HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWCA_163 Serrano Heights Phase I Archaeologica
September 21, 2020
Kyle Bell
City of San Luis Obispo
Community Development Department
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
RE: Phase I Archaeological Survey for the 163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project, San Luis
Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California / SWCA No. 27640.24
Dear Mr. Bell:
SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) has completed an archaeological survey in support of the
163 Serrano Heights Drive Subdivision Project (project), a proposed subdivision of two existing parcels
(Assessor’s Parcel Numbers [APNs] 052-061-043 and 052-061-044) in San Luis Obispo, San Luis
Obispo County, California (Attachment A: Figures A-1 and A-2). This study includes a cultural resources
records search, an archaeological survey of the project area, and the preparation of this technical
memorandum documenting the results of the inventory and providing management recommendations.
The proposed project includes the subdivision of the aforementioned parcels into four individual parcels
to facilitate residential development on land in the R-1 (Low Density Residential) zone. The new parcels
would range in size from 0.225 acres to 0.582 acres and be located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive, at the
western edge of the city limits. Proposed development includes the construction of a 20-foot-wide access
road across Proposed Parcels 1 and 2; a 12-foot-wide driveway across a portion of Proposed Parcel 2; an
asphalt-concrete (AC) dike to be installed along the north side of the proposed access road beginning at
Proposed Parcel 2 and terminating at a new catch basin on Proposed Parcel 1; new water, gas, and sewer
lines installed under the proposed access road; new water meters to be installed on Existing Parcel 1 and
Proposed Parcel 1; and two new fire hydrants.
REGULATORY SETTING
The current study was completed under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) (14 California Code of Regulations [CCR] Section 15064.5 and California Public Resources
Code [PRC] Section 21083.2).
CEQA requires a lead agency (in this case the City of San Luis Obispo [City]) to determine whether a
project may have a significant effect on historical resources. Statutes of CEQA Sections 21083.2 and
21084.1, PRC Section 5024.1, and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 were used as the guidelines
for the cultural resources study. PRC Section 5024.1 requires that any properties that can be expected to
be directly or indirectly affected by a proposed project be evaluated for California Register of Historical
Resources (CRHR) eligibility. The purpose of the CRHR is to maintain listings of the state’s historical
resources and to indicate what properties are to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from
material impairment and substantial adverse change. The term “historical resources” includes a resource
listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in, the CRHR; a resource included in a local register of
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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historical resources; and any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript that a lead
agency determines to be historically significant (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5[a]). The criteria
for listing properties in the CRHR were expressly developed in accordance with previously established
criteria developed for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
According to PRC Section 5024.1(c)(1–4), a resource may be considered historically significant if it
retains integrity and meets at least one of the following criteria. A property may be listed in the CRHR if
the resource:
(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;
(3) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of
installation, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or
possesses high artistic values; or
(4) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history.
Under CEQA, if an archaeological site is not a historical resource but meets the definition of a “unique
archaeological resource” as defined in PRC Section 21083.2, then it should be treated in accordance with
the provisions of that section. A unique archaeological resource is defined as:
an archaeological artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated
that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability
that it meets any of the following criteria:
(1) Contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions
and that there is a demonstrable public interest in that information.
(2) Has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the
best available example of its type.
(3) Is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or
historic event or person.
Resources that neither meet any of these criteria for listing on the CRHR nor qualify as a unique
archaeological resource under CEQA PRC Section 21083.2 are viewed as not significant. Under CEQA,
“A nonunique archaeological resource need be given no further consideration, other than the simple
recording of its existence by the lead agency if it so elects” (PRC Section 21083.2[h]).
Impacts that adversely alter the significance of a resource listed in or eligible for listing in the CRHR are
considered a significant effect on the environment. Impacts to historical resources from the proposed
project are thus considered significant if the project physically destroys or damages all or part of a
resource, changes the character of the use of the resource or physical feature within the setting of the
resource that contributes to its significance, or introduces visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that
diminish the integrity of significant features of the resource.
Senate Bill 18
Senate Bill (SB) 18 (California Government Code Section 65352.3) incorporates the protection of
California traditional tribal cultural places into land use planning for agencies, counties, and cities. It
establishes responsibilities for local governments to contact, refer plans to, and consult with California
Native American tribes as part of the adoption or amendment of any general or specific plan proposed on
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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or after March 1, 2005. SB 18 requires public notice to be sent to tribes listed on the Native American
Heritage Commission (NAHC) SB 18 Tribal Consultation List within the geographical areas affected by
the proposed changes. Tribes must respond to a local government notice within 90 days (unless a shorter
time frame has been agreed upon by the tribe), indicating whether or not they want to consult with the
local government. Consultations are for the purpose of preserving or mitigating impacts to places,
features, and objects described in PRC Sections 5097.9 and 5097.993 that may be affected by the
proposed adoption of or amendment to a general or specific plan.
