such as a grievance and review committee Decertification and sanctioning procedures for violators of standards Cultural resource permits for project or agency work Criteria for dissemination of information to the public and other professionals Standards and guidelines to ensure that Native Americans, historical and archaeological societies, and other informants who contribute to reports are provided a copy, or provided with information regarding where the report can be obtained Procedures and timing for the identification, evaluation and treatment of archaeological and other cultural resources Guidelines for the development and structuring of technical approaches Guidelines for participation by avocational, student, and para-professional archaeologists as well as the interested public CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND REGULATIONS LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR CALIFORNIA'S ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES The CEQA establishes statutory requirements for consideration of environmental impacts, including impacts to archaeological resources, during the environmental review process. Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines constitutes the main guidance for consideration of archaeological resources under CEQA. In addition, there are a number of statutes, regulations, administrative policies, technical advice series and OHP guidelines that specifically address historic preservation and protection of cultural resources. These include Resources Agency sponsored cultural resource legislation that has been accomplished since 1992 and affects archaeological resources in several 233 3/10/99 10:19 AM 35 of 121 ATTACHMENT #4 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 20, 1999 the report with the condition that excavation for pilings and bridge supports that reach into the lakebed sediments be monitored by a qualified paleontologist and a report be submitted to this Commission prior to completion of the project. Unanimously approved. F. Cultural Resources Report for Washington Street Bridge Widening Project. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Associate Planner Mouriquand said this was for the same project as Item E, but this is the archaeological report that was submitted. Staff did review it. There were no cultural resources identified during their survey. Staff does have two comments as indicated on Page 2 of your staff report. First, and foremost, the report was submitted in letter fashion and we don't accept them in. this format. Staff has been in communication with this consultant and they are going to be revising it into the proper format. An additional comment that their report needs to include is a discussion that the historic Lake Marshall, at Marshall Road, which is now Washington Street, and a stratigraphic profile be done on Washington Street much as was done on Old Avenue 52 and what is being proposed for the Jefferson Street widening project as well. 3. Commissioner Puente had a question on recordation of Washington Street as a historic roadway. 4. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio replied it was just a documentation of the road. 52"d Avenue was actually re -located but Washington will remain as is, so it's just documenting its history. There being no further comments, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente/Irwin to approve Minute Motion 99-006 accepting the report with the two conditions listed below. Unanimously approved. a. All archaeology reports must follow the ARMR format. No letter reports will be accepted. b. Washington Street, formerly Marshall Road, should be recorded as a historic roadway and a stratigraphic profile be done in the same manner that the City required 52"d Avenue be recorded for the Tradition Club project, and for Jefferson Street be recorded, for the Jefferson Street widening project. G. Cultural Resources Regulations and Procedures - Qualifications. P:TAROL.YNAIPC t-20-99.wpd -6- 234 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 20, 1999 Associate. Planner Leslie Mouriquand presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 6. Commissioner Maria Puente referred to the section on Lead Archaeological Surveyor and asked who appointed this position. 7. Associate Planner Mouriquand stated the developer hires his or her own archaeologist, or consulting firm, and then it is the responsibility of the principal investigator, the lead archaeologist, to make sure he (or she) has a qualified crew. 8. Commissioner Puente stated she was concerned about the developer hiring the archaeologist and questioned if that removed their impartiality on the project. She asked if the City could appoint a second archaeologist to monitor future projects. 9. