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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AG EN ®A
The Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
NOVEMBER 18, 2004
3:00 P.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2004-037
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 Minutes for the meeting of October 21, 2004
001
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Interim Archaeological Testing and Mitigation at Griffin Ranch (Tentative
Tract Map 32879); and
Applicant: Trans West Housing, Inc.
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: Southeast corner of Madison Street and Avenue 54.
B. Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 27.7 acres
Applicant: City of La Quinta Redevelopment Agency
Archaeological Consultant: The Keith Companies (John Goodman and Leslie
J. Mouriquand)
Location: North of Avenue 48, west of Dune Palms Road and south of
Highway 111.
C. Archaeological Monitoring Report for Cable Trenching, Hammer Property
Applicant: Cochran Communication Construction, Inc.
Archaeological Consultant: The Keith Companies (John Goodman and Leslie
J. Mouriquand)
Location: North of Avenue 48, west of Dune Palms Road and south of
Highway 111.
D. City Council Action on Native American Heritage Commission and Local
Tribes Notification Protocol
�i101li6*jli1 ►1QYit/:ilig�'jP FAV
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
11 002
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
A Regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
October 21, 2004
This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by
Commissioner Robert Wright at 3:03 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the
roll call. Chairman Allan Wilbur was delayed.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Roll Call.
Present: Commissioners Puente, Sharp, Wright, and
Chairman Wilbur
Absent: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Puente and Sharp to excuse Commissioner
Mouriquand. Unanimously approved.
Staff Present: Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Secretary
Carolyn Walker.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and Sharp to approve
the minutes of September 16, 2004 as submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Results of the Cultural Resources and Paleontological Resources
Monitoring Programs for Mountain View Country Club.
Applicant: Toll Brothers
Archaeological Consultant: LSA Associates
Location: North of Avenue 52 and east of Jefferson Street within
Mountain View Country Club.
003
R\CAROLYMHist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doe
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
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 Puente complimented the consultant on the
report and the information in Appendix D. She suggested the
Commissioners keep this report as a reference for future use.
She concurred with staff recommendations.
3. Commissioner Sharp approved of the presentation and enjoyed
the report. He said it was very well done and he had no further
comments.
4. Commissioner Wright said this was one of the finest reports
ever received from the standpoint of everything being there;
especially the artifacts. He concurred with the staff's
recommendations.
5. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-030 approving the Cultural
Resources Monitoring Program as submitted. Unanimously
approved.
6. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-031 approving the
Paleontological Resources Monitoring Program as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
B. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for Griffin Ranch
Project
Applicant: Trans West Housing, Inc.
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: Southeast corner of Madison Street and Avenue 54.
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. Michael Hogan, Principal of CRM TECH was introduced and said
this was a fairly typical site. He stated they did the testing of
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc ,,., 0 G 4 2
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21. 2004
the site and is in the process of doing an analysis of the
artifacts for the interim report.
3. Commissioner Puente asked what the chances of finding any
more isolets were. Mr. Hogan replied they were good and
monitoring was recommended.
4. Commissioner Sharp had no further questions and said this was
a fairly standard project.
5. Commissioner Puente asked for a definition of Contextual
Integrity. Mr. Hogan replied they take everything found is taken
in context. They look at the whole of what's been found to see
if further information can be determined. They also look at
isolates which can be historic resources.
6. Commissioner Puente asked if the local tribes had been
contacted. Commissioner Wright replied this subject is
currently under advisement. Staff commented the matter would
be taken to the Council in November.
7. Mr. Hogan said they had no problem with contacting the local
tribes as they are used to this procedure as part of the
processing of Federal projects.
8. Commissioner Wright said it was a nice thing to do.
9. Mr. Hogan said they would try to do that even for the testing.
10. Commissioner Wright said that would be great. He added he did
not have any problems with the report or its recommendations.
11. Rod Rimmer of Transwest Housing introduced himself and
asked if he would have to attend any additional Commission
meetings. Staff explained the procedures.
12. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-032 accepting the
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pxes Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc 005 3
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
C. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report
Applicant: ND La Quinta Partners, LLC
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: South side of Avenue 52, east of Madison Street
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. The applicant, John Gamlin, Vice President ND La Quinta
Partners, introduced himself and offered to answer the
Commissioners questions.
3. Commissioner Sharp asked if the house on the property was
going to be demolished. Mr. Gamlin replied it was.
4. Commissioner Wright asked if this was the only house on the
property of significance. He requested the applicant provide
photo documentation for the City's Historic Records Survey.
Staff replied it was possible. CRM TECH would be responsible
for providing the photographs. Commissioner Wright suggested
they take a number of photos to be included in the report to
maintain a photographic record of the structures. Mr. Hogan
asked about the type of photo format and staff gave him the
particulars of what was needed. Commissioner Wright
explained the Commission did not approve a project of this type
without monitoring and documentation.
5. Staff asked if Commissioner Wright wanted this done before
grading. The Commissioner replied he wanted it done; before
the building was demolished.
6. Commissioner Wright asked Mr. Gamlin if he had any comments
regarding this documentation. Mr. Gamlin did not.
Commissioner Wright said this structure was not included in the
City's Historic Records Survey.
7. Commissioner Puente had no comments.
OG6
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Ares Com\aPC 10-21-04.doc 4
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
8. Commissioner Sharp said the applicant needed to document the
house and any other significant structures.
9. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-033 accepting the
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report with the
following recommendation:
E. The final report shall contain written documentation of
the 50-year old structure on the property. Photo
documentation of the structure will be done in black -and -
white, archival quality photography.
Unanimously approved.
Addendum Archaeological Studies for The Hideawa
Applicant: ND La Quinta Partners, LLC
Archaeologist Consultant: McKenna et al
Location: Avenue 53, between Madison Street and Monroe Street in
the future Hideaway project site.
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 Puente concurred with staff's recommendations
and said the report was well done and very interesting.
3. Commissioners Sharp, Wright and Chairman Wilbur concurred
with staff's recommendations
4. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wilbur and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-034 accepting the
Addendum Archaeological Study as submitted. Unanimously
approved
D. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for Tentative Tract
Map 32848.
Applicant: MDS Consulting for Richard Hughes
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: North side of Avenue 60, west of Madison Street
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc I.-- 007 5
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21. 2004
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. Michael Hogan, Principal, CRM TECH told the Commission he
found three isolated shards when they did the survey. He
commented this area was highly sensitive.
3. Commissioner Wright asked if it was close to the baseline of the
Cahuilla shoreline. Mr. Hogan replied it was very close.
4. Commissioners Puente and Sharp concurred with staff's
recommendations
5. Chairman Wilbur asked why the monitoring was spaced 15
meters apart in this report and 10 meters in other reports. He
asked if there was a specific standard. Staff was unaware of
any specific standard and stated ten meters is used in most
submitted surveys. He deferred to Mr. Hogan on this question.
6. Michael Hogan, Principal CRM TECH said he was surprised to
hear 10 meters was a standard and there was nothing written
as to what professional standards were. He added the BLM
recommends intensive level survey is 15 to 20 meters. He
thought 15 meters was still the recommended professional
standard.
7. Commissioner Wilbur asked Mr. Hogan if there was a written
standard for on -foot surveys. He asked if there was anything in
the literature or training or recommendations to archaeologists
that specify a standard amount.
8. Commissioner Wright suggested this matter be brought up at
the next meeting when possibly Commissioner Mouriquand
would be available. Staff replied Commissioner Mouriquand uses
10 meters in her surveys, but they have seen both distances
used.
9. Commissioner Wright asked if Mr. Hogan could get a good
sampling at 15 meters. Mr. Hogan replied he could.
P:\CAROLYN\Hilt Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc 008
6
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
10. Commissioner Wright said he'd hate to go any further apart
than 15 meters apart. Staff replied if you're walking slowly
enough and looking 15 meters should be adequate.
11. Commissioner Wright asked Mr. Hogan if mattered more if it
was a really rich site, would he then change this to a 10 meter
sampling. Mr. Hogan replied once an artifact is found, the
surveyors stop and look intensively in that area. He added they
would also take into consideration the density of the vegetation.
12. Chairman Wilbur said the subject keeps coming up and
suggested there should be further discussion. Staff suggested
this could be scheduled for a future meeting.
13. Commissioner Wright and Chairman Wilbur concurred with the
report including staff's recommendations.
14. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and
Wilbur to adopt Minute Motion 2004-035 accepting the
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report as
submitted. Unanimously approved
Paleontological Resources Survey Report for Tentative Tract Map
32848.
Applicant: MDS Consulting for Richard Hughes
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: North side of Avenue 60, west of Madison Street
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. Michael Hogan, Principal CRM TECH said he had a chance to
look at the map. This property is about 40 feet away from the
Ancient Lake Cahuilla shoreline and it does have freshwater
mollusks.
3. Commissioners Puente and Sharp had no comments.
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc 009 7
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
4. Chairman Wilbur asked if the recommendations stated' in the
report would take care of collecting all the valuable lake side
and near lake side materials. Staff replied it would. They
would collect a representative amount of them.
5. Commissioner Wright commented it will be nice when the City
Museum is built to house all these artifacts.
6. Mr. Hogan commented it was interesting is to see the
concentrations of the different shells and their environments.
7. Chairman Wilbur concurred with the report and appreciated the
reference section.
8. Commissioner Wright had no problem with the report and
agreed with the conditions listed.
9. Commissioner Sharp asked if Mr. Hogan was talking about
mollusks and sea shore. He said there was a story about the
conquistadors and how they had found freshwater pearls in this
area. Mr. Hogan said he had not heard about the discovery of
the pearls.
10. It was moved and seconded by
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion
Paleontological Resources Survey
approved
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
Commissioners Puente and
2004-036 accepting the
as submitted. Unanimously
A. Commissioners were given a copy of SB 18 as noted in the minutes of
September 16, 2004. Staff commented they had no updates on
whether the bill had been adopted or vetoed. The Commissioners
agreed this was a very good bill and hoped it would be adoptedl.
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Commissioner Puente asked if Interim Community Development
Director Oscar Orci had had a chance to go over the list she gave him,
a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department.
Staff replied they would check with him.
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc 0170 8
a....
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004.
B. Chairman Wilbur said a matter was brought up at the last Joint
Meeting with Council where there were serious concerns about the
adoption of a paragraph relating to notification of the Indian Tribes.
He asked if there was any feedback from the Council. Staff replied it
will be going back to Council in November. Chairman Wilbur asked if
this was regarding the re -wording of the recommendations. Staff
replied yes.
Vill. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Sharp and Puente to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission to the next Regular Meeting to be held on
November 18, 2004. This meeting of the Historical Preservation
Commission was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Unanimously approved.
Submitted by:
Carolyn Walker
Secretary
P:\CAROLYN\Hilt Pres Com\HPC 10-21-04.doc 11.,,, Oil 9
B 1 #A
DATE:
ITEM:
LOCATION:
APPLICANT:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
NOVEMBER 18, 2004
INTERIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING AND MITIGATION
AT GRIFFIN RANCH (TENTATIVE TRACT 32879)
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF MADISON STREET AND
AVENUE 54
TRANSWEST HOUSING, INC.
CRM TECH (MICHAEL HOGAN, PRINCIPAL)
The study area is 196-acres in size and located on the southeast corner of Avenue 54
and Madison Street. The site surrounds a property that has been developed with a
home and related improvements. This property is mostly vacant with land forms
consisting of distinct areas of desert land, past and existing agricultural uses, a race
track and a modern -era shed.
A Phase I (survey level) Cultural Resources Assessment was reviewed and accepted
by the Historical Preservation Commission on October 21, 2004 (Attachment: 1). The
Assessment included archaeological and historical resources record searches and field
reconnaissance of the property. As a result of the archaeological field search, six
prehistoric sites and five isolates were discovered. This report is the results of the
Phase II testing and evaluation of the identified archaeological sites.
DISCUSSIO
The Phase I study of property found the six sites to be of comprised of scatters of
ceramic shards, chipped stone debitage, pieces of a groundstone and chipped stone
pieces(
This study consisted of a second field reconnaissance of the study area, identification
of the archaeological sites, surface collection of the artifacts, and the excavation of a
total of 25 test units, as well as on -going laboratory analysis of all cultural materials
recovered during the field work (Attachment 2).
012
P:\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt tt 32879 ph 2 archaeo Reviewed.doc
The surface collection consisted of a limited quantity of ceramic sherds, chipped
stone debitage, pieces of groundstone, small fragments of animal bone, fire -affected
clay and rock, and imported stone. One additional isolate consisting of five ceramic
shards from apparently a single vessel was found and determined not to be
significant.
The test unit excavations resulted in the recovery of ceramic sherds, fire -affected
clay, imported rock, fragments of animal bone and chipped stone.
The recovered cultural materials are being cleaned, sorted, counted, cataloged, and
analyzed by CRM TECH staff.
CONCLUSION:
The report states the evidence from the testing suggests the sites are temporary
campsites from the Late Prehistoric period that were occupied after Lake Cahuilla had
completely disappeared. The conclusion of the report is that the sites have a low
potential for being significant resources, but final completion of the artifact analysis is
needed to make the final determination. The report further states the artifact analysis
and monitoring during earth -moving operations will constitute the final mitigation
needed to allow the project to proceed.
The applicants wish to proceed with processing of their applications while final
artifact analysis is being completed. The report states the sites have a very low
potential to qualify as significant cultural resources. If, at the conclusion of the
artifact analysis, any of the six sites are deemed a "historic resource", the required
mitigation of project effects will be concluded with curation of all artifacts and
submission of a final report to document the results of the artifact analysis and overall
interpretation of the sites. Staff is in agreement with this procedure. In the past, this
process has been followed when the identification of historic resources was
anticipated.
If this is not acceptable to the HPC, the artifact analysis will need to be completed
and included in this report prior to HPC action. In that case, the staff
recommendation should not be adopted.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt Minute Motion 2004- accepting the Interim Archaeological Testing
and Mitigation at Griffin Ranch report, as prepared by CRM TECH, subject to
the following conditions:
1 . The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough
grading by qualified archaeological and paleontological monitors. Proof
of retention of monitors shall be given to City prior to issuance of first
earth -moving or clearing permit. W1��
r,...� 013
P:\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt tt 32879 ph 2 archaeo Reviewed. doc
2. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first production
home building permit for the project.
3. Collected archaeological resources shall be properly packaged for long
term curation, in polyethylene sel-seal bags, vials, or film cans as
appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled
archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building
permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive
catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the
original graphics.
4. Results of the final artifact analysis and site interpretation shall be
submitted to the Community Development Department for review by the
Historic Preservation Commission prior to issuance of first grading,
clearing or grubbing permit.
Attachment:
1. Minutes of the October 21, 2004 Historic Preservation Commission meeting
2. Interim Archaeological Testing and Mitigation at Griffin Ranch (Commissioners
only)
Prepared by:
Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner
014
003
P.\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt tt 32879 ph 2 arahaeo Reviewed.doc
ATTACHMENT 1
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
1. Principal Planner Stan
contained in the staff re
Community Development
3wa presented the information
, a copy of which is on file in the
2. Commissioner Pu/enteomplimented the consultant on the
report and the infn in Appendix D. She suggested the
Commissioners kereport as a reference for future use.
She concurred witrecommendations.
3. Commissioner Shroved of the presentation and enjoyed
the report. He sas very well done and he had no further
comments.
4. Commissioner right said this was one of the finest reports
ever received from the standpoint of everything being there;
especially th artifacts. He concurred with the staff's
recommenda ons.
5. It was mo ed and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to opt Minute Motion 2004-030 approving the Cultural
Resource Monitoring Program as submitted. Unanimously
approve .
6. It was/moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-031 approving the
Palen tological Resources Monitoring Program as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
B. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for Griffin Ranch
Project
Applicant: Trans West Housing, Inc.
Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal)
Location: Southeast corner of Madison Street and Avenue 54.
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. Michael Hogan, Principal of CRM TECH was introduced and said
this was a fairly typical site. He stated they did the testing of
004
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 10-21-O4.doc W., 015 2
Historic Preservation Commission
October 21, 2004
the site and is in the process of doing an analysis of the
artifacts for the interim report.
3. Commissioner Puente asked what the chances of finding any
more isolets were. Mr. Hogan replied they were good and
monitoring was recommended.
4. Commissioner Sharp had no further questions and said this was
a fairly standard project.
5. Commissioner Puente asked for a definition of Contextual
Integrity. Mr. Hogan replied they take everything found is taken
in context. They look at the whole of what's been found to see
if further information can be determined. They also look at
isolates which can be historic resources.
6. Commissioner Puente asked if the local tribes had been
contacted. Commissioner Wright replied this subject is
currently under advisement. Staff commented the matter would
be taken to the Council in November.
7. Mr. Hogan said they had no problem with contacting the local
tribes as they are used to this procedure as part of the
processing of Federal projects.
8. Commissioner Wright said it was a nice thing to do.
9. Mr. Hogan said they would try to do that even for the testing.
10. Commissioner Wright said that would be great. He added he did
not have any problems with the report or its recommendations.
11. Rod Rimmer of Transwest Housing introduced himself and
asked if he would have to attend any additional Commission
meetings. Staff explained the procedures.
12. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and
Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-032 accepting the
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Ccm\HPC 10-21-04.doc 3
ATTACHMENT 2
INTERIM CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORT
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING AND MITIGATION AT
GRIFFIN RANCH
City of La Quinta
Riverside County, California
Submitted to:
Rod Grinberg
Trans West Housing, Inc.
9968 Hibert Street, Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92131
Submitted by:
Michael Hogan, Principal Investigator
Bai "Tom" Tang, Principal Investigator
Josh Smallwood, Archaeologist/Report Writer
Daniel Ballester, Archaeologist
CRM TECH
4472 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
October 21, 2004
CRM TECH Contract #1455
Ap roximately 196 Acres
USGS Indio andPLa Quinta, Calif., 7.5' Quadrangles
Section 15, T6S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian
Assessor's Parcel Nos. 767-320-001, -002, -004, and -012
Sites 33-9581 (CA-RN-7521), 33-9584 (CA-RIV-7522), 33-13753 (CA-RIV-7523),
33-13754 (CA-RIV-7524), 33-13755 (CA-RIV-7525), 33-13756 (CA-RIV-7526)
N...
011 006
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
In October 2004, at the request of Trans West Housing, Inc., CRM TECH
commenced an archaeological testing and evaluation program on six
previously recorded prehistoric—i.e., Native American —archaeological sites
in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. The study is a part of
the environmental review process for a proposed residential development
project, known as Griffin Ranch. The City of La Quinta, as Lead Agency for
the project, required the study in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's Historic Preservation
Ordinance. The project area comprises Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APNs)
767-320-001, -002, -004, and -012, on the southeast corner of Avenue 54 and
Madison Street, in the north half of Section 15, T6S R7E, San Bernardino Base
Meridian. The six sites under evaluation, CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, occur in the
western portion of the project area, exclusively within APNs 767-320-001 and
-002.
The purpose of the study is to assist the City of La Quinta in assessing the
significance of Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, and in determining whether any of
the sites meets the official definition of a "historical resource,' as provided in
CEQA. To date, CRM TECH has completed all necessary field testing
procedures at the six sites, including a re -survey of the site areas, updating
site maps, surface collection of all artifacts, and the excavation of 25 test units.
Laboratory analysis of the artifacts recovered through the field testing
procedures is currently on -going.
The field procedures conducted at Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526 yielded a
limited quantity of artifacts, including ceramic sherds, chipped stone
debitage, pieces of groundstone, small fragments of animal bone, fire -affected
clay and rock, and imported rocks. The limited number of artifacts recovered
during the testing phase suggest that these six sites have a low potential for
being significant, but the final evaluation of the sites as potential "historical
resources" cannot be reached without the results of artifact analysis.
However, if any of these six sites are deemed a "historical resource" at the
conclusion of artifact analysis, the proposed project's potential impacts will
have been partially mitigated through data recovery accomplished at the site
during the current study. In addition to the sites, an isolate was also
recovered within the project area, but is not considered a potential "historical
resource" due to the lack of contextual integrity.
As a result of the data collected during the fieldwork phase of this study, no
further archaeological excavations or other data collection field procedures
will be necessary at Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526. The analysis of recovered
artifacts, aimed at an overall interpretation of the assemblage and of the six
sites in general, is currently underway at CRM TECH's laboratory, and would
constitute the final mitigation measure required for the sites, along with the
curation of all artifacts once the analysis is completed. In the meantime, due
to the project area's sensitivity for additional subsurface cultural deposits,
archaeological monitoring is recommended during all grading and other
earth -moving activities within the project boundaries.
018 007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENTSUMMARY............................................................................................................i
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND..................................................................................................................................3
SETTING..............................................................................................................................................3
Regional Setting
3
SiteGeology.....................................................................................................................................
RESEARCHDESIGN..........................................................................................................................5
Chronology
..............6
Subsistence.......................................................................................................................................6
SettlementPatterns.........................................................................................................................6
Tradeor Travel................................................................................................................................7
Summary..........................................................................................................................................7
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: FIELDWORK...........................................................................7
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection.............................................................................7
TestUnits..........................................................................................................................................7
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: LABORATORY ANALYSIS..................................................8
Ceramics...........................................................................................................................................9
Lithics................................................................................................................................................9
Faunal..............................................................................................................................................10
Fire -affected Clay...........................................................................................................................
RESULTSAND FINDINGS.............................................................................................................10
SiteCA-RW-7521...........................................................................................................................10
SiteCA-RIV-7522...........................................................................................................................11
SiteCA-RIV-7523...........................................................................................................................11
SiteCA-RIV-7524...........................................................................................................................11
SiteCA-RIV-7525...........................................................................................................................13
SiteCA-RIV-7526...........................................................................................................................13
Isolate..............................................................................................................................................14
DISCUSSION.....................................................................................................................................14
Definition........................................................................................................................................14
Evaluations.....................................................................................................................................15
SitesCA-RIV-7521 to-7526.......................................................................................................15
Isolate..........................................................................................................................................16
PROJECTEFFECT ANALYSIS........................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................16
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS.......................................................................20
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1. Project vicinity....................................................................................................................1
Figure 2. Location of archaeological sites and isolate...................................................................2
Figure 3. Overview of the current natural setting of the project area........................................4
Figure 4. Soil stratigraphy in Unit 2 at CA-RIV-7524................................................I..................8
Figure 5. Updated sketch map of CA-RIV-7524..........................................................................12
Figure 6. Stratigraphic profile of Test Unit 2 at Site CA-RIV-7526...........................................14
ii 004
019
INTRODUCTION
In October 2004, at the request of Trans West Housing, Inc., CRM TECH commenced an
archaeological testing and evaluation program on six previously recorded prehistoric—i.e.,
Native American —archaeological sites in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County,
California (Fig. 1). The study is a part of the environmental review process for a proposed
residential development project, known as Griffin Ranch. 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). The project area comprises Assessor's Parcel Numbers
(APNs) 767-320-001, -002, -004, and -012, on the southeast comer of Avenue 54 and
Madison Street, in the north half of Section 15, T6S R7E, San Bernardino Base Meridian
(Fig. 2). The six sites under evaluation, CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, occur in the western portion
of the project area (Fig. 2), exclusively within APNs 767-320-001 and -002.
CRM TECH performed the present study to assist the City of La Quinta in assessing the
significance of Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, and in determining whether any of the sites
meets the official definition of a "historical resource;' as provided in CEQA. To date, CRM
TECH has completed all necessary field testing procedures at the six sites, including a re-
survey of the site areas, updating site maps, surface collection of all artifacts, and the
excavation of 25 test units. Laboratory analysis of the artifacts recovered through the field
testing procedures is currently on -going.
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Figure 2. Location of archaeological sites and isolate identified within the project boundaries.
2 0._ I C. i, 1 01 n
BACKGROUND
Between July and August 2004, CRM TECH conducted a Phase I historical/archaeological
survey on the current project area, which resulted in the identification of six archaeological
sites, CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, and five isolates within the boundaries of the subject property
(Hogan et al. 2004). All six sites were prehistoric in nature, consisting of light ceramic
scatters interspersed with some groundstone fragments and chipped stone pieces. The
isolates consisted of fewer than three items including ceramic sherds and chipped stone
pieces, and by definition they do not qualify as archaeological sites due to the lack of
contextual integrity. As such, they do not constitute potential "historical resources" and
require no further investigation.
Because the horizontal and vertical extent of Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, and thus their
historical significance, could not be ascertained without further archaeological excavations,
a testing and evaluation program was recommended for these sites. In October, 2004, CRM
TECH completed the field procedures for the testing program at each of the sites. During
the field procedures, an additional prehistoric isolate, comprising three ceramic sherds that
appeared to be from the same vessel, was found and included in the scope of the testing
and evaluation program. The following report presents the results of the field procedures
at the locations of the six prehistoric archaeological sites and one newly recorded isolate
situated in the project area.
