2002 08 15 HPC°4Fceit.1 4
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AG EN DA
The Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
AUGUST 15, 2002
3:00 P.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2002-018
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Historic Preservation
Commission on matters relating to historic resources within the City of La Quinta
which are not Agenda items. When addressing the Historic Preservation
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 July 18, 2002.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Historical/Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Report (4.6 acre
portion of TT 30834)
Applicant: David Bruduik (Santa Rosa Developers)
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Bruce Love, Principal)
HPC/AGENDA
B. Historical/Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Report 0 9.2 acre
portion of TT 30834)
Applicant: David Bruduik (Santa Rosa Developers)
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Bruce Love, Principal)
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Vill. ADJOURNMENT
002
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
June 20, 2002
This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by
Commissioner Barbara Irwin at 3:04 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll
call.
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Roll Call.
Present: Commissioners Irwin, Mouriquand, Sharp, and Wright. It
was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright / Sharp
to excuse Chairman Puente. Unanimously approved.
Staff Present: Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Secretary Lynda
Kerney.
IL PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Staff asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of May 16,
2002. Commissioner Sharp asked that Page 6 Item VII A be corrected to
show the photos were given to staff by Commissioner Wright, not
Commissioner Sharp. Commissioner Sharp also asked that Page 7 Item
VII E be corrected to show Chairman Puente had stated she would not
be able to attend the June meeting, not the July meeting. It was moved
and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Sharp to approve the Minutes
of May 16, 2002, as corrected. Commissioners approved.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Hi storical/Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Report _(TT
30487)
Applicant: Santa Rosa Developers
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Bruce Love, Principal)
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Mr. Dave Brudvik, president of Santa Rosa Builders, stated he was
unaware of any archaeological or historical items on the site. The
property was formerly a date grove and most of the palm trees
have been removed. He indicated he did not disagree with
monitoring.
3. Commissioner Mouriquand recommended the monitoring
requirement include any off site activity for trenching and other
ground disturbance in relation to the project.
4. Commissioner Irwin clarified that any grading grubbing, trenching,
excavations and/or other earth moving activities in the area should
be monitored.
5. Commissioner Mouriquand explained that any off site activities
necessary for the construction project, such as putting in water
and sewer lines, are impacts which also need to be mitigated.
6. Mr. Brudvik asked if the monitoring would include construction
activity after grading and utility lines were completed.
7. Commissioner Wright explained it was only required for mass
grading, until the infrastructure was completed. He stated it was
nice to have Commissioner Leslie Mouriquand involved with the
Commission again as the commissioners had not thought about
the off -site requirement, and her expertise was appreciated. He
concurred with the staff report.
8. Commissioner Sharp pointed out that 11 prehistoric sites have
been found nearby. He confirmed with Mr. Brudvik that the
existing date grove on the adjacent property was slated for
removal, and agreed with staff's recommendations.
9. Commissioner Irwin agreed with the CRM TECH report that it is
a very rich area and merits monitoring. The stipulation for
monitoring during grading, grubbing, trenching, excavation and
other related off site earth moving activities should be added to
the recommendation.
.. 004
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
10. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Sharp to
adopt Minute Motion 2002-014 approving the
Historical/Archaeological Resources Report for Tentative Tract
30487 as amended. Unanimously approved.
a. Monitoring during grading, grubbing, trenching, excavation
and other related off site earth moving activities will be
required.
11. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright/Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2002-015
approving the Paleontological Resources Report for Tentative Tract
30487. Unanimously approved.
a. Monitoring during grading, grubbing, trenching, excavation
and other related off site earth moving activities will be
required.
B. Phase II Historical Study for Tentative Tract Mao 30550
Applicant: Dutch Parent, N.V.
Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Advisory Group
(James Brock, RPA)
Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Kris Schultz of NRI Consulting and .and Mike Rowe, applicant,
were present. Mr. Schultz pointed out that the recommendation to
name the entry street from the intersection of Palm Royale Drive
is merely a drive aisle and would probably not warrant a name. He
also pointed out that emergency services usually do not like two
segments of one street with different names. On the plan, it is
indicated only as a short extension of Palm Royale Drive. The
applicant has no objection to providing commemorative plaques for
Iona T. Mackenzie and Raymond V. Darby.
3. Commissioner Wright concurred with staff's recommendations. He
clarified with staff the Commission has no real authority for street
naming.
005
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
4. Staff explained that the street naming would be a recommendation
for City Council consideration, and if the Council felt it
unnecessary, it could be deleted.
5. Commissioner Wright agreed with staff's recommendations.
6. Commissioner Sharp found the report very interesting, and the
stories fascinating. He said these anecdotes should be perpetuated
through a display at the project.
7. Commissioner Irwin asked about the project plans.
8. Mr. Schultz explained the site is slated for commercial and high
density residential.
9. Commissioner Irwin suggested that artwork could be added to the
plan to reflect some of the history of the site in addition to the
plaques.
10. Schultz pointed out that placement of artwork would be the
responsibility of each developer who buys into the project. At this
stage of planning, it would be impossible to accommodate such a
requirement.
11. Commissioner Irwin stated she would like to see something on the
property indicating the history of the area. The homesteads are
important and as much of the history as possible should be
preserved.
12. Mr. Rowe stated he would be more than happy to have the
assistance of the Historic Preservation Commission to develop a
package to provide to the developers of the property.
13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright/Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2002-016
approving Phase II Historical Study for Tentative Tract 30550, the
Dutch Parent project. Unanimously approved.
14. Schultz asked for clarification of the requirement of the Iona T.
Mackenzie street name.
15. Commissioner Irwin read staff's recommendation that the road
006
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
extending into the project, through the heart of the homestead, be
changed to a name commemorating Iona T. Mackenzie. She
questioned whether the recommendation should be eliminated.
16. Commissioner Wright stated he did not believe it should be
eliminated. Having two names on a street is not unusual, and Ms.
Mackenzie should be commemorated.
17. Commissioner Irwin expressed concern that no part of the project
would have the "Mackenzie" name.
18. Commissioner Mouriquand explained the Commission can
recommend a street name to the City Council, but if it's not a
street there's a different issue.
19. Commissioner Irwin suggested the Commission recommend that
if the access drive becomes a street, it should be named after Ms.
Mackenzie.
20. Mr. Schultz showed the Commissioners the proposed plan.
21. Commissioner Irwin pointed out that since the plan proposes the
access as Palm Royale Drive, it should be changed to Mackenzie
Drive.
22. Staff confirmed that a street name change requires Council action,
and he would see that it becomes part of the process.
23. Commissioners Wright/Sharp amended their motion to include:
a. Palm Royale Drive be changed to Mackenzie Drive,
24. Staff clarified the street name change pertains only to the portion
of Palm Royale Drive through the development in question, not the
segment on the southern side of Fred Waring Drive.
25. Unanimously approved.
C. A Phase I Cultural Resources Asessment of Tentative Tract 30521. a
43.45 Acre Parcel
Applicant: Lido Equity Partners
Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Associates (Laura S. White)
5 007
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
1 . Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Commissioner Mouriquand expressed concern that the authors of
the archaeological reports had not contacted the Torres -Martinez
Tribe or any other local tribal governments for comment. She
understood it was something the City expected them to do as part
of the background for the report.
3. Commissioner Wright concurred with staff's recommendations. He
said it is a sensitive area and needs close monitoring.
4. Commissioner Sharp agreed and pointed out there should be no
off -site requirement as the area is improved up to the property
line.
5. Commissioner Mouriquand noted that something could be lying
below the existing street.
6. Commissioner Irwin stated that when the original Del Oro
development was constructed, monitoring was not required. Off
site activity should definitely be monitored. She agreed with
staff's recommendations.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright/Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2002-017
approving the Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment of Tentative
Tract 30521 as amended.
a. Monitoring during grading, grubbing, trenching, excavation
and other related off site earth moving activities will be
required.
D. A Phase I Cultural Resources Inventory for the Quarry Ranch
Development ITT 30561)
Applicant: Dean Palumbo, The Keith Companies for Winchester
Development
Archaeological / Historical Consultant: The Keith Companies
(David Smith)
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
008
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
2. Commissioner Mouriquand concurred with staff's
recommendations.
3. Applicant's representative for The Keith Companies, Craig
Lambert, who performed the first phase of the site testing, was
present to answer any questions.
4. Commissioner Wright agreed with staff's recommendations and
asked if there was a paved road to this site.
5. Mr. Lambert confirmed the pavement ends at the guard shack prior
to the property line.
6. Commissioner Sharp concurred with staff's recommendations.
7. Commissioner Irwin noted she enjoyed the report and agreed with
staff's recommendations.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright / Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion
2002-018 approving the Phase I Cultural Resources Inventory for
the Quarry Ranch Development, Tentative Tract 30561.
9. Commissioner Mouriquand asked if the Torres -Martinez Tribe was
contacted. Mr. Lambert answered no.
10. Commissioner Sharp asked if the additional 9 holes of golf would
be connected to the existing 18 holes of golf at the Quarry. Mr.
Lambert stated he believed there were houses between the two
courses.
11. Commissioner Mouriquand asked if trenching was planned. Mr.
Lambert said no. Commissioner Mouriquand asked if the developer
would submit a scope of work before testing.
12. Commissioner Wright pointed out that the scope of work is usually
determined on a case -by -case basis. This particular area has been
previously disturbed by flash flooding and other events over the
years.
13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Wright/Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2002-
018 approving the Phase I Cultural Resources Inventory for the
Quarry Ranch Development, Tentative Tract 30561. Unanimously
approved.
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
June 20, 2002
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
A. A brochure from the National Trust for Historic Preservation regarding the
2002 conference in Cleveland was provided for commissioners' perusal.
