Indio City Council
July 16, 2025

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1092 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR – PHASE 1
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NOVEMBER 2024
City of Indio. 2019. City of Indio General Plan. Adopted September 18, 2019. https://www.indio.org/departments/community-development-department/general-plan-2040/generalplan-2040-documents CNPS (California Native Plant Society). 2001. “CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines.” Published December 9, 1983; revised June 2, 2001. https://www.cnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cnps_survey_guidelines.pdf.

CNPS. 2024a.”Rare Plant Inventory.” Online edition, v9.5. Sacramento, California: CNPS. Accessed July 2024. www.rareplants.cnps.org.

CNPS. 2024b. A Manual of California Vegetation. Online Edition. Accessed July 2024. https://www.cnps.org/vegetation.

County of Riverside. 2015. Riverside County General Plan. Adopted December 2015. https://planning.rctlma.org/general-plan-and-zoning/riverside-county-general-plan/riverside-countygeneral-plan-december-2015.

CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments). 2016. Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habit Conservation Plan. As amended August 2016. Accessed August 2020. http://www.cvmshcp.org/ Plan_Documents_old.htm#plan.

Cypher, E.A. 2002. “General Rare Plant Survey Guidelines.” Bakersfield, California: California State University, Stanislaus, Endangered Species Recovery Program. Revised July 2002. https://acceleratingrestoration.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20020700-Rare-plant-survey.pdf.

Google Earth. 2024. Aerials centered on the Project Area. Accessed October 2024. https://www.google.com/earth/.

Nadal-Romero, E., J. Martinez-Murillo, and N. Kuhn. 2019. Badlands Dynamics in the Context of Global Changes.

Elsevier Inc. ISBN 978-0-12-813054-4. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/badlands#featured-authors.

NatureServe. 2024. “Conservation Status Assessment, Identifying Threatened Species and Ecosystems.” NatureServe. Accessed October 2024. https://www.natureserve.org/conservation-tools/conservationstatus-assessment.

Oberbauer, T., M. Kelly, and J. Buegge. 2008. Draft Vegetation Communities of San Diego County. March 2008. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/pds/ceqa/Soitec-Documents/Final-EIR-Files/ references/rtcref/ch9.0/rtcrefaletters/O14%202013-12-19_OberbauerTM2008.pdf.

Penrod, K., P. Beier, E. Garding, and C. Cabanero. 2012. A Linkage Network for the California Deserts. Produced for the Bureau of Land Management and the Wildlands Conservancy. Fair Oaks, California and Flagstaff, Arizona: Science and Collaboration for Connected Wildlands and Northern Arizona University.

Spencer, W.D., P. Beier, K. Penrod, K. Winters, C. Paulman, H. Rustigian-Romsos, J. Strittholt, M. Parisi, and A.

Pettler. 2010. California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1093 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR – PHASE 1
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California. Prepared for California Department of Transportation, California Department of Fish and Game, and Federal Highways Administration.

Stokes, D., M. Combs, and K.B. Clark. 2023. Surveys for Western Yellow Bat in the Coachella Valley. 2023 Final Report. September 29, 2023.

Sullivan, B.L., C.L. Wood, M.J. Iliff, R.E. Bonney, D. Fink, and S. Kelling. 2009. eBird: a citizen-based bird observation network in the biological sciences. Biological Conservation 142: 2282-2292.USDA (U.S.

Department of Agriculture). 2024. “Web Soil Survey.” USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Accessed October 2024. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). 2024. “Web Soil Survey.” USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Accessed October 2024. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov.

USFWS. 2024a. Information for Planning and Consultation. Accessed October 2024. https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/
USFWS. 2024b. “National Wetlands Inventory.” Accessed October 2024. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2023. “National Hydrography and Watershed Boundary Dataset” USGS National Hydrography Products. Accessed October 2024 at URL https://www.usgs.gov/national-hydrography/.

WRCC (Western Regional Climate Center). 2024. “Cooperative Climatological Data Summaries.” NOAA Cooperative Stations – Temperature and Precipitation. Accessed October 2024. https://wrcc.dri.edu/ summary/Climsmsca.html.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1094 of 1774 10 CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
44TH AVE