SETTING
REGIONAL SETTING
The project area is situated in the Coachella Valley, a part of the Colorado Desert, at an
elevation ranging between 10 and 30 feet below mean sea level. The project area and its
environs are marked by extremes in temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the area top
120 degrees in summer and dip to near freezing in winter. Average annual precipitation is
less than five inches and average annual evaporation rates exceed three feet.
The Coachella Valley occupies the northwestern portion of the Colorado Desert
Geomorphic province. The Colorado Desert province is bounded on the southwest by the
Peninsular Ranges province, on the north by the eastern Transverse Ranges province, and
on the northeast by the southern portion of the Mojave Desert province (Jenkins 1980: 40-
41). The province widens to the southeast through the Imperial Valley and into Mexico.
Elevations within the Colorado Desert tend to be low, while those of the bounding
provinces can be quite high. This configuration has made for local to regional rapid filling
of the basin, especially along its margins, with coarse sediments.
One of the major features to be found within the Colorado Desert is the Salton Trough, a
290-km (180-mile) long structural depression containing the present day Salton Sea. This
depression extends from the San Gorgonio 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 Basin" is used to describe that portion of the area that drains directly into the Salton
3 022 (111.
Sea. The Salton Sea, therefore, occupies the Salton Basin portion of the Salton Trough.
Ancient 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). Thus, the current project area,
located between 10 and 30 feet below mean sea level, was under water when ancient Lake
Cahuilla was at a high stand.
The project area is bounded on the north by Avenue 54 and on the west by Madison Street.
Its eastern and southern boundaries are defined by residential development. Several dirt
roads crisscross throughout the project area. The physical landscape of the project area
itself differs markedly from west to east and north to south, with five areas distinctly
divided by rows of tamarisk trees (Fig. 3).
The northwest quarter of the project area, where Sites CA-RIV-7521, -7522, and - 7523 are
situated, retains much of its natural state, consisting of several sand dunes and native
Figure 3. Overview of the current natural setting of the project area. Clockwise from top left: Tamarisk trees
found in rows throughout the property; native landscape in the northwest quarter, agricultural field in
the central portion of property; horse track found in the northeast (Photos taken during the field survey
in August, 2004)
vegetation (Fig. 3). The vegetation in this area includes mesquite, saltbush, rabbi tbrush,
tamarisk trees, and small desert shrubs and grasses. The southwest quarter, where Sites
CA-RIV-7524, -7525, and -7526 are located, appears to have been used in the past for
agricultural purposes as evidenced by the remains of concrete standpipes and irrigation
features. The sparse vegetation in this area is identified as cottonwood and tamarisk trees
as well as some desert shrubs and grasses.
An agricultural field occupies most of the central portion of the project area (Fig. 3) while a
small mesquite dune is present in the southwest corner of this area. Like the northwest
quarter of the property, the southeast portion retains its natural landscape, which exhibits a
sand dune and several species of desert plants such as mesquite, saltbush, rabbitbrush, and
small grasses and shrubs. Finally, the northeast quarter contains a horse track (Fig. 3) as
well as agricultural fields. A modern shed is situated just north of the horse track.
SITE GEOLOGY
The geology of the area is mapped by Rogers (1965) as Ql-Qal, or Quaternary lake deposits
and Recent alluvium. Dibblee (1953:Plate 2) mapped the area geology as Qal, or Recent
alluvial -fan, flood -plain, swamp, lake, and sand dune deposits. Surface soils in the project
area are mapped mainly as GbA, CpA, and MaB (Knecht 1980:Sheet 12). The GbA soils are
defined as Gilman fine sandy loam, 0-2 percent slopes (Knecht 1980:17). The CpA
represents Coachella fine sand, 0-2 percent slopes (ibid.:16), and the MaB soils are identified
as Myoma fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (ibid.:23).
RESEARCH DESIGN
An archaeological investigation must be guided by a thoughtful research design in order to
contribute new insights to current knowledge and theory within the discipline of
Anthropology. The guidelines set forth for the recovery of scientific data will yield new
clues to past lifeways and help support or refute current theories that are embroiled in
debates. A carefully planned design will also contribute to the advancement of the field by
not only building on previous work but also laying the groundwork for future studies.
A standard set of research questions can be applied to almost any archaeological
investigation; however, the specifics of each case require refinement and focus of the
general research questions. General questions that guide an investigation include (1)
chronology: the age and duration of site occupation; (2) subsistence: the daily diet and
range of natural resources that were hunted, collected, and consumed; (3) settlement
patterns: whether the site was a temporary or permanent, large or small settlement; and (4)
trade or travel: the evidence for exchange with outside groups based on the presence or
absence of exotic items in the archaeological record.
The six sites studied during the current investigation are particularly interesting due to
their location in association with ancient Lake Cahuilla. When the ancient lake was at its
highest level, the sites that are the focus of this study would have been under water.
However, in times of lake in -filling or when the water level was receding, the sites would
have been, at times, near the shoreline.
5 024 0t3
CHRONOLOGY
The age of Native settlements along the north shore of ancient Lake Cahuilla, at an
elevation of 42 feet above sea level, is correlated to the history of the lake itself. The lake
has come and gone a number of times during the last millennium and, until recently, the
last high stand of the lake was thought to have occurred in the 1500s, with its final
recession leaving the valley dry by around 1600 (Schaefer 1994:67). New information
gathered within just the last decade reveals yet another full in -filling of the lake in the
1600s, with a high stand at the 42-foot elevation around A.D. 1650-1680 (Laylander 1997:68,
96; Rockwell 1995;1997). Sites below the 42-foot contour line, as is the case of the six sites
located within the current study area, could be related to activities along the receding
shoreline, or may have been occupied after the lake had completely disappeared..
Besides the question of settlement during the most recent high stand, there are many
unanswered questions regarding older time periods. During each in -filling of the lake, it
must be assumed Native peoples took advantage of the rich plant and animal resources
found along its shoreline. Are there records of these earlier visits by the ancestors of
today's Cahuilla people in the form of older, buried archaeological deposits?
SUBSISTENCE
The earliest major study of Cahuilla diet based on the archaeological record is Wilke's
doctoral dissertation on animal and plant remains extracted from ancient Indian fecal
remains in the sand dunes of Myoma and vicinity (Wilke 1976). Since then dozens of
archaeological studies have analyzed animal bone remains from numerous sites in the La
Quinta region and Cahuilla exploitation of lacustrine resources (particularly in the form of
freshwater fish, water fowl, and small land mammals) is well documented. Current
research is no longer asking whether or not the Indians were using the lake's resources —it
is now well established that they were. Today's questions are more refined. For the
current project, what kind of subsistence strategies were employed at Sites CA-RIV-7521 to
-7526, when the lake had receded to elevations of 10-30 feet below sea level, or even when it
was dry?
SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
The question of year-round "village" occupation vs. temporary campsites on the north
shore of Lake Cahuilla has been debated since the 1970s (reviewed in Schaefer 1994:68 et
seq.). Recent large-scale excavations and data recovery programs tend to support the
temporary camp hypothesis. Evidence of temporary camps come from finds such as light
surface scatters of ceramics and fire -affected rock, little or no midden, no multiple
cremations or evidence of cemeteries, no features or site "furniture" suggesting
permanence, and a dearth of ceremonial objects that would occur at villages where large
gatherings would take place for ritual purposes (Love et al.1996). A re -analysis of Wilke's
original data, using statistical modeling, also supports the temporary camp hypothesis
(Sutton 1998). The six archaeological sites located within the current study area ;may
provide an opportunity to explore the issue of settlement patterns along the receding
shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Will the new data support the temporary camp
hypothesis?
6 025 01.4
TRADE OR TRAVEL
Evidence of trading or travelling is usually found archaeologically in the form of exotic
goods, materials, or items whose origin is some distance away. Stone materials are the
most commonly cited evidence for such external contacts. Did any of the artifacts
recovered during the current study enter the region through trade, or had members of the
group traveled to far away places? Careful identification of stone types can partially
address this question, although one must remember that members of the group could have
used perishable exotic goods that do not last in the archaeological record and that would be
undetectable by present-day research.
SUMMARY
The foregoing research design will guide the archaeological investigations at Sites CA-RIV-
7521 to -7526. The information gathered during this study will prove to be invaluable in
furthering our knowledge of ancient people's habitation activities in the Coachella Valley,
but specifically in areas at a lower elevation than the old shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla,
if it can address some of these research issues.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: FIELDWORK
Field procedures for the testing phase of the study were completed on October 12-15, 2004,
by CRM TECH field director Daniel Ballester (see App.1 for qualifications) and :field crew
members Michael Lozano, Lisa Hunt, Tom Melzer, Nina Gallardo, Julie Toenjes, Matthew
Wetherbee, John J. Eddy, and Salvador Boites. A variety of recovery methods were used to
collect data from Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, including a systematic re -survey, site
mapping, surface collections, and test units.
RE -SURVEY, MAPPING, AND SURFACE COLLECTION
The site sketch maps drawn for Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526 during the survey phase for the
proposed project (Hogan et al. 2004) were used to locate the artifacts at the commencement
of the testing program. An intensive -level re -survey of the site and the surrounding area
was then conducted. When artifacts were encountered, they were marked with pin flags
and mapped onto the site sketch map. The information gleaned from the re -survey was
used to decide if new site boundaries needed to be established and to determine the
placement of test units (see below). All surface artifacts were mapped prior to being
collected. As the artifacts were collected, they were put into bags and labeled with
pertinent information, including site number and artifact type. The bags were later taken
to the lab for sorting, counting, and cataloguing.
TEST UNITS
Shovel -dug test units were excavated to explore the subsurface content at each of the sites.
Test units serve to explore the subsurface contents of archaeological sites and to identify
the stratigraphic layers of soil below the surface of the site (Fig. 4). A total of 25 test units,
each measuring lx1 meter, were excavated during the archaeological field investigation.
7 026 015
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Figure 4. An example of a deep test unit showing soil stratigraphy (Unit 2 at CA-RIV-7524) (Photo taken on
October 15, 2004; view to the west)
Each unit was dug in 10-cm (ca. 4-in) levels, with all material dry -screened through 1/8-
inch hardware mesh. Artifacts and other cultural materials recovered from each level were
bagged and labeled prior to proceeding with the next level.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES: LABORATORY ANALYSIS
All artifacts recovered from the field work were taken to the CRM TECH laboratory for
cleaning, sorting, counting, and cataloguing. Each artifact was sorted into the basic
categories of ceramics, chipped stone, groundstone, faunal, fire -affected clay, fire -affected
rock, and imported rock. Each category of prehistoric artifact, except for faunal, will be
analyzed by Harry M. Quinn (see App.1 for qualifications). The faunal analysis will be
conducted by CRM TECH archaeologists Matthew Wetherbee and Adrian Sanchez Moreno
(see App.1 for qualifications). The following sections outline the methods that will be
followed for the artifact analysis.
027 0-'
CERAMICS
For the purpose of ceramic analysis, all pottery sherds in the artifact assemblage will be
categorized into two clay types, sedimentary clay and residual clay. Mountain clay sources
typically consist of residual clays that, when used to make pottery, produces ceramics
referred to as brownware. Clays derived from the ancient Lake Cahuilla lakebed .are
sedimentary, that when used to make pottery, produces ceramics referred to as buffware.
Each sherd will be examined using a 10X hand lens to determine clay and temper types,
and then each will be typed into functional classes such as water jar, storage vessel,
cooking pot, and bowl. These classifications are based on sherd thickness, shape,
curvature, stain, and temper. Cooking pots are distinguishable from other vessels by
having thicker walls, the coarsest paste, larger temper, and burned surfaces. Large temper
combined with thick walls helped prevent breakage of the vessel as it was heated over
cooking fires. Storage vessels generally have medium thickness and mid -sized temper.
These vessels frequently have wide bodies and narrow mouths. Water vessels are thin
with very fine temper. The principal reason for the thinness of the vessel walls was to
reduce weight for carrying purposes.
LITHICS
The analysis of chipped stone debitage, groundstone, and rocks will include identification
of material type, e.g., quartz, granite, and schist. Material classification can yield
information about geographical sources for stone used by Native Americans, as well as
trading/travel behavior. Chipped stone will also be classified on the basis of production
stage and technology, i.e., whether the flake was produced by percussion or pressure
technology and at what stage of reduction the flake was produced. Larger flakes with
original cortex usually represent earlier stages of reduction while much smaller flakes are
generally produced in the final stages of tool production or the resharpening of used tools.
Groundstone fragments will be inspected for intensity and patterns of use. A
determination will be made regarding the type of groundstone represented (e.g., mano,
metate, or pestle). All lithic materials, including fire -affected rocks and imported rocks,
will be identified regarding type and source. The purpose of this analysis aids in the
determination of the source of the rock and the activities that were occurring at the site.
FAUNAL
The identification of each animal bone specimen will be made to the most discrete
taxonomic level possible. Thus, faunal elements with sufficient distinguishing features will
be classified to a more detailed taxonomic level than those lacking such features. Bones
lacking discrete morphological features will be sorted into broad size categories by class.
Size categories are defined as follows: for mammals, large represents deer size or greater,
medium represents smaller than deer but larger than jackrabbit, and small represents
jackrabbit or smaller; for birds, large represents goose size or greater, medium represents
ducks to roadrunners, and small represents jays or smaller.
For each discretely identifiable bone, a series of data will be recorded including catalog
number, complete provenience and screen size information, skeletal element, part of
9 028 0.17
element, side, age, and modification. Data will also be recorded regarding modification of
bone specimens including evidence of burning, cut marks, gnaw marks, and indications of
tool or other artifact manufacture. The bone will be counted and weighed to the nearest
0.01 g using electronic scales. Archival quality paper tags with the above information will
be included in each individual bag of analyzed bone specimens. Findings will be
organized systematically by vertebrate Class and Order.
FIRE -AFFECTED CLAY
In the Coachella Valley, the ancient Lake Cahuilla lakebed sedimentary clays were often
used for a multitude of purposes, such as in the construction of hearths, granaries, and
dwellings. The presence of fire -affected clay at a site suggests that some of these activities
were occurring at the location. The fire -affected clay pieces will be examined using a 1OX
hand lens and subdivided into one of three possible types normally found at prehistoric
archaeological sites in the Coachella Valley:1) a massive, blocky type; 2) a thin bedded,
platy type; and 3) an irregular, vuggy type.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
The following sections present the results of the fieldwork conducted during the testing
phase of the current investigation.
SITE CA-RIV-7521
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7521 found additional surface artifacts, including three
ceramic sherds, that were not observed during the previous survey. The site boundaries
for CA-RIV-7521 were updated to include these artifacts. The site now measures
approximately 115 meters north -south and 30 meters east -west. A total of 20 prehistoric
ceramic sherds and pieces of fire -affected clay were recovered from the surface of Site
CA-RIV-7521.
Test Units
A total of three test units were excavated at the site. The test units were excavated to
depths between 20 and 90 cm. Sixteen additional artifacts, including seven cerarnic sherds,
eight pieces of fire -affected clay, and one small fragment of animal bone, were recovered
during the test excavations at Site CA-RIV-7521. Observations of the stratigraphy in the
units revealed that the soil at the site had been mechanically disturbed in the past as part of
agricultural activities on the parcel. Another of the test units revealed lakebed sediments at
a depth of about 80 cm below the surface. Non-artifactual freshwater gastropod shells,
including Physa sp., Tryonia sp., Gyraulus sp., and freshwater mussel, Anodonta sp., from
ancient Lake Cahuilla were evident on the surface and throughout the units, but not
collected.
10 029 018
SITE CA-RIV-7522
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7522 found additional surface artifacts, including ceramic
sherds and chipped stone debitage, that were not observed during the previous survey.
The site boundaries for CA-RIV-7522 were updated to include these artifacts. The site now
measures approximately 80 meters north -south and 35 meters east -west. A total of 10
prehistoric ceramic sherds and one piece of chipped stone were recovered from the surface
of Site CA-RIV-7522.
Test Units
A total of five test units were excavated at the site. The test units were excavated to depths
between 30 and 100 cm. Seventy-one additional artifacts, including 15 ceramic sherds, nine
pieces of fire -affected clay, and 47 fragments of animal bone, were recovered during the
test excavations at Site CA-RIV-7522. Non-artifactual freshwater gastropod shells,
including Physa sp., Tryonia sp., and freshwater mussel, Anodonta sp., from ancient Lake
Cahuilla were evident on the surface and throughout the units, but not collected.
SITE CA-RIV-7523
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7523 found a few additional ceramic sherds within the
existing site boundaries that were not observed during the previous survey. The site now
measures approximately 65 meters east -west and 35 meters north -south. A total of 20
artifacts, including 17 ceramic sherds, two pieces of imported rock, and one fragment of
animal bone were recovered from the surface of Site CA-RIV-7523.
Test Units
A total of six test units were excavated at the site. The test units were excavated to depths
between 20 and 100 cm. Eighty additional artifacts, including 40 ceramic sherds,, one piece
of fire -affected clay, and 33 fragments of animal bone, four pieces of chipped stone, and
two pieces of imported rock were recovered during the test excavations at Site CA-RIV-
7523. Non-artifactual freshwater gastropod shells, including Physa sp., Tryonia sp., and
freshwater mussel, Anodonta sp., from ancient Lake Cahuilla were evident on the surface
and throughout the units, but not collected.
SITE CA-RIV-7524
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7524 found additional surface artifacts, including ceramic
sherds and two fragments of groundstone tools, that were not observed during the
previous survey. The site boundaries for CA-RIV-7524 were updated, and changed only
slightly along the eastern edge to include some of these artifacts (Fig. 5). The site now
measures approximately 120 meters northeast -southwest and 55 meters northeast -
southwest. A total of 22 items, including eight groundstone fragments, nine ceramic
sherds, two pieces of chipped stone, and three pieces of fire -affected rock were recovered
from the surface of Site CA-RIV-7524.
11 ,... 0
30 019
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❑ Test Unit (not to scale)
Figure 5. Updated sketch map of CA-RIV-7524 showing new site boundary as well as the location of artifacts
and test units.
020
12 031
Test Units
A total of five test units were excavated at the site (Fig. 5). The test units were excavated to
depths between 20 and 100 cm. Two additional artifacts, including one piece of chipped
stone and one piece of fire -affected rock were recovered during the test excavations at Site
CA-RIV-7524. Observations of the stratigraphy in the units revealed that at least 30 cm of
the topsoil at the site had been mechanically disturbed in the past as part of agricultural
activities on the parcel. Non-artifactual freshwater gastropod shells, including Physa sp.,
Tryonia sp., and freshwater mussel, Anodonta sp., from ancient Lake Cahuilla were evident
on the surface and throughout the units, but not collected.
SITE CA-RIV-7525
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7525 did not find any additional surface artifacts. The site
measures approximately 13 meters east -west and 11 meters north -south. A total of five
items, including four ceramic sherds and one imported rock were recovered frorn the
surface of Site CA-RIV-7525.
Test Units
A total of two test units were excavated at the site. The test units were excavated to depths
of 20 and 100 cm. No additional artifacts were recovered during the test excavations at Site
CA-RIV-7525. Observations of the stratigraphy in the units revealed that at least 30 cm of
the topsoil at the site had been mechanically disturbed in the past as part of agricultural
activities on the parcel. Non-artifactual freshwater gastropod shells, including Aysa sp.,
Tryonia sp., and freshwater mussel, Anodonta sp., from ancient Lake Cahuilla were evident
on the surface and throughout the units, but not collected.
SITE CA-RIV-7526
Re -survey, Mapping, and Surface Collection
The re -survey of Site CA-RIV-7526 found additional ceramic sherds on the surface that
were not observed during the previous survey. The site now measures approximately 80
meters east -west and 35 meters north -south. The site boundaries for CA-RIV-7526 were
updated, and changed only slightly to include these additional artifacts. A total of 15
items, including 13 ceramic sherds, one piece of chipped stone, and one piece of fire -
affected rock were recovered from the surface of Site CA-RIV-7526.
Test Units
A total of five test units were excavated at the site. Four of the test units were excavated to
a depth of 20 cm and a fifth unit was excavated to 100 cm. Four additional artifacts,
including three ceramic sherds and one piece of imported rock were recovered during the
test excavations at Site CA-RIV-7526. Observations of the stratigraphy in the units revealed
that at least 30 cm of the topsoil at the site had been mechanically disturbed in the past as
13 032 021.
,...
part of agricultural activities on the parcel
(Fig. 6). Non-artifactual freshwater
gastropod shells, including Physa sp.,
Tryonia sp., and freshwater mussel, Anodonta
sp., from ancient Lake Cahuilla were
evident on the surface and throughout the
units, but not collected.
ISOLATE
The prehistoric isolate recorded in the
project area during the current investigation
(Fig. 2) consisted of three ceramic sherds
within 30 cm of each other that appeared to
be from the same vessel. A test unit
excavated at the location recovered two
additional sherds below the surface. These
two additional sherds also appear to be
from the same vessel, constituting fragments
of a single artifact.
DISCUSSION
CA-RIV-7526
South Wall Profile
Unit l2
Very boss, disturbed Wow sand, oontaaa scettemd sheen:
Firegmirwd sitly wW. bole rrecR ,waN dlslw ,
eprsains scattered SW>
Firer gmired spry sand, very thin me l shUWm wall sorted.
compact and fewer shall
Clearly detsled sal bouts ry
VgMr pWOf sal boundary
Figure 6. Stratigraphic profile of Test Unit 2 at CA -
Based on the research results discussed RIV-7526.
above, the following sections present CRM
TECH's conclusion on whether the six
archaeological sites within the project area, CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, meet the official
definitions of "historical resources," as provided in the California Public Resources Code, in
particular CEQA.
DEFINITION
According to PRC §5020.1(j), "'historical resource' includes, but is not limited to, any object,
building, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which is historically or archaeologically
significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic,
agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California." 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 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:
(1) 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.
14 w.033 022
(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 of
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 property 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
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 a 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. (LQMC §7.06.020)
Pursuant to these State and City guidelines, Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526 are evaluated for
historical, scientific, and ethno-cultural significance against the criteria listed above,
especially Criterion 4 for the California Register and Criterion D for the City's historic
resources inventory, which apply specifically to archaeological sites. The results of the
evaluation are discussed below.
EVALUATIONS
Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526
The surface manifestation at each of the six sites that were tested during the current study,
CA-RIV-7521 to -7526, comprises relatively few artifacts. The items include a light scatter
of ceramic sherds, a few groundstone tool fragments, a small quantity of chipped stone
debitage, small pieces of animal bone, fire -affected clay, fire -affected rock, and imported
rocks. Observations of the stratigraphy in the units at Sites CA-RIV-7124, -7125, and 7126
revealed that the soil at these locations had been plowed to a depth of at least 30 cm in the
past as part of agricultural activities. Subsurface excavations at each of the six sites
recovered only a limited amount of additional artifacts. The low number of artifacts and
the presence of ceramics within the recovered artifact assemblage would suggest: that these
15 023
sites are temporary campsites from the Late Prehistoric period. The sites apparently were
occupied after ancient Lake Cahuilla had completely disappeared.
Analysis of the ceramic sherds, pieces of chipped stone, and the animal bone fragments
may reveal some information regarding prehistoric diet, and uses and manufacturing
techniques of ceramic vessels and chipped stone tools in Cahuilla society. However, based
on the low quantity of artifacts and their limited ability to provide new or useful
information about prehistoric lifeways in the La Quinta area, Sites CA-RW-7521 to -7526
have a very low potential to qualify as "historical resources" under CEQA guidelines. The
final evaluation of the six sites, however, remains to be ascertained after the artifacts have
been analyzed.
Isolate
The prehistoric isolate discovered during this study consists of five ceramic sherds
apparently from the same vessel, representing fragments of a single artifact. Such isolates,
or sites with fewer than three artifacts, by definition do not qualify as archaeological sites
due to the lack of contextual integrity. As such, they do not constitute potential "historical
resources," and require no further consideration.
PROJECT EFFECT ANALYSIS
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."
As stated above, Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526 have a very low potential to qualify as
significant cultural resources. However, the final evaluations and qualifications as
"historical resources" cannot be fully determined without the results of the laboratory
analysis of the artifacts recovered. If, at the conclusion of artifact analysis, any of the six
sites are deemed a "historical resource," mitigation of project effects will be concluded with
the completion of laboratory analysis and curation of all artifacts as well as the submittal of
a final report to document the results of the artifact analysis and overall interpretation of
the sites. As a result of the extensive amount of data collected during the fieldwork phase
of this study, no further archaeological excavations or other data collection procedures will
be necessary at Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526. The analysis of recovered artifacts, aimed at an
overall interpretation of the assemblage, and the six sites in general, is currently underway
at CRM TECH's laboratory, and would constitute the final mitigation measure required for
the sites, along with the curation of all artifacts once the analysis is completed.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of the findings from field procedures completed to date and the preliminary
conclusions discussed above, CRM TECH presents the following recommendations to the
City of La Quinta, Lead Agency for the proposed project:
16 035 024
The limited number of artifacts recovered during the testing phase suggest that Sites
CA-RIV-7521 to -7526 have a low potential for being significant, but the final evaluation
of the sites as potential "historical resources" cannot be fully determined until
laboratory analysis of all artifacts recovered during the field procedures is cornpleted.