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
A. Commissioner Irwin asked for clarification of the City of La Quinta
Monitoring Program for CEQA Compliance which reads under Summary
Mitigation Measures: "if artifacts are found during grading, stop and hire
an archaeologist." She believes the statement is misleading.
1. Commissioner Wright agreed. All sites are supposed to be
monitored anyway.
2. Commissioner Irwin suggested the sentence be reworded to
indicate the proper focus. It could be a problem if this was the
only reference a developer had seen.
3. Staff believed the statement was left in as a secondary reminder
that monitoring should be on site.
4. Commissioner Wright suggested the wording be changed to "Stop
and CONTACT the archaeologist," since there should be an
archaeologist on site.
5. Staff will change the wording.
B. Commissioner Wright asked Staff to include the requirement related to
off -site activity in future reports.
C. Commissioner Irwin officially welcomed Commissioner Mouriquand.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright
/ Mouriquand to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the
next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on July 18, 2002. This meeting of the
Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. Unanimously
approved.
Submitted by:
Lynda J. Kerney 010
Secretary
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Opp
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 15, 2002
ITEM: HISTORICAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORTS FOR 4.6 ACRE
PORTION OF TT 30834
LOCATION: NORTH SIDE OF 58T" AVENUE, APPROXIMATELY
MIDWAY BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND MADISON
STREET
APPLICANT:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
PALEONTOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
DAVID BRUDUIK (SANTA ROSA DEVELOPERS)
CRM TECH (BRUCE LOVE, PRINCIPAL)
The study area is a 4.6 acre parcel of vacant land on the north side of 58T" Avenue,
between Jefferson Street and Madison Street. Phase I (survey level) cultural and
paleontological resources assessments have been completed for this site which is a
portion of proposed tentative tract application (TT 30834) for construction of a single
family development. The assessment includes an archaeological, historical, and
paleontological resources record search and field reconnaissance of the property. This
assessment will be part of the environmental review required by the California
Environmental Quality Act for the project application.
DISCUSSION:
Archaeological and Historical:
This site is immediately to the east of a 15 acre parcel which will also become a part
of TT 30834 and was previously surveyed and approved by the HPC on October 18,
2001 when it was proposed to be TT 29963 (see attached report). The new Tract
30834 includes the TT 29963 site and the two sites being considered at this meeting.
As such, only a on -foot survey was needed and conducted.
The intensive -level on -foot field survey of the study area did not result in any
prehistoric sites, features, isolates, or evidence of objects, sites, features, or artifacts
more than 50 years old. There was a scattering of modern trash found on the
Oil
p[\stan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834-4.6 ac.wpd
property. CRM TECH states that none of the items appear to be more than 50 years
of age.
Paleontological
The paleontological assessment for the property to the west applies to this property
as well, and therefore, only a on -foot field survey was conducted.
During the field survey . scatters of fresh water shells and shell fragments were
observed on the surface of the project area. Fresh water mollusks remains were also
noted on the ground. However, no fish bone or other vertebrate fossil remains were
found.
CONCLUSIONS:
The archaeological resources report notes the records search, the historical research,
and archaeological field survey produced negative results and no historical resources
more than fifty years old. Therefore, approval of the project will have no effect on any
"historical resources" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The report states that no further investigation is recommended unless the project area
is expanded or buried cultural materials are discovered during construction.
The paleontological resources report concludes the project area has a moderate
potential for Holocene vertebrate fossils and a high potential for Holocene Period
invertebrate remains. As such, impacts created by the proposed project need to be
mitigated pursuant to CEQA requirements. Paleontological monitoring during earth -
moving activities is recommended in the report.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adopt Minute Motion 2002- , accepting the "Historical/Archaeological
Resources Survey• APNs 762-240-009 and -010", as prepared by CRM TECH,
subject to the following conditions:
A. The site shall be monitored during rough grading and off -site trenching
by a qualified archaeological monitor.
B. The final report on the archaeological monitoring shall be submitted to
the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the
first building permit for the project.
012
p[\stan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834-4.6 ac.wpd
ski
2. Adopt Minute Motion 2002- , accepting the "Paleontological Resources
Assessment Report: APNs 762-240-009 and 010", as prepared by CRNI TECH,
subject to the following conditions:
A. A Phase 2 surface collection of the fresh water mollusk shall be under
taken. The surface collection report shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first grading permit
for the project.
B. The final report on the paleontological monitoring shall be submitted to
the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the
first building permit for the project.
C. Collected paleontological resources are to be delivered to the City of La
Quinta for curation per City requirements.
Attachments:
1. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey: APNs 762-240-009 and -010
(Commissioners only)
2. Paleontological Resources Assessment Report: APNs 762-240-009 and -010
(Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner
013
phstan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834-4.6 ac.wpd
1 CRM TECH
2411 Sunset Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
David Bruduik
Santa Rosa Developers
P.O. Box 11335
Palm Desert, CA 92255
ATTACHMENT #1
Ci f- j
l_9 = ,
,;A.bu "01P220L �
RE: Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey: APNs 762-240-009 and -010, City of La
Quinta, Riverside County, California.
Dear Mr. Bruduik:
In June, 2002, CRM TECH initiated a cultural resource study for APNs 762-240-009 and
-010. At the beginning of the study, we determined that, in August and September, 2001,
CRM TECH had already completed a historical/archaeological resources investigation of
APN 762-240-009 along with the adjacent APNs 762-240-007 and -008 (Love et al. 2001) (Fig.
1).
For that study CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search,
pursued historical background research, and carried out an intensive -level field survey.
Since that study was conducted on one parcel that is part of the current study area and on
parcels adjacent to it, a new records search and the background research were not needed
for the current study. Additionally, the findings of the current study may be considered as
an addendum to that previous study.
On June 19, 2002, CRM TECH archaeologist Daniel Ballester conducted an intensive -level
on -foot field survey of APN 762-240-010. During the survey, Ballester walked parallel,
north -south transects spaced 15 meters (ca. 50 feet) apart across the entire parcel. In some
areas, especially near the middle and northern part of the property among the tamarisk
trees and mesquite bushes, the vegetation was so thick that the ground visibility was close
to zero percent; other areas were more open, however, with better ground visibility.
During the survey, Ballester carefully examined the visible ground for any evidence of
human activities dating to the prehistoric or historic periods (i.e., 50 years ago or older).
Photographs of the project area were taken for visual documentation of the current
conditions of the property.
The intensive -level field survey of the project area completed during this and the previous
study produced completely negative results for potential historical/archaeological
resources. The ground surface was closely inspected during the survey for any signs of
past human activities dating to the prehistoric or historic periods, but none was found.
Vegetation, including large mesquite brush and creosote bushes, had been removed from
the northeast corner of the project area not too long ago. An additional disturbance to the
project area was evident along its southern boundary where dirt had been piled. Modern
trash, including broken glass, cans, pieces of lumber, and plastic, was noted throughout the
project area. Since all of these items are clearly less than 50 years old, they are of no
historical/archaeological interest. In sum, no buildings, structures, objects, sites, features,
014
Tel. 909 784 3051 Fax 909 784 2987 Cell 909 376 7843
or artifacts from the prehistoric or the historic periods were noted on the subject property
during the field survey.
Through the various avenues of research, including a previous records search and
historical background research, this study did not encounter any potential "historical
resources," as defined by CEQA, within or adjacent to the project area. Therefore, CRM
TECH recommends that the City of La Quinta may reach a finding of No Impact regarding
cultural resources. No further cultural resources investigation is recommended for the
proposed project unless project plans undergo such changes as to include areas not covered
by this study. However, if buried cultural materials are encountered during construction,
all work in that area should be halted or diverted until a qualified archaeologist can
evaluate the nature and significance of the finds.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Cordially,,
Michael Hogan
CRM TECH
Reference cited:
Love, Bruce, Bai "Tom" Tang, Daniel Ballester, and Victoria Avalos
2001 Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report: Coral Mountain Estates,
Tentative Tract Map No. 29963, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. On
file, Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside.
01a
28
V �-q-.d
C,
27
Current Project area
Previously studied area
SCALE 1:24,000
0 1/2 1 mile
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 feet
Figure 1. Project area. (Based on USGS Indio, La Quinta, Martinez Mtn., and Valerie, Calif., 1:24,000
quadrangles [USGS 1972a; 1972b; 1980; 19881)
016
ATTACHMENT #2
CRM TECH
2411 Sunset Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
David Bruduik
Santa Rosa Developers
P.O. Box 11335
Palm Desert, CA 92255
RE: Paleontological Resources Assessment Report: APNs 762-240-009 and -010, City of La
Quinta, Riverside County, California. CRM TECH Job # 852
Dear Mr. Bruduik:
In June, 2002, CRM TECH initiated a cultural resource study for APNs 762-240-009 and
-010. At the beginning of the study, we determined that, in August and September, 2001,
CRM TECH had already completed a paleontological resources assessment of APN 762-
240-009 along with the adjacent APNs 762-240-007 and -008 (Love et al. 2001) (Fig. 1).
For that study CRM TECH initiated records searches at the San Bernardino County
Museum and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, conducted a literature
search, and carried out a field survey of the project area in accordance with the guidelines
of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Since that study was conducted on one parcel
that is part of the current study area and on parcels adjacent to it, a new records search and
the literature search were not needed for the current study. Additionally, the findings of
the current study may be considered as an addendum to that previous study.
On June 18, 2002, CRM TECH geologist/paleontologist Harry M. Quinn conducted the
field assessment of APN 762-240-010. The survey was carried out by walking the property
in both east -west and north -south transects as well as walking in and around the thickets of
brush that exist on the property. Special attention was paid to blow-out areas, many of
which contain lag deposits of shell material.