OASIS ST MAIN ST

KING ST

TOWNE ST
SUE ST

ALADDIN ST

VIA TERRA LAGO

ARABIA ST

FARGO AVE

CATANIA CT

REGONA R D

SMURR AVE

B ERINGER DR

HOPI AVE

CALHOUN ST

ATLANTIC AVE

CRESTAVE

VALENCIA DR

PADOVA DR

TYLER ST

C LEAR LAKE D R

AVENIDASOMBRA

CITRUS AVE

DILLON AVE

ADRIA DR

GORE ST

TOWNE AVE

FRED WARINGDR
46TH AVE

TERRA LAGOPKWY

EASTSIDE DR
43RD AVE

CO MMERCE S T

OLEANDER AVE

MARKETST

VAN BUREN ST

KENNERAVE

VISTADEL SUR

LAGOVISTA
41 AVE

BLISS AVE

REQUA AVE

GOLF CENTER PKWY

MILES AVE
45TH AVE
HWY 111

HARRISON ST

JACKSON ST
38TH AVE

INDIO BLVD

PIERCE ST

FILLMORE ST

MONROE ST
42ND AVE

VISTA DEL NORTE
40TH AVE

LITTLE SAN BERNARDINO

MOUNTAINS
DILLON
RD

DILLON RD

LAN DFILL RD

FARGO CANYON RD
Project Location
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery Date: 10/15/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\BiologicalConstraints\Figure1-ProjectLocation.mxd 01 0.5 Miles
Project Area Boundary
City of Indio Eastern
Sphere of Influence
Coachella Valley MSHCP
Cities
FIGURE 1
Temecula
Murrieta
Coachella
La Quinta
Indian Wells Lake Elsinore
Menifee
Hemet
Palm Desert
Rancho Mirage Indio San Jacinto Perris
Corona
Cathedral
City
Palm Springs Moreno
Valley
Riverside
Eastvale Banning
Beaumont
Jurupa
Valley
San
Bernardino
County
San Diego
County
Imperial
County
18 60
241 74
189
2 206
195
330
66 91
173
111
243
86 247
138
74 38
76 79
78 15
215
10 15
210
Project Site

Date: 10/18/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\BiologicalConstraints\Figure2-CoachellaValley_MSHCP.mxd 86 10

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
44TH AVE

OASIS ST

ADRIADR

GORE ST

S BAY DR

MAR KET ST

KENNER AVE

LA G OVISTA
41 AVE

BLISS AVE

REQUA AVE

VISTA DEL SUR

ARABIA ST

EASTSIDE DR

GOLF CENTER PKWY

FRED WARING DR
46TH AVE
MILES AVE 45TH AVE

POLK ST

VAN BUREN ST

TYLER ST
38TH AVE

CALHOUN ST

JACKSON ST
HWY 111

HARRISON ST

PIERCE ST
42ND AVE

INDIO BLVD

VISTA DEL NORTE

FILLMORE ST
40TH AVE

MONROE ST

LAN DFILL RD

FARGO CANYON RD

DILLON RD
Coachella Valley MSHCP
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: BLM LandSurface Ownership; Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 01 0.5 Miles
Project Area Boundary
City Boundary
MSHCP Conservation Area
Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
East Indio Hills Conservation Area
Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
Thousand Palms Conservation Area
MSHCP Biological Corridors/Linkages
Indio Hills Palms Linkage
Thousand Palms Linkage
Land Ownership
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
FIGURE 2
Coachella La
Quinta
Indian Wells
Palm Desert
Indio Rancho Mirage
Cathedral
City
Palm Springs
Banning
Banning
San
Bernardino
County
San Diego
County
Imperial
County
74 195
76 247 38
86 111
243
79 111
10 Project Area
Boundary

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CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

VIA TERRA LAGO

LAGO BREZZADR

VISTA DEL ORO

ME LKESIAN BLVD

REGONARD

B ERINGER DR
I NDIO

SPRINGS DR

CLEAR LAKE D R
TERR

ADRIA DR

A LAGO PKWY

VAN BUREN ST

LAGO VISTA

VISTADEL SUR
42ND AVE

GOLF CENTER PKWY

TYLER ST
44TH AVEHARRISON ST
38TH AVE

FILLMORE ST

VISTA DEL NORTE
40TH AVE
DILLON
RD

LANDFILL RD

DILLON RD

FARGO CANYON RD
Soils
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; BLM; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 0 0.5 0.25 Miles
Project Area
City Boundary
Soils
Badland
Borrow Pits
Carrizo Stony Sand, 2-9% slopes
Carsitas Cobbly Sand, 2-9% slopes
Carsitas Gravelly Sand, 0-9% slopes
Chuckawalla Very Gravelly Sandy
Clay Loam, 2-5% slopes
Gilman Fine Sandy Loam, 0-2%
slopes
Gravel Pits And
Myoma Fine Sand, 0-5% slopes
Myoma Fine Sand, 5-15% slopes
Water
FIGURE 3

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CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