If any of these six sites are deemed significant, the proposed project's potential impacts
will have been partially mitigated through data recovery accomplished during; the
current study and the mitigation process will be concluded with the completion of
laboratory analysis and curation of all artifacts as well as the submittal of a final report
to document the overall interpretation of the sites.
No further archaeological excavations or other data collection field procedures will be
necessary at Sites CA-RIV-7521 to -7526. In the meantime, due to the project area's
sensitivity for subsurface cultural deposits, archaeological monitoring is recommended
during all grading and other earth -moving activities within the project boundaries.
17 W.. 036 025
REFERENCES
Dibblee, T. W., Jr.
1954 Geology of the Imperial Valley Region, California. In Geology of Southern
California; edited by R. H. Jahns, pp. 21-28. California Division of Mines Bulletin 170,
Part 2. Sacramento.
Hogan, Michael, Bai "Tom" Tang, Mariam Dandul, and Daniel Ballester
2004 Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report: Griffin Ranch Project, City
of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. Report on file at the Eastern Information
Center, University of California, Riverside.
Jenkins, Olaf P.
1980 Geomorphic Provinces Map of California. In California Geology 32 (2): 40-41.
California Division of Mines and Geology Publication, Sacramento.
Knecht, Arnold A.
1980 Soil Survey of Riverside County, California: Coachella Area. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Map Sheet No. 11; pp. 15-18, 20-24.
Laylander, Don
1997 The Last Days of Lake Cahuilla: The Elmore Site. Pacific Coast Archaeological
Society Quarterly 33(1/2):1-138.
Love, Bruce
1996 Archaeology on the North Shoreline of Ancient Lake Cahuilla: Final Results from
Survey, Testing, and Mitigation -Monitoring. Manuscript report on file (MF# 4159),
Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside.
Love, Bruce, Harry M. Quinn, Thomas A. Wake, and Michael Hogan
2000 Final Report on Archaeological Testing at Site CA-RIV-2936, Hotel 111 Project,
Highway 111 and Adams Street, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California.
Report on file, Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside.
Proctor, Richard J.
1968 Geology of the Desert Hot Springs -Upper Coachella Valley Areas, California. California
Division of Mines and Geology Special Report 94. San Francisco, California.
Rockwell, Thomas K
1995 Unpublished lecture given at the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society.
1997 Personal communication with the authors.
Rogers, Thomas H.
1965 Geologic Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet. California Division of Mines and
Geology. Sacramento, California.
Schaefer, Jerry
1994 The Challenge of Archaeological Research in the Colorado Desert: Recent
Approaches and Discoveries. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology 16(1):60-
80
Sutton, Mark Q.
1998 Cluster Analysis of Paleofecal Data Sets: A Test of Late Prehistoric Settlement
and Subsistence Patterns in the Northern Coachella Valley, California. American
Antiquity 63(1):86-107.
USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1972 Map: Indio, 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. (75,1:24,000);1959 edition photorevised in 1978.
18 ,,... 03 7 026
Waters, Michael R.
1983 Late Holocene Lacustrine Chronology and Archaeology of Ancient Lake
Cahuilla. Quaternary Research 19:373-387.
Wilke, Philip J.
1976 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Riverside.
1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
Contributions of the University of California Archaeological Research Facility No. 38.
University of California, Berkeley.
19I._038 1027
APPENDIX 1:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/ARCHAEOLOGIST
Michael Hogan, Ph.D., RPA
Education
1991 Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Riverside.
1981 B.S., Anthropology, University of California, Riverside; with honors.
1980-1981 Education Abroad Program, Lima, Peru.
2002 Section 106—National Historic Preservation Act: Federal Law at the Local
Level. UCLA Extension Course #888.
2002 'Recognizing Historic Artifacts," workshop presented by Richard Norwood,
Historical Archaeologist.
2002 "Wending Your Way through the Regulatory Maze," symposium presented
by the Association of Environmental Professionals.
1992 "Southern California Ceramics Workshop," presented by Jerry Schaefer.
1992 "Historic Artifact Workshop," presented by Anne Duffield -Stoll.
Professional Experience
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
1999-2002 Project Archaeologist/Field Director, CRM TECH, Riverside.
1996-1998 Project Director and Ethnographer, Statistical Research, Inc., Redlands.
1992-1998 Assistant Research Anthropologist, University of California, Riverside
1992-1995 Project Director, Archaeological Research Unit, U. C. Riverside.
1993-1994 Adjunct Professor, Riverside Community College, Mt. San Jacinto College,
UC Riverside, Chapman University, and San Bernardino Valley College.
1991-1992 Crew Chief, Archaeological Research Unit, U. C. Riverside.
1984-1998 Archaeological Technician, Field Director, and Project Director for various
southern California cultural resources management firms.
Research Interests
Cultural Resource Management, Southern Californian Archaeology, Settlement and
Exchange Patterns, Specialization and Stratification, Culture Change, Native American
Culture, Cultural Diversity.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Author and co-author of, contributor to, and principal investigator for numerous cultural
resources management study reports since 1986.
Memberships
Register of Professional Archaeologists, Society for American Archaeology, Society for
California Archaeology, Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, Coachella Valley
Archaeological Society.
20 039 028
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/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
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
1993-2002 Project Historian/Architectural Historian, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
1993-1997 Project Historian, Greenwood and Associates, Pacific Palisades, California.
1991-1993 Project Historian, Archaeological Research Unit, UC Riverside.
1990 Intern Researcher, California State Office of Historic Preservation,
Sacramento.
1990-1992 Teaching Assistant, History of Modern World, UC Riverside.
1988-1993 Research Assistant, American Social History, UC Riverside.
1985-1988 Research Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University.
1985-1986 Teaching Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University.
1982-1985 Lecturer, History, 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, Xi'an, China.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Preliminary Analyses and Recommendations Regarding California's Cultural Resources
Inventory System (With Special Reference to Condition 14 of NPS 1990 Program Review
Report). California State Office of Historic Preservation working paper, Sacramento,
September 1990.
Numerous cultural resources management reports with the Archaeological Research Unit,
Greenwood and Associates, and CRM TECH, since October 1991.
Membership
California Preservation Foundation.
21 OP9
�.. 040
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST/REPORT WRITER
Josh Smallwood, B.A.
Education
1998 B.A., Anthropology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
1997 Archaeological Field School, Fort Ross Historic District, Fort Ross, CA.
1997 Archaeological Field School, Test and Mitigation Projects, Eureka, CA.
1996 Archaeological Field School, Mad River Watershed Surveys, Blue Lake, CA.
1994 A.A., Anthropology, Palomar College, San Marcos, CA.
1993 Archaeological Field School, San Pasqual Battlefield, San Pascual, CA.
Archaeological Field School, Asistencia Las Flores, Camp Pendleton, CA.
1992 Archaeological Field School, Palomar College Campus Late Prehistoric Sites,
San Marcos, CA.
2002 "Historical Archaeology Workshop," presented by Richard Norwood, Base
Archaeologist, Edwards Air Force Base.
2001 "CEQA and Section 106 Basics," presented by Richard Carrico, Principal
Investigator, Mooney & Associates, San Diego.
2001 "OSHA Safety Training for Construction Monitors," presented by OSHA and
City of San Diego.
2000 "HABS/HAER Recording Methods for Historic Structures," presented by
Robert Case, Historic Archaeologist, Mooney & Associates, San Diego.
1998 "Unexploded Ordinance Training," presented by EOD officers, Fort Irwin
Army Training Facility, Barstow.
1997 "Obsidian Sourcing through Characterization," presented by Thomas Origer,
Sonoma State University.
1994- Extensive study of lithic resource procurement strategies, reduction
technology, tool manufacture, and reproduction.
Professional Experience
2002- Project Archaeologist/Report Writer, CRM TECH, Riverside, CA.
• Archaeological field work; historic -period building surveys; historic -
period artifact, marine shell, and lithic analysis; historical background
research based on published literature, historic maps, oral interviews, and
archival records.
2001-2002 Associate Archaeologist, Tierra Environmental, San Diego, CA.
• Field work; report writer; marine shell, lithic, and historic -period artifact
analysis.
1998-2002 Archaeologist, A.S.M. Affiliates, Encinitas, CA.
• Survey, testing, data recovery, monitoring, and core sample projects for
large public utility and military contracts; marine shell and lithic analysis.
1997-2000 Archaeologist for several environmental/planning consultants, Department
of Defense subcontractors, and Humboldt State University/Bureau of Land
Management cooperative projects; crew chief/member for survey, testing,
data recovery, and monitoring projects; marine shell, lithic, and historic -
period artifact analyst.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Co-author of and contributor to numerous CEQA and Section 106 study reports since 1997.
22 041 030
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Harry M. Quinn, M.S.
Education
1978 Certificate in Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles.
1968 M.S., Geology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
1964 B.S., Geology, Long Beach State College, Long Beach.
1962 A.A., Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington.
2001 "The Art and Science of Flintknapping," presented by Jeanne D. Binning, Zzyzx.
1999 "Certified Local Government Preservation Commission, Board, and Staff Training Program,"
presented by the California Preservation Foundation, Long Beach and Palm Springs.
1998 "Historic Archaeology Workshop," presented by Richard Norwood, Torres -Martinez Indian
Reservation.
1997 'Native American Archaeology," presented by Russell Kaldenberg, College of the Desert,
Palm Desert.
1996-1998 'Project Archaeology," presented by BLM and DOE, North Palm Springs.
1996 "Mojave Desert Heritage Interagency Workshop," Palm Springs,.
1996 "Cultural Resources and CEQA: Your Responsibility," presented by the Association of
Environmental Professionals, Hemet.
1991 "Ceramic Workshop," presented by Dr. Jerry Schaefer, Palm Springs.
1990 "Introduction to Coachella Valley Archaeology," presented by Anne Duffield, Palm Desert.
1989 'Prehistoric Rock Art and Archaeology of the Southern California Deserts," presented by
Anne Duffield, UC Riverside Extension, Palm Springs.
Professional Experience
1998- Project Archaeologist/Field Director, CRM TECH, Riverside.
1994-1996 Environmental Geologist, E.C.E.S., Inc., Redlands.
1992-1998 Independent Geological/Archaeological/Environmental Consultant, Pinyon Pines.
1988-1992 Project Geologist/Director of Environmental Services, STE Associates/Soil and
Testing Engineers, San Bernardino.
1966-1988 Geologist/Senior Geologist, Texaco, Inc., Los Angeles; Tenneco Oil Exploration and
Production, Englewood, Colorado; Loco Exploration, Inc., Aurora, Colorado, Jirsa
Environmental Services, Norco.
Memberships
Society for American Archaeology; Society for California Archaeology; Archaeological Survey
Association of Southern California; Coachella Valley Archaeological Society (President, 1993-1994,
2000. Vice President, 1992, 1995-1999, 2001; Basic Archaeology Training Course Instructor, 1996-
2000; Environmental Assessment Committee Chair, 1997-1999); Coachella Valley Historical Society;
Malki Museum; Southwest Museum; El Paso Archaeological Society; Ohio Archaeological Society;
West Virginia Archaeological Society; Museum of the Fur Trade; Cahokia Mounds Association.
Publications in Archaeology and History
More than 55 articles in the publications of the Southwest Museum, the American Rock Art
Research Association, The Colorado Archaeological Society, the Utah Rock Art Research
Association, the Coachella Valley Archaeological Society, Anza Valley Outlook, and the Coachella
Valley Historical Society. Co-author of more than 100 cultural resource management reports.
23 042 031
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.
2002 "Historic Archaeology Workshop," presented by Richard Norwood, Base
Archaeologist, Edwards Air Force Base; presented at CRM TECH, Riverside.
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, Marine
Corp Air Station, Camp Pendleton.
1998 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, Otay 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.
ARCHAEOLOGIST/FAUNAL ANALYST
Adrian Sanchez Moreno, B.A.
Education
1999 B.A., Anthropology (with emphasis in Archaeology), University of San Diego.
2002 "Historic Archaeology Workshop," presented by Richard Norwood, Base
Archaeologist, Edwards Air Force Base; presented at CRM TECH, Riverside.
Professional Experience
2000- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
1999 Field Crew, excavation on Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton. K.E.A.
Environmental, San Diego.
1999 Field Crew, excavation at Freedmen's Cemetery site in Alexandria, Virginia.
URS Greiner Woodward & Clyde.
1999 Field Crew, survey and excavation in Guerrero Negro, Mexico.
• Including identification of osteological specimens.
1999 Field Crew, excavation at Lake Chapala, Baja California, Mexico.
• Excavation and cataloguing of lithic artifacts from the oldest known site in
Baja California.
1998 Field Crew, petroglyph survey in San Pedro Atacama, Chile.
• Focusing on identification of possible habitation and petroglyph sites.
24 043 032
ARCHAEOLOGIST/FAUNAL ANALYST
Matthew Wetherbee, Msc., RPA*
Education
2004 Paleontological monitoring training session presented by Cogstone .Resource
Management, Santa Ana, California.
2004 Msc., Palaeoecology of Human Societies, University College London, London,
England.
2001 Archaeological field school, North Kharga Oasis Survey, Western desert of
Egypt, Greco-Roman period, Egypt.
1999-2001 Study abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.
2000 B.A., Anthropology (emphasis in Archaeology and Zooarchaelogy),
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
1999 Archaeological Field School, San Juan Bautista Historical Mission, Monterey,
California, in conjunction with UCSC.
1997 A.A., Anthropology, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, California.
1997 Archaeological Field School, Saddleback College, San Juan Capistrano,
California.
Professional Experience
2004- Project Archaeologist/Report Writer, CRM TECH, Riverside, California.
2003-2004 Archaeologist, Cogstone Resource Management, Santa Ana, California.
• Fieldwork, lab technician, taphonomist.
2003-2004 Archaeologist, Viejo California, Mission Viejo, California.
• Survey, testing, data recovery, and monitoring.
2002 Archaeologist, SWCA, Mission Viejo, California.
• Filed crew member for archaeological surveys, mitigation excavations,
and monitoring.
2001 Research Assistant, Theban Mapping Project, the American University in
Cairo, Egypt.
1999-2001 Archaeological assistant to Dr. Salima Ikram, the American University in
Cairo.
• Assisted with the Animal Mummy Project at the Cairo Egyptian Museum,
and various Egyptology and zooarchaeological research.
Publications
2004 "Making a Duck Mummy and Discovering a Secret of the Ancient
Technology," in KMT. A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt, Vol.15(2).
Conference Papers
2000 'Recipe for the Afterlife," Mummification in Ancient Egypt. American
Research Center in Egypt conference at U.C. Berkeley.
Membership
* Register of Professional Archaeologists.
American Research Center in Egypt.
25 044 -933
DATE:
ITEM:
LOCATION:
APPLICANT:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
NOVEMBER 18, 2004
PHASE 1 CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATIION OF
27.7 ACRES
NORTH OF AVENUE 48, WEST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD
AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 111
CITY OF LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
THE KEITH COMPANIES (JOHN GOODMAN AND LESLIE J.
MOURIQUAND)
The property is a La Quinta Redevelopment Agency -owned 27.7-acre parcel between
Highway 111 and Avenue 48, west of Dune Palms Road. A Phase I (survey level)
Cultural Resources Assessment has been completed for future development. This
report and resulting mitigation measures (Conditions of Approval) will be part of the
Environmental Assessment required by the California Environmental Quality Act for
the project application. The Assessment includes a prehistoric and historic records
search, Native American consultation and field reconnaissance of the property.
The property is vacant with the remains of an old wood structure and paving.
Although there are desert plants on the property, there are indications that the
property was used for agricultural purposes (date farming).
DISCUSSION:
An archaeological records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern
Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS)
at UC Riverside. The records search indicated the study area had been previously
surveyed in 1992 as a part of a larger project site. At that time, three prehistoric
sites were recorded on the current project site. Within a one-half mile radius of the
property, a number of archaeological sites have been recorded over the years.
A historic search was conducted on the Internet from the Bureau of Land
Management General Land Use Office patent records and National Park Service's
National Register of Historic Places and from files in the TKC office. The search did
R\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt hammer ph 1 archaeo-Reviewed.doc
not show any cultural activity in the study area until 1948 when a well site permit
was filed. The report preparer could not determine when the current structure was
constructed or moved onto the site. The structure is in a state of disrepair and has
been determined to be of no significance.
Slab foundation and concrete path remains, which indicate a house or structure
previously existed on the southern part of the property.
A request was made of the Native American Heritage Commission for a check of their
Sacred Lands file. Additionally, letters requesting comments on the project were
sent to the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians,
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Responses were received from these tribes and are included in the report. The Torres -
Martinez and Augustine bands requested that monitoring include a Native American
monitor.
The field survey conducted by The Keith Companies staff consisted of systematically
walking over the site at maximum 10-meter intervals and visually observing the site
for artifacts. Surface visibility was good except in the area where plant debris covered
the ground. The three previous surveys identified archaeological sites were located
on the property as well as a new site (Hammer #1) on the west side of the property.
The Hammer #1 site contained pottery sherds, a faunal bone scatter, lithic flakes, and
fire affected clay.
The site adjacent to Highway 111 (RIV-4751 H) has been altered since first recorded
in 1992. A concrete valve tower, 6-inch pipe vent and several palm trees have been
removed. Several pottery sherds, trees and a gate remain.
The report concludes there is a need for further Phase II testing of the Hammer #1
site and RIV-4751 H, and that the possibility of finding buried archaeological resources
is high. Therefore, archaeological monitoring of on- and off -site rough grading and
major trenching is recommended under the supervision of a Registered Professional
Archaeologist. Furthermore, the report recommends that Native American monitors
participate in the future monitoring of the project site during grading and excavation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2004- , accepting the Phase I Cultural Resources
Investigation of 27.7 acres located north of Avenue 48 and west of Dune Palms
Road, as prepared by The Keith Company, subject to the recommendations contained
in the report and the following conditions:
P:\Reports - HPC\11-1 8-04\rpt hammer ph 1 archaeo-Reviewed.doc
C46
1 . The Phase II testing of the archaeological sites as recommended in the report
shall be completed with results submitted to the Historic Preservation
Commission for acceptance prior to approval of any project in the study area.
2. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading
by qualified archaeological monitors including a Native American monitor.
Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the Community Development
and Public Works Departments prior to issuance of first earth -moving or
clearing permit.
3. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy for the project.
4. Collected archaeological resources shall be properly packaged for long term
curation, in polyethylene self -seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all
within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and
delivered to the City prior to issuance of first Certificate of Occupancy for the
property. Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes
and records, primary research data, and the original graphics.
Attachment:
Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 27.7 acres located north of Avenue
48 and west of Dune Palms Road within Section 29, Township 5 South, Range
7 East, SBBM, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Commissioners
only)
Prepared by:
GgAw <
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
I, C47
R\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt hammer ph 1 archaeo-Reviewed.doc
PHASE I CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION
OF 27.7 ACRES LOCATED NORTH OF AVENUE 48 AND WEST OF DUNE
PALMS ROAD WITHIN SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 5 SOUTH, RANGE 7 EAST,
SBBM, CITY OF LA QUINTA, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
The Hammer Property
A.P.N.: 649-030-034
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Prepared for:
RSG Inc.
309 West 4" Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701-4502
Submitted to:
NOV 1 6 ^nu
City of La Quinta Redevelopment Agency
La Quinta, CA
Prepared by:
The Keir� Compantesl..MC
Leslie J. Mouriquand M.A., RPA
John D. Goodman II, M.S.
The Keith Companies
73-733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Project # 40382.09
September 2004
USGS Topographic Quadrangle: La Quinta 7.5', California
Acreage: 27.7 acres
Key Words: Re -Inventory and Assessment; Portion of East half of SW '/, of Section 29, T5S, R7E; CA-RIV-4747H, 475111, -
4757H updates, Hammer #1
�..._. 048
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
This report presents the results of a Phase I cultural resources assessment of a 27.77 acre parcel
(Assessor's Parcel Number [APNj 649-030-034) of land located in the northern portion of the
City of La Quinta, in Riverside County, California. The legal description for the project is: a
portion of the cast one-half of the southwest one -quarter of Section 29, Township 5 south,
Range 7 east, S.B.B.M. (Records of Riverside County, State of California). The property is
situated on land that has been used for agricultural activities for many years. Land uses
surrounding the property consist of existing and developing commercial uses to the west and
north, gated residential uses to the south, and vacant desert lands to the west. The Desert
Sands Unified School District Administrative offices, commercial buildings and offices are
located on the east side of Dune Palms Road, across the street from the project site. Rancho La
Quinta Country Club is located on south side of Avenue 48. Adjacent to the west, along the
northern half of the parcel, are several recently constructed commercial buildings, such as the
new Wal-Mart. State Highway 111 passes adjacent to the northern property boundary. A
residential project has been approved directly west of the southern segment of the property.
The City of La Quinta Redevelopment Agency is the owner of the subject parcel.
The Keith Companies Inc. (TKC, Inc.), contracted through Rosenow Spevacek Group, Inc.
(RSG) of Santa Ana, California, acting on behalf of the City of La Quinta Redevelopment
Agency, initiated the Phase I cultural resources investigation as partial fulfillment of the
environmental studies required by the City of La Quinta pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended. The scope of work for this study included a
records search and review, limited archival research, and an intensive pedestrian survey of the
subject property for the purpose of identifying and evaluating previously recorded
archaeological and/or historical resources that occur within the footprint of the proposed
project, and to identify and evaluate any cultural resources that might be found on the parcel.
The cultural resources records search conducted at the Eastern Information Center (EIC) of
the California Historical Resources Information System, University of California, Riverside,
indicated that the study area had been included in a previous survey for cultural resources in
1992, by D. Everson, of the Archaeological Research Unit, at the University of California,
Riverside, for a private entity. Everson recorded three archaeological sites (CA-RIV-4747 H,
4757H, 4751H) within the current project boundaries as part of a larger survey of the entire
southwest'/4 of Section 29, wherein additional archaeological sites were also recorded.
Sacred Lands File Records were also checked by the Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC), Sacramento, California, to determine if any Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs) or
other significant Native-American/Cahuilla heritage resources occur in the area; no resources of
this type were on file for the project vicinity.
Although homesteading did not occur within the project boundaries, historical agricultural
activities and settlement did occur. The results of the combined archival research and the
records checks revealed that the property is within an area of high sensitivity for both
prehistoric and historic resources along the Whitewater River corridor/La Quinta Cove area.
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Much of the ground surface of the property has been heavily disturbed over the years from
agricultural activities, and related residential use, especially in the central portion where the
remains of structures are found. The southern portion of the parcel has been disturbed by
leveling of the large sand dune in association with Avenue 48 and Dunes Patens Road
construction activities by the City of La Quinta during the 1990s. During the intensive
pedestrian survey the three previously recorded archaeological sites were located and updated
site records will be filed with the EIC.
CA-RIV-4747H was recorded in 1992, as the remains of two "E" shaped concrete walkways,
bricks, and trash near the southeast corner of the property. This site was relocated, however
portions of each of the "E" shaped walkways are buried by sand and dirt possibly connected with
the grading and land leveling activities during construction of Avenue 48 or unauthorized
dumping activities. There were piles of bricks, concrete chunks, and modern trash intermixed in
this site area. No documentation could be found to explain these concrete walkways, but it is
surmised that they were associated with structures of some kind. This site is the southern -most
site on the parcel.
CA-RIV-4757H was recorded as consisting of a concrete slab foundation, one standing small
(approx. 12 x 18 ft.) wood -framed clapboard exterior farm house structure (referred to as a
shack" or "hut" on the original site records) mounted on 20 upright concrete pedestals, a
concrete water valve tower, concrete walkway, fence, driveway, agricultural irrigation pipes, with
an assortment of historic artifacts and modern trash strewn around. A small plywood tree
house in a large dead tree not included in the 1992 site record was found within the boundaries
of this site area. The farm house structure still stands on the property, but is dilapidated and has
been vandalized. Old mattress springs inside the structure would indicate vagrant occupancy.
This site represents one of the historic farmsteads in the La Quinta area, dating to the 1940s;
however it is not clear that the standing structure was originally constructed on the project site.
It may have been moved onto the site from another location and used for purposes other than
residential. Archival research did not result in any information that would identify when the
structures were constructed, or that would support a historically significant determination under
state or federal criteria. However, the structure may be one of the last examples of a small
vernacular wood -framed clapboard farm house in La Quinta. Similarly constructed houses, still
occupied, are found a few miles east in the City of Coachella. Detailed photo -documentation is
recommended for the structure prior to demolition.