During the field survey, scattered Anodonta sp., Gyraulus sp., Physa sp., and Tryonia sp.
shells and shell fragments were observed on the surface of the project area, with Physa sp.
appearing to dominate. In blow-out areas, the Physa sp. and Tryonia sp. were seen as
localized shell lag deposits. While fresh water mollusks were noted during the survey, no
fish bone or other vertebrate fossil remains were found. The presence of the fresh water
mollusks, especially when found as paired valves, confirms that the sediments found in the
project area can be attributed to Holocene Lake Cahuilla lakebed sequences. As with other
areas within the former lakebed, vertebrate fossil remains are rare or even non-existent,
except where interbedded fluvial deposits might be present.
Based on the various avenues of research, including the previous records searches and
literature search, the proposed project's potential impact on Holocene vertebrate fossils is
determined to be moderate, while the potential impact on Holocene invertebrate fossils is
high. Therefore, on -site monitoring for paleontological resources is recommended.
017
Tel. 909 784 3051 Fax 909 784 2987 Cell 909 376 7843
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Cordially,
Z"n� I/ -
Michael Hogan
CRM TECH
Reference cited:
Quinn, Harry M.
2001 Paleontological Resources Assessment Report: Coral Mountain Estates, Tentative
Tract Map No. 29963, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. On file at the San
Bernardino County Museum and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
12
AVENUE 56 ••'
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G•ave'. i 28
Ln OumY Q-d ' P't
Namnez Min. 4unO. e.^.- C
d
d
Ja.
5� F
E] Current Project area
t
Previously studied area -----
SCALE 1:24,000-
0 112 1 mile
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 feet
27
Figure I. Project area. (Based on USGS Indio, La Quinta, Martinez Mtn., and Valerie, Calif., 1:24,000
quadrangles [USGS 1972a; 1972b;1980; 19881)
019
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 15, 2002
ITEM: HISTORICAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL, AND
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORTS FOR 19.2
ACRE PORTION OF TT 30834
LOCATION: NORTH SIDE OF 58T" AVENUE, APPROXIMATELY
MIDWAY BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND MADISON
STREET
APPLICANT:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
PALEONTOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
DAVID BRUDUIK (SANTA ROSA DEVELOPERS)
CRM TECH (BRUCE LOVE, PRINCIPAL)
The study area is a 19.2 acre parcel of vacant land on the north side of 58T" Avenue,
between Jefferson Street and Madison Street. Phase I (survey level) cultural and
paleontological resources assessments have been completed for this site which is a
portion of a proposed tentative tract application (TT 30834) for construction of a
single family development. The assessment includes an archaeological, historical, and
paleontological resources record search and field reconnaissance of the property. This
assessment will be part of the environmental review required by the California
Environmental Quality Act for the project application.
DISCUSSION:
Archaeological and Historical:
An archaeological records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern
Information Center located at UC Riverside. The records search indicated that the
west half of the study area had been previously surveyed for cultural resources in
1983, but no archaeological sites were recorded within or adjacent to the project area.
Within a one-half mile radius of the property 16 area -specific cultural resources studies
have been conducted, including on the properties immediately to the north and south
and along 58T" Avenue (linear study). As a result of these studies, eleven prehistoric
archaeological sites and one historic -era site have been recorded. The prehistoric sites
consist primarily of scatters of lithic and ceramic scatters, although a fire
020
pf\stan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834.wpd
hearth/roasting fire pit feature was noted at one of the sites. None of these previously
recorded sites is located in the vicinity of the project area.
Historical background research was conducted at the Science Library Map Room at UC
Riverside and at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office in Riverside. The
search did not indicate any use of the property to the present day.
The intensive -level on -foot field survey of the study area did not result in any
prehistoric sites, features, isolates, or evidence of objects, sites, features, or artifacts
more than 50 years old. There was a scattering of modern trash found on the
property. CRM TECH states that none of the items appear to be more than 50 years
of age.
Paleontological:
The project area is at an elevation of approximately 30 feet below sea level. Holocene
or ancient Lake Cahuilla has at least seven times in the past covered much of the
project and surrounding area. The last high water elevation of the lake was at 42 feet
above sea level. Therefore, the project area has been under water in the past. Based
on previous discoveries reported nearby, the San Bernardino County Museum
considers the project area to have a "high paleontological sensitivity" which has a high
potential to impact significant nonrenewable fossil resources, primarily invertebrate
fossils.
During the field survey scatters of fresh water shells and shell fragments were
observed on the surface of the project area. Fresh water mollusks remains were also
noted on the ground. However, no fish bone or other vertebrate fossil remains were
found.
CONCLUSIONS:
The archaeological resources report notes the records search, the historical research,
and archaeological field survey produced negative results and no historical resources
more than fifty years old. Therefore, approval of the project will have no effect on any
"historical resources" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act ICEQA)•
The report states that no further investigation is recommended unless the project area
is expanded or buried cultural materials are discovered during construction.
The paleontological resources report concludes the project area has a high potential
for Holocene Period invertebrate remains. As such, impacts created by the proposed
project need to be mitigated pursuant to CEQA requirements. A Phase 2 surface
collection of the fresh water mollusk should be under taken. Additionally,
paleontological monitoring during earth -moving activities and preparation of a final
report on the monitoring is recommended in the report.
021
p[\stan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834.wpd
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Adopt Minute Motion 2002 , accepting the "Historical/Archaeological
Resources Survey Report - Coral Mountain Report Tentative Tract 30566 now
30834", as prepared by CRM TECH, subject to the following conditions:
A. The site shall be monitored during rough grading and off -site trenching
by a qualified archaeological monitor.
B. The final report on the archaeological monitoring shall be submitted to
the Community Development Department prior to the issuance: of the
first building permit for the project.
2. Adopt Minute Motion 2002- , accepting the "Paleontological Resources
Assessment Report - Coral Mountain Resort, Tentative Tract 30566 now
30834)", as prepared by CRM TECH, subject to the following conditions:
A. The surface collection report shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first grading permit
for the project.
B. The final report on the paleontological monitoring shall be submitted to
the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the
first building permit for the project.
C. Collected paleontological resources are to be delivered to the City of La
Quinta for curation per City requirements.
Attachments:
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report - Coral Mountain Resort
(Commissioners only)
2. Paleontological Resources Assessment Report - Coral Mountain Resort
(Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner
022
pI\stan\hpc rpt ph 1 tt 30834.wpd
J4.1 31.02 01:49p CRM—TECH
a s
ATTACHMENT #1
HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT
TENTATIVE TRACT No.FJlov) a por-6l,--�✓1
Coral Mountain Resort 0-E TT 3 0,1 3,q
City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Submitted to:
David Bruduik
Santa Rosa Developers
P.O. Box 11335
Palm Desert, CA 92255
Submitted by:
Bruce Love, Principal
Bai "Tom" Tang, Historian
Daniel Ballester, Archaeologist
Mariam Dandul, Archaeologist
CRM TECH
2411 Sunset Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
-' � C V E D�)
April 5, 2002 Un�
U u AGu a 2 2002
COMM�NITV OE, ELLPMENT
i OEPARTM_NT
CRM TECH Contract #795
Appproximately 19.2 Acres
APNs 762-240-004, -005 and -006
La Quinta, California, 7.5' Quadrangle IJ
Section 21, T6S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian ,_
J;j1 31, 02 01:49p CR TECH 9 842987 p.3
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
In March and April, 2002, at the request of Santa Rosa Developers, CRM
TECH performed a cultural resources study on approximately 19.2 acres of
vacant land in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. The
subject property of the study, Tentative Tract No. 30566, consists of three
existing parcels, APNs 762-240-004, -005, and -006, located on the north side
of Avenue 58 between Jefferson and Madison Streets. It is a portion of the
southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 21, T6S R7E, San
Bernardino Base Meridian. The study is part of the environmental review
process for a proposed residential development known as Coral Mountain
Resort, to be undertaken partially on the subject property. The City of La
Quinta, as Lead Agency for the project, required the study in compliance w ith
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's Historic
Preservation Ordinance.
The purpose of the study is to provide the City of La Quinta with the
necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed
development would cause substantial adverse changes to any historical/
archaeological resources that may exist in or around the project area, as
mandated by CEQA. In order to identify and evaluate such resources, CRM
TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search,
pursued historical background research, and carried out an intensive -level
field survey. Through the various avenues of research, this study did not
encounter any potential "historical resources," as defined by CEQA, within or
adjacent to the project area. Therefore, CRM TECH recommends that the City
of La Quinta may reach a finding of No Impact regarding cultural resources.
No further cultural resources investigation is recommended for the proposed
project unless project plans undergo such changes as to include areas not
covered by this study. However, if buried cultural materials are encountered
during construction, all work in that area should be halted or diverted Until a
qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and significance of the finds.
. . 024
.Jml 31,02 01:50p CRMfECH
90 842987 p.4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY .................................................
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................
SETTING.......................................................................
Current Natural Setting ...........................................
CulturalSetting........................................................
Ethnohistoric Context .........................................
Historic Context ...................................................
RESEARCH METHODS .............................................
RecordsSearch.........................................................
Historical Research .................................................
FieldSurvey.............................................................
RESULTS AND FINDINGS .......................................
Records Search Results ...........................................
Historical Research Results ....................................
Field Survey Results ...............................................
.............. ..... .............. ..............
i
.......................................I......1
............................I.............3
...............3
.
...... ................................. I ..... I......... .
.......................................................................3.....................................................
.. .............3
...................