Assembly Bill 52
Assembly Bill (AB) 52 amended PRC Section 5097.94 and added PRC Sections 21073, 21074,
21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3, 21083.09, 21084.2, and 21084.3.
Consultation with Native Americans
AB 52 formalizes the lead agency–tribal consultation process, requiring the lead agency to initiate
consultation with California Native American groups that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with
the project, including tribes that may not be federally recognized. As the lead agency, the City is required
to begin consultation prior to the release of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or
environmental impact report.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Section 4 of AB 52 adds PRC Section 21074(a) and (b), which address tribal cultural resources and
cultural landscapes. Section 21074(a) defines tribal cultural resources as one of the following:
(1) Sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural
value to a California Native American tribe that are either of the following:
(A) Included or determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California
Register of Historical Resources.
(B) Included in a local register of historical resources as defined in
subdivision (k) of Section 5020.1.
(2) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision
(c) of Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Section
5024.1 for the purposes of this paragraph, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
Section 1(a)(9) of AB 52 establishes that “a substantial adverse change to a tribal cultural resource has a
significant effect on the environment.” Effects on tribal cultural resources should be considered under
CEQA. Section 6 of AB 52 adds PRC Section 21080.3.2, which states that parties may propose mitigation
measures “capable of avoiding or substantially lessening potential significant impacts to a tribal cultural
resource or alternatives that would avoid significant impacts to a tribal cultural resource.” Further, if a
California Native American tribe requests consultation regarding project alternatives, mitigation
measures, or significant effects to tribal cultural resources, the consultation shall include those topics
(PRC Section 21080.3.2[a]). The environmental document and the mitigation monitoring and reporting
program (where applicable) shall include any mitigation measures that are adopted (PRC Section 21082.3
[a]).
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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METHODS
Literature Search
On September 10, 2020, SWCA requested a records search from the Central Coast Information Center
(CCIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), located at the University of
California, Santa Barbara. Staff at the CCIC completed the CHRIS records searches of the project area
and all areas within a 1/8-mile radius on September 14, 2020. The CCIC data includes the following
sources of information, along with official maps and records:
• National Register of Historic Places – Listed Properties
• California Register of Historical Resources
• California Inventory of Historical Resources
• California State Historical Landmarks
• California Points of Historical Interest
• California Office of Historic Preservation Historic Property Directory and Determinations of
Eligibility
Prior Cultural Resources Studies
The CCIC records search data revealed that no previously conducted cultural resources studies are located
within the project area or within a 1/8-mile radius (Attachment B).
Previously Recorded Cultural Resources
The CCIC records search data revealed that no previously identified archaeological resources are located
within the project area or within a 1/8-mile radius (Attachment B).
Native American Consultation
Sacred Lands File
SWCA contacted the NAHC by email on September 10, 2020, requesting a review of the Sacred Lands
File. The NAHC responded on September 14, 2020, indicating that the results of the search were positive
(Attachment C); no additional information was provided regarding the positive results. SWCA assumes
the City will conduct outreach with local tribes per their obligations under AB 52, as applicable for the
project.
FIELD METHODS
SWCA Cultural Resources Lead Leroy Laurie conducted an intensive pedestrian survey of the project
area on July 24, 2020, using parallel pedestrian transects spaced no more than 5 meters apart over the
entire project area.
The entire 1.56-acre project area was accessible and surface visibility range from poor (0–25 percent) in
areas of existing development and dense vegetation to excellent (75–100 percent) in areas of cleared
vegetation (Figures 1–4). All areas of exposed ground surface were examined for prehistoric artifacts
(e.g., chipped stone tools and production debris, stone milling tools), historic artifacts (e.g., metal, glass,
ceramics), soil discoloration that might indicate the presence of a cultural midden, linear features, soil
depressions, and other features indicative of the former presence of historic structures or buildings (e.g.,
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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foundations). No archaeological resources were identified within the project area as a result of the field
survey.
Figure 1. View of project area, facing southeast.
Figure 2. View of project area, facing west.
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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Figure 3. Overview of the rear yard, facing west.
Figure 4. Overview of the southern portion of the project area, facing
southwest.