CA-RIV-4751H was previously recorded, in 1992, as a scatter of prehistoric ceramics, fire
affected rock, burnt bone, shell, aqua glass, rusty metal fragments, a concrete water valve tower,
and piping in a plowed field, adjacent to Highway 111. The site is within both the project site
and public rights of way held by the City of La Quinta and Cal Trans. CA-RIV-4751H was
recorded with both a prehistoric and historic component intermixed with modern trash. The
site has been disturbed through farming activities, road and utility construction activities,
adjacent development to the west, sign post installation, and recent trenching along Highway
111. These disturbances have served to expose potential subsurface cultural deposits within the
current project boundaries, indicating the potential for additional such material below the
ground surface. Time Warner Cable currently has plans to trench within the right of way,
paralleling Highway I I Ito install television cable lines. Shallow trenching has occurred through
the site area, with additional trenching anticipated. The site has been further disturbed by
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digging for the installation of sign posts in the recent past, and perhaps some land
clearing/leveling activities. A 6-inch iron pipe vent, gate and palm trees that were previously
recorded within the site are no longer there. Although there have been disturbances to the site
area, testing will be required to define its boundaries and nature, and to enable a significance
determination. Cal Trans will receive copies of all reports and site records related to this site, as
the site extends into their right of way.
One newly discovered archaeological site (Hammer #1) is located along the western edges of
the only remaining intact large sand dune structure on the parcel. The site record for this new
site on the Hammer Property has not yet been assigned an official state trinomial or Primary
number by the EIC. This new site consists of a total of nine prehistoric plain brown ware pottery
sherds, a scatter of small faunal bone material, two microcrystalline lithic flakes, and two small
pieces of fire affected clay. These artifacts and ecofacts were observed within off -road vehicle
tracks traversing across the western face of the dune. It is common for archaeological sites in
this area to have prehistoric cultural material eroding out of dunes from natural aeolian (wind)
movement and human disturbances (i.e. vehicle tracks).
There is a high potential for additional cultural material to be located subsurface within the
Hammer # 1 dune site, as well as RIV-4751H, as has been repeatedly demonstrated in similar
dune sites within La Quinta and elsewhere near the ancient Lake Cahuilla shoreline.
Subsurface archaeological testing of this site is warranted and necessary to determine the
nature, extent, and significance. Such testing may also serve as data recovery in some instances.
The scientific and cultural data obtained from testing and data recovery activities can often
contribute important new information in understanding the local and regional prehistory and
history. It is the obtaining of such information that is considered one form of appropriate and
reasonable mitigation for the impacts of proposed development projects
In 1992, Everson recommended that a Phase It testing and mapping program be conducted to
determine whether or not the sites recorded in his 1992 survey meet CEQA criteria for
significance. This recommendation is still valid for RIV-4751H and RIV-4747H. Testing should
consist of several carefully placed hand excavated units, and possibly mechanical trenching in
some areas to search for subsurface cultural deposits that will define each site.
For RIV-4751H, a 1 x 1.5 meter x 1 meter deep unit should be excavated within or adjacent to
the hole dug for the sign post installation, one unit near the northeast corner of the site area
where one pottery sherd was observed, and one or two units within the pottery scatter areas
recorded in 1992.
For RIV-474711, the "E" shaped concrete walkways, near the southwestern corner of the parcel,
should be fully exposed, photo -documented, and additional archival research conducted with
the La Quinta Historical Museum, the Coachella Valley Historical Museum, and other
agencies, to try to ascertain what the walkways were associated with.
For RIV-4757H, the standing structure and all related features within the site should be photo -
documented in detail, and a detailed architectural site record be filed with the EIC. Additional
archival research is recommended with the La Quinta Historical Museum, the Coachella Valley
Historical Museum, and other agencies to seek additional historical information about the site.
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The anticipated development project will impact the entire site. All components of this site
would have to be removed to make way for the Planning Area III commercial development
within The Center at La Quinta Specific Plan. As avoidance of the site and preservation in -situ
cannot be reasonably accommodated due to existing' development in Planning Areas I and II
and anticipated continuance of similar connecting development in Planning Area III, mitigation
for impacts to this site are recommended. It is recommended that a representative sample of
diagnostic historic artifacts be collected from the site and curated with the La Quinta Historical
Museum for public interpretation and research. Focused monitoring of the demolition should
be conducted to recover any historic artifacts of interpretive value, assess significant features
(i.e. privies) that may exposed, and to monitor for buried cultural deposits of older time
periods.
As a final step in the management and adverse impact mitigation of these cultural resources,
provision for the recovery of any subsurface deposits will be made. This final step is often the
monitoring of earth -disturbing activities such as land clearing, mass grading and trenching. The
City of La Quinta requires archaeological monitoring of all development and capitol
improvement projects where cultural resources have been documented and the potential for
additional such resources exists. The City requires that both on -site and off -site project -related
earth -disturbing activities be monitored, which includes trenching within rights of way to bring
utilities to the project site and any related road construction activities. The local Native
American groups may also require that a Native American monitor be present during all earth -
disturbing activities, if human remains are found.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY 2
INTRODUCTION 8
NATURAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 9
The Natural Landscape 9
The Cultural Landscape 16
Historic Period 18
RESEARCH DESIGN AND ORIENTATION 23
Records Search 24
Archival Research 24
Sacred Lands File Check/Native American Consultation 24
FIELD SURVEY 25
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
25
Records Search
25
Archival Research
28
Native Scoping and Record Search Results
31
Field Work Results
31
DISCUSSION 40
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS 41
Significance and Site Evaluations 41
Potential Effects 43
RECOMMENDATIONS 43
46
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Personnel Qualifications 49
Appendix B: NAHC Sacred Lands File Search Response 51
Appendix C: Scoping Letters and Responses 57
Confidential Appendix D: Site Records 67
Confidential Appendix E: Official Well Record 83
3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
General Vicinity map
Figure 2.
Project area —USGS Topographic Map
Figure 3.
Project Parcel Map location
Figure 4.
Aerial photograph of the project area
Figure 5.
Overview photograph of the project area
Figure 6.
Dougan Map of La Quinta Area Sites Between 1932 & 1940
Figure 7.
View to west across RIV-4751H with post hole damage
Figure 8.
Closeup of sherds exposed by post hole digging activity
Figure 9.
Front elevation of structure at RIV-4757H
Figure 10.
South elevation of structure at RIV-4757H
Figure 11.
North elevation of structure at RIV-4757H
Figure 12.
Concrete slab foundation with floor tile remains at
RIV-4757H
Figure 13.
Interior of structure at RIV-4757H
Figure 14.
RIV-4757H overview toward west
Figure 15.
Concrete walkway at RIV-4747H
Figure 16.
Concrete walkway at RIV-4747H
Figure 17.
Hammer #1Site location
Figure 18.
View to north of Hammer #1
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Previously Recorded Sites within a Half -Mile Radius
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10
11
12
13
30
32
33
34
34
35
35
36
36
38
38
39
39
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INTRODUCTION
In August and September 2004, the Keith Companies, Inc. (TKC) performed a cultural
resources study of approximately 27.7 acres of agricultural land in the southwestern area of the
City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. This report presents the results of a Phase I
cultural resources assessment for a proposed commercial and residential project on the subject
property. The property has a general rectangular configuration and is in the southeastern 1/4 of
Section 29 and the southwestern 1/4 of Section 34, Township 6S, Range 7E. The property is
plotted on two USGS 7.5' quadrangle maps, with the western portion of the project site within
the La Quinta, California, quadrangle (1959 [photorevised 19801). See Figures 1, 2 3, and 4 for
project location. Figure 5 gives an photographic overview of the parcel.
The intensive pedestrian survey and resource re-evaluation was conducted by Leslie J.
Mouriquand, Archaeologist, from The Keith Companies, Inc., Palm Desert Division, with the
assistance of Will Blodgett, Archaeology Technician. Qualifications of these individuals are
provided in Appendix A. The study was undertaken to comply with the cultural resource
requirements of the City of La Quinta; these requirements are intended to fulfill components of
the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended, that pertain to the
management of cultural resources that may be impacted by development projects sponsored by
state or local government agencies, or by private developments requiring a discretionary permit.
TKC performed this study to provide the City of La Quinta with the necessary information and
analyses to determine whether or not the proposed project would cause substantial adverse
impacts to any historical/archaeological resources that exist within the project area, as
mandated by CEQA. In order to identify and evaluate any cultural resources, TKC conducted a
historical/archaeological resources records search, a historical background review, and an
intensive pedestrian survey of the project area. The following is a report of the results of the
intensive survey that includes the methods used, the various tasks performed for this study, final
conclusions, and recommendations for the proposed property development.
This report responds to, and considers, the following City of La Quinta General Plan Historic
Preservation Goals and Policies.
GOAL 1 : The identification and inventory maintenance of all cultural resources within
the City.
Policy 1.2 : The City shall consider the identification of cultural resources as an integral
part of the planning process.
GOAL 2: The preservation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or restoration of cultural
resources and prevention of unnecessary destruction of or adverse effects to such
resources through city -sponsored or assisted projects and programs.
Policy 2.1: The City shall make all reasonable efforts to protect cultural resources under
its regulatory authority.
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Figure 1. General vicinity map.
The city's Historic Preservation Ordinance requires identification and evaluation of cultural
resources. This report fulfills those requirements.
Project scwping with the local Native Americans was conducted as part of the archival discovery
process for this study. A copy of this report will be submitted to each of the local Native
American bands (Torres -Martinez, Cabazon, Agua Caliente, and Augustine), as well as the
Eastern Information Center, and Cal Trans.
NATURAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
The Natural Landscape
The study area is located in the County of Riverside, in the City of La Quinta, California. The
area is located within the USGS La Quinta, California, 7.5' quadrangle map (Figure 2), in a
historically agricultural and rural area that has been transitioning to residential and commercial
land uses for the past 20 years, which has modified the natural landscape. There are a few
undeveloped parcels scattered among developed parcels in the project vicinity.
056
Figure 2
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Figure 3
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Figure 4
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Figure 5. Overview of parcel from top of dune toward northwest.
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On a larger scale, the property rests in about the middle of the Coachella Valley, in the upper
Salton Trough. The Coachella Valley is regarded as the northwest end of the Colorado Desert.
Apparently the valley was initially referred to as "Conchillas," meaning little shells in Spanish,
because the floor of the valley is covered with small shells (freshwater gastropods and bivalves)
associated with ancient Lake Cahuilla; early Anglo-American cartographers apparently
misspelled the name. The Trough ranges in elevation from about 273 feet below mean sea level
to 2,580 feet at the San Gorgonio Pass. To the northwest are the Indio Hills, further north are
the Little San Bernardino Mountains, and to the southwest is Deep Canyon. Deep Canyon
forms the divide between the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountain ranges. The La Quinta
Cove is just one of a series of alluvial fan canyons within the local mountain range. The project
is located north of the La Quinta cove, northeast of the mouth of the canyon, on the desert
floor.
The Salton Trough is part of the Gulf of California rift and is surrounded by mountains uplifted
during the Miocene and Pliocene (Dibblee 1954; Hamilton 1961). Several million years ago the
Gulf of California extended up to the base of Mount San Jacinto and to about as far north as
San Gorgonio Pass. Some authorities suggest that when the Colorado River was scouring out
the Grand Canyon, sand and debris from the canyon formed a delta bar that cut off this "bay" of
the Pacific Ocean. The river periodically broke through this barrier during heavy flooding
episodes, and over the eons the basin filled with fresh -water lakes many different times. During
wet years, even without inflow from the Colorado River, the basin filled with shallow ephemeral
lakes.
Over 300+ years ago the Salton Trough was covered in a great lake referred to as Lake Cahuilla
(also called Blake's Sea, Agua Grande, and Lake Le Conte) that extended from northern Indio
to below the U.S. boarder near Mexicali. The watermark of the ancient lake (42-feet above sea
level) is very evident along the northeastern shoreline where mountain foothills are marked
from the lakestand. Outcrops such as Travertine Point and Coral Mountain are covered in a
calcium carbonate deposit referred to as "tufa." Covering both the Riverside and Imperial
Counties, this shallow "sea" had a length of about 115 miles, a width of 34 miles, and a
maximum depth of 320 feet. Over the millennia many different lakes had filled this basin
before, although this lake may have been relatively stable for about 700 years (A.D. 900 - 1680).
Mentioned briefly here, the early lakeside -dwelling Cahuilla thrived on the fish and waterfowl
of the lake. During and times the basin became a vast marshland with nesting birds and ankle-
deep muscle colonies (Anadonta).
Probably due to a change in course of the Colorado River, this lake dried up in less than one
generation (60-80 years). The desiccated lake bottom became a wasteland of cracked -clay
mosaics glistening with salt crystals. The Cahuilla who were residing along the lakeshores had
to leave left their tule-covered kishs (brush houses) and move into canyons and higher mountain
reaches. Within several decades small dunes began rippling across the empty basin, and before
long dense stands of mesquite anchored the shifting dunes. Rabbits, quail, and other floral and
faunal resources flourished in the mesquite groves, and within several decades Cahuilla groups
began occupying the basin again.
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Prior to cultivation and subsequent brush clearing and grading, the property would have
supported a Creosote Bush Scrub plant community (Munz and Keck 1973). Dominant plants of
this vegetation regime include creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), white bur -sage (Ambrosia
dumosa), cheesebush (Hymmoclea salsosa), brittlebush (Encilia farinosa), and Mormon/Indian
Tea (Ephedra spp.). The primary subsistence plants in this area that were important to the
Cahuilla included western honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana) and screwbean
mesquite (Prosopis pubescens), the pods of which, like acorn at higher elevations, provided a
staple food source. 'Today the property has a few abandoned date palm trees along the western
property line, and other large landscape trees near the central portion of the parcel. Citrus
groves and date palm orchards have been removed and indigenous plants, such as creosote are
reclaiming the land.
Common native animals of the area that are adapted to living in semi -urban areas include
coyotes (Canis latrans), foxes (kit fox [Vulpes macrotis] and grey fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus]),
desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), black -tailed hare (Lepus califomicus), various rats (i.e.;
kangaroo rats of three species [Dipodomys spp.], wood rats (Neotoma ssp.]), several mice genera
(Perognathus spp. and Peromyscus spp.), and a host of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. In
prehistoric times when the area was covered in small dunes and mesquite thickets various
animals were available to prehistoric hunters; primary small -game animals included quail,
doves, woodrats, rabbits, and hares. Larger game animals such as deer and bighorn sheep were
available in the surrounding canyons and foothills to the southwest (in the Santa Rosa
Mountains) above La Quinta.
The property is relatively flat from having been leveled in the historic past for agricultural field
irrigation purposes, and it has been subjected to repeated disking and tiling. Various fields are
at different elevations, creating terraced field areas. The field areas were fallow with almost all
citrus and date palm trees having been cleared away with trimming piles found across most of
the central portion of the parcel. The soils on the subject property are silts and sands associated
with desiccated Lake Cahuilla. Technically, the soils on the project site are Myoma fine sand
(MaD), and Coachella fine sand (CpA)(Soil Conservation Service 1980). These soil types are
typical of the sand dune areas found near the ancient Lake Cahuilla shoreline and give clues to
past environmental conditions. As the parcel is above the high mark of the ancient lake, shells
of various fresh -water mollusks, such as olive -shaped Physa humerosa, the tiny cone -like
Hydrobia (old Paludestrina) sp., Anodonta califomiensis bivalves, or the tiny, squatAmnicola sp.,
do not naturally occur in the soil matrix. No bedrock outcrops, large boulders or rocks, or
natural drainage channels occur on the property.
The elevation of the study area is approximately 60 feet above mean sea level (amsl). The
nearest natural source of perennial water is the Whitewater River (Coachella Stormwater
Channel) approximately A -miles to the north. The La Quinta Evacuation Channel is located
approximately 1/4 mile to the east. During periods of time when the ancient lake was not
present in the Coachella Valley, prehistoric peoples relied upon these river and drainage ways,
as well as hand -dug water wells, resulting in a different adaptation response to the environment
for their survival.
In regard to the ancient Lake Cahuilla (ca. A.D. 900-1680) and its relationship the project area,
when the lake filled the valley the property would have been situated approximately 1/2 mile
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off -shore from the high point elevation of 42 feet above mean sea level (amsl). Data suggests
that there has been at least five high lakestands in the basin within the last several thousand
years, although there may have been additional lesser inundations in between the major
inundations. The number of inundations continues to be a subject of debate. The final stand is
estimated to have been at about 42 feet (12.8 meters) amsl.; this probably occurred during the
later part of the A.D. 1600s (ca. 1680 A.D.). With each infilling of the lake, silt sediments were
deposited on the valley floor, resulting in the current geomorphology that we have today.
Strong (1929:37) mentioned that old settlers told him that water from the Colorado River
reached the Salton Sea, causing local flooding in the years of 1840, 1842, 1852, 1859, 1862, and
1867. The current Salton Sea began forming during the great flood of 1905, when the Colorado
River broke through man—made barriers along the Colorado River and partially filled the
ancient lake basin. With the lake inundations, embayments existed along the La Quinta cove
portion of the ancient lake shoreline. Peninsular -like projections of dune -covered land are
thought to have broken up the shoreline in this area. Late Prehistoric archaeological sites have
been found in the dunes rimming the shoreline.
The Cultural Landscape
Regionally, prehistory in the Coachella Valley is generally separated chronologically into an
early period known as the "Archaic," and a later period referred to as the Late Prehistoric
Period. Transitional or "intermediate periods" have been proposed for various cultural phases
between the Archaic and Late Prehistoric periods, although these supposed stages are
minimally understood and not well defined for this area. The "Archaic Period" is also not well
defined in the Coachella Valley, and few sites from this period have been excavated. A
significant body of information has been accrued on the Late Prehistoric Period of the
Coachella Valley; however. The most general defining characteristic separating these two time
periods or cultural manifestations is the presence or absence of pottery; Archaic sites generally
lack pottery because this technology had not yet been introduced into the area. Other cultural
elements of Archaic peoples include deep basin metates, small "soap bar" -shaped manes, and
large dart points and associated lithic debitage. Late Prehistoric sites often have an abundance
of pottery, specific shell bead types, small arrow points, and cremations.
Prehistoric Native American/Desert Cahuilla activity was extensive in the Coachella Valley up
to the mid-19"' century, and there were several large Cahuilla villages and rancherias in the
general area (Kroeber 1925; Strong 1929; and Bean 1978). Considerable ethnographic data has
been assembled on the historic -period Cahuilla.
Small bands of prehistoric people probably exploited the general area for thousands of years,
including during the various stands and associated marshes of Lake Cahuilla that were
especially abundant with food resources. Fish (humpback sucker [Xyrauchen texanus]; Colorado
River bonytail chub (Gila elegans], and Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) would have
been available. Some areas of the Coachella Valley have extensive middens of fresh -water clam
valves (Anadonta califomensis), indicating that this clam was eagerly sought. Various aquatic
birds such as wintering ducks and geese were hunted, and juvenile birds and eggs were collected
from rookeries and marshes. Other resources such as amphibians were also undoubtedly
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collected. Areas around the lake probably had abundant rabbit, hare, and woodrat populations
As mentioned above, larger game such as deer and bighorn sheep were available in the
surrounding canyons and foothills on both sides of the basin. Evidence of these faunal
resources having been used as food has been found in the analyses of human coprolites (Wilke
1978), and in various faunal bone analyses from archaeological sites in the Coachella Valley
(Goodman and Mouriquand 2004).
Towards the end of the Archaic period, a weapons -system shift from atlatl to bow -and -arrow
use occurred. Concurrent with the adaptation of the bow and arrow were a host of
technological and cultural changes including the manufacture of ceramics, decreased
nomadism, regional differentiation, and the development of more extensive trading networks.
Archaeological research reveals that the Cahuilla have been in place in the region for at least
the last 1,000 years, if not longer. Their language belongs to the Uto-Aztecan family; according
to linguistic studies, the Cahuilla became a separate linguistic group around 1,000 B.C, and
these Uto-Aztecan speakers migrated into the area primarily from the Great Basin to the east.
The Cahuilla are generally divided into three primary groups based on their location: the Pass
Cahuilla in the Banning -Beaumont area, the Mountain Cahuilla in the San Jacinto and Santa
Rosa Mountains, and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla in the lower Coachella
Valley. Their traditional lands formerly extended from about present day Riverside to the
Salton Sea, from the San Bernardino Mountains to the North and San Jacinto and Santa Rosa
Mountains to the South, sharing their borders with the Cupeno, Luiseiio, Gabrieleno (Tongva),
and Serrano (Goodman and Mouriquand 2004).
The Cahuilla were not organized into a single unified tribe, but rather social, affinal, and
sanguinal membership was organized around lineage and clan relationships into a band -level
organization. Each clan belonged to one of the two primary moieties, either the Coyote or
Wildcat moiety. These two moiety divisions served to regulate marriage partners, ceremonial
duties, and other social/cultural roles and functions. Clans were associated with specific
villages, water wells, resource gathering places, and other kinds of geographical areas that they
claimed. They interacted with other clans for trade, intermarriage, and ceremonial/social
gatherings (Goodman and Mouriquand 2004).
Prior to historic contact in the late 1700s the Cahuilla were primarily hunters and gatherers who
resided in permanent villages with satellite camps spread throughout their range (Bean et al.
1981; Kroeber 1925). Plant and animal resources were widely dispersed across the landscape,
therefore many collecting and food processing areas were used throughout the year as different
resources became available in various life zones; resources spanning the mountainous uplands
to the low desert dunes were exploited. The ancient lake shoreline was rich in plant and animal
resources (Wilke 1978), Mesquite pods were a primary desert plant resource; buckwheat, chia,
and manzanita berries were harvested in chaparral habitats; and acorns, agave (amul), and
pinyon nuts were collected at higher elevations. Although larger game such as deer and bighorn
sheep was hunted, rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects provided daily subsistence needs
and supplemented plant resources. Some groups also practiced marginal horticulture (Lawton
and Bean 1968). During very dry years deep walk-in wells were excavated; the Cahuilla may
have been the only Native American group in North American to excavate these deep walk-in
17
064
wells (James 1985:48). The Cahuilla referred to these wells as "earth ollas (earth water jars)"
(Goodman and Mouriquand 2004).
In addition to manufacturing pottery, the Cahuilla were accomplished basket makers and
produced a variety of coiled forms. They commonly practiced body painting and tattooing; girls
were frequently tattooed in infancy on their faces, breasts, and arms (Barrows 1900:49).
Common facial elements included rows of dots or wavy lines placed below lower lips and on
chins. Games, music, and dancing played important roles in Cahuilla society. Many of the
ancient songs and song cycles have been retained and are still sung by a few Cahuilla elders,
although the meanings of many of these songs have been lost as the language evolves and as
Cahuilla words are forgotten (Siva 2003, personal communications).
A superb archaeological study of prehistoric Cahuilla adaptation to the desiccation of ancient
Lake Cahuilla was compiled by Wilke (1978) of the University of California, Riverside.
Detailed accounts of traditional Cahuilla society have been compiled by Kroeber (1908);
Hooper (1920); Strong (1929), and Bean (1972, 1978). Two outstanding Cahuilla
ethnobotanical studies have been compiled (Barrows 1900; Bean and Saubel 1972). There is a
need to document Cahuilla history from their own perspective, which is in progress by several
Cahuilla elders and members.
Historic Period
Because the Cahuilla lived in a relatively "marginal' environment that was unsuitable for large-
scale ranching or farming, and their distance from coastal Spanish Mission influences or
Mexican ranchos, they remained relatively isolated from early Euroamerican expansion. As a
result of their relative isolation until rather late during the historic period, they were able to
maintain traditional Cahuilla society and ethnicity to a much higher degree than many
neighboring groups situated closer to the San Bernardino Valley and western coastal regions.
Because Cahuilla society remained relatively intact up to the late historic period, early
ethnographers were able to assemble considerable ethnographic data on them.
The Coachella Valley has been used as an east -west transportation corridor for centuries.
Spanish and Mexican explorers traveled through the vicinity of the project area during the late
181h to early 19" centuries, although they did not settle in the area. The Imperial and Coachella
valleys served as transportation corridors between Mexico and Los Angeles. The Anza
Colonizing Expeditions of 1774 and 1775-76 brought Juan Bautista de Anza through the Santa
Rosa Mountains on his journey between Culiacan, Mexico to San Francisco, California.
Although Anza did not enter the Coachella Valley, his expeditions established a supply route
between Sonora, Mexico to newly established Alta California settlements. The first known
Europeans to cross the Coachella Valley were members of the Jose Romero expedition of 1823-
1825. Along with Jose Maria Estudillo and Romualdo Pacheco, Romero was in search of a
good route to Yuma. From the early 1800s the valley was the route of an annual caravan
originating in Los Angeles to gather salt from the Salton Sink (Goodman and Mouriquand
2004).