......................... I ........................... 4
.......................................................................5
..............................................................I.........5
........................................................................5
.......................................... I .................... .... I .... 5
..................................5
........................................................................5
........................................................................7
DISCUSSION...................................................................
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................
CONCLUSION................................................................
REFERENCES..................................................................
APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS .....
W,
...................................................................9
...............10
10
.................................................................11
..........................12
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1. Project vicinity ............................ ........................................................................ .... ...—.....1
Figure2. Project area .................................. ............................................................ I ......... ..................
Figure 3. Typical landscapes in the project area..........................................................I.................3
Figure 4. Previous cultural resources surveys in the vicinity of the project area.....................6
Figure 5. The project area and vicinity in 1856..............................................................................7
Figure 6. The project area and vicinity in 1901..............................................................................7
Figure 7. The project area and vicinity in 1903..............................................................................8
Figure 8. The project area and vicinity 1n 1941..............................................................................8
Figure 9. The project area and vicinity in the 19505 ......................................................................8
02J
DISCUSSION...................................................................
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................
CONCLUSION................................................................
REFERENCES..................................................................
APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS .....
W,
...................................................................9
...............10
10
.................................................................11
..........................12
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1. Project vicinity ............................ ........................................................................ .... ...—.....1
Figure2. Project area .................................. ............................................................ I ......... ..................
Figure 3. Typical landscapes in the project area..........................................................I.................3
Figure 4. Previous cultural resources surveys in the vicinity of the project area.....................6
Figure 5. The project area and vicinity in 1856..............................................................................7
Figure 6. The project area and vicinity in 1901..............................................................................7
Figure 7. The project area and vicinity in 1903..............................................................................8
Figure 8. The project area and vicinity 1n 1941..............................................................................8
Figure 9. The project area and vicinity in the 19505 ......................................................................8
02J
Jul 31,02 01:50p CRM ECH 90IV42987 F.5
INTRODUCTION
In March and April, 2002, at the request of Santa Rosa Developers, CRM TECH performed
a cultural resources study on approximately 19.2 acres of vacant land in the City of La
Quinta, Riverside County, California (Fig.1). The subject property of the study, Tentative
Tract No. 30566, consists of three existing parcels, APNs 762-240-004, -005, and -006, located
on the north side of Avenue 58 between Jefferson and Madison Streets (Fig. 2). It is a
portion of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 21, T6S R7E, San
Bernardino Base Meridian (Fig. 2). The study is part of the environmental review process
for a proposed residential development known as Coral Mountain Resort, to be undertaken
partially on the subject property. The City of La Quinta, as Lead Agency for the project,
required the study in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA;
PRC §21000 et seq.) and the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Title 7, La Quinta
Municipal Code).
CRM TECH performed the present study to provide the City of La Quinta with the
necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed development
would cause substantial adverse changes to any historical/archaeological resources that
may exist in or around the project area, as mandated by CEQA. In order to identify and
evaluate such resources, CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources
records search, pursued historical background research, and carried out an intensive -level
field survey. The following report is a complete account of the methods, results, and final
conclusion of the study.
Figure 1, Project vicinity. (Based on USGS Santa Ana, Calif., 1:250,000 quadrangle [USGS 19791)
026
, Jul 31 02 01:50p
CR TECH
90 42987
71
All 94' p �
� k AV£NUE 36 -• ...
0
1
Project ' st
area r
.v
AV
t Qrivll v� ',.1 +'( ,i •�aaa., 28
o
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Yulmb aud.
Alr Mn. it W li%vi �.� .. .. ..
Late Cjh�*
/�
lt
a
Al
a
�o
SCALE It24,000-
0 112 f mile
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 sowfeet
Figure 2. Project area. (Based on USGS Indio, La Quinta, Martinez Mtn., and Valerie, Calif.,124,000
quadrangles [USCS 1972a; 1972b;1980; 19881)
2
c� l
Jul 31 02 01:51p CR TECH
909 42987 p.7
SETTING
CURRENT NATURAL SETTING
The project area lies in the heart of the Coachella Valley, on the western edge of the
Colorado desert, which encompasses the eastern portion of Riverside County. Dictated by
this geographic setting, the project area and its environs are marked by extremes in
temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the region reach over 120 degrees in summer,
and dip to near freezing in winter while average annual precipitation is less than five
inches.
The project area lies at an elevation of approximately 30 feet below sea level. It is relatively
level except near the center of the property, where several small depressions are located.
Brick walls and a chain -link fence mark its northern and western limits, and Avenue 58
runs along the southern boundary. The land is partly open and partly covered by dense
growths of tamarisk and mesquite, along with moderate stands of salt bush and
arrowweed (Fig. 3). The vegetation is especially thick in the northern portion of the project
area, while the central portion has been largely cleared (Fig. 3). The southern portion,
meanwhile, has apparently been disturbed by heavy equipment. A number of dirt roads
are found in the project area.
CULTURAL SETTING
Ethnohistoric Context
The Coachella Valley is a historical center of Native American settlement, where U.S.
surveyors noted large numbers of Indian villages and rancherfas, occupied by the Cahuilla
people, in the mid-19th century. The Cahuilla, a Takic-speaking people of hunters and
gatherers, are generally divided by anthropologists into three groups, according to their
geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass -Palm Springs area, the
Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley,
and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern 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. Each lineage or clan belonged to
one of two main divisions of the people, known as moieties. Members of clans in one
Figure 3. Typical landscapes in the project area. Left: dense vegetation in the northern portion; right: cleared
area in the central portion.
028
moiety had to marry into clans from the other moiety. Individual clans had villages, or
central places, and territories they called their own, for purposes of hunting game,
gathering food, or utilizing other necessary resources. They interacted with other clans
through 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 and Pass Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian
reservations in the Coachella Valley, including Torres Martinez, Augustine, Cabazon, Agua
Caliente, and Morongo, most of which are located in close proximity to the City of La
Quinta.
Historic Context
In 1823-1825, Jose Romero, Jose Maria Estudillo, and Romualdo Pacheco, leading an
expedition in search of a route to Yuma, became the first noted European explorers to
travel through the Coachella Valley. However, due to its harsh environment, few non -
Indians ventured into the desert valley during the Mexican and early American periods,
except those who traveled across it along the established trails. The most important among
these trails was the Cocomaricopa Trail, an ancient Indian trading route that was
"discovered" in 1862 by William David Bradshaw and became known after that as the
Bradshaw Trail. In the Coachella Valley, this historic wagon road traversed a course that is
very similar to present-day Highway 111. During the 1860s-1870s, the Bradshaw Trail
served as the main thoroughfare between coastal southern California and the Colorado
River, until the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876-1877 brought an end to
its heyday.
Non -Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley began in the 1870s, with the establishment
of railroad stations along the Southern Pacific Railroad, and spread further in the 1.880s,
after public land was opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act,
and other federal land laws. Farming became the dominant economic activity in the valley,
thanks to the development of underground water sources, often in the form of artesian
wells. But it was not until the completion of the Coachella Canal in 1948-1949 that farmers
in the and region obtained an adequate and reliable water supply. 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 equestrian camps, resort hotels, and eventually country clubs, gradually
spread throughout the Coachella Valley, and since then transformed it into southern
California's leading winter retreat.
In today's 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, typical of the desert
communities along Highway 111. Beginning 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 19th city in
Riverside County.
4
029
13•d L86Z4 6n6 H331 d?J3 dZS:rn 00 ZE inC'
RESEARCH METHODS
RECORDS SEARCH
On March 12, 2002, CRM TECH archaeologist Mariam Dandul (see App.1 for
qualifications) conducted the historical/archaeological resources records search at the
Eastern Information Center (EIC), University of California, Riverside. During the records
search, Dandul examined maps and records on file at the EIC for previously identified
cultural resources in or near the project area, and existing cultural resources reports
pertaining to the vicinity. Previously identified cultural resources include properties
designated as California Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, or 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
Historical research for this study was conducted by CRM TECH historian Bai "Toni' Tang
(see App.1 for qualifications) on the basis of published literature in local and regional
history and historic maps of the La Quinta area. Among maps consulted for this study
were the U.S. General Land Office's (GLO) land survey plat maps dated 1856 and 1903, and
the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) topographic maps dated 1904,1941, and 1956-1959.
These maps are collected at the Science Library of the University of California, Riverside,
and the California Desert District of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, also located in
Riverside.
FIELD SURVEY
On March 19, 2002, CRM TECH archaeologist Daniel Ballester (see App. 1 for
qualifications) carried out the intensive -level field survey of the project area. During the
survey, Ballester walked parallel east -west transects at 15-meter (ca. 50-foot) intervals
across the southern and central portions of the project area, as well as most of the northern
portion. Areas with impenetrably dense vegetation were inspected around the perimeters
and spot-checked wherever possible. Following this approach, the ground surface was
examined systematically for any evidence of human activities dating to the prehistoric or
historic periods (i.e., 50 years ago or older).
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
RECORDS SEARCH RESULTS
According to records on file at the Eastern Information Center, the western half of the
project area was previously surveyed for cultural resources in 1983, but no archaeological
sites or other cultural resources were recorded on or adjacent to the property (Paden 1983).
Within a one -mile radius of the project area, EIC records indicate that a total of 16 other
previous cultural resources studies have taken place on various tracts of land and linear
features, including a linear study along Avenue 58 (Fig. 4).