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Phase I Archaeological Survey
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DISCUSSION
While the NAHC coordination indicated that the project area is in the general vicinity of archaeological
resources, the CCIC records search and field survey did not identify the presence of archaeological
resources within or adjacent to the project area. As defined by CEQA, no historical resources or unique
archaeological resources were identified within the project area and no further archaeological study is
recommended at this time.
In the unlikely event that archaeological resources are exposed during project implementation, work
should stop in the immediate vicinity, and an archaeologist who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s
Professional Qualification Standards 1 should be retained to evaluate the find and recommend relevant
mitigation measures. In the event that human remains are discovered, State of California Health and
Safety Code Section 7050.5 shall be followed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at (805) 293-8330 or llaurie@swca.com.
Sincerely,
Leroy Laurie
Cultural Resources Lead
Attachments: A. Figures
B. Records Search Results
C. Native American Heritage Commission Correspondence
1 National Parks Service (NPS). 1983. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Available at:
https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_0.htm. Accessed in February 2018.
ATTACHMENT A
Figures
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Archaeological Survey Results
A-1
Figure A-1. Project location and vicinity map.
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision Project Archaeological Survey Results
A-2
Figure A-2. Project area map.
ATTACHMENT B
Records Search Results
9/14/2020
Leroy Laurie
SWCA Environmental Consultants
1422 Monterey St. C200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: 163 Serrano Heights Subdivision (SWCA No. 27640.24)
The Central Coast Information Center received your record search request for the project area referenced
above, located on the San Luis Obispo USGS 7.5’ quad(s). The following reflects the results of the
records search for the project area and a one-eighth mile radius:
As indicated on the data request form, the locations of reports and resources are provided in the following
format: custom GIS maps shapefiles ☐ hand-drawn maps ☐ none
Resources within project area: 0 N/A
Resources within 1/8 mile radius: 0 N/A
Reports within project area: 0 N/A
Reports within 1/8 mile radius: 0 N/A
Resource Database Printout (list): ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
Resource Database Printout (details): ☐ enclosed not requested ☐ nothing listed
Resource Digital Database Records: ☐ enclosed not requested ☐ nothing listed
Report Database Printout (list): ☐ enclosed not requested ☐ nothing listed
Report Database Printout (details): ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
Report Digital Database Records: ☐ enclosed not requested ☐ nothing listed
Resource Record Copies: ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
Report Copies: ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
OHP Historic Properties Directory: ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility: ☐ enclosed ☐ not requested nothing listed
The following sources of information are available at http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28065. Some of
these resources used to be available through the CHRIS but because they are now online, they can be
accessed directly. The Office of Historic Preservation makes no guarantees about the availability,
completeness, or accuracy of the information provided through the sources listed below.
California State Lands Commission Shipwreck Database Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory
U.S. Geological Survey Historic Topographic Maps Rancho Plat Maps
National Park Service National Register of Historic
Places Nominations
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Soil Survey Maps
US Bureau of Land Management General Land Office
Records
California Historical Landmarks Listing
(by county)
Five Views: An Ethnic Historic Site Survey for California
(1988)
Historical Soil Survey Maps
Please forward a copy of any resulting reports from this project to the office as soon as possible. Due to
the sensitive nature of archaeological site location data, we ask that you do not include resource location
maps and resource location descriptions in your report if the report is for public distribution. If you have
any questions regarding the results presented herein, please contact the office at the phone number listed
above.
The provision of California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) data via this records
search response does not in any way constitute public disclosure of records otherwise exempt from
disclosure under the California Public Records Act or any other law, including, but not limited to, records
related to archeological site information maintained by or on behalf of, or in the possession of, the State
of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, State Historic Preservation Officer, Office of Historic
Preservation, or the State Historical Resources Commission.
Due to processing delays and other factors, not all of the historical resource reports and resource records
that have been submitted to the Office of Historic Preservation are available via this records search.
Additional information may be available through the federal, state, and local agencies that produced or
paid for historical resource management work in the search area. Additionally, Native American tribes
have historical resource information not in the CHRIS Inventory, and you should contact the California
Native American Heritage Commission for information on local/regional tribal contacts.
Should you require any additional information for the above referenced project, reference the record
search number listed above when making inquiries. Requests made after initial invoicing will result in
the preparation of a separate invoice.
Thank you for using the CHRIS.