Indigenous population prior to European contact is uncertain as data does not exist other than
what can be gleaned from the Cahuilla oral literature (and inferred from archaeological data),
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065
but it has been estimated that there were from 3,600 to a high of 10,000 individuals living in the
area. By the mid-1800s the Cahuilla numbered about 2,500 to 3,000 individuals, living in the
San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains, the San Gorgonio Pass area, and the Coachella Valley
(Bean 1972:76-77). During the Mexican period many Cahuilla worked on Mexican ranchos and
became experienced vaqueros although numerous conflicts arose between Mexican ranchers and
some Cahuilla groups. During the late 19"' century Cahuilla population were heavily impacted
as a result of introduced European diseases such as smallpox for which the Cahuilla lacked
immunity (Goodman 1993).
In 1853, Lt. John G. Parke of the U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers entered the Coachella
Valley from San Gorgonio Pass. Parke led a party of surveyors that had been sent by the
government to survey the land and make recommendations for the most suitable railroad routes
from the Pacific to lands in the east. William P. Blake, the geologist of the expedition, together
with Lieutenant Williamson, traveled from Los Angeles through the San Gorgonio Pass and
southwards through the Coachella and Imperials valleys searching for a potential
transcontinental railroad route. Blake is credited with the discovery, naming, first description of
ancient Lake Cahuilla, and the most complete ethnographic description, at that time, of the
native Cahuilla people. As Blake traveled he noted landscape features of ancient Lake Cahuilla
and documented Indian villages, walk-in wells, and other natural features along the route.
Blake's reports were published in the San Francisco Commercial Advertiser, in the winter of
1853-54, and later in reports of Exploration and Surveys fora Railroad Route from the Mississippi
River to the Pacific Ocean. Blake christened the ancient lake "Lake Cahuilla" from the name of
the valley and from the name of the Indian group that occupied most of the valley. Others
would later refer to the ancient lake with names such as `Blake's Sea." In 1906 Blake wrote
about his second visit to the area, crossing the valley from Mecca on the Southern Pacific
Railway; he mentioned observing the rising waters of the Salton Sea and spoke of the
Travertine Point area (de Stanley 1966:6-7).
The early General Land Office surveyors, particularly Henry Washington and John La Croze,
noted fairly heavy Cahuilla use of the region at the time they surveyed for the 1856 map,
although no Euroamerican settlements were plotted in the vicinity of the project area. In their
notes of this survey they mentioned obvious roads and trails, pottery scatters, old villages, small
settlements, artesian wells, and other impressive landscape features. Later decisions on the
configuration and location of reservation lands were partially based upon these early surveys.
During the Garra Revolt of 1851, directed primarily against the unbridled incursion and
ethnocentric actions of Euroamericans, the battle in Coyote Canyon on December 20, 1851
essentially marked the end of organized Indian resistance in the region. The Treaty of
Temecula, signed by the Luischo and Cahuilla chiefs on January 5, 1852, was designed to
establish a huge Indian Reservation encompassing all of the San Jacinto and "San Gorgonio"
mountains, the desert country to the east, the Cahuilla Valley and mountains, and the hill
country west almost to Temecula. A storm of protests against the treaty came from white
settlers, and needless to say, the treaty, among others, was never ratified. It became very clear
that the traditional Cahuilla world was rapidly falling apart. Conditions worsened for the
Cahuilla during the later half of the 1800s with the onslaught of the tragic 1863 smallpox
epidemic, extended droughts, and other problems. Cahuilla populations were decreasing, old
village sites were abandoned, and traditional lands were rapidly lost to outsiders. The
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066
Morongo Reservation and eight other small reservations were eventually set aside by President
Grant in 1868, although they had no official status for many years. In 1877 the Mission Indian
Agency was finally created for southern California. Morongo Reservation did not receive water
in any appreciable amounts until 1888 and Cabazon Reservation almost entirely lacked surface
water. The Cabazon Reservation was established 1876 and was named after a prominent
Cahuilla elder or "chief' referred to as "Old Chief Cabazon."
Over the centuries many of the same primary trails were used by various groups. The
prehistoric Cocomaricopa Trail generally followed the approximate location of Interstate 10,
along what was the eastern shoreline of the ancient Lake Cahuilla. During the first quarter of
the 19' century the area was primarily viewed as a transportation corridor between Mission San
Gabriel near the Pacific coast, and Tucson, Arizona. The Cocomaricopa Trail later became
known as the Cocomaricopa-Bradshaw Trail, and in later periods it was mostly referred to as
the Bradshaw Trail. Primarily due to the new gold rush near La Paz, in 1862 William Bradshaw
constructed a road that mostly followed the alignment of today's S.H. III through the
Coachella Valley. Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, the Bradshaw Trail was the primary
thoroughfare between coastal southern California and the Colorado River, until completion of
the Southern Pacific in 1876-1877. Bradshaw established stage stops at several places through
the Coachella Valley, some at Cahuilla villages and rancherias. Between the 1860s and 1880s,
traditional Cahuilla culture was increasingly impacted when stagecoaches and wagons
sporadically, but with increasing regularity through time, traveled through the desert
transporting miners, supplies, and the US Mail to the gold fields near the Colorado River
(Goodman and Mouriquand 2004).
Greatly accelerated contact with outsiders came with the establishment of the Southern Pacific
Railroad through the region. The railroad stimulated a desire from outsiders for Cahuilla lands
to be used for settlement, agriculture, and grazing. The railroad initiated a transportation
corridor that later included Interstate 10, in a similar fashion as the prehistoric Cocomaricopa
Trail and the Bradshaw Trail served as regional routes through the desert in earlier times.
Cahuilla were hired as laborers in the construction of the railroad.
At the turn of the century and for several decades after, many Cahuilla were sent away to Indian
boarding schools in an attempt to acculturate them into "American" society. By the 1920s most
Cahuilla had entered the American economic system and many components of their traditional
Cahuilla ethnicity were no longer practiced. Today only a few Cahuilla elders such as Katherine
Saubel, Alvino Siva, and a handful of others speak Cahuilla, remember the bird songs, and use
traditional plants. Although somewhat controversial, some of the reservations of the area have
recently developed prosperous gambling casinos, commercial developments, and other
businesses that bring in substantial revenues to the tribes.
The modern Desert Cahuilla are affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in the
Coachella Valley, including Cabazon, Torres -Martinez, Agua Caliente, Morongo, and
Augustine. Individuals with Desert Cahuilla affiliations are also found at the Santa Rosa,
Cahuilla, Los Coyotes and Soboba reservations located outside of the Coachella Valley, and at
other places. Many Cahuilla are very aware of their historical past and maintain cultural
sensitivity about their heritage.
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067
Non -Indian settlement began in the Coachella Valley in the 1880s, after the public land was
opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert land Act, and other federal land laws.
The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad through the Coachella Valley enabled
farmers to transport their products to larger markets and for passengers to more easily travel to
and through the desert region. However, successful agricultural activities were limited due to
the lack of reliable water supply. This was remedied when the Coachella Branch of the All -
American Canal was completed in 1948-1949. Agricultural pioneering began in the Coachella
Valley with the experimental growing of date palms transplanted from North Africa and
"Arabia." Citrus ranching and many other crops followed in time.
Labor for the date industry was largely provided by Mexican immigrants. Chinese laborers were
contracted and brought to the US, supplying much of the labor for fruit -growers, particularly in
the Citrus Belt, until the Chinese Exclusion Acts of 1882 and 1892. Japanese laborers replaced
them as did Mexican immigrants, who had remained important in the Southern California labor
force, even though they had lost original land titles granted during the Spanish and Mexican
Periods. Mexican immigrants not only cultivated the fields that had recently belonged to
Mexico, but also provided up to 60 percent of the labor for railroad construction up to the
1890s. In the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, the Mexican government was
unable to improve the lives of its citizens, who were increasingly forced to seek work north of
Mexico. During World War I, Americans welcomed Mexicans to replace the American labor
force, which was fighting overseas. Japanese workers and residents were relocated to
confinement camps outside of the Coachella Valley for the duration of World War II. Mexican
workers performed well in the industry and service fields, and also worked as field hands.
The poor treatment that Mexican workers often received from their employers led the Mexican
government to institute a contract guaranteeing basic rights (to an agreed upon wage and work
schedule, to bring their family, etc.) and insisted that no American employer should hire
Mexican citizens without contracts signed by immigration officials. Now that the contracted
Mexican immigrant employees were provided with documentation, undocumented workers
were considered "illegal aliens," and the American government created the U.S.A. Border
Control in 1924 to prevent undocumented workers from remaining in the U.S.A. During the
depression, visas were denied to Mexicans who could not prove that they had secure
employment, but with the onslaught of World War II, Mexican immigrants were once again
welcomed as workers. The U.S.A. instituted the Bracero Program, principally contracting
experienced farm workers under a system similar to that instituted by the Mexican government
in the 1920s. Largely through this program, which lasted until 1964, California, including the
Coachella Valley, became a lush agricultural center.
In the early 1920s seasonal resort hotels and golf courses were established throughout the area
as respites for the wealthy and their celebrity friends. Some were attracted to the desert for
their health, some for the available land, and others for the solitary desert environment. Year-
round settlement of this and area became increasingly attractive as water systems were
developed and air-conditioning units were installed. Additional specific information on the
history of the subject property is addressed in the Results section of this report.
For many years the project area was on the outskirts of a primarily agricultural region where
dates, citrus, alfalfa, and other crops were raised. As mentioned above, the general area
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068
experienced tremendous growth after completion of the Coachella Branch of the All American
Canal in 1949. In 2003, the canal system was documented and recorded as a local and
regionally significant historic resource eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
(Schaefer and Ni Ghabhlain 2003). The Coachella Canal was constructed between 1938 and
1948 as a branch of the All -American Canal. Schaefer and Ni Ghabhlain recommended that
the canal was eligible for listing in the National Register because of the key role it played in the
development of an intensive agricultural economy based on irrigation of the Coachella Valley.
The canal was also an integral part of the Boulder Canyon Project, which was one of the most
monumental public reclamation projects undertaken in the western United States. The
Coachella Canal is itself eligible as a good example of an irrigation canal constructed in the
1930s and 1940s, with distinctive characteristics of canal construction using a dragline
excavation technique during this period. The Coachella Canal system is also unique in that it is
associated with the first large-scale underground pipe distribution system constructed by the
Bureau of Reclamation, consisting of 500 miles of underground concrete pipe. The system was
designed to conserve water in the desert environment (Schaefer and Ni Ghabhlain 2003:54).
Construction of the canal provided many jobs, and many people moved into Imperial and
Coachella Valleys because of the construction of the canal.
In regard to the development of nearby La Quinta, the La Quinta Hotel was the first resort to
be constructed in this area. The hotel and resort was constructed in 1926 by Walter Morgan,
owner of the Morgan Oyster Company of San Francisco. Morgan purchased 1,400 acres in the
name of Desert Development Company, in the lower cove area in order to build his retreat
hotel. Portions of this land were originally part of a railroad land grant and the other part was a
portion of a State Grant Patent. The land that Morgan purchased is said to have been named
"Happy Hollow" by the Cahuilla Indians who lived in the area. Morgan invited Hollywood
celebrities, politicians, and society members to his retreat. The hotel has been determined to be
eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Additional information about the hotel
and Morgan can be found in the Draft City of La Quinta Historic Context Statement
(Mouriquand 1996).
Early La Quinta cove development was patterned after the Peter Pan Woodland Club, a
hunting and fishing lodge in Big Bear, California, developed in the 1920s. In La Quinta, the
early development was designed to be a reciprocal club with the Peter Pan Woodland Club,
where lots were sold and adobe bungalows were constructed starting in the mid 1930s. The
membership in the seasonal resort development consisted of summer residency at the Peter Pan
Woodland Club, and winter residency in La Quinta. The initial residential development in La
Quinta was not intended to be year-round living because the summer temperatures were
thought to be too hot. In conjunction with the residential lots, a small commercial village was
also planned to service the development (Mouriquand 1996). The early homes and the
commercial buildings in the old town village area were included on the City's historic resource
inventory conducted in the mid-1990s. Additional discussion about these buildings and homes
can be found in the Draft City of La Quinta Historic Context Statement.
In recent decades there has been a steady increase in tourism, recreation, commercial
development, and general urban sprawl. Many of the undeveloped desert and agricultural lands
of the northwestern Coachella Valley are rapidly being covered by expensive gated communities
with private golf courses.
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069
RESEARCH DESIGN AND ORIENTATION
Fundamental research questions that are implicit in the examination of resources on a property
generally revolve around chronological and typological considerations. When evaluating
resources on a property principal questions that should be answered include defining the
chronological placement of a given resource, the cultural affiliation of a resource should be
proposed, and site/artifact types should be clearly described and defined within their respective
historic contexts. Due to the limited scope of this study a complex research design was not
prepared prior to the fieldwork. From having previously conducted considerable work in the
area and from extensive familiarity with the prehistoric and historic landscapes of the region,
the fieldwork commenced with presumptions of the varying types of resources that were likely
to occur on the property. This database was reinforced from having reviewed the
archaeological work that had previously been conducted on the parcel and in the immediate
area, in addition to reviewing manuscripts on the prehistoric and historic occupation of the
area. Specific references that facilitated fieldwork included reviewing publications such as
Bean, Vane and Young's (1991:2-4) discussions of Cahuilla site types that occurred during
various periods and in varying locations. Studies such as the Tahquitz Project (Bean, Schaefer,
and Vane 1995) aided in formulating specific research questions regarding late prehistoric
occupation of the area, and insights into former environmental topics was facilitated by
reviewing Wilke's (1978) landmark work on Lake Cahuilla habitation sites.
Specific topics central to the chronology and placement of prehistoric sites in the area
correspond to former environmental conditions such as water availability during varying
climatic phases. Appropriate research questions to be asked in regard to water availability and
site placement include whether or not sites were situated close to old springs, annual drainage
and creek flows, along the primary drainages such as the Whitewater River, or along the shores
of ancient Lake Cahuilla. For instance, it has been established that ancient lake Cahuilla
became desiccated at about A.D. 1680. The project area was very near the shoreline when Lake
Cahuilla was extant, therefore sites found on the property could both pre -date and post-date the
drying of the lake.
It should be noted that no formally adopted research design or historic context has yet been
compiled for the Coachella Valley, and the County of Riverside does not have an adopted
research design for the region. The office of County Archaeologist has not been filled for
approximately 25 years, therefore cultural resources consultation at the County level has not
been possible for a long time. The City of La Quinta does have a draft Historic Context
Statement to guide researchers, as well as pertinent policies and implementation measures
adopted in the City's General Plan and Historic Preservation Ordinance.
The primary tasks performed for this study consisted of those recognized as standard
professional practices for compliance cultural resource management studies under both CEQA
guidelines, and in accordance with the requirements of the City of La Quinta. Legal and
environmental compliance research goals and objectives included the location, interpretation,
and evaluation of past human activities and to provide recommendations for planning and
mitigation purposes to the City of La Quinta. The scope of this study concerns all
archaeological and historical materials 45 years of age or older. The following outline presents
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070
the guidelines for cultural resource assessments.
Records Search
An archaeological records search was completed by Leslie Mouriquand on August 27 and 31,
2004, at the Eastern Information Center (EIC), University of California, Riverside. The EIC is
the State of California's official cultural resource records repository for the County of
Riverside, and a part of the California Historical Resource Information System (CHRIS)
established and maintained under the auspices of the California State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO).
During the records search master maps and records on file at the EIC were examined for
previously identified cultural resources inside or within a one -mile radius of the project area,
and existing cultural resources reports pertaining to the vicinity were inspected. 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.
Archival Research
During the course of the study the investigators conducted historical background research on
the project area using published literature in local and regional history and historic maps
available through the U. S. General Land Office's (GLO) Internet website
(www.glorecords.blm.gov) , National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places site
(,,vww.cr.nps.gov/nr). and on file at the TKC Pam Desert office. Historic maps examined
included the following:
1856 General Land Office (GLO), U.S. Department of the Interior, Plat map of Township No.
5 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian
1904 U.S.G.S. Indio, California, 1:125000 scale
1917 Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California, 1 inch:1 mile, H. D. Bradley, L.S.
1941 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 15' Coachella, California
1944 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 15' Coachella, California
1956 U.S.G.S 15' Coachella, California
1959 U.S. G.S. 7.5' La Quinta, California (Photorevised 1980)
2002 City of La Quinta Comprehensive General Plan Exhibit 9.1 — Cultural Resources Map
Sacred Lands File Check/Native American Coordination
A request for a records search was made on August 30, 2004, with the Native American
Heritage Commission (NAHC) for any sacred sites or other cultural resources. The letter of
request is found in Appendix B.
24
. 1 071
Field Survey
Archaeologist, Leslie Mouriquand and Archaeology Technician, Will Blodgett of the Keith
Companies conducted an intensive pedestrian survey of the project area on portions of the days
of August 31", September 2nd, and 6th, 2004. Transect spacing was within or under 10 m to
assure adequate coverage of the property; north -south transects were walked across the level
property. Compass bearings were used to ensure parallel, non -overlapping transects. The
entire ground surface across the property was intensively surveyed for prehistoric or historic
resources, especially the three previously recorded sites. Ground visibility was very good except
in areas covered with date tree trimmings, dead citrus trees, and other debris. Backdirt from
rodent burrows and dirt roadway cuts were examined for artifacts. Notes were taken on the
general characteristics of the property and on the building remains located in the central
portion of the property. Numerous photographs were taken of the parcel conditions and site
areas. No artifacts were collected during this investigation. A new site, Hammer #1, was
identified and recorded by establishing a datum control point and pacing the x and y axis co-
ordinates for each artifact constituent observed at this new site. Recordation of this new site
will be filed on state Department of Parks and Recreation site record forms and filed with the
Eastern Information Center.
On September 6, 2004, it was discovered that a shallow trench had recently been dug across the
north property line frontage (approximately 400 feet), parallel with Highway 111, and through
RIV-4751H, a previously recorded archaeological site partially within the project boundaries
and partially within City of La Quinta and Cal Trans rights of way. This shallow trench was
surveyed for any indication of subsurface cultural deposits.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
Records Search
According to records on file at the Eastern Information Center, the project area had been
previously surveyed for cultural resources, in 1992, as part of a 160 acre survey of the entire
southwest 1/4 of Section 29. Of the sites documented within that survey, three are located
within the current project boundaries. Other sites were documented very near the property
boundaries, and include an old wagon road, late prehistoric camp sites, pottery scatters,
cremations, and historic sites, indicating that the immediate area was extensively used during
both of these time periods.
Numerous archaeological sites have been recorded within the La Quinta area over the years,
and many parcels have been surveyed. For manageability, a'/z mile radius from the project site
was selected for this investigation. Within a 1/2-mile radius of the project boundaries many
archaeological sites have been recorded over the years. Table 1 characterizes these sites.
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072
Table 1. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within a'/2 mile Radius.
Site # CA-
Site Type
Date
Recorded
Comment
RIV
Recorded
4751-H
historic agricultural-
1992
D. Everson
Late Prehistoric ceramic Brownware pottery
related settlement
scatters, FAR, Burnt bone, shell, aqua glass,
intermixed with
rusty metal frags, concrete water tower and
prehistoric dune site.
pipes in a plowed field; Pottery scatters,
marine shell, aqua glass and concrete value
and pipes relocated on 9-3-04; cable company
trenching through site on 9-3-04; needs
testing and monitoring.
4757-H
Historic farmstead
1992
D. Everson
Concrete slab foundation, walkway, dirt
driveway, concrete water valve tower, old
piping, clapboard structure on concrete
pedestals, posts, wire, bolts, nails, bricks, tiles,
glass wares, cans, and modern trash.
4747-H
Historic concrete
1992
D. Everson
Three concrete walkway foundations, bricks,
foundations, bricks,
and trash. Relocated on 9-6-04; partially
and debris.
covered over by sand and debris.
4749-H
Historic farmstead
1992
D. Everson;
Old concrete slab foundation, walkway,
Updated
driveway, retaining wall, concrete water valve
1997 by Bai
tower, concrete slab shack foundation, old
"Tom" Tang
piping, barb -wire fencing, and depression -era
trash.
6442-H
Multi -component
2000
J. Brock;
Pottery, clay, lithic flakes, bone,Anodonta
(33-9644)
late prehistoric site
Updated
shell frags, 2 glass shards. Site destroyed
with historic glass
200' by J.
during park development. Unburned rock
Brock
feature and FAR feature found during
monitoring.
4748-H
Historic farming
1992
D. Everson
Two concrete water valve towers, old
infrastructure
piping, old barbed-wire fence, posts, wire,
bolts, nails, bricks. Site destroyed by
development.
6441-H
Multi -component site
1999
B. D. Smith
Charcoal, ceramic sherds, clay pieces, basalt
(33-9643)
flake, bone, freshwater shell frags, ground
stone frags, FAR, glass shards, metal frags.
Site destroyed by park development.
7858
Isolated prehistoric
1995
L.
One undecorated "Tizon" brownware
artifact
Mouriquand
pottery sherd found during monitoring of
Dune Palms Rd. borrow site.
7839
Prehistoric dune
1996
B. Love &
FAR, burned mineralized faunal bone,
blowout site
B. Tang
debitage, mano frag, Possibly Archaic. Site
destroyed by development.
6445
Probable small
J. Brock &
Ceramics, probable metate frags, charcoal,
(33-9646)
prehistoric habitation
12000
B. Smith
FAR. Site destroyed by Miraflores
site
development.
26
073
4754
Prehistoric
1992
D. Everson:
"Burning Dune" site. Fish exploitation
encampment
Updated
during lake, mesquite exploitation post-
1999 by J.
lake.
Brock, B.D.
Smith & T.
A. Wake
4753
Prehistoric ceramics
1999
J. Brock
Near "Burning Dune' site. Charcoal, small
scatter
mammal bone frag, freshwater snail frag, 3
small brownware sherds.
4746
Prehistoric
1999
J. Brock
Near "Burning Dune' site. Olivella barrel
subsistence camp
bead, a variety of lithies, FAR, freshwater
related to ancient
snail frags, faunal bone, charcoal, baked clay,
Lake Cahuilla stands
brownware pottery.
4745
Prehistoric pottery
1992
D. Everson;
Pottery scatter. Tested in 1997 by Love, who
scatter
Update 1997
found 3 pieces of FAR- Site determined not
by B. Love
to be significant.
4752
Prehistoric dune site
1992
D. Everson;
North of "Burning Dune' site. Scatter of
Update 1997
brownware pottery, shell, small mammal
by B. Love
bone on top of dune_ Tested in 1997 by Love,
who found buff ware pottery, burned clam
shell, schist, and FAR all no deeper than 0-10
cm level. Low site integrity. Determined not
significant.
4756-H
Historic agricultural
1992
D. Everson;
Concrete water valve tower, old piping, old
site
Update 1997
fence line. Well drilled in 1952 for Kazuo
by B. Tang
Nagata. Site determined not to be eligible for
National Register.
4755-H
Historic wagon road
1992
D. Everson;
Site evaluated in 1997 by B. Tang.
Updated
Determined that old road likely buried under
1997 by B.
sand and that modern jeep trail not
Tang
significant.
4750-H
Historic can dump
1997
D. Everson;
Two piles of historic cans with an occasional
with prehistoric
Updated
potsherd of plain brownware on western face
isolates intermixed
1997 by B.
of dune. Site now destroyed by Wal-Mart
Tang
development.
The majority of these sites are prehistoric ceramic scatters of varying size representing
temporary or seasonal camps that were situated along the old shoreline dunes of ancient Lake
Cahuilla (ca. A.D. 900-1680). Some of these sites were used during multiple time periods. These
sites are often along the 60-foot elevation contour, which was slightly above the elevation of the
high shoreline of the ancient lake; the 42-foot contour is about 1/2 mile to the east and
southeast of the project site, and many sites occurred along this contour. Most of these sites
have now been destroyed by urban development. Sites that are below this elevation (to the
east), are commonly associated with either the retreating shoreline of the lake or date to after
the lake had dried at about A.D. 1680.
27
074
Archival Research
Archival research of published literature revealed that there are several ethnographic and
significant Cahuilla village sites located within a 10-mile radius of the project location. The
closest village was that of Cowovahalham (RIV450) located near the intersection of
Washington Street and Highway 111, near Point Happy, and located less than a mile west from
the project site (Everson 1992: 12). This village site figures prominently in Cahuilla oral history.
Patencio called this place "the sharp point of the pestle of the mortar or grinding stone." The
culture hero Eagle Flower (Aswitsei) was a mythical leader of the Sewakil clan of the coyote
moiety. There are stories about how he left the imprint of his elbows and knees in the rock
(Point Happy) as he looked toward the village of Maulmii (Toro), when he stopped there
during his journey from one place to another (Northwest Economic Associates and Cultural
Systems Research, Inc., 2004:74).