030
AM, Am
6•d L86Zb 606 H031 83 des:10 20 1E IBC'
r
v EL n
p �E
Scope of
records
'� }A a search
22
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y ,� • A. �L MIS � .i� a.. 1_ I �
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1 t QLIV,. lArr1l101 ifpt One6 . �\ _ � G 41 Nu1Ma
x,• : \I Vic -,e} :w a' : r , ,w.Fru 111 R341F
i Ae la ,mL IYY
ry fal� Ida
29 i _ `7
iw1 1 - zr
Project area
�� ~ K Areas previously
` \ 3� surveyed
._. 'ro �\ y�n,w Linear surveyti
r�
SCALE 1:24,000
1000 0 1000 2000 feet
Figure 4. Previous cultural resources surveys in the vicinity of the project area, listed by EIC manuscript file
number. Locations of historical/archaeological sites are not shown as a protective measure.
6 0 ,31
01•d Ll36Zbl3L6l]6 H331 W83 deg:io Zo SE terI
As a result of these studies, eleven prehistoric--i.e., Native American —archaeological sites,
one historic -era site, and a number of isolates have been recorded within the one -mile
scope of the records search. The prehistoric sites consisted of scatters of lithic and ceramic
artifacts, fire hearths, habitation debris, bedrock milling features, and petroglyphs. The
historic -era site was recorded as an abandoned adobe residence of unknown age with
several associated loci, including a foundation, wells/cisterns, and a trash scatter, which
were interpreted as a site of long-term occupation dating from circa 1915 to the 1960s.
None of these previously recorded sites were located in the immediate vicinity of the
project area. Therefore, none of them requires further consideration during this study.
Although the western half of the project area has been surveyed for cultural resources in
the past, that survey is now nearly 20 years old. Pursuant to EIC and City policies, it was
determined that a systematic re -survey of the entire project area would be necessary for the
present study.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH RESULTS
Based on historical maps consulted for this study, the project area appears to be rather low
in sensitivity for cultural remains dating to the historic period. As Figures 5-7 illustrate,
from the 1850s to the early 20th century, the only man-made feature observed in the
vicinity by the various U.S. government surveyors was a road traversing just under a mile
to the east of the project area. Identified in 1903 as the "Road from Indian Wells to Torres"
(Fig. 7), this road was clearly a part of the Cocomaricopa-Bradshaw Trail Qohnston
1987:115-120).
F-
i� �y
I•do
Road
Project w .:
,22
40
area
+ ct�
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2
b �C
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I RV <ii_%
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Figure 5. The project area and vicinity in 1856.
(Source: GLO 1856)
a�
n
1
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•siv,
III
Figure 6. The project area and vicinity in'1901.
(Source: USGS 1904)
- 032
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OlS
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•�I
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1
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64 o
6db
a
A
Road from
Indian Wells
to Torres
Secr33
fi.-Sec33------
nra
Mlle 450. +,
S
Figure 7. The project area and vicinity in 1903.
(Source: GLO 1903)
17 16
I
15
1
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1
1
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20 i 21
Project
22 e
;
�
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area
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1
27
SCALE 1:62,S0033
1 `
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O mile
i
tl
Figure 8. The project area and vicinity in 1941.
(Source: USGS 1941a;1941b)
Despite its proximity to this historic
transportation artery, no evidence of any
settlement or land development activities
was found in or near the project area in the
19th and early 20th centuries (Figs. 5-7)• By
the early 1940s, scattered buildings,
presumably farmsteads, had appeared in the
vicinity of the project area, connected to one
another by crisscrossing roads (Fig. 8), a
development pattern typical of rural areas in
the Coachella Valley at that time. During
the next two decades, Avenue 58 came into
being along the southern edge of the project
area (Fig. 9). Nevertheless, the project area
itself apparently remained vacant and
undeveloped to the present time (USGS 1980
[Fig. 2]).
FIELD SURVEY RESULTS
The intensive -level field survey of the
project area produced completely negative
results for potential historical/
archaeological resources. The ground
.
� 1
•
p11 ,
1 �
�
E
Project
area
X
I T
l
�
`
$i
II, '
yyb
SCALE 1:62.500
I "�.. an
I
Figure 9. The project area and vicinity in the 1950s.
(Source: USGS 1956;1959)
8 033
21•d LB13CAIRGOG H331 W83 d1's:10 au 1B inr
surface was closely inspected during the survey for any signs of past human activities
dating to the prehistoric or historic periods, but none was found. A large amount of
modem trash was noted throughout the project area, especially along the western
boundary. Since all of these items are clearly less than 50 years old, they are of no
historical/archaeological interest. In sum, no buildings, structures, objects, sites, features,
or artifacts more than 50 years of age were encountered on the subject property during the
survey.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this study is to identify any cultural resources within or adjacent to the
project area, and to assist the City of La Quinta in determining whether such resources
meet the official definitions of "historical resources," as provided in the California Public
Resources Code, in particular CEQA.
According to PRC §5020.10), "'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." More
specifically, CEQA guidelines state that the term "historical resources" applies to any such
resources listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of
Historical Resources, included in a local register of historical resources, or determined to be
historically significant by the Lead Agency (Title 14 CCR §15064.5(a)(1)-(3)).
Regarding the proper criteria for the evaluation of historical significance, CEQA guidelines
mandate that "a resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be 'historically
significant' if the resource meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of
Historical Resources" (Title 14 CCR §15064.5(a)(3)). A resource may be listed in the
California Register if it meets any of the following criteria:
(I) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of California's history and cultural heritage.
(2) Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past.
(3) 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 values.
(4) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
(PRC §5024.1(c))
A local register of historical resources, as defined by PRC §5020.1(k), "means a list cf
properties officially designated or recognized as historically significant by a local
government pursuant to a local ordinance or resolution." For properties within the City of
La Quinta, the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Title 7, La Quinta Municipal Code)
provides for the establishment of a historic resources inventory as the official local register.
A historic resource may be considered for inclusion in the historic resources inventory
based on one or more of the following:
A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, political,
aesthetic, engineering or architectural history; or
034
CT -Cl L66Zb6It 6 H03-L 110 d89--10 aO SE'inr '
B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state or national history; or
C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction,
is a valuable example of the use of the indigenous materials or craftsmanship or is
representative of a notable work of an acclaimed builder, designer or architect; or
D. It is an archaeological, paleontological, botanical, geological, topographical, ecological or
geographical site which has the potential of yielding information of scientific value; or
E. It is a geographically definable area possessing concentration of sites, buildings,
structures, improvements or objects linked historically through location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship, feeling and/or association, in which the collective value of the
improvements may be greater than the value of each individual improvement. (LQNIC
§7.06.020)
As stated above, the records search, the historical research, and the field survey conducted
during this study have all produced negative results, and no potential historical/
archaeological resources more than 50 years of age were discovered in or near the project
area. Based on these findings, and in light of the criteria listed above, the present study
concludes that no historical resources exist within or adjacent to the project area.
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."
Since no historical resources were encountered during the course of this study, Ch:M TECH
presents the following recommendations to the City of La Quinta:
No historical resources exist within or adjacent to the project area, and thus the project
as currently proposed will cause no substantial adverse change to any known historical
resources.
No further cultural resources investigation is necessary for the proposed project unless
project plans undergo such changes as to include unstudied areas.
If buried cultural materials are discovered during construction, all work in that area
should be halted or diverted until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and
significance of the finds.
CONCLUSION
The foregoing report has provided background information on the project area, outlined
the methods used in the current study, and presented the results of the various avenues of
research. Throughout the course of the study, no 'historical resources," as defined by
CEQA, were encountered within or adjacent to the project area. Therefore, CRM TECH
recommends that the City of La Quinta may reach a finding of No Impact regarding cultural
resources, with the condition that any buried cultural materials unearthed during future
development are to be examined and evaluated by a qualified archaeologist prior to further
disturbances.
10 (13 5
i,I•d LBSails 4 Nos H031980 dBS:IO 20 iB inr
REFERENCES
GLO (General Land Office, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1856 Plat Map: Township No. 6 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian;
surveyed in 1856.
1903 Plat Map: Township No. 6 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian,
California; surveyed in 1903.
Johnston, Francis J.
1987 The Bradshaw Trail; revised edition. Historical Commission Press, Riverside.
Paden, Beth
1983 Cultural Resources Assessment, Oak Tree West Project, Riverside County,
California. Report prepared by LSA, Inc., Newport Beach, California. On file, Eastern
Information Center, University of California, Riverside.
USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1904 Map: Indio, Calif. (30',1:125,000); surveyed in 1901.
1941a Map: Coachella, Calif. (15',1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1941.
1941b Map: Toro Peak, Calif. (15',1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1941.
1956 Map: Coachella, Calif. (15',1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1952-1'953.
1959 Map: Palm Desert, Calif. (15',1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1954; field
checked in 1957 and 1959.
1972a Map: Indio, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1956 edition photorevised in 1972.
1972b Map: Valerie, Calif. (75,1:24,000);1956 edition photorevised in 1972.
1979 Map: Santa Ana, Calif. (1:250,000);1959 edition revised.
1980 Map: La Quinta, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1959 edition photorevised in 1980.
1988 Map: Martinez Mtn., Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1981 edition photorevised in 1984.
11 036
ST •d L86Z4 6os H33. 210 das* To ED TE TIC`
APPENDIX 1:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Bruce Love, Ph.D., RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists)
Education
1986 Ph. D., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles.
1981 M.A., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles.
1976 B.A., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles.
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.
Professional Experience
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.
Memberships
Register of Professional Archaeologists.
Association of Environmental Professionals.
American Planning Association.
Society for American Archaeology.
Society for California Archaeology.
Pacific Coast Archaeological Society.
Coachella Valley Archaeological Society.
Archaeological Survey Association.
12
037
gt d L66Zb8 06 H731 N217 d6S TO ZO iE inC�
PROJECT HISTORIAN
Bai "Tom" Tang, M.A.
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, Xi'an, China.