Sincerely,
Matthew V.C. LoBiondo
Assistant Coordinator
163 Serrano Heights Subdivision (SWCA No. 27640.24)
Customer Name: SWCA Environmental Consultants - Leroy Laurie
Project Location: San Luis Obispo
Negative Result Map
Central Coast Information Center
Departm ent of Anthropology
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3210
(805) 893-2474
(805) 893-8707 FAX¤
0 40 80 120 16020Meters
Legend
Project Lo cation
One-eighth Mile Radius
ATTACHMENT C
Native American Heritage Commission Correspondence
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom, Governor
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Page 1 of 1
September 15, 2020
Leroy Laurie
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Via Email to: llaurie@swca.com
Re: 163 Serrano Heights (SWCA Project No. 27640.24) Project, San Luis Obispo County
Dear Mr. Laurie:
A record search of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File (SLF)
was completed for the information you have submitted for the above referenced project. The
results were positive. Please contact all the tribes on the attached list for more information.
Other sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known
and recorded sites.
Attached is a list of Native American tribes who may also have knowledge of cultural resources
in the project area. 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 tribe. If a response has not been received within two weeks of
notification, the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call or email to
ensure that the project information has been received.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from tribes, please notify
me. With your assistance, we can assure that our lists contain current information.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at my email
address: Sarah.Fonseca@nahc.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Sarah Fonseca
Cultural Resources Analyst
Attachment
CHAIRPERSON
Laura Miranda
Luiseño
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Reginald Pagaling
Chumash
SECRETARY
Merri Lopez-Keifer
Luiseño
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Russell Attebery
Karuk
COMMISSIONER
Marshall McKay
Wintun
COMMISSIONER
William Mungary
Paiute/White Mountain
Apache
COMMISSIONER
Julie Tumamait-
Stenslie
Chumash
COMMISSIONER
[Vacant]
COMMISSIONER
[Vacant]
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Christina Snider
Pomo
NAHC HEADQUARTERS
1550 Harbor Boulevard
Suite 100
West Sacramento,
California 95691
(916) 373-3710
nahc@nahc.ca.gov
NAHC.ca.gov
Barbareno/ Ventureno Band of
Mission Indians
Raudel Banuelos,
331 Mira Flores
Camarillo, CA, 93012
Phone: (805) 427 - 0015
Chumash
Barbareno/ Ventureno Band of
Mission Indians
Patrick Tumamait,
992 El Camino Corto
Ojai, CA, 93023
Phone: (805) 216 - 1253
Chumash
Barbareno/ Ventureno Band of
Mission Indians
Eleanor Arrellanes,
P. O. Box 5687
Ventura, CA, 93005
Phone: (805) 701 - 3246
Chumash
Barbareno/Ventureno Band of
Mission Indians
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie,
Chairperson
365 North Poli Ave
Ojai, CA, 93023
Phone: (805) 646 - 6214
jtumamait@hotmail.com
Chumash
Chumash Council of
Bakersfield
Julio Quair, Chairperson
729 Texas Street
Bakersfield, CA, 93307
Phone: (661) 322 - 0121
chumashtribe@sbcglobal.net
Chumash
Coastal Band of the Chumash
Nation
Mariza Sullivan, Chairperson
P. O. Box 4464
Santa Barbara, CA, 93140
Phone: (805) 665 - 0486
cbcntribalchair@gmail.com
Chumash
Northern Chumash Tribal
Council
Fred Collins, Spokesperson
P.O. Box 6533
Los Osos, CA, 93412
Phone: (805) 801 - 0347
fcollins@northernchumash.org
Chumash
San Luis Obispo County
Chumash Council
Mark Vigil, Chief
1030 Ritchie Road
Grover Beach, CA, 93433
Phone: (805) 481 - 2461
Fax: (805) 474-4729
Chumash
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash
Indians
Kenneth Kahn, Chairperson
P.O. Box 517
Santa Ynez, CA, 93460
Phone: (805) 688 - 7997
Fax: (805) 686-9578
kkahn@santaynezchumash.org
Chumash
yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini –
Northern Chumash Tribe
Mona Tucker, Chairperson
660 Camino Del Rey
Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420
Phone: (805) 748 - 2121
olivas.mona@gmail.com
Chumash
1 of 1
This list is current only as of the date of this document. Distribution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibility as defined in Section 7050.5 of
the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Public Resource Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code.
This list is only applicable for contacting local Native Americans with regard to cultural resources assessment for the proposed 163 Serrano Heights (SWCA
Project No. 27640.24) Project, San Luis Obispo County.
PROJ-2020-
004924
09/15/2020 08:42 AM
Native American Heritage Commission
Native American Contact List
San Luis Obispo County
9/15/2020