Another village location was plotted close to where historic Old Town La Quinta is today.
According to Patencio the settlement of "Kotevewit," was a short distance from the La Quinta
Hotel (Bean, Vane and Young: 1991:58). It is probable that the many prehistoric sites recorded
in the La Quinta Cove area were associated with this village. Kotevewit plays a part in the
migration legend of the Sewahilem clan (Strong 1929:86-87). The culture heroAswitsei settled
at this village with his wife, the daughter of a man named Kauicwikil who lived at the edge of the
desert (Northwest Economic Associates and Cultural Systems Research, Inc., 2004: 91). The
village area is thought to have been located close to the shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla
when it was at its high point along the 42-foot elevation mark (Bean, Vane & Young 1991: 58).
Indeed, many of the recorded archaeological sites in this area many be a part of the habitation
clusters and food processing areas in the cove area and along the ancient shoreline that made
up the general village area of Kotevewit. This village was located in the heart of historic La
Quinta.
The village of Kavinish, "low or hollow place," was located along the banks of the Whitewater
River and is thought to have been primarily located where the modern City of Indian Wells is
now found. This village is thought to have been one of the longest continually occupied of the
known village sites. Aswitsei's people settled here, where the water from the ancient lake did
not reach (Northeast Economic Associates and Cultural Systems Research, Inc., 2004: 72-73).
Resort and residential development are now found where this village once was located.
Other important prehistoric and historic era Cahuilla villages were located to the southeast and
west of the project site. Approximately 8 miles to the southeast is the location of the late 19"
century ethnohistorical village of Toro or Mauulmii ("Place of the Palm Tree"), on the Torres -
Martinez Reservation. This village was the home of the Sawalakiktum ("water fox") lineages
during the late prehistoric period. Later, the Wakaikiktum ("night heron"), Panakauissiktum
(`water fox"), and Sewahilem lineages lived at Mauulmii in the late 1870s, according to Strong
(1929:52). This village area contained deep hand -dug walk-in water wells, a cemetery which is
still used today, hunting and gathering areas, and similar features (Bean, Vane, and Young
1991: 24). The Torres -Martinez Reservation was established in 1876 and includes in its
checkerboard pattern of holdings the traditional village site of Mauulmii and the modern village
community located just south of the traditional village site. The checkerboard reservation
pattern was created by the setting aside, by the federal government, of large land allotments to
28
„-- . 075
the railroad, national forests, public lands, and certain Indian reservations (Eargle, Jr. 1986:
135).
A village area existed on the Augustine Reservation that included the deep walk-in wells,
residential clusters, cemetery, ceremonial areas, and all the other features of an ethnohistoric
Cahuilla village center. The reservation was established by Congress in 1893 and encompassed
one section of land, most of which is still within the reservation, now the home of the Eagle
Flower Casino and vacant parcels.
From the above discussion, it can be demonstrated that the general area in and around the
project site was one of significant prehistoric and ethnohistoric Native American occupancy and
activity. Such villages are considered highly significant, especially those that are ethnohistoric
and still in modern memory. Modern development has claimed many of these village centers.
A copy of a manuscript by Marjorie Dougan was obtained in which field notes about prehistoric
sites within the La Quinta region are mapped and identified. The sites were visited between
1932 and 1940, and maybe part of past survey efforts of the Archaeological Survey Association,
now defunct. The map (Figure 6) illustrates much of the La Quinta area with dry lake areas
interspersed with dunes and mountain outcrops. There are four sites on her map that are near
the current project site. Dougan describes a "workshop" site that contained flaked "flint'
crystal, jasper, and obsidian; points of "perfect milk opal', a small quantity of sherds, and small
hammer stones. Another site is described as having "kilns," ochre for slips, manes and cooking
stones of granite, and polishing stones. And a third site nearby the current project area is
described as having beads of whole shell, fragments of skull, with a notation that a burial had
been disturbed prior to her site visit. It is not clear in her field notes if all artifacts noted were
collected or not, however there are some sites in which she notes that artifacts were collected
and given to the Southwest Museum. This information assists us in piecing together more of the
local prehistory and material culture, and also indicates that avocational artifact collection took
place in the area prior to systematic archaeological studies. It also tells us that modern
archaeological studies in the area are left with only partial clues to past lifeways due to past
collecting activities.
Homesteading did not take place within the project boundaries or within Section 29 as this
section was granted to the railroad as part of the financing mechanism for construction of the
rail line through the Coachella Valley. Early settler activities took place within and surrounding
the project boundaries. There was nothing indicated on the parcel on the 1917 Bradley map.
The earliest documentation of settlement activity for the property is a 1948 well drillers report
on file with the Coachella Valley Water District. County of Riverside Official Well Record No.
16 indicates that A. M. Chavez, of Indio, was the property owner in 1948 (Harrell 2004). It is
interesting to note that water was reached at 120 feet depth and the total depth of the well was
336 feet, for this 10 3/16 inch diameter irrigation well. The well was drilled between July 20`h
and 22od, 1948, by Roberts Drilling Co., of Indio. It is probable that this well is associated with
the concrete water valve towers observed on the parcel, near the northern property boundary.
The well drilling report is considered a confidential document and has been confidentially
appended to this report.
29
076
0
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Figure 6. Dougan Map of La Quinta Sites between 1932 and 1940.
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No building permit history for the parcel could be located by the City of La Quinta Building and
Safety staff, when an inquiry was made on September 2, 2004. A structure is indicated in the
central portion of the parcel on the 1959 La Quinta U.S. G. S. 75 Quad map, which likely
represents the concrete slab recorded by Everson, in 1992, as part of CA-RIV-4757H.
Agricultural land uses and related settlement continued in this area until recent years. The
most recent property owner, prior to La Quinta Redevelopment Agency purchase of the parcel,
was the Hammer family. No information could be located about this family.
Native American Scoping and Record Search Results
A request was made to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), on August 30,
2004, for a check of their Sacred Lands File. A response was received on September 8, 2004, in
which no sacred lands were identified in the Commissions' records. However, the response
states that "the absence of specific site information in the sacred lands file does not indicate the
absence of cultural resources in any project area." Their response letter is included in Appendix
B.
The Commission recommended that all of the local Native American Bands listed on their
Native American Contacts list (attached to their response letter) be contacted as part of project
seeping. In accordance with City of La Quinta standard operating procedure, TKC transmitted
project seeping letters to the local Native American Bands, consisting of Cabazon Band of
Mission Indians, Torres -Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla
Indians, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Written responses were received from
the Agua Caliente Band, Augustine Band, and Torres -Martinez Band, and are appended to this
report. A telephone call was received from Judy Staff, Director of Cultural Affairs, Cabazon
Band of Mission Indians, on September 1, 2004, indicating that the band did not have cultural
resources issues of concern with regard to this project site.
The Agua Caliente Band commented that the project area is close to their Traditional Use Area
(TUA) and requested a copy of all reports generated for this project. The Augustine Band
requests that other local tribes be contacted, that a Native American Monitor be present during
ground breaking activities, and that they receive a copy of all reports related to this
investigation. The Torres -Martinez Band commented that the project is within their TUA, that
they were aware of several known sites in close proximity and suspect that there is probability
for additional sites to be found within the project area. They requested that a Native American
Monitor be present during ground disturbing activity.
Field Work Results
An intensive pedestrian survey of the project area was conducted on portions of the days of
August 31st, September 2nd and 6ih, 2004. Transect spacing was within or under 10 m to
assure adequate coverage of the property. Compass bearings were used to ensure parallel, non -
overlapping transects. The entire ground surface across the property was intensively surveyed
for prehistoric or historic resources. The three previously recorded archaeological sites were
relocated, with one new site (Hammer #1) recorded during the survey. Updated site records
will be completed for the previously recorded sites, and a new site record will be completed for
Hammer #1.
31
RIV-4751H is the northern -most archaeological site (Figure 7) on the parcel and was relocated
easily. The site area extends across the width of the parcel and from Highway 111 300 meters
south. It was observed that some of the features noted in the 1992 site record were no longer
there, such as date palm trees, an iron vent, a gate, and telephone poles. It was also observed
that the site had been impacted by the digging of a depression in which two 4 x 4 inch wooden
posts were found (Figure 8). Observed down in this depression were several late prehistoric
ceramic sherds. This depression is approximately where a ceramic scatter was noted in 1992. A
lone fire affect brownware sherd was observed near the northeast corner of the parcel where
none had preciously been recorded. Other ceramics were observed in the approximate located
that they had previously been recorded. On September 6"i, it was noticed that shallow trenching
had occurred across the northern property line parallel with Highway 111, possibly within the
public right of way. The depth of the trench was approximately 12 to 15 inches, and
approximately 12 inches wide at that time. The City of La Quinta was notified of the trenching,
as was Cal Trans. The trenching was quickly surveyed for indications of any subsurface cultural
deposits, but none were observed at that time.
Figure 7. View to west of RIV-4751H with sign post hole damage.
32
079
Figure 8. Closeup of sherds exposed by post hole digging activity
RIV-4757H was relocated easily as it consists of a standing structure, concrete slab foundation,
concrete water valve tower, historic and modern debris, etc. A plywood tree house of
indeterminate age was found associated with RIV-4757H, and will be added to the site record
update. The standing structure, referred in the 1992 site record as a "Hut' and "shack" was
photographed and inspected. See Figures 9 through 12. It is a single story wooden framed
clapboard house with two doorways, and four window openings, that is mounted on concrete
post and pier foundation. The clapboard is Yz inch thick. The interior floor is wood. The
structure has been vandalized and is in an advanced state of disrepair. Yellow glazed 4 x 4 inch
ceramic kitchenibathroom tiles had been removed from the interior and were lying on the
ground outside. A cast iron kitchen sink was found outside underneath the southwest corner of
the house. All fixtures, hardware, interior wallboards, and ceiling material have been removed.
The presence of metal mattress springs inside and trash strewn about indicated that vagrants
had
33
�..."_ 080
Figure 9. Front Elevation of structure at RIV-4757H.
s O 1
X
Rs
x
Figure 10. South elevation of structure at RIV-4757H.
34
081
Figure 11. North elevation of structure at RIV-4757H.
Figure 12. Concrete slab foundation with floor tile remains at RIV-4757H.
35
082
Figure 13. Interior of structure at RIV-4757H.
Figure 14. RIV-4757H overview toward west.
083
36
occupied the structure in the recent past. No archival documents could be located to provide a
date for the construction of the house. In addition, it cannot be concluded that the house was
constructed on -site, as it may have been moved onto the parcel from another location.
Additional concrete pedestals were located near the house, suggesting that the house had been
moved onto the parcel.
No indications of plumbing pipes or electrical lines underneath the house or under the roof
eaves were observed, further suggesting that the house may have been moved to the parcel and
not used as a residence, but as some sort of accessory structure. The potential street address
number described in the 1992 site record as being attached to the house was no where to be
found. The street address numbers cited in the 1992 site record were researched with the City of
La Quinta Building and Safety Department with no results.
The concrete slab foundation may date to the 1940s. Remains of floor tiles were still present
giving clues to the interior floor plan. Two metal doorway thresholds were still attached to the
foundation. Part of the foundation had been covered over with dirt and a large pile of wooden
agricultural stakes preventing a complete inspection of the foundation. Along the south side of
the foundation was a concrete walkway partially covered by dirt and trash. Electrical poles and
telephone poles were observed near the structure. What were once large landscape trees are
now overgrown and dead. Various types of historic (rusty metal pieces, lumber, etc) and
modern trash was strewn around the yard area. The water well drilled in 1948 may suggest a
date for the slab foundation. The 1959 La Quinta 75 USGS Quad map indicates that a
structure was present in the same location as the foundation is located, suggesting that a house
could have been constructed there between 1948 and 1959. Riverside County did not begin
issuing building permits until 1950, but none were found for this parcel.
RI V-4747H is an unusual historical site consisting of two concrete walkway -like features, each
in the shape of an "E", as noted in the 1992 site record. See Figures 15 and 16 . One of the
walkways is green colored concrete. The walkways were constructed in sections, a method used
to prevent cracking of the wet concrete. Both walkways were partially covered over with dirt ad
sand and dumped debris. The original site record noted piles of bricks and house debris
suggesting that the walkways were associated with a house or structure of some kind. Each
branch of the "Es" suggests walkways to doorways, such as that of small attached guest cottages
or cabins, or possibly garden walkways. No building permit history could be found for the
parcel to explain the walkways, suggesting that they may pre -date 1950. No diagnostic artifacts
were observed that would offer chronological clues.
Hammer # 1 is a late prehistoric site within a large sand dune structure. See Figures 17 and 18.
Artifacts were observed on the surface of the west side of the dune, within off -road vehicle
tracks. Observed were a total of nine plain brownware ceramic sherds, two microcrystalline
flakes, a scatter of small faunal bone, and two small pieces of fire affected clay. Each artifact
was plotted within the site for recordation.
37
084
Figure 15. Concrete walkway at RIV-4747H.
Figure 16. Green concrete walkway at RIV-4747H.
38
085
Figure 17. Hammer #1 site location.
Figure 18. View to north of Hammer #1.
086
39
DISCUSSION
It is highly likely that unauthorized surface collection of artifacts has occurred at all of the sites,
leaving fewer artifacts, such as the broken pieces of pottery, to describe and aid in evaluation.
Late Prehistoric ceramics comprise the majority of prehistoric artifacts observed on the project.
The ceramic sherds are assigned to the broad "brown ware" typology. Many ceramic specialists
disagree over what characteristics constitute brown ware or buff ware. In general, brown wares
were made from residual "mountain clays," containing angular inclusions of granitic material
with a high iron content. These ceramics are more friable and less dense than buff ware, and
they are typically dark brown or reddish -brown in color. Buff wares are typically made from
alluvial clays with low iron content and well-rounded inclusions. Buff wares are usually pinkish
buff to tan in color and are generally considered "finer" than brown ware.
Brown ware, commonly called Tizon Brown Ware, was constructed by coiling and smoothing by
paddle and anvil. Outer surfaces of vessels are usually smooth, and finger impressions are
generally observed on interior surfaces. Brown ware was manufactured from local residual clays
recovered from pockets or layers near springs and along stream beds. Because these clays
include much coarse material, they are mostly self -tempering, requiring only a minimal amount
of removal of large grains. Pottery made of this clay often has particles of shining mica on
exterior surfaces. The ware dates from between ca. A.D. 700 and 1900, and occurs widely
throughout southern California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona.
Many elements of Cahuilla society such as baskets, mats, sandals, granaries, and their houses
were made from plants and various fibers, materials that generally do not leave any
archaeological signatures. On this topic Strong (1929:43) remarked that "only blackened rocks
from fire -places and a few sherds of red undecorated pottery, alone indicate that fourty years
ago there was a thriving village here [at Puichekiva on the Torres Martinez Indian
Reservation]." It is interesting to note that many of the late -period basin (old lakebed) villages
described by Strong had from 7-9 individual houses. Perhaps the carrying capacity of these and
basin lands that had relatively low biodiversity could only support a relatively small number of
individuals spread across the basin or along preferred corridors such as the White Water River
channel.
Because the subject property is surrounded by known village sites and numerous archaeological
sites and isolates, the property would have been within the hunting and foraging spheres of
various villages; settlements and associated gathering areas would have shifted over time. The
basin was formerly covered in small shifting sand dunes and larger dunes anchored by mesquite
groves. These soils are subjected to repeated soil/dune formation and deflation. Because of the
combination of a relatively unstable living prehistoric ground surface from shifting dunes and
intermittent filling of the basin with clays and silts during wet years, there was undoubtedly a lot
of exposure and covering of sites and smaller artifact clusters over time. Because of the
dynamic ground surface of the basin, it has been recommended by many authorities that
archaeological monitoring should be conducted in the basin during earth -moving activities.
40
087
The prehistoric Cahuilla landscape has been severely impacted by rampant urbanization of the
Coachella Valley. Many archaeological sites have been recorded and excavated over the years,
although investigators have typically viewed their sites as "islands unto themselves" and often
do not tie in their particular sites to the surrounding prehistoric landscapes over various
periods. Many research questions remain to be answered, and a regional synthesis or historical
context has not yet even been developed for the region. Little is currently known about
interactions between desert and mountain groups. Some questions that remained to be
answered include: were early Cahuilla groups/villages associated with Lake Cahuilla and its
abundant resources able to maintain higher population densities compared to later groups that
were scattered across the desiccated (lower biodiversity) basin floor? Were the mortuary
practices of early Cahuilla groups similar to later patterns in regard to preferred areas to
cremate their dead? What is the extent of earlier archaic occupation of the valley?
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Significance and Site Evaluation
In anticipation of project/report review by the City of La Quinta Historic Preservation
Commission, the City's criteria were followed for this report. National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP) eligibility was also considered for this study. The City of La Quinta is a
Certified Local Government (CLG) with certain authorities granted to it by the State Historic
Preservation Office.
Determination of NRHP eligibility for historic properties, per 36 CFR 60.4, requires
establishing integrity (in terms of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and
association) and meeting at least one of the significance criteria listed below:
a. association with events that have made significant contributions to the broad pattern
of our history; or,
b. association with lives of persons significant in our past; or,
c. distinctive characteristics of type, period, or method of construction, or that
represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent
a significant distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
distinction; or,
d. yielding, or likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
Pursuant to these provisions, and also requirements of the National Environmental
Preservation Act of 1969 (NEPA), the City of La Quinta has responsibility to identify historic
properties eligible to the NRHP within The Center at La Quinta Planning Area III Area of
Potential Effects (APE).
Evaluation of significance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) uses
criteria found in eligibility statements for the California Register of Historical Resources
(CRHR), which are essentially the same as the federal (NRHP) criteria. Generally a resource
shall be considered historically significant if it meets the criteria for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources in the state historic preservation law (Pub Res C §50241; Cal
41
088
Code Regs §15064.5(a)(3). These criteria provide that a resource may be listed as a potentially
significant historical resource if it:
Is associated with the events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of California history and cultural heritage;
Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past;
Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of
construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses
high artistic value; and/or
Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
RIV-4751H
RIV-4751H has been impacted by agricultural activities over the years, and more recently by the
digging of a large hole to install two 4 x 4 inch wooden posts, which likely supported a sign. It
appears that in the digging of the hole, prehistoric pottery was exposed which may indicate the
presence of a subsurface deposit. Although the site area has been under agriculture, it has been
demonstrated repeatedly that agricultural impacts on archaeological sites are relatively shallow
and that subsurface cultural deposits can remain intact. Often the surface deposits will be
scattered and intermixed with material from more recent time periods. Tilling can also create a
"float" effect resulting in subsurface artifacts coming to the surface. In order to characterize
RIV-4751H, subsurface testing should be completed, especially in and around the sign post
depression.
RIV-4757H
One small building is located on the property, but appear to have been moved onto the property
from another location. There is no documentation to indicate when the structure was
constructed on the site, or moved to the site. No documentation to date the structure that was
on the concrete slab foundation, a few meters south of the "shack," could be found as well. The
standing structure was constructed from wooden materials, with '/z inch thick clapboard siding.
While it is not architecturally notable, it does represent a common vernacular clapboard style
of early desert house. A well driller's report on file with the Coachella Valley Water District is
dated 1948, may date the concrete slab foundation as the earliest settlement of the parcel, which
does make the site of historic age, but not necessarily of historic significance. Archival research
did not result in any data that links this site to any individual or event of national or regional
significance. The site is a typical 1940s farmstead that may have local importance as an example
of early agricultural settlement and practices in the area. However, due to vandalism and
neglect the site lacks integrity that would make it worthy of preservation.
42
089
RIV-4747H
The two "E" shaped concrete walkways could not be associated with any documentation to
explain their function or to date them. It was noted in the original site record that a structure
that was likely associated with the walkways had been demolished as evidenced by piles of
rubble nearby. In the Everson, 1992 survey report, Phase II Testing was recommended for all of
the sites documented in that study, including this one. No similar sites with "E" shaped
walkways are known in the local area, which makes this site unique. However, there is not
enough information about the walkways to determine that they are not significant. Additional
information is needed to make a significance determination.
Hammer #1
This late prehistoric dune site appears to be eroding out of the west face of the dune
structure. This site should be evaluated and subsurface testing completed to define the
character and significance.
Potential Effects
La Quinta is rich in prehistoric and historic resources. Many of these resources have been lost
due to development. Prehistoric and historic archaeological resources will be impacted by the
proposed development of Planning Area III and residential development to the south.
However, a variety of impacts have occurred across the parcel and to some of the sites resulting
in a loss of integrity. RIV-4751H, (near Highway 111), and Hammer #1 require subsurface
testing to be able to provide site characterization, and to evaluate them for potential
significance. Should testing confirm that they are not significant no further investigation would
be required, other than construction monitoring. In some instances testing also serves as data
recovery should the site not have extensive or significant subsurface deposits.
Two of the sites contain prehistoric surface finds, indicating that the project area was occupied
during the Late Prehistoric Period. Unidentified buried archaeological resources could also
potentially be impacted by initial clearing, mass grading, or trenching; however, as surface finds
can be often be indicative of subsurface deposits.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following mitigation for impacts to these sites is recommended.
For RIV-4747H, the "E" shaped concrete walkways (near the southwestern corner of the
parcel), should be fully exposed, photo -documented, and additional archival research
conducted with the La Quinta Historical Museum, the Coachella Valley Historical Museum,
and other local entities, to try to ascertain with what the walkways were associated. Any
diagnostic artifacts exposed should be collected for curation at the La Quinta Historical
Museum.
43
For RIV-4757H, the standing structure and all related features within the site should be photo -
documented in detail, and a detailed architectural site record be filed with the EIC. Additional
archival research is recommended with the La Quinta Historical Museum, the Coachella Valley
Historical Museum, and other agencies to seek additional historical information about the site.
All components of this site would have to be removed to make way for the Planning Area III
commercial development within The Center at La Quinta Specific Plan. It is recommended
that a representative sample of diagnostic historic artifacts be collected from the site and
curated with the La Quinta Historical Museum for public interpretation and research. Focused
monitoring of the demolition should be conducted to recover any historic artifacts of
interpretive value, assess significant features that may exposed, and to monitor for buried
cultural deposits of older time periods.
CA-RIV-4751H has been disturbed through farming activities, road construction activities,
adjacent development to the west, sign post installation, and recent trenching along Highway
111. These disturbances have served to expose potential subsurface cultural deposits within the
current project boundaries, indicating the potential for additional such material below the
ground surface. Shallow trenching has occurred through the site area, with additional trenching
anticipated. The site has been further disturbed by digging for the installation of sign posts in
the recent past, and perhaps some land clearing/leveling activities. A 6-inch iron pipe vent, gate
and palm trees that were previously recorded within the site are no longer there. Although there
have been disturbances to the area, testing will be required to define the boundaries and nature
of the site to enable a significance determination. In order to determine the nature of RIV-
4751H, it is recommended that at least three 1x 1.5 meter hand -excavated units be excavated to
search for indications of a subsurface deposit. As is often the case, such exploratory testing
measures serve as data recovery if very little is found. Cal Trans should receive copies of all
reports and site records related to this site, as the site extends into their right of way.
Hammer #1 has been disturbed by vehicle tracks crossing the dune structure. This disturbance
may have exposed artifacts just below the surface. The scatter of faunal bone and ceramic
sherds may indicate that additional cultural deposit is still within the dune structure. Phase 11
subsurface testing is necessary to define the nature of the site and to evaluate it for its
significance.
An archaeological monitoring program should be initiated during initial ground
clearing/scrubbing, mass grading, and deep trenching. Early ground clearing and mass grading,
at the onset of the project, should be heavily monitored in the areas of the four sites. The
artifacts at these four sites should be collected and curated at the La Quinta Historical Museum
or other acceptable facility. In later stages a much more limited "spot' monitoring program
should be implemented when utility trenches, sewer lines, and similar features are excavated
and the potential cultural resource presence has been determined to be lessened. This
monitoring program should be coordinated with the grading contractor, the City of La Quinta,
and the project archaeologist. Full-time archaeological monitoring is warranted for this project
because sites were found on the property, and the property is situated in an area that has very
high archaeological sensitivity. It may be required by the local Native American bands to
include a Tribal monitor during the earth -disturbing activities.
44
091
In the unlikely event that human remains are encountered during project construction, State
Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 state that no further disturbance shall occur until the
County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to the origin and disposition of the remains,
pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The following actions must be taken
immediately upon the discovery of human remains:
(I) Stop immediately and contact the County Coroner;
(2) The Coroner has two working days to examine human remains after being notified by
the responsible person. If the remains are Native American, the Coroner has 24 hours
to notify the Native American Heritage Commission;
(3) The Native American Heritage Commission will immediately notify the person it
believes to be the most likely descendent of the deceased Native American;
(4) The most likely descendent has 24 hours to make recommendations to the owner, or
representative, for the treatment or disposition, with proper dignity, of the human
remains and grave goods;
(5) If the descendent does not make recommendations within 24 hours the owner shall re-
inter the remains in an area of the property secure from further disturbance, or; If the
owner does not accept the descendant's recommendations, the owner or the descendent
may request mediation by the Native American Heritage Commission.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present the
data and information required for this archaeological report, and the facts, statements, and
information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date:
Leslie J. Mouriquand M.A., RPA
45
092
REFERENCES CITED
Barrows, David P.