2000 "Introduction to Section 106 Review, presented by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation and the University of Nevada, Reno.
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.
19,90 Intern Researcher, California State Office of Historic Preservation,
Sacramento.
1990-1992 Teaching Assistant, History of Modem 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, Xi'an Foreign Languages Institute, Xi'an, 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, Van, 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 350 cultural resources management reports with the Archaeological
Research Unit, Greenwood and Associates, and CRM TECH, since October 1991.
Membership
California Preservation Foundation
13
038
L1,d LeGab8 4 Nos H331 W213 d6S:To Zo 1E inr'
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Daniel Ballester, B.A.
Education
1998 B.A., Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino.
1997 Archaeological Field School, University of Las Vegas and University of
California, Riverside.
1994 University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
Professional Experience
1999- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
1998-1999 Field Crew, K.E.A. Environmental, San Diego.
• Two and a half months of excavations on Topomai village site, Camp
Pendleton.
19,98 Field Crew, A.S.M. Affiliates, Encinitas.
• Two weeks of excavations on a site on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, and
two weeks of survey in Camp Pendleton, Otey Mesa, and Encinitas.
1998 Field Crew, Archaeological Research Unit, University of California, :Riverside.
• Two weeks of survey in Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Eureka
Valley, Death Valley National Park.
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST/REPORT WRITER
Mariam Dandul, B.A.
Education
2002 (Exp.) M.A., Anthropology, California State University, Fullerton.
1993 B.A., Geography, California State University, Fullerton.
Professional Experience
2000- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
Laboratory and Field Experience
2001 Archaeological field school under the direction of Dr. Brian Byrd. Test
excavations of sites at the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve, including flotation of soil
samples and sorting and cataloguing of artifacts.
2000 Archaeological field class under the direction of Dr. Claude Warren.
Excavated units at Soda Lake in the Mojave Desert and produced lake bottom
stratigraphic profiles.
1999-2000 Assisted in the catalogue of artifacts at the CSU, Fullerton archaeology
laboratory.
1999 Field survey course under the direction of Dr. Phyllisa Eisentraut; surveyed
and mapped prehistoric site in the Mojave Desert.
039
14
81'd
LBGZb OG
H331 83 d00=20 ZO 1E furl
Jul 31 02 02:00p CRM TECH
40 ATTACHMENT #2
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT
TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 30%6
VY�LA;, a P-4^ i�ln
Coral Mountain Resort OP 3o g4
City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California
Submitted to:
David Bruduik
Santa Rosa Developers
P. O. Box 11335
Palm Desert, CA 92255
Submitted by:
Harry M. Quinn, Geologist/Paleontologist
CRM TECH
2411 Sunset Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
Bruce Love, Principal
April 5, 2002
CRM TECH Contract #796
Appproximatelyy 19.2 Acres
APNs 762-240-001, -005 and -006
La Quinta, California, 7.5' Quadrangle
Section 21, T6S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian
040
7u1 31 02 02:00p CRM TECH 909 842987 p,20
MANAGEMENT SUMMARy
In March and April, 2002, at the request of Santa Rosa Developers, CRM
TECH performed a paleontological resource assessment on approximately
19.2 acres of vacant land in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County,
California. The subject property of the study, Tentative Tract No. 30566,
consists of three existing parcels, APNs 762-240-004, -005, and -006, located on
the north side of Avenue 58 between Jefferson and Madison Streets. It is a
portion of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 21, T6S
R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian. The study is part of the environmental
review process for a proposed residential development known as Coral
Mountain Resort, to be undertaken partially on the subject property. The
City of La Quinta, as Lead Agency for the project, required the study in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The purpose of the study is to provide the City of La Quinta with the
necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed
development would potentially disrupt or adversely affect any
paleontological resources, as mandated by CEQA, and to design a
paleontological salvage program for the project, if necessary. In order to
identify any paleontological resource localities that may exist in or near the
project area and to assess the possibility for such resources to be encountered
in future excavation and construction activities, CRM TECH initiated records
searches at the San Bernardino County Museum and the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County, conducted a literature search, and carried
out a field survey of the project area in accordancewith the guidelines of the
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Based on the findings from these research procedures, the proposed project's
potential impact on paleontological resources is determined to be high for
Holocene age invertebrate fossils. Therefore, CRM TECH recommends that
grading, grubbing, trenching, excavations, and/or other earth -moving
activities in the project area be monitored for paleontological resources, and
that a mitigation program be implemented to address potential impacts to
any paleontological deposits that are unearthed.
041
Jul 31 02 02:00p CRM TECH
. . . �� ���
��
9097842987 p.21
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENTSUMMARy
INTRODUCTION
����,~.��,.�~..�~.�.���.°^.
SEI`IlNG--..,,,~,,,^,_^,,,,,^,`,_,,,_,_--^~^—^~~---`'-^`^-~~—^^^^^`-~-~^�1
&lEI]bK][S AND PROCEDURES—^-~^~^^^^—"^~~-^~—^^^—^^^'^~^^...3
�(e0JndVSearches ..—,,,_� ---^~~"^~^-^—^�^~—^`^^~^^~`^^^^~,.��.5
Field,_,,,^,~_~~,`�_,___,~ —^^~`^^^^`~^^°`^^^~`~^-^~^~^~~^~—^—~3
RESULTS �
�AND
~^�~ Existing Data Summary,4
Geology
4
Paleontology
5
DISCUSSION
5
RECOMMENDATIONS
6
CONCLUSION
7
REFERENCES
8
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure I. Project vicinihc~^.-..-°~.....`,~-~—.
Figure
2. Project area ...... .............................................
ii
........ .................... }
............................. 2
Jul 31 02 02:01p CRM TECH
909 842987 p.22
INTRODUCTION
In March and April, 2002, at the request of Santa Rosa Developers, CRM TECH performed
a paleontological resource assessment on approximately 19.2 acres of vacant land :in the
City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Fig. 1). The subject property of the study,
Tentative Tract No. 30566, consists of three existing parcels, APNs 762-240-004, -005, and -
006, located on the north side of Avenue 58 between Jefferson and Madison Streets (Fig. 2).
It is a portion of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 21, T6S R7E, San
Bernardino Base Meridian (Fig. 2). The study is part of the environmental review process
for a proposed residential development known as Coral Mountain Resort, to be
undertaken partially on the subject property. The City of La Quinta, as Lead Agency for
the project, required the study in compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA).
CRM TECH performed the present study to provide the City of La Quinta with the
necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed development
would potentially disrupt or adversely affect any paleontological resources, as mandated
by CEQA, and to design a paleontological salvage program for the project, if necessary. In
order to identify any paleontological resource localities that may exist in or near the project
area and to assess the possibility for such resources to be encountered in future excavation
and construction activities, CRM TECH initiated records searches at the San Bernardino
County Museum and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, conducted a
literature search, and carried out a field survey of the project area in accordance with the
guidelines of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. The following report is a complete
account of the methods, results, and final conclusion of the study.
ft
INA NAIf
Project DdTiIIa" \ ./
tr r a location_
eIR
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CAN ON
e� y l,7/ S(6teI �u. LKw( •- r`� 1L 14m �uxx1)sw T`n I ra..,.
J.. rjl�Jl ea ` I 6
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ARTINF
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IT
� I
Figure 1. Project vicinity. (Based on USGS Santa Ana, Calif., 1:250.000 quadrangle [USGS 19791)
1
043
4Lil 31 02 02:02p CRM TECH 90 842987 p.23
Figure 2. Project area. (Based on USGS Indio, La Quinta, Martinez Mtn., and Valerie, Calif., 1:24,000
quadrangles [USGS 1972a;1972b; 1980;1988])
z p44
,Jul 31 02 02:03p
CRM TECH
p.24
SETTING
The project area is located in the Coachella Valley, which occupies the northwestern
portion of the Colorado Desert Geomorphic province. The Colorado Desert province is
bounded on the southwest by the Peninsular ranges, on the north by the eastern
Transverse Ranges province, and on the northeast by the Mojave Desert province (Jenkins
1980:40-41). The province widens to the southeast through the Imperial Valley and into
Mexico.
One of the major features to be found within the Colorado Desert province is the Salton
Trough, a 290-kilometer-long (ca. 180 miles) structural depression containing the present
day Salton Sea. This depression extends from the Banning Pass area southward into
Mexico. During Pleistocene and Holocene times, the northwestern portion of this trough
was filled with over 4,000 feet of sediments (Proctor 1968). While the term "Salton trough"
refers to the entire structural depression from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of
California, the term "Salton Sink" is used to describe that portion of the area that drains
directly into the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea, therefore, occupies the Salton Basin portion of
the Salton Trough.
Holocene Lake Cahuilla occupied a much larger portion of the Salton Basin than that of the
present day Salton Sea (Rogers 1965). The shoreline of the last ancient lake to fill the basin
can be seen today as a line along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains at an elevation of
about 42 feet above sea level (Waters 1983; Wilke 1978). Based on radiocarbon dating the
last high stand of Holocene Lake Cahuilla was about 1680 (Laylander 1997; Quinn 2002;
Rockwell 1995;1997).
The field survey found the property to have a wall/fence along the west and north sides, a
series of tamarisk -mesquite thickets along the northwest and north portions, some
arrowweed and dead reeds in a north -central portion, and a moderate stand of salt bush
over the remainder of the property. There are also a few large dead mesquites and some
smaller living mesquites scattered around the south half of the property.