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio replied the policy has to be discussed with Council. Having our own list of archaeologists isn't something that we've actually pursued, because we have a Commission certified by the State Historic Preservation Office to assure these qualifications are met.. 10. Vice Chairman DeMersman commented that the adoption of these qualification guidelines would take care of some of the problems we've had previously. He also said this spells out the sort of things a developer should be looking for when he (or she) is going to be hiring a firm; who's going to be the principal investigator and their responsibility in hiring the rest of the people to make up their team. It sets it out what qualifications the City requires. 11. Associate Planner Mouriquand gave the example of Riverside County's system which was set up a few years ago because they perceived a problem with objectivity between the developer and the consulting firm. The way they chose to resolve it was to establish a third -parry contract system whereby the County contracted with an archaeologist or archaeology firm. The developer paid the bill, but the County made the selection and oversaw things in order to separate the consultant from the developer. It became an arduous process. It involved hiring a person just to manage the contracts and it became a very burdensome thing to do. I don't think it is necessary, at this time, in our City. 12. Commissioner Wright commented it was the word "qualify" that was a problem to define. There's certainly a lot of qualified archaeologists we've worked with in the past. P:ACAROLYN\HPC 1-20-99.wpd -7- 235 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 20, 1999 13. Vice Chairman DeMersman pointed out these Guidelines were an important step because it gives the developers something to look at and say this is what you need to look for when you're hiring a firm. 14. Commissioner Irwin said she thought the developer would be helped by the definition of what is expected. 16. Vice Chairman DeMersman asked if there were any other questions or comments. There being none, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Puente to approve Minute Motion 99-007 recommending to the City Council the adoption of the document entitled "Cultural Resources Guidelines, Appendix B: Cultural Resources Consultant Qualifications". Unanimously approved Associate Planner Mouriquand went over the Preservation Advocate News, as w911 as another mailer, the Community Heritage Partner. Apparently it's a firm that oes to communities to develop a customized program. She also comme d on Commissioner DeMersman's letter of resignation. 2. Planning Manager di Iorio discussed tlae action of the Planning ommission on Tentative Tract 28964 that went to the Planning Commission and ill be going to the City Council on February 2. The Historic Preservation Com ssion recommended Conditions of Approval were included for the' Tract with so e modifications. Those being use: of hand or mechanized excavation, subject to alified archaeologists peer review. Also, the consultant wanted the ability to co/tinue defining the significant areas as they do excavation that goes into a smalle ea and that was something that was considered and is subject to Community P6velopment approval for the ability to re -define those significant areas. So,/,evething else requested as Conditions of Approval including the zoo-archaeologe definition of the Native American boundaries, and excavation proced e were accepted by the applicant and recommended to the Council by th lanning Commission. VII. PRESENTATION 1. Christine di Iorio Vice Chairma 2. Associ e Planne historicalP:ACAROLYN\,that 9.wpd the presentation of a commemorative plaque to outgoing and thanked him for his help and expertise. r Mouriquand read the Resolution to Vice Chairman after explaining postcard had been scanned and enlarged on the top portion of his 10 236 C."ORRESPONDENCE f'RIT TEN 111A TERIAL 2 3 -r IIAR-09-99 TUE 09:49 AM FAX NO. P. 02/03 HAVE You BEEN SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO STOP THE DETERIORATION OF YOUR HISTORIC MONUMENTS? TIIE CITY OF HIGHLAND INVITES YOUR IIISTORIC COMMISSION AND CITY STAFF TO JOIN US IN DISCOVERING THF, MOST I>FI'I3CTIVI WAYS TO RAISE FUNDS TO PRESERVE HISTORIC PROPERTIES. 1:CONOMIC INCIENTIVIKSi WORKSHOP CiI7E'!iT :SPI3AKEIF: CHRISTY AlACAVOY HISTORIC R LSOURC33S GROUP wItEN. THURSDAY, MARCH 18, I999 6:00 ➢'.M. - 8:00 P.M. BVIII:RF.: HIGIILAND CITY HALL DONAHUE COUNCIL C:IIAMI3ERS 27215 BASF 1AN1, HIGHLAND, CA COST: :$10 PER CITY TI1E FOCUS OF THIS INFORMAL WORKSHOP IS TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO LOCAL, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO 111113SUAV> AND RESTORE HISTORIC PROPERTIES. TILE SPEAKER 'WIF.L GIVE A ONE IIOLJR PRESENTATION AND WILL BF: AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS FOLLOWING, H'OR MORE INFORMATION OR TO 1tSVP, CONTACT: KIM S'I•ATER, CITY 017 HIG➢ILAND (C)O(,)) &34-8732, EXT. 204 238 03-09-99 09:48 RECEIVED FROM: P.02 MAR-09-99 TUE 09:50 AM FAX NO. P. 03/03 MAP TO HIGHLAND CITY HALL FROM L-A_ OR LOW DESERT AREAS - TAKE 110 FREEWAY TO THE 30 FREEWAY TAKE 30 FREEWAY TO BASE LINE EXIT BASF LINE AND GO LEFT (WEST) TO 27215 BASE LINE FROM HIGH DESERT - TAKE 115 TO 215 FREEWAY TAKE 30 FREEWAY GOING FAST EXIT BASE LINE. 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