1900 Ethno-botany of the Coahuilla Indians. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
Bean, Lowell John
1972 Mukat's People: The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. University of
California Press, Berkeley.
1978 Cahuilla. In Handbook of north American Indians, Vol. 8, California; R. F
Heizer, ed. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.
Bean, Lowell John and Katherine Siva Saubel
1972 Temalpahk. Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of Plants. Malki Museum,
Banning.
Bean, L. J., J. Schaefer, and S. Vane
1995 The Tahquitz Canyon Project.
Bean, L. J., S. Vane, and J. Young
1991 The Cahuilla Landscape: The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Ballena
Press Anthropological Papers No. 37.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
1995 California Historical Landmarks. Department of Parks and Recreation,
Sacramento. (s;w,;v.ohp.parks.ca.gov)
Dibblee, L.
1954 Geology of the Imperial Valley Region, California. In Geology of Southern
California, edited by R.A. Jahns, pp. 21-28. California Division of Mines and
Geology Bulletin 170, Sacramento.
Dougan, Marjorie
n.d. Ancient Indian Camp Sites in Southern California. On file at Los Angeles
County Museum, ASA File 3: Q-Z.
Eargle, Jr., Dolan H.
1986 The Earth is Our Mother: A Guide to the Indians of California, Their -Locales and
Historic Sites. San Francisco: Trees Company Press.
Everson, D.
1992 Cultural Resources Assessment: La Quinta Center, City of La Quinta,
Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California. UCRARU#1178. Ms on file at
the EIC.
46
093
Goodman, J. D. II, and L. J. Mouriquand
2004 Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 100 acres Located North of Avenue
50 at the Southern Terminus of Madison Street within Section 33 and 34, City
of Indio, Riverside County, California. On file at TKC, Inc. Palm Desert, and
Eastern Information Center.
Hamilton, W.
1916 Origin of the Gulf of California. Geological Society of American Bulletin
72:1307-1318.
Harrell, A.
2004 Personal Communication. Coachella Valley Water District.
Hooper, L.
1920 The Cahuilla Indians. University of California Press, Berkeley.
James, H. C.
1985 The Cahuilla Indians. Banning, CA: Malki Museum Press.
Kroeber, A. J.
1908 Ethnography of the Cahuilla Indians. University of California Publications
in American Archaeology and Ethnology 8:29-68. Berkeley.
1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian
Institution, Bureau ofAmeriean Ethnology Bulletin 78.
Lawton, H. W., and L. J. Bean
1968 A Preliminary reconstruction of Aboriginal agricultural technology among the
Cahuilla. The Indian Historian 1(5):18-24, 29. San Francisco.
Mouriquand, L.
1996 Draft Historic Context Statement for the City of La Quinta. On file at the
Eastern Information Center.
Munz, P. and D. Keck
1973 A California Flora with supplemental by Philip A. Munz. University of California
Press, Berkeley.
Northwest Economic Associates and Cultural systems Research, Inc.
2004 Ethnographic Overview of the Northern San Bernardino Forest, Part B: The
South, Including the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National
Monument.
Schaefer, Jerry and Sinead Ni Ghabhlain
2003 A History and Evaluation of the Coachella Canal, Riverside and Imperial
Counties, California. Prepared for the Coachella Valley Water District. On file
at ASM Affiliates, Inc.
47
094
Siva, Alvino
2004 Personal Communication.
Soil Conservation Service
1978 Survey of Riverside County, California — Coachella Valley Area.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil conservation Service in
cooperation with University of California Agricultural Experimental Station
de Stanley, M.
1966 The Salton Sea Yesterday and Today. Triumph Press, Inc., Los Angeles.
Strong, W. D.
1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in
American Archaeology and Ethnology 26:1-349. Berkeley.
Wilke, Philip J.
1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley,
California. University of California Archaeological Research Facility Contributions
No. 38, Berkeley.
Map References
1856a General Land Office (GLO), U.S. Department of the Interior, Plat map of Township No.
5 South Range No. 7 East, San Bernardino Meridian
1904 U.S.G.S., Indio, California (1:125,000 scale)
1917 Coachella Valley, Riverside County 1 inch = 1 mile, H. D. Bradley, L.S.
1941 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 15' Coachella, California
1944 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 15' Coachella, California
1956 U.S.G.S 15' Coachella, California
1959 U.S.G.S. 7.5' La Quinta, California (photorevised 1980)
2002 City of La Quinta General Plan Exhibit 9.1 Cultural Resources Map
48
095
APPENDIX A:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
096
49
Leslie J. Mouriquand, RPA (Principal Investigator)
B.SC. (Anthropology and Geography) California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
M.A. (Anthropology) California State University, Fullerton
19 years of experience as a Principal Investigator and/or project archaeologist on
cultural resource management projects in southern California, with a focus on the
Coachella Valley.
Will Blodgett (Archaeology Technician)
Anthropology major, College of the Desert
One year experience in survey, site recordation, excavation and monitoring activities.
50
097
APPENDIX B:
NAHC SACRED LANDS FILE SEARCH RESPONSE
098
51
Facsimile
Date: August 30, 2004
To:
Native American Heritage Commission
Fax: 916-657-5390
CC:
Re: Request for Sacred Lands Record Search
I
The Keith Imma
Job No.:
40382.09.000-205
Project:
Phase I for 27.7 acres
From:
Leslie Mouriquand, M.A.,
Archaeologist —
Environmental Planner
Fax:
760-346-9368
Pages:
2 (including this sheet)
❑ Urgent ❑ For approval ❑ For your use ❑ As requested x For review & comment
❑ Other:
I am requesting a records search with your office for a 27.7-acre project site located in the
east''/2, southwest 1/4 of Section 29, T5S, R7E, of the La Quinta 7'5 Quad, the La Quinta
area. The parcel is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Avenue 48 and
Dune Palms Road. Attached to this fax is a map with the proj ect boundary identified. Any
questions, please call me at (760) 346-9844. I would appreciate a response by September 3,
2004, if possible.
Thank you,
Leslie
If you have any problems with this fax, please call 760-346-9844
0:140382140382. 09 NAHC Facsimile.doc
73733 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert,
Califomia 92260
t 760.346.9844
f: 760.346.9368
vmv.keithco.com
Is". `. 0 9 9
n150F CAUFORtl1A A Itl c b e awr re vw rneG
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
915 CAPITOL MALL, ROOM 36A
SACRAMENTO. CA 95814
(916) W 82
Fe (91e)657-5390
Web Sft w .Mhc=.gov
September 8, 2004
Leslie Mouriquand, MA
Archeologist- Environmental Planner
TKC
73733 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Sent by Fax: 760-346-9368
Number of Pages: 4
RE: Proposed Project in the Vicinity of Avenue 48 and Lume Palms Road, Riverside County.
Dear Ms. Mouriquand:
A record search of the sacred lands file has failed to indicate the presence of Native American -
cultural resources in the immediate project area. The absence of specific site information in the
sacred lands file does not indicate the absence of cultural resources in any project area. Other
sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and
recorded sites.
Enclosed is a list of Native Americans individualslorganizations who may have knowledge of
cultural resources in the project area. The Commission makes no recommendation or
preference of a single individual, or group over another. This list should provide a starting place
in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the proposed project area. I suggest you
contact all of those indicated, if they cannot supply information, they might recommend others
with specific knowledge. By contacting all those listed, your organization will be better able to
respond to claims of failure to consult with the appropriate organization tribe or group, If a
response has not been received within two weeks of notification, the Commission requests that
you follow-up with a telephone call to ensure that the project information has been received. .
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from any of these
individuals or groups, please notify me. With your assistance we are able to assure that our
lists contain current information. If you have any questions or need additional information,
please contact me at (916) 653-6251.
Sincerely,
Carol LEI
Program Ana t
100
1 Siva
W. Westward
1*4*421
. CA
849-3450.
ny J. Andreas, Jr.
W. Nicolet Street
nq , CA 92220
NATIVE AMERICAN CONTACTS
Riverside County
September 8, 2004
Augustine Band of Mission Indians
Cahuilla Maryann Martin, Chairperson
P.O. Box 846 Cahuilla
Coachella CA 92236
(760)398-4722
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
Bill Anderson, Environmental Manager
Cahuilla 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway Cahuilla
Indio , CA 92203-3499
(760) 342-2593
(760) 347-7880 Fax
lia Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
shard Milanovich, Chairperson
eTahquitz Way Cahuilla
m springs r CA 92262
'60) 325-3400
0) 325-0593 Fax
Qustine Band of Mission Indians
n Kupcha, Tribal Administrator
. Box 1 291 Cahuilla
joca G) 65Valley 373 GA 92286
�011 365-2664 Fax
Ilst Is curter only as of the date of this document
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
John A. James, Chairperson
84-245 Indio Springs Parkway Cahuilla
Indio C A 92203-3499
(760)342-2593
(760)347-7880 Fax
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
Judy Stapp, Director of Cultural Affairs
84-245 Indio Springs Parkway Cahuilla
Indio , CA 92203-3499
(760) 342-2593
(760)347-7880 Fax
Non of this list does not relieve any person of statutory rosponslblilty as defined In section 7050S of the Health and
ode, Section r.097.94 of the Public Resources Code and Section UM.9ti of the Public Resources Coda. -
t Is only gppnwbte for contacting local Native Amencene whit regard to cultural resorrsces assessment for the proposed
in the vicfntty of Avenue 48 and t.ume Palms Road, Riverside County.
101
T'JO/Luui mv.:. rain aft, �.i, .i. —
NATIVE AMERICAN CONTACTS
Riverside County
September 8, 2004
jilla Band of Indians Ramona Band of Mission Indians
ime Salgado, Chairperson Joseph Hamilton, Representitive
Box 39176D Cahuilla P.O. Box 391670 Cahuilla
Anza t C A 92539
763-5549 C A 92539 (909) 763-4105
)763-2808 Fax (909) 763-4325 Fax
jilla Band of Mission Indians
ony Madrigal, Jr., Environmental Coordinator
Box 391760 Cahuilla
t , CA 92539
i) 763-5549
(909) 763-2808
Dngo Band of Mission Indians
W. Wilson, Cultural Resource Coordinator
N. Murray Street, Suite C Cahuilla
-ling C A 92220 Serrano
wilson@morongo_org
1) 849-8807
1) 755-5200
1) 922-8146 Fax
Iona Band of Mission Indians
Tony Largo, Environmental Coordinator
Box 391372 r Cahuilla
a . CA 92539
9) 763 V ite5-net
3) 763-4325 Fax
s list is current oruy as of the date of this document
Ramona Band of Mission Indians
Karen Kupcha, Tribal Administrator
PO Box 1291 Cahuilla
Yucca Valley C A 92286
ramona4l@qte.net
(760) 365-1373
(760) 635-2664 Fax
Ramona Band of Mission Indians
Manuel Hamilton, Chairperson
P.O. Box 391372 Cahuilla
Anza , CA 92539
ramona4l @gqte.net
�909 763-4905
909;763-4325 Fax
Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians
Christina Arzate, Spokesperson
P.O. Box 390611 Cahuilla
Anza , C A 92539
(909) 763-5140
(909) 763-9781 Fax
I ibution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibllity as defined In Section 705n.5 of the Health and
My Code, Section SM7.94 of the Public Resources Coda and Sectlon 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code.
s list Is only appeoahie for contacting local Native Americans with regard to cultural resorurces assessment for the proposed
,act in the victnity, of Avenue 48 and fume Paims Road, Riverside County.
e...^. 102
09 i41a/TUU4 Ue: ZJ Yt1d a10 oor aonu
NATIVE AMERICAN CONTACTS
Riverside County
September 8, 2004
I Rosa Band of Mission Indians
Hughes, Tribal Administrator
Box 390611 Cahuilla
, CA 92539
763-5140
763-9781 Fax
I Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
n Ramierz, Environmental Coordinator
Box 1160 Cahuilla
lal , CA 92274
397-8146 Fax
lees -Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
nest Morreo
iI Box 1160 Cahuilla
60)tmi3197-0300 CA 92274
50) 397-8146 Fax
a -Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Resvaloso, Cultural Resources Coordinator
Box 1160 Cahuilla
led CA 92274
397-8146 Fax
only as of the data of this document
Torres -Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Ray Torres Sr., Chairperson
PO Box 1160 Cahuilla
Thermal , C A 92274
raymondtC torresmartinez.org
r0 397-0300
0) 397-8146 Fax
upon of this Ilst does not relieve any person of statutory responalbNhy as de0ned In Section 7050.5 of the Health and
Code, Section 5%7.94 of the Public Resources Code ate Section 508798 of the Public Resources Code.
t Is only applicable for wrdaNng local Native Americans wain regard to cultural resorurcees assessm erd for the proposed
I In the vicinity of Avenue 48 and Lome Paltne Road, Riverside County.
".-. 103
APPENDIX C:
SCOPING LETTERS AND RESPONSES
104
57
The Keith Companies I IWC
_ 1
40382.09.000
August 30, 2004
Curator/Archivist
La Quinta Historical Museum
P. O. Box 1283
La Quinta, CA 92247
RE: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, La Quinta, California
To Whom It May Concern,
The Keith Companies, Inc. has been retained to conduct a Phase I cultural resources re-
investigation of the above referenced property. It is located at the northwest corner of
the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Road. The enclosed map identifies the
project location. .
The cultural resources investigation is part of the environmental review requirements of
a potential development project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This letter is being sent to you as part of our research into the prehistory and
history of the property and adjacent area. Does the Museum have archival information
about this property that should be considered for this study? A limited amount of time
has been given to us to conduct this study, therefore we ask that you respond in writing
by September 7, 2004, or sooner. Please fax your response to (760) 346-9368 or email
it to leslie mouriguand(a-)keithco.com. Your assistance with this information gathering is
appreciated.
Very truly yours,
JJ. Mouriquannd 57
Archaeologist — Environmental Planner
Enclosure
Cc: File
Palm Deserl Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100
Palm Desert
California 92260-2590
T 750.346.9844
F. 760.346.9368
C1 { mmkeithcacom
The Keith
Companies
40382.09.000
August 30, 2004
Ms. Karen Kupcha
Tribal Administrator
P. O. Box 846
Coachella,
CA 92236
RE: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, La Quinta, California
Dear Karen,
The Keith Companies, Inc. has been retained to conduct a Phase I cultural resources re-
investigation of the above referenced property. It is located at the northwest corner of
the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Road. The enclosed map identifies the
project location.
The cultural resources investigation is part of the environmental review requirements of
a potential development project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This letter is being sent to you as part of our research into the prehistory and
history of the property and adjacent area. Does the Tribe have archival information about
this property that should be considered for this study? A limited amount of time has been
given to us to conduct this study, therefore we ask that you respond in writing by
September 7, 2004, or sooner. Please fax or response to (760) 346-9368 or email it to
leslie.mouriauand(o�keithco.com. Your assistance with this information gathering is
appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Le5ge J. Mouriquand
Archaeologist— Environtental Planner
Enclosure
Cc: File -
Palm Desert Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100
Palm Desert
California 92260-2590
T: 760.346.9944
F: 760.346.9368
w Aeithm.com
166
AUGUSTINE BAND OF CAf IUILLA INDIANS
PO. Box 846 • Coachella, CA 92236 • (760) 369-7171 • Fa)c (760) 369-7161
Chairperson: MaryAnn Martin
August 31, 2004
Leslie J. Mouriquand
The Keith Companies
73-733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Re: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, La Quinta, California.
Dear Ms. Mouriquand:
Even though the proposed project is not located within the boundary of the
Augustine Reservation, there is the potential that the development might impact
properties of traditional religious and cultural significance to the Augustine Band.
The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians is part of the Cahuilla Indians
groups who live in south-central California. Historically the Cahuilla occupied
most of the area, from the summit of the San Bernardino Mountains in the north
to Borrego Springs and the Chocolate Mountains in the south, a portion of the
Colorado Desert west of Orocopia Mountain to the east, and the San Jacinto Plain
near Riverside and the eastern slopes of Palomar Mountain to the west.
Although we might not be aware of any Native American resources or sacred sites
located at or near the project at this moment, the. Tribe recommends that other
tribes in the vicinity be contacted and that there should be a Native American
Monitor on site during the ground breaking activities. In addition, the Tribe
a1,.: ' ht to l.n e. t: P P f •.-..e. kl r7. � the
reserves a tgh w w EL0,; .d ofauj F tLu..ia1 vto�.D'e. j u'iid requests t:iai
follow-up of any finding on the site be submitted to the Tribe for further actions.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Sirirat Chullakorn
Environmental Coordinator
lo7
The Keith Companies C
40382.09.000
August 30, 2004
Dr. Joseph Nixon, Ph.D.
Cultural Resource Coordinator
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
650 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 9226
RE: Project Scalping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, La Quinta, California
Dear Joe,
The Keith Companies, Inc. has been retained to conduct a Phase I cultural resources re-
investigation of the above referenced property. It is located at the northwest corner of
the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Road. The enclosed map identifies the
project location.
The cultural resources investigation is part of the environmental review requirements of
a potential development project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This letter is being sent to you as part of our research into the prehistory and
history of the property and adjacent area. Does the Tribe have archival information about
this property that should be considered for this study? A limited amount of time has been
given to us to conduct this study, therefore we ask that you respond in writing by
September 7, 2004, or sooner. Please fax or response to (760) 346-9368 or email it to
leslie mouriauandna keithco.com. Your assistance with this information gathering is
appreciated.
Very truly yours,
cL/
Leslie J Mouriq1 uand
Archaeologist — Environmental Planner
Enclosure
Cc: File
Palm Desert Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100
Palm Desert
California M60-2590
T. 760.346.9844
F: 760.346.9368
1l O w .keithco.com
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
650 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92262
(760) 883-1313
FAX (760)325-6952
ISeptember 2, 2004
Leslie J. Mouriquand
73-733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100
Palm Desert, California 92260-2590
Re: Proposed Development, Avenue 48 and Palm Dunes Road, La Quinta, Riverside County,
California
Leslie,
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians appreciates your efforts to include the Tribal Historic Preservation
Office in your project. We have examined your information on the proposed project location referenced above
and compared this to data in the Agua Caliente Register. The Register indicates, first, that the area is not
within Reservation lands. Second, while the project area also is not within the Tribal Traditional Use Area, it is
in close proximity to it. Based on this proximity, we do request a copy of any cultural resource documents
and/or reports that might be generated in connection with this effort to become part of the permanent Agua
Caliente Cultural Register.
Again the Agua Caliente Tribe appreciates your interest in Tribal heritage and resources. If you have
questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to call me at 1 (760) 883-1313 or at e.mail
inixon(cs)aauacaliente.net.
\ \Cordial
Josep ixon, Ph. D., RPA
Cultural Resources Coordinator
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
JMN
C: Tribal Council
Tom Davis, Chief Planning Officer
Agua Caliente Cultural Register
P:\THPO\correspondence\2004\external proj\close proximity%tkc_laquinta_9_2_04.doc
The Keith Companies
40382.09.000
August 30, 2004
Judy Stapp
Director of Cultural Affairs
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy.
Indio, CA 92203-3499
RE: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East, La Quinta, California
Dear Judy,
The Keith Companies, Inc. has been retained to conduct a Phase I cultural resources re-
investigation of the above referenced property. It is located at the northwest corner of
the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Road. The enclosed map identifies the
project location.
The cultural resources investigation is part of the environmental review requirements of
a potential development project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This letter is being sent to you as part of our research into the prehistory and
history of the property and adjacent area. Does the Tribe have archival information about
this property that should be considered for this study? A limited amount of time has been
given to us to conduct this study, therefore we ask that you respond in writing by
September 7, 2004, or sooner. Please fax or response to (760) 346-9368 or email it to
leslie.mouriguand(a),keithco.com. Your assistance with this information gathering is
appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Leal e J. Mouriquand
Archaeologist — Environmental Planner
Enclosure
Cc: File Palm Desert Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100
Palm Desert
Califomia 92260-2590
T 760,346,9844
1 F: 760.346.9368
110 w .keithmmm
The Keith Companies
40382.09.000
August 30, 2004
Gary Resvaloso
Cultural Resources Coordinator
Torres -Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla
P. O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA 92274
RE: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres Located in Section
29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East,La Quinta, California
Dear Gary,
The Keith Companies, Inc. has been retained to conduct a Phase I cultural resources re-
investigation of the above referenced property. It is located at the northwest corner of
the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Road. The enclosed map identifies the
project location.
The cultural resources Jnvestigation is part of the environmental review requirements of
a potential development project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). This letter is being sent to you as part of our research into the prehistory and
history of the property and adjacent area. Does the Tribe have archival information about
this property that should be considered for this study? A limited amount of time has been
given to us to conduct this study, therefore we ask that you respond in writing by
September 7, 2004, or sooner. Please fax or response to (760) 346-9368 or email it to
leslie.mburiguand(d�keithco.com. Your assistance with this information gathering is
appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Le He J. Mouriquand
Archaeologist — Envi nmental Planner
Enclosure
CC: File Palm Desert Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100
Palm Desert
California 92260-2590
T: 760.346.9844
F: 760.346.9368
0 ,� 1 w .keithco.com
TORRES MARTINEZ
DESERT CARUMLA
MAU-WAL-MATT
SU-1,UTT MENYn.
P.O. Box 1160 — 66-725 Martinez Road
Thermal, CA 97274
(760) 397-0300 e FAX (760) 397-8146
Date 5/4/04
The Keith Companies/TKC
Palm Deser73-733 Fred Waring Drive
Suite 100 Palm Desert t Division
73-733 Fred Waring Drive -
Suite 100, Palm Desert
California 92260-2590
RE: Project Scoping for Cultural Resources Study for 27.7 acres lot located in
Section 29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East La Quinta, California
Dear: Leslie J. Mouriquand
The Tribe of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians appreciates the opportunity to
comment and address our concerns regarding the Project Scoping for a Cultural
Resources Study of 27.7 acres located in Section 29, Township 5 South, Range 7 East,
La Quinta, California. We have examined the information in the documents you
enclosed and compared this data to our cultural resource records files, based on this
examination, we noted the proposed project lies within the territory defined as the
Tribe's Traditional Use Area, which raises a few concerns regarding the proposed
development.
First, in order to assure the protection and preservation of our tribal cultural heritage,
because of location of the project development, we request that we receive copies of
any cultural resources documentation prepared in connection with this effort. We also
request that we be placed on the distribution list for all cultural resource survey
documents generated in connection with this work, including copies of the Information
Center response.
Second, we are aware of several known cultural resource sites in close proximity and
have reasons to suspect there is a probability for cultural resources to be found within
the project area.
112
Finally our experience in cultural resource management has shown that significant
cultural resources that are not identifiable on the ground surface can be buried beneath
modern fill. Because of this and the fact the proposed project is within the Tribe's
Traditional Use Area, we request a Native American Monitor be present during any
ground disturbing activity (grubbing, grading, trenching etc,) on or off the project site.
Should buried deposits be encountered, that the Monitor has the authority to halt
destructive construction and that the Monitor notifies a qualified archaeologist to
investigate.
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribes appreciate your assistance in
assuring the protection and preservation of our tribal cultural heritage.
If you have any question or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me by Phone
(760) 397- 8145 or Fax (760) 397-1019 or E-mail gresvalosoatorresmartinez.ora.
Respectfully,
Gary Resvaloso
Cultural Resource Coordinator
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
113
BI #C
DATE:
ITEM:
LOCATION:
APPLICANT:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
NOVEMBER 18, 2004
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT FOR CABLE
TRENCHING, HAMMER PROPERTY
NORTH OF AVENUE 48, WEST OF DUNE PALMS ROAD
AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 111
COCHRAN COMMUNICATION CONSTRUCTION, INC.
THE KEITH COMPANIES (LESLIE J. MOURIQUAND)
The property involved in this archaeological monitoring is on and adjacent to the
Redevelopment Agency -owned 27.7-acre parcel between Highway 111 and Avenue
48, west of Dune Palms Road. A Phase I (survey level) Cultural Resources
Assessment has been completed for the 27.7 acre property. The Phase I study and
this monitoring report will be part of the Environmental Assessment required by the
California Environmental Quality Act for the project application.
This 340-foot long trenching is in the unpaved portion of the Highway 111 right-of-
way adjacent to the site. The applicants trenched for the installation of cable
television wiring. The trenching alignment transects archaeological site CA-RIV-5751
along Highway 111 and was recorded in 1992 and updated in September, 2004 by
The Keith Companies in the Phase I study referred to above.