The property is partly open and partly covered by dense growths of tamarisk/mesquite
and moderate stands of salt bush and arrowweed. Soil exposures are only available
between and around the tamarisk/mesquite thickets and in the low areas between the salt
bushes. There has been some brush clearing near the central portion of the property,
which is connected to the street by a dirt road. The sediments present on this property are
fine sandy loam and silty loam.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
RECORDSSEARCHES
The paleontological records searches used for this study were originally conducted in
August, 2001, for a property immediately to the west of the project area. The records
search service was provided by the Regional Paleontologic Locality Inventory located at
OI 75
Jul 31 02 02:03p
CRM TECH
90a2842987
p.25
TAW
the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and the Natural History Museurn of Los
Angeles County in Los Angeles. These institutions maintain files of regional
paleontological site records as well as supporting maps and documents. The records search
results are used to identify previously performed paleontological resource assessments and
known paleontological localities near the project area. In addition, a literature search was
conducted using materials in the CRM TECH library and the personal library of the author,
including unpublished reports produced from surveys of other properties in the vicinity.
FIELD SURVEY
On March 2.2, 2002, CRM TECH geologist/paleontologist Harry M. Quinn (see App.1 for
qualifications) conducted the field assessment of the project area. The survey was carried
out by walking across the project area along north -south transects, while avoiding the
thickets of tamarisk and mesquite.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
EXISTING DATA SUMMARY
The paleontology records searches indicate that no paleontological localities have been
discovered within the boundaries of that property but sites are known from within a one -
mile radius of the current project area (Scott 2001; McLeod 2001). In addition, several
paleontological localities previously reported within and outside of the one -mile radius are
known to have produced fossils from sediment lithologies similar to those in the project
area (ibid.). Based on these previous discoveries, the San Bernardino County Museum
assigns the project area a "high paleontological sensitivity" and declares the proposed
project to have a "high potential to impact significant nonrenewable fossil resources,"
primarily Holocene age lacustrine invertebrate fossils (Scott 2001).
Whistler et al. (1995) reports the discovery of terrestrial vertebrate remains at a locality a
short distance to the north of this property and from similar sediment lithologies. That
locality is characterized by interbedded sediments of lacustrine and fluvial origin, and it is
not clear which interval the terrestrial fauna came from. Since terrestrial faunas do not live
in lacustrine environments, the terrestrial vertebrate remains most likely came from the
fluvial sediments. The project area does lie close to the old shoreline of ancient Lake
Cahuilla, so may have similar stratigraphy to that present at the PGA West Tom Weiskopf
Signature Golf Course site reported by Whistler et al (1995).
Padon (1983) incorrectly dated the lake bed sediments as being Pleistocene through early
Holocene in age. These ages were apparently based on calcareous tufa dates by Reynolds
(ibid.), a material that results in very questionable radiometric dates (Quinn 2000a:5-6).
Scott (2001:1) dates the Holocene Lake Cahuilla as having been present from 470 years
before present to at least around 6,000 years before present, making them late Holocene in
age. More recent data suggests that the last high stand (the 12-meter mark) only ended
about 320 years before present (Laylander 1997; Quinn 2002; Rockwell 1995;1997; Von
Werlhof 2001:26).
11. 046
,Jul 31 02 02:04p CRM TECH 90842987 p.26
1.
GEOLOGY
The onsite geology is mapped by Rogers (1965) as Q1-Qal, or Quaternary lake deposits and
Recent alluvium. Jahns (1954) mapped the site geology as Qal, or Recent alluvial -fan, flood -
plain, swamp, lake, and sand dune deposits.
The soils present on this property are mapped as GbA, GcA, and Is (Knecht 1980:Map Sheet
12). The 1975 aerial photograph on which the soils have been mapped shows the property
to be open undeveloped land. The property is crossed by a northwest -southeast trending
channel at the north end containing a dense growth of brush/trees. These areas match
very well with the tamarisk and mesquite thickets observed during the field inspection.
The GbA type soil is identified as the Gilman fine sandy loam with 0 to 2 percent slopes
(Knecht 1980:17). It is described as a nearly level soil with a profile similar to the one
described as representative of the Gilman series (ibid.). The representative profile to 60
inches (about 1.5 meters) below the surface is shown to be loose, nonsticky, and nonplastic
very fine sand with some silt and clay with common scattered shells and shell fragments
(ibid.).
The GcA type soil is identified as the Gilman fine sandy loam, wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes
(Knecht 1980:18). It is described as a nearly flat soil found on alluvial fans and flood plains
of the Coachella Valley. It has the profile described as representative of the series and
usually has a water table between 40 and 60 inches (ibid.) The representative profile to 60
inches (about 1.5 meters) below the surface is shown to be loose, nonsticky, and nonplastic
very fine sand with some silt and clay with common scattered shells and shell fragments
(Knecht 1980:17).
The Is type soil is identified as the Indio very fine sandy loam (Knecht 1980:21). It is
described as a nearly level soil that has a profile similar to the one described as
representative of the series, but the water table is below 6 feet (ibid.). The Indio Series soils
in general are described by Knecht (1980:21) as, "Typically, the surface layer is light
brownish gray, very fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of
60 inches or more is light brownish gray, highly micaceous very fine sandy loam stratified
with silt and silt loam. It contains a few freshwater shells. The soil is moderately alkaline
and strongly effervescent." These soils are found within the old lake bed portion of the
Coachella Valley.
The above soils indicate nearness to the Holocene Lake Cahuilla shoreline, where alluvial
sediments may be interbedded with lacustrine sediments. The field survey confirmed the
presence of fresh water shell material, supporting the fact that the property lies within the
old Holocene Lake Cahuilla lake bed. No vertebrate fossils were found.
PALEONTOLOGY
During the field survey scattered Tryonia sp., Anodonta sp., Physa sp., and a few Gyraulus sp.
shells and shell fragments were observed on the surface of the project area. While fresh
water mollusks were found during the survey, no fish bone or other vertebrate fossil
remains were noted. In blowout areas, the Physa sp. and Tryonia sp. often form localized
shell lag deposits. The fresh water mollusks located during the field survey reinforce the
5
047
Jul 31 02 02:04p CRM TECH 90 842987 p.27
AM
presence of sediments that can be attributed to Holocene Lake Cahuilla lakebed sequence.
As with other areas within the former lakebed, vertebrate fossil remains are rare to non-
existent.
DISCUSSION
The field survey results, supported by literature research, indicate that the project area
contains sediments deposited by Holocene Lake Cahuilla. Fossil fresh water mollusks
located during the field survey reinforce the presence of sediments that can be attributed to
this ancient lakebed sequence, which have a low potential for vertebrate fossil remains, but
a high potential for invertebrates, such as freshwater mollusks.
Many Holocene paleontological localities are known from the ancient Lake Cahuilla
sediments. Specimens from most of these localities usually consist only of fresh water
mollusks, except in one instance where invertebrates, such as gastropods (snails) and
pelecypods (clams and mussels), and vertebrate remains of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians,
and plants were also found (Whistler et al.1995:109-118). However, the fresh water
mollusks are almost the only fauna found within the lakebeds sediments themselves.
The San Bernardino County Museum reports the presence of paleontological resource
localities within a half -mile radius of the project area (Scott 2001). However, no precise
location for these sites is shown. These localities have produced mainly freshwater
mollusks from Holocene Lake Cahuilla, but also listed are some other invertebrate, plant
and vertebrate fossils. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles reports the presence
of a fossil locality just north of Indio (McLeod 2001). This site coincides with the sites
reported by the San Bernardino County Museum.
No Pleistocene age fossil localities have been reported from the lakebeds or their
equivalent strata within the Coachella Valley area. A preliminary study of soil borings
drilled for engineering purposes indicates that at least the upper 25 feet (ca. 7.6 meters) of
sediments within the lower Coachella Valley are Holocene in age. A few borings have
been drilled to 50 feet (ca.15.2 meters) below grade without encountering any Pleistocene
sediments. It is therefore doubtful that any Pleistocene fossils, vertebrate or invertebrate,
will be recovered from the lower Coachella Valley area during normal grading operations.
Thus paleontological monitoring of deep trenching for utility lines should be given greater
consideration than monitoring during grading operations, and even these utility trenches
generally do not go deep enough to reach Pleistocene sediments.
The nearest Pleistocene and older fossil -bearing sediments are known to be present along
the up -thrown side of the San Andreas Fault System, such as in the Indio and Mecca Hills
(Diblee 1954:21-28). Here, a small number of early Pleistocene vertebrate fossils have been
found in outcrop.
Some vertebrate fossils, including portions of a whale skeleton, have been found in the
Imperial formation near Painted Hill. A thick section of the Imperial formation was
encountered in the Texas Company Stone 1 "Edom" well, with the top of the Imperial
formation over 3,000 feet below the present surface (Quinn and Weismeyer n.d.). These
HE•
Jul 31 02 02:05p CRM TECH 9097042987 p.28
data further support the theory of a rapidly filling, subsiding basin, making it very
doubtful that any pre -Holocene sediments will be encountered within the Coachella Valley
proper, especially by normal development grading.
The fresh water mollusks, when found in place, indicate that deposition was below the lake
surface, and the presence of the mussel (Anodonta sp.) indicates fresh water that is in
motion (Schneider 1989). Since this was a large lake, the movement was probably
restricted to shallow water within the surf -zone. The presence of fresh water snails
suggests the presence of organic debris, such as vegetation like reeds and bull rushes along
the shoreline.
The shells and shell fragments of Anodonta sp., Gyraulus sp., Physa sp, and Tryonia sp.,
which are the most common mollusks found in the lake sediments (Quinn 2000b), are light
and can be blown about by the same winds that create the shifting sand dunes. When
found in a living position, such as paired valves for the Anodonta sp. and clusters of Physa
sp. and Tryonia sp., these materials can make good paleo-environmental indicators.