VIA TERRA LAGO

LAGO BREZZADR

VISTA DEL ORO

ME LKESIAN BLVD

REGONARD

B ERINGER DR
I NDIO

SPRINGS DR

CLEAR LAKE D R
TERR

ADRIA DR

A LAGO PKWY

VAN BUREN ST

LAGO VISTA

VISTADEL SUR
42ND AVE

GOLF CENTER PKWY

TYLER ST
44TH AVEHARRISON ST
38TH AVE

FILLMORE ST

VISTA DEL NORTE
40TH AVE
DILLON
RD

LANDFILL RD

DILLON RD

FARGO CANYON RD
Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 0 0.5 0.25 Miles
Project Area Boundary
City Boundary
Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types
Desert Dry Was Woodland
Mesquite Hummocks
Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub
Stabilized Desert Sand Fields
Agriculture
Disturbed Habitat
Urban/Developed
Coachella Valley MSHCP Conservation Areas
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
FIGURE 4

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1098 of 1774 Date: 10/29/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\BiologicalConstraints\Figure5-CVMSHCP_ModeledHabitats.mxd

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Coachella Valley MSHCP Modeled Habitats
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 02 1 Miles
FIGURE 5A

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Mecca aster
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
Palm Springs pocket mouse
MSHCP Conservation Area
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
Le Contes thrasher
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
Crissal thrasher
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms

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CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Coachella Valley MSHCP Modeled Habitats
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 02 1 Miles
FIGURE 5B

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Palm Springs round-tailed
ground squirrel
MSHCP Conservation Area
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
flat-tailed horned lizard
MSHCP Conservation Area
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
desert tortoise
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1100 of 1774 Date: 10/29/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\BiologicalConstraints\Figure5C-CVMSHCP_ModeledHabitats1.mxd

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Coachella Valley MSHCP Modeled Habitats
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 02 1 Miles
FIGURE 5C

CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
Coachella Valley giant
sand treading cricket
MSHCP Conservation Area
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms
summer tanager
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
Indio Hills Palms

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CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO
44TH AVE

HOPI AVE

OASIS ST

DILLON AVE

ADRIADR

GORE ST

S BAY DR
43RD AVE

COMME RCE S T

MARKET ST

KENNER AVE

L AGOVISTA

AVENIDA SOMBRA
41 AVE

BLISS AVE

REQUA AVE

VISTA DEL SUR

FRED WARING DR

ARABIA ST
46TH AVE
GOLF

CENTER PKWY

EASTSIDE DR
MILES AVE 45TH AVE

VAN BUREN ST
38TH AVE
HWY 111

TYLER ST

HARRISON ST

CALHOUN ST

JACKSON ST

POLK ST

PIERCE ST
42ND AVE

INDIO BLVD

VISTA DEL NORTE
40TH AVE

FILLMORE ST

MONROE ST

L A NDFILL RD

FARGO CANYON RD

DILLON RD

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages
Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 01 0.5 Miles
Project Area Boundary
City Boundary
2-Mile Buffer
MSHCP Biological
Indio Hills Palms Linkage
MSHCP Conservation
Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
East Indio Hills Conservation Area
Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
Bighorn Sheep Connectivity Modeling for the
California Desert Linkage Network
< patch
core
patch
FIGURE 6

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CITY OF COACHELLA

CITY OF INDIO

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

VIA TERRA LAGO

DILLON AVE

REGONA RD
HWY 111

BERINGER DR

HOPI AVE

C LEAR LAKE D R

ADRIA DR

S BAY DR

POLK ST

NORTH SHORE DR

TERRA LAGOPKWY
43RD AVE

COM MERCE S TVAN BUREN ST

LAGOVISTA
45TH AVE

VISTADEL SUR

CALHOUN ST

GOLF CENTER PKWY

TYLER ST

INDIO BLVD
42ND AVE

HARRISON ST
38TH AVE
44TH AVE

VISTA DEL NORTE

FILLMORE ST
40TH AVE

LANDFILL RD

FARGO CANYON RD
DILLON
RD
National Wetland Inventory and National Hydrography Dataset Draft Biological Resources COnstraints Report for the East Indio Employment Corridor - Phase I SOURCE: USGS; USFWS; Riverside County 2024; Coachella Valley MSHCP; Open Street Map; ESRI World Imagery 0 0.5 0.25 Miles
Project Area Boundary
City Boundary
Coachella Valley MSHCP Conservation Areas
Desert Tortoise and Linkage
East Indio Hills
National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Riverine
National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)
Stream/River
Canal/Ditch
FIGURE 7

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1103 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR – PHASE 1
16290 iv
NOVEMBER 2024
Appendix A Special-Status Plant Species
Potential to Occur

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1104 of 1774

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
Abronia villosa
var. aurita
chaparral
sand-verbena
BLM/None/1B.1 None Chaparral, Coastal scrub, Desert dunes; Sandy/annual herb/(Jan)Mar–Sep/245–
5,250
Moderate potential to occur. While there is no
suitable chaparral and coastal scrub vegetation
present, there is suitable sandy soils present
and there is a potential for some areas to
contain suitable habitat for this species.