DISCUSSION:
The monitoring of the narrow trench resulted in the recovery of three isolate ceramic
sherds and one 1960s glass bottle sherd. These isolates will be added to the CA-RIV-
4751 site record at the Eastern Information Center at UC Riverside.
These sherds support the possibility that subsurface artifacts in CA-RIV-4751 may
exist, and support the need for additional monitoring as noted in the Phase I survey
completed for the property. Staff concurs with this conclusion.
R\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt hammer trench monit-Reviewed.doc
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2004- , accepting the Archaeological Monitoring Report for
Cable Trenching, Hammer Property, as prepared by The Keith Companies, subject to
the recommendations contained in the report and the following conditions:
1 . The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading
by qualified archaeological monitors including a Native Arnerican monitor.
Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the Community Development
and Public Works Departments prior to issuance of first earth -moving or
clearing permit.
2. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy for the project.
3. Collected archaeological resources shall be properly packaged for long term
curation, in polyethylene self -seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all
within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and
delivered to the City prior to issuance of first Certificate of Occupancy for the
property. Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes
and records, primary research data, and the original graphics.
Attachment:
1 . Archaeological Monitoring Report for Cable Trenching, Hammer Property, City
of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
R\Reports - HPC\11-18-04\rpt hammer trench monit-Reviewed.doc
ATTACHMENT #1
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT FOR
CABLE TRENCHING,
HAMINIER PROPERTY.
CITYOF LA QUINTA,
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Proparedfor:
COChfall COY1IMUMCall011 C01rSt1-UC1i00.,Inc.
36-630 Cathedral Canyon Drive
Cathedral City. CA 92234
Submitted to.
City 0fLaQuinta
Plarrmnl,, and Development Department
La Quinta, CA
Prepared by:
"y
Principal Investigator:
Leslie J. Mow iquaril M.A,
7 Fred Waring ing Drive, Susie 100
Palm Desert. ('A 92260
Project #40P4>.00.000
October 2004
USGSTepographic Quadrangle! La Quinta ? 4% Calitrrim,
Acreage; ',Wiox, 430 tmear I'%
Kev Words: Mu ,taring, NE 4 c' SW " of'Senon 29, T6S. R7E, R-!V-4751: Isolate
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
This report presents the results of cultural resources monitoring of approximately 430 linear ft. of
cable television trenching located at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Highwav
I I I and Dune Palms Road, within the public right-of-way, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside
County, California. The property is situated on land that is currently vacant but has been tinder
agriculture since the 1940s. The trench alignment transccts CA-RIV-4751 along Highway 111.
and was recorded in 1992 as having both prehistoric and historic components. An update to the
1992 site record was prepared in September 2004, by Mouriquand and Blodgett; as part of a
resurvey of the Hammer Property along which cable trenching has been conducted the width of
the northern property boundary and 400 feet south of Hwy I I 1 along Dune Palms Road. The site
extends the width of the Hammer Property along the northern property boundary. RIV-4751 was
recorded as lying both within the private property portion and within the public right-of-way
portion of the parcel. It is within the public right of way where the cable trenching occurred.
Within the public right-of-way area, there are existing utility tines of various kinds indicating that
the area was previously disturbed by trenching activities. No record could be found of any
previous monitoring within the trench alignment. However, monitoring was required due to the
presence of a recorded archaeological site and the potential for subsurface cultural deposits within
the trench alignment. A tribal monitor was not required by the City of La Quinta to be present
during the monitoring.
The Keith Companies Inc. (TKC, Inc.), contracted through Cochran Communication
Construction, Inc., of Cathedral City, California, initiated the monitoring request as required by
the City of La Quinta. As the City of La Quinta is a Certified Local Government with SI1PO
review authority, this report will be reviewed by the City's' Historic Preservation Commission.
The scope of work ftu this study consisted of intensive on -site monitoring of all earth -disturbing
activities related to the cable trenching on October 7 and 3, 2004. Previous record and archival
searches had recently been conducted for the Hammer Property and relevant site records were on
file at the TKC. Inc. Palm Desert office for use during this monitoring effort. Previous archival
research revealed that there were several Cahuilla villages within a one mile radius of the
Hammer Property (Mouriquand 2004), The subject property was within the foraging -and -hunting
spheres of these villages and may have been within the actual settlement boundaries of one of
these habitation areas. The results of previous combined archival research and the records checks
revealed that the property is within an area of accelerated sensitivity for both prehistoric and
historic resources.
Three isolated prehistoric ceramic sherds and one 1960s glass bottle sherd were recovered during
monitoring of the narrow trenching. These isolates were documented and an update to the RIV-
4751 site record will be prepared and filed with the Eastern Information Center. No new
archaeological sites, features, buildings, structures, or TCPs were found during monitoring.
However, the presence of these isolates further confirm the presence of R1V-475I, as recorded by
D. Everson in 1992.These isolates suggest an increased potential for additional cultural resources
subsurface. It has already been established that nearby sites include habitation areas with a variety
of artifact types and densities indicating that the area around the project site is highly sensitive for
additional sites and subsurface deposits. While the results of the trench monitoring further
substantiate the potential subsurface deposition of RIV-4751, previous utmtonitored utility
trenching activities have likely disrupted original cultural deposits, plus creating a subsurface
intermixing of snore recent material with prehistoric and historic materials as evidenced by paper
and plastics within the trench to a depth of .5 meter.
—� d
INTRO Du T[®N
At the request of Cochran Communications Construction, Inc., of Cathedral City, California, the
Keith Companies, Inc. (TKC) archaeologically monitored approximately 430 linear feet of
trenching, in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. This study follows the adopted
protocols of the City of La Quinta for reporting. This report presents the results of trench
monitoring for television cable installation within the public right-of-way (Figures 1, 2, and 3'}.
The area trenched lies along the south side of State Highway I I I for a distance of 330 feet, and
along the west side of Dune Palms Road for a distance of approximately 100 feet. The area
monitored is located in the northeast '/a of the southwest 1l4 of the northeastern 1/ of Section 29,
Township 6 South, Range 7 Fast, SBB.'vl.
Monitoring was conducted by Leslie J. Mouriquand and Will Blodgett, of The Keith Companies,
Inc., Palm Desert Division. Their qualifications are provided in Appendix A. The monitoring was
undertaken to comply with the cultural resource requirements of the City of La Quinta, a Certified
Local Government (CLG), these requirements are intended to fulfill components of the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended, that pertain to the management of
cultural resources that may be impacted by development projects sponsored by state or local
government agencies, or by private developments requiring a discretionary permit. Cochran
Communication Construction was issued an encroachment permit for the trenching by the City of
La Quinta on behalf of Time Warner Cablevision. The following is it report of the results of the
monitoring that includes the methods used, results, and conclusions. Copies of this report will be
submitted to the City of La Quinta, Cal Trans, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Augustine
Band of Mission Indians, Torres -Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla, and the Eastern Information
Center.
NATURAL AND CULTURAL LANIDSCAPL
The natural Landscape
The monitored area is located in the City of La Quinta, less than one mile from the shoreline of
ancient Lake Cahuilla, in a historically sand dune environment known for its abundant
archaeological resources. To the north is the open valley desert floor with the Indio Hills farther
north. To the south and west the La Quinta cove extends southward into the Santa Rosa
Mountains. To the east is more open desert area.
The property was levered for agricultural use many years ago. but likely featured tow rolling
mesquite -anchored sand dunes similar to those found on adjacent undeveloped parcels prior to
Euroamerican land use. The soils on the subject property are silts and sands associated with
alluvium being transported down from the higher elevations_ Technically, they are (CpA)
Coachella fine sand (Soil Conservation Service 1980:16), indicating that the project site is within
an area of intennixing of finer textured flood plain and basin soils. No bedrock outcrops, large
boulders or rocks, or natural drainage channels occur on the property.
The elevation of the trenched area is between approximately 40 feet above mean sea level (anrsl).
The nearest natural source of perennial water would have been the Whitewater River (Coachella
Stormwater Channel) approximately 1,000 feet to the north. This waterway has been channetized
and modified in recent years.
2
RIV-4751 may have had had a direct relationship to ancient Lake Cahuilla (ca. A.D. 900-1.500).
When the lake filled the valley, the property would have been situated less than a lit mile west of
the shoreline during the highest lake level. It is well known that prehistoric sites are numerous
within a '/z mile of the ancient shoreline, and also within a Yz mile each side of the Whitewater
River, positioning RIV-4751 within a zone of high archaeological sensitivity.
Additional discussion on the natural and prehistoric landscape of the trenched area can be found
in the Phase I report for the Hammer Property prepared in 1992 by Everson (on file at the EIC)
and the re -survey report prepared by Mouriquand, in September 2004 (on file at the City of La
Quinta and TKC—Palm Desert).
Figure 1. General project vicinity.
A
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`PROJECT
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Figure 2: Project Monitoring Location on
apo1 .r A ,r91
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17
Figure 3. Trench along Highway 1 11.
Figure 4. Trenching along Dune Palms Rd.
Figure 5. Trenching along Dune Palms Rd. Figure 6. CD 3700 Trencher
;8
The Cultural Landscape
The cultural landscape of the project area specifically, and the La Quinta area generally, have
been addressed in numerous compliance reports. Native American/Desert Cahuilla activity was
extensive in the project area up to the mid-19" century, and there were several large Cahuilla
villages and campsites in the general area (Kroeber 1925; Strong 1929; Bean 1978).
Considerable ethnographic data has been assembled on the historic -period Cahuilla, although
earlier prehistoric -,phases' or "cultures" are much less understood. Additional research is needed
to define the "Archaic' period, and on the cultural transition between the prehistoric and proto-
historic/historic periods.
Detailed accounts of traditional Cahuilla society have been compiled by Kroeber (1908); Hooper
(1920); Strong (1929), and Bean (1972, 1978). Two pioneering Cahuilla ethnobotanical studies
have been compiled (Barrows 1900: Bean and Saubel 1972) that illuminate how the natural world
was utilized and regarded. A pioneering archaeological study of prehistoric Cahuilla adaptation
to the desiccation of ancient Lake Cahuilla was compiled by Wilke 0978) of the University of
California, Riverside. However, the majority of archaeological work in the Coachella Valley has
been conducted for environmental review compliance studies, rather than academic research,
resulting in various gaps in information about certain time periods, socio-cultural activities, etc.
The need to fill information gaps makes reporting on all archaeological work conducted
important, such as the monitoring of trenching.
Please refer to the Everson report (1992)- the Mouriquand report (2004), and the site records for
CA-RIV-4751 for additional cultural context and background information on the Hammer
Property cultural resources. These reports are on file at the Eastern Information Center.
Historic Period
Euroamerican settlement began in the Coachella Valley in the 1880s, after the public land was
opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act, and other federal land laws.
The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad through the Coachella Valley enabled fanners
to transport their products it) larger markets and for passengers to more Basily travel to and
through the desert region. The railroad provided an inducement to early settlers in the area.
After the turn of the century the growing of dates became one of the local agricultural enterprises,
and were cultivated on the Hammer Property starting in the 1940s.
Year-round settlement became more attractive and possible with early infrastructure such as
paved roadways, water wells, and other trappings of modern society. For many years La Quinta
property owners were primarily focused on agricultural endeavors, especially in the raising of
dates and citrus. In addition, the pioneering of a desert resort industry with the development of the
La Quinta Hotel, in 1926, put La Quinta on the map. The city of La Quinta was incorporated in
1982, but had a lengthy history by the time it became a city. The area experienced tremendous
growth after completion of the Coachella Branch of the All American Canal in 1949. The
development of central air conditioning in the 1950s provided comfort during the hot summers
that made year-round living in the desert much easier. In recent decades there has been a steady
increase in tourism, recreation, tight industrial development, and general urban sprawl. Much of
the area in and around modern La Quints covers old Cahuilla villages, shoreline camp sites,
burial sites, and later historical ranches and date palm groves. Additional information about the
historic period in La Quinta can be found in the Everson (1992) report and the Mouriquand
(2004) report, as well as the Draft Historic Context Statement for the City of La Quinta
(Mouriquand 1996).
BYXV_116116
Monitorim, methods consisted of direct observation of all earth -disturbing activities. Field notes
and photographs were made to document the trenching activity. Trench sidewalls were inspected
for any visible cultural deposits or stratigraphy. Backdirt from the trenching was closely
inspected both coming out of the trench and while back -filling occurred. A'700 CD Ditch -witch
was used to cut the trench to a depth of three feet. Hand digging with trench shovels was then
used to open up the trench line to a width of 24 inches prior to the contractor laying cable conduit
pipe. Artifacts recovered fiom the trenching were collected, bagged, labeled, and locations plotted
in by pacing and compass. The artifacts were then brought back to the TKC — Palm Desert office
for further identification and description. The artifacts will be prepared for curation with the City_
of La Quinta according to the city-s adopted rotation standards.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
Monitorine Results
On October 7, 2004 monitoring began with a quick resurvey of the intended trench alignment for
any surface artifacts that would be impacted by the trenching. Ground visibility was generally
very, good along the alignment. Notes were taken on the general characteristics of the trench area
and the type of equipment used to do the trenching. No buried cultural deposits or differentiated
stratigraphy was observed within the trench sidewalls. In one location, near the western end of the
trench along the highway, were pieces of paper and plastic at .5 meter depth. Monitoring
concluded on October 5, 2004, once back -filling was completed.
A total of three isolated prehistoric ceramic sherds and one 1960s glass bottle sherd were
recovered from the trenching. A rock fragment thought to pot.entially be part of a groundstone
tool was also recovered, but later determined not to be an artifact.
Isolated Artifacts
Three isolated prehistoric ceramic plain bodv sherds were found, each separated along the trench
alignment by several meters. The prehistoric ceramic sherds are undecorated brownware body
fragments with quartz sand temper and dense paste. One of the sherds was fire affected. The
fragments are too small with which to positively identify vessel shape. The sherds date to the Late
Prehistoric Period and were manufactured after the C:erbat Patayan ceramic tradition widely
found in the La Quinta area. An updated site record form (Appendix B) has been prepared for
this report. The sherds provide only limited research value in and of themselves, however they
add to the cumulative information about RN-4751 and past historic land uses of the property.
One of the sherds was found in the trench backdirt along the Highway I I l section, while two of
the sherds were found on the surface above the trench alignment along Dune Palms Road.
One 1960s-era amber glass bottle sherd was found in the trench Backdirt. The sherd has a portion
of a pressed decoration and stippling resembling that found on beer bottles.
1973
DISCUSSION
Data gathered from previous records searches, archival sources, and surveys revealed that RIV-
4751 had been heavily impacted by plowing activities and adjacent road construction of Hwy I I I
and Dune Palm Road. Within the public right of way several utility Lines have been trenched
through the property along Hwy I I I and to a lesser extent along Dune Palms Road. Within the
recorded site area but outside of the right of way,. are surface scatters of prehistoric ceramics and
historic glass. Within a depression created by digging for sign post installation, ceramic sherds
were exposed indicating a potential subsurface component to RIV-4751.
The ceramic sherds are not notable, but rather of the type commonly found in the general area.
The presence of the sherds indicates a Late Prehistoric use of the area. The glass sherd indicates
a more modern use of the area, but likely represents a more transitory (trash) deposit rather than a
historic presence of any meaningful length of time; it could have been part of a beer bottle thrown
away by someone traveling along Highway 111, or tilling the land. This sherd was likely
deposited during previous trenching or ground disturbance. Everson recorded RIV-4751 as a
combination prehistoric and historic site with a mix of artifacts from both time periods. He lists
aqua colored glass in his 1992 site record, but no amber glass.
Many elements of Ci builla society such as baskets, mats, sandals, granaries, and their houses
were made from plants and various 'fibers, materials that generally do not leave recognizable
archaeological signatures. On this topic Strong (1929;43) remarked that "only blackened rocks
from fire -places and a few sherds of red undecorated pottery, atone indicate that fourty years ago
there was a thriving village here [at Punchekiva on the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation]."
Therefore, the paucity of cultural deposits on the ground surface of RIV-4751 or within the
trenched area may not be a reliable indicator of the lack of potential subsurface cultural deposits
as taphonomic processes have likely erased much of the prehistoric material culture. Avocational
collecting is known to have occurred in the area, but it is not known if collecting has occurred at
RIV-4751 _
The La Quinta area has been under development since the mid-1930s, and continues at a steady
pace. The project site is surrounded by existing and developing commercial properties, for which
prehistoric and historic resources has been destroyed. 'I tie Hammer Property is slated for
commercial development in the near future. As the property is developed additional infrastructure
may be constructed within the public right-of-way and structural development will occur on the
private parcel area, completely impacting RIV-4751.
From examining historic maps it is apparent that the property is within the interaction spheres of
several villages in the general area, and close to several early settlement land acquisitions and
homesteads. The isolates would suggest that prehistoric and early historic human activities
occurred on the property. The isolates may have "floated" to the surface by past leveling or
adjacent street construction activities. As of yet, no subsurface testing has taken place to
determine the presence or absence of a buried cultural deposit, the extent of site boundaries, or to
characterize the site and determine its significance under the California Environmental quality
Act, as amended. Such was recommended in the 2004 resurvey report by Mouriquand.
M: NAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Although no significant cultural deposits were observed or recovered during the monitoring of the
cable trenching, it is not suggested that no further work is needed to characterize and evaluate this
archaeological site. Rather, testing of the site has been recommended by Everson (1992) and
Mouriquand (2004). It was apparent from the modern trash in the trench that the site area within
the public right-of-way has been disturbed and may in fact represent the peripheral boundary of
RIV-4751, accounting for the paucity of artifacts within the trenched area. Only subsurface
testing will answer the questions about and define site boundaries, nature, and significance. The
potential remains for subsurface cultural deposits to be present within RIV-4751, with a lesser
potential within the public right-of-way.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A general monitoring program should be implemented during any further earth -moving activities.
The monitoring program should be implemented when there is grading and trenching for both on -
site and related off -site utility trenches, sewer lines, and similar features. This monitoring
program should be coordinated between the grading contractor and the monitoring archaeologist
and approved by the City of La Quinta pursuant to any mitigation requirements for CEQA
compliance. I ribai monitors should be required as part of the general monitoring program.
In the unlikely event that human remains be encountered during the project, State Health and
Safety Code Section 7050.5 state that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner
has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code
Section 5097.95. The following actions must be taken immediately upon the discovery of human
remains:
(1) Stop immediately and contact the County Coroner.
(2) The Coroner has two working days to eyamine human remains after being notified by the
responsible person. If the remains are Native American, the Coroner has 24 hours to notify the
Native American Heritage Commission;
(3) The Native .American Heritage Conmtission will immediately_ notify the person it believes to be
the most liken, descendent of the deceased Native Amcrican;
(4) The most likely descendent has 24 hours to make recommendations to the owner, or
representative, for Lire treatment or disposition, with proper dignity, of the human remains and
grave goods;
(5) If the descendent does not make recommendations within 24 hours the owner shall re -inter the
remains in an area of the property secure from further dishrrbanee, or; if the owner does not accept
the descendant's recommendations, the owner or the descendent may request mediation by the
Native American Heritage Commission,
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the statements famished above and in the attached exhibits present the data and
information required for this archaeological monitoring report, and the facts, statements, and information
presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
r /
Date: (� r•;t/�rt--7 f L.: f _:t/,. r=; (yl
r. t
Leslie J. Mourigaand MA., RPA -14
J:,F% 9
REFERENCES CITED
Barrows, D. P.
1900 Lthno-hotam; of the Coalati la Indians_ University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
Bean, L. J.
1972 Mukat's People.: The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. University of
California Press. Berkeley.
1978 Cahuilla_ In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8, California_: R. F
Heifer, ed. Smithsonian Institution, Washineton.
Bean, L. 1. and L. Bourgeault
1989 The Cahuilla. New York: Chelsea House Publishers
Bean, L. J. and K_ S. Saubel
1972 Temalpahk` Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of'Plants. Malki Museum,
Banning.
Everson, D.
1992 Cultural Resources Assessment: La Quinta Center, City of La Quinta, Coachella
Valley, Riverside County, California. UCRARUAI178, On file at the EIC.
Hooper, L
1920 The Cahuilla Indians. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Kroeber. A..L
1908 L hnography of the Cahuilla Indians. University of California Publications
in American Archaeology and Ethnology 8:29-68, Berkeley.
I925 Handbook of the Indians of California. 6itashington. D.C.: Smithsonian
Institution. Bureau of American Ethnolovy Bulletin 78.
Mouriquand, L. J.
1996 Draft Historic Caneevl Statement for the City of Quinta. City of La Quinta. On
File at the Eastern Information Center and City of La Quinta.
2004 Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 27.7 acres Located North of Avenue
48 and West of Dune Palms Road within Section 29, Township 5 South, Range 7
East, SBBM, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California: The Hammer
Property.
Soil Conservation Service
1980 Survey of Riverside County, Califomia — Coachella Valley Area,
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil conservation Service in
cooperation with University of California Agricultural Experimental Station.
� UP 0
Strong, W. D.
1929 .aboriginal Socim in Southern Califi)rnia. University of California Publications
in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26:1-349. Berkeley.
Wilke, P. J.
1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
Uniiersity of California _4rchaeolooical Research Facility Contributions No. 38,
Berkeley.
APPENDIX A:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
rm-
W--M" "r
12
Leslie I Mouriquand, RPA
® B.SC. (Anthropology and Geography) California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona
m M.A. (Anthropology) California State University, Fullerton
0 19 years of experience as a Principal Investigator and/or project archaeologist on
cultural resource management projects in southern California, with a focus on the
Coachella Valley.
William S. Blodgett
a Archaeology Technician
o Archaeology Student, College of the Desert, Anthropology/Archaeology Major.
• Experienced surveyor, excavator, and monitor.
1133
APPENDIX B:
UPDATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE RECORD
F&M
14
State of California —The Resources Agency Primary#
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION RRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial CA-RIV4751
Page 1 of 1 `Resource Name or # (Assigned by recorder)
*Recorded by: L. Monriquand & W. BIodgett *Date: 10-11-04 ❑ Continuation M Update
On October 9 and 8, 2004, Cochran Communications Construction, Inc. trenched a television cable line through RN-4751 within the
public right-of-way. Monitoring of this trenching activity was -conducted by L. Mouriquand and W. Blodgett. The City of La
Quinta required that archaeological monitoring be conducted for the trenching. This site was initially recorded in 1992 by D.
Everson as part of a Phase I survey of a larger area, including the Hammer Property. This site was recently resurveyed in
September 2004, by L. Mouriquand and W. Blodgett, as partof a larger resurvey of the entire Hammer Property for the City of La
Quinta, wherein preliminary trenching was observed along Highway 111,and subsequently stopped by the City of La Quinta until
monitoring could be arranged. A site update was prepared at for the resurvey report.
The trench line transected the northern property boundary (330 fee: width) and approximately 400 feet south along the west side of
Dune Palms Road. The subject parcel is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of State Highway 111 and Dune Palms
Road. Trench depth was 3 feet and ultimate trench width was 24 inches. A 3700 CD ditch -witch was used to mechanically trench
the initial cable line. The trench line was then widened to 24 inches by hand via shoveling. Three prehistoric brownware plain
ceramic body sherds and one 1960s glass beer bottle sherd were recovered from the surface of the trench alignment or from witlim
the trench itself. It was observed during the monitoring that modem trash materials were intermixed as deep as two feet within
the trench indicating potential previous disturbance from other utility trenching within the ROW and/or past agricultural activities
on the parcel. The exhibit below indicates the location of the trench line and the four isolates recovered during the monitoring.
Isolates will be curated with the City of La Quints.
i
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Glass Sherd = A
Ceramic Sherds- = B, C, E
Rock = D
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DPR 523L (1195) 'Required information
BI #D
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
VIA: STAN SAWA, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
FROM: OSCAR ORCI, INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 18, 2004
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL ACTION ON NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
COMMISSION AND LOCAL TRIBES NOTIFICATION PROTOCOL
The City Council at its meeting of November 2, 2004 accepted the Historic
Preservation Commission's (HPC) recommendation to adopt a policy regarding the
protocol to notify the Native American Heritage Commission and local tribes. The
policy is as follows:
"As part of the preparation of Cultural Resource Assessments, an applicant or his
agent shall notify the Native American Heritage Commission and Local Native
American Tribes, in writing, of the preparation of the Cultural Resource Assessment
for such project. Such notice shall include a site and project description as well as a
solicitation for comments. A copy of the notices and any responses shall be
incorporated into the Cultural Resource Assessment report for the Historic
Preservation Commission's review. Failure to provide such notice may result in the
project's continuance or incorporation of appropriate conditions of approval."
Staff will prepare a letter to archaeologists that have prepared cultural assessment
reports during the past two years and inform them of this new policy.
Prepared by:
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
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P:\Reports - HPC\1 1-1 8-04\CC RPT NOTIFICATION PROTOCOL.doc