However, when they are found as scattered fragments, their paleontological use is
questionable at best. To date, no one has found a difference in the lake faunas that
inhabited the many separate Holocene lakes that have filled the basin. Since this fauna
came from the Colorado River with the water when it filled the basin, all of the lake fillings
probably had the same fauna.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the study results presented above, the proposed project's potential impact: on
paleontological resources is determined to be high for Holocene age invertebrate fossils.
Therefore, a surface collection of the fresh water mollusk remains should be accomplished,
with the specimens identified and curated and placed into a repository with permanent
retrievable storage. Monitoring of earth -moving activities for paleontological resources
during grading and a program to mitigate impacts to the resources that might be exposed
or unearthed during all such excavation is recommended. Such a program should be
developed in accordance with the provisions of CEQA as well as with regulations currently
implemented by the County of Riverside and the proposed guidelines of the society of
Vertebrate Paleontology, and should include, but not be limited to the following, as
outlined by Scott (2001):
The excavation of areas identified as likely to contain paleontologic resources should be
monitored by a qualified paleontological monitor. Monitoring should be restricted to
undisturbed Lake Cahuilla beds and any older undisturbed subsurface alluvium, which
might be present below the surface. The monitor should be prepared to quickly
salvage fossils as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays. The monitor should
also remove samples of sediments which are likely to contain the remains of small fossil
invertebrates and vertebrates.
Collected samples of sediments should be washed to recover small invertebrate and
vertebrate fossils. Recovered specimens should be prepared so that they can be
identified and permanently preserved.
Specimens should be identified and curated and placed into a repository with
permanent retrievable storage.
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• A report of findings, including an itemized inventory of recovered specimens, should
be prepared upon completion of the steps outlined above. The report should include a
discussion of the significance of all recovered specimens. The report and inventory,
when submitted to the appropriate Lead Agency, would signify completion of the
program to mitigate impacts to paleontologic resources.
CONCLUSION
CEQA Appendix G provides that "a project may be deemed to have a significant effect on
the environment if it will ... disrupt or adversely affect a ... paleontological site except as a
part of a scientific study." The present study, conducted in compliance with this provision,
was designed to identify any significant, non-renewable paleontological resources that may
exist within or adjacent to the project area, and to assess the possibility for such resources
to be encountered in future excavation and construction activities.
Based on the findings from these research procedures, the proposed project's potential
impact on paleontological resources is determined to be high for Holocene age
invertebrate fossils. Therefore, CRM TECH recommends that grading, grubbing,
trenching, excavations, and/or other earth -moving activities in the project area be
monitored for paleontological resources, and that a mitigation program be implemented to
address potential impacts to any paleontological deposits that are unearthed.
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REFERENCES
Dibblee, T. W., Jr.
1954 Geology of the Imperial Valley Region, California. In R. H. Jahns (ed.): Geology of
Southern California, pp. 21-28. California Division of Mines Bulletin 170, Part 2.
Sacramento.
Jahns, R. H.
1954 Generalized Geologic Map of the Peninsular Range Province, Southern
California. California Division of Mines Bulletin 170, Chapter II, Plate 3. San Francisco,
California.
Jenkins, Olaf P.
1980 Geomorphic Provinces Map of California. California Geology 32 (2):40-41.
California Division of Mines and Geology, Sacramento.
Knecht, Arnold A.
1980 Soil Survey of Riverside County, California; Coachella Valley Area. U.S. Department
of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Report. U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C.
Laylander, Don
1997 The Last Days of Lake Cahuilla: The Elmore Site. Pacific Coast Archaeological
Society Quarterly 33 (1/2):1-138.
McLeod, Samuel A.
2001 Paleontological Resources for the 58th near Madison, Paleo project area. Letter
report prepared by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Vertebrate
Paleontology Section, Los Angeles.
Padon, Beth
1983 Cultural Resources Assessment, Oak Tree West Project, Riverside County,
California. Unpublished report prepared by LSA, Inc., Newport Beach, California.
Proctor, Richard J.
1968 Geology of the Desert Hot Springs -Upper Coachella Valley Area, California, with a
Selected Bibliography of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and Vicinity. California Division of
Mines and Geology Special Report 94. Sacramento.
Quinn, Harry M.
2000a Petroglyphs in Tufa Along the Western Shoreline of Holocene Lake Cahuilla.
Coachella Valley Archaeological Society Newsletter 12(4):5-6.
2000b Fresh -Water Snails, Clams and Mussels of Ancient Lake Cahuilla. Coachella Valley
Archaeological Society Newsletter 12 (7):2-6.
2002 The Last High Stand of Holocene Lake Cahuilla. Coachella Valley Archaeological
Society Newsletter 14(1):6-7.
Quinn, Harry M., and Albert "Lee" Weismeyer
n.d. Of Rock, Sand, Wind and Water: An Explorer's Guide to the Geology of the
Coachella Valley and Santa Rosa Mountain Area, Riverside County, California.
Unpublished manuscript in possession of the author.
Rockwell, Thomas K.
1995 Unpublished lecture presented at the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society.
1997 Personal communications.
Rogers, Thomas H.
1965 Geological Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet (1:250,000). California Division of
Mines and Geology, Sacramento.
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Schneider, Joan S.
1989 Fresh Water Bivalves as Paleoenvironmental Indicators; abstract of a paper
presented at Mojave Desert Quaternary Research Symposium,1989. San Bernardino
County Museum Association Quarterly XXXVI (2):65.
Scott, Eric
2001 Paleontology Records Review,58th & Madison, La Quinta Region, Riverside
County, California. Letter report prepared by the San Bernardino County Museum,
Section of Geological Sciences, Redlands.
USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1972a Map: Indio, Calif. (7.5',1:24,000);1956 edition photorevised in 1972.
1972b Map: Valerie, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1956 edition photorevised in 1972.
1979 Map: Santa Ana, Calif. (1:250,000);1959 edition revised.
1980 Map: La Quinta, Calif. (7.5',1:24,000);1959 edition photorevised in 1980.
1988 Map: Martinez Mtn., Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1981 edition photorevised in 1984.
Von Werlhof, Jay
2001 Notes on the Desert Cahuilla and Their Yuman Neighbors. In L. R. McCown, G.
A. Clopine, D. H. Bowers, Jay von Werlhof, R. D. Simpson, R. V. May, and P. King: The
Archaeological Survey Association of Southern California's Lake Le Conte Survey. San
Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly 48(3):21-35.
Waters, Michael R.
1983 Late Holocene Lacustrine Chronology and Archaeology of Ancient Lake
Cahuilla. Quaternary Research 19:373-387,
Whistler, David P., E. Bruce Lander, and Mark 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 Paul Remeika and Anne Strutz (eds.): Paleontology and Geology of the Western Salton
Trough Detachment, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, Volume I, pp.109-118. San
Diego Association of Geologists, San Diego.
Wilke, Philip J.
1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
Contributions of the University of California Archaeological Research Facility 38.
University of California, Berkeley.
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APPENDIX 1:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
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PROJECT GEOLOGIST/PALEONTOLOGIST
Harry M. Quinn
Education
1968 M.S., Geology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
1964 B. S, Geology, Long Beach State College, Long Beach.
1962 A.A., Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington North Palm Springs, California.
• Graduate work oriented toward invertebrate paleontology; M.S. thesis completed as a
stratigraphic paleontology project on the Precambrian and Lower Cambrian rocks of Eastern
California.
Professional Experience
2000-Present Project/Field Paleontologist, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
1998-Present Project/Field Archaeologgist, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
1992-1998 Independent Geological/Geoarchaeological/Environmental Consultant, Pinyon
Pines, California.
1994-1996 Environmental Geologist, E.0 E.S., Inc, Redlands, California.
1988-1992 Project Geologist/Director of Environmental Services, STE, San Bernardino, California.
1987-1988 Senior Geologist, Jirsa Environmental Services, Norco, California.
1986 Consulting Petroleum Geologist, LOCO Exploration, Inc. Aurora, Colorado.
1978-1986 Senior Exploration Geologist, Tenneco Oil E & P, Englewood, Colorado.
1965-1978 Exploration and Development Geologist, Texaco, Inc., Los Angeles, California.
Previous Work Experience in Paleontology
1969-73 Attended Texaco company -wide seminars designed to acquaint all paleontological
laboratories with the capability of one another and the procedures of mutual assistance in
solving correlation and paled -environmental reconstruction problems.
1967-1968 Attended Texaco seminars on Carboniferous coral zonation techniques and
Carboniferous smaller foraminifera zonation techniques for Alaska and Nevada.
1966-1972, 1974, 1975 Conducted stratigraphic section measuring and field paleontological
identification in Alaska for stratigraphic controls. Pursued more detailed fossil identification
in the paleontological laboratory to establish closer stratigraphic controls, mainly with
Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks and some Tertiary rocks, including both megafossil and
mfcrofossil identification, as well as fossil plant identification.
1965 Conducted stratigraphic section measuring and field paleontological identification in
Nevada for stratigraphic controls. Pursued more detailed fossil identification in the
paleontological laboratory to establish closer stratigraphic controls, mainly with Paleozoic
rocks and some Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks. The Tertiary work included identification of
ostracods from the Humboldt and Sheep Pass Formations and vertebrate and plant remains
from Miocene alluvial sediments.
Memberships
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology; American Association of Petroleum Geologists; Canadian
Society of Petroleum Geologists; Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Pacific Section; Society
of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists; San Bernardino County Museum.
Publications in Geology
Five publications in Geology concerning an oil field study, a ground water and earthquake study, a
report on the geology of the Santa Rosa Mountain area, and papers on vertebrate and invertebrate
Holocene Lake Cahuilla faunas.
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