Furthermore, there are numerous occurrences
of this species within the Coachella Valley
(CCH 2024).

Ambrosia
monogyra
singlewhorl
burrobrush
None/None/2B.2 None Chaparral, Sonoran desert scrub;
Sandy/perennial shrub/Aug–Nov/35–
1,640
Low potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
there is suitable vegetation and soils present.

However, the closest documented occurrence is
approximately 10 miles south of the project site
from 1922 (CDFW 2024b).

Astragalus
bernardinus
San
Bernardino
milk-vetch
BLM/None/1B.2 None Joshua tree "woodland", Pinyon and
juniper woodland; Carbonate (often),
Granitic (often)/perennial herb/Apr–
June/2,955–6,560
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and there is
no suitable vegetation or carbonate/granitic
soils present to support this species.

Astragalus
lentiginosus
var. coachellae
Coachella
Valley milkvetch
FE, BLM/None/1B.2 Covered Desert dunes, Sonoran desert scrub (sandy)/annual/perennial herb/Feb–
May/130–2,150
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and there is suitable vegetation, and soils
present to support this species. The closest
documented occurrence is approximately 2
miles west of the project from 1929 (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Astragalus
preussii var.
laxiflorus
Lancaster
milk-vetch
None/None/1B.1 None Chenopod scrub/perennial herb/Mar–
May/2,295–2,295
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and there is
no suitable vegetation present to support this
species.

Astragalus
sabulonum
gravel milkvetchNone/None/2B.2 None Desert dunes, Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Flats, Gravelly
(sometimes), Roadsides, Sandy (usually),
Washes/annual/perennial herb/Feb–
June/-,195–3,050
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and suitable vegetation and soils are
present to support this species. The closest
documented occurrence is approximately 1.3

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
miles west of the project from 1906 (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Astragalus
tricarinatus
triple-ribbed
milk-vetch
FE, BLM/None/1B.2 Covered Joshua tree "woodland", Sonoran desert scrub; Gravelly (sometimes), Sandy
(sometimes)/perennial herb/Feb–
May/1,475–3,905
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range. The tripleribbed milkvetch is an endemic species found in a narrow range primarily from the northwestern
portion of the Coachella Valley, from the vicinity
of Whitewater Canyon, in Mission Creek
Canyon across Highway 62 to Dry Morongo
Wash and Big Morongo Canyon (CVAG 2016).

Ayenia
compacta
California
ayenia
None/None/2B.3 None Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Rocky/perennial herb/Mar–
Apr/490–3,595
Low potential to occur. While suitable
vegetation and soils are present, most of the
project site lies outside of this species’ elevation
range. In addition, no documented occurrences
are mapped within 10 miles of the project (CCH
2024; CDFW 2024b).

Bursera
microphylla
little-leaf
elephant tree
None/None/2B.3 None Sonoran desert scrub (rocky)/perennial deciduous tree/June–July/655–2,295
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Ditaxis
claryana
glandular
ditaxis
None/None/2B.2 None Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Sandy/perennial herb/Oct–Mar/0–
1,525
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and suitable vegetation and soils are
present to support this species. The closest
documented occurrence is approximately 1.3
miles west of the project from 1906 (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Eremothera
boothii ssp.
boothii
Booth's
eveningprimrose
None/None/2B.3 None Joshua tree "woodland", Pinyon and
juniper woodland/annual herb/Apr–
Sep/2,675–7,875
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and there is
no suitable vegetation present to support this
species.

Eriastrum
harwoodii
Harwood's
eriastrum
BLM/None/1B.2 None Desert dunes/annual herb/Mar–June/410– 3,000
Low potential to occur. While the site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range, there is no suitable vegetation present

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
(i.e., desert dunes) to support this species
based on the CVMSHCP vegetation mapping.

There are suitable sandy soils present and
there is a potential for some areas to contain
suitable habitat for this species. However, this
species geographic range occurs more to the
northeast (CCH 2024).

Erigeron
parishii
Parish's daisy FT, BLM/None/1B.1 None Mojavean desert scrub, Pinyon and juniper woodland; Carbonate (usually),
Granitic (sometimes)/perennial herb/May–
Aug/2,625–6,560
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and
geographic range which is to the north (CCH
2024).

Euphorbia
abramsiana
Abrams'
spurge
None/None/2B.2 None Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Sandy/annual herb/(Aug)Sep–
Nov/-15–4,300
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and suitable vegetation and soils are
present. The closest documented occurrence is
approximately 8 miles west of the project from
1968 (CCH 2024; CDFW 2024b).

Euphorbia
arizonica
Arizona
spurge
None/None/2B.3 None Sonoran desert scrub (sandy)/perennial herb/Mar–Apr/165–985
Low potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
suitable vegetation and soils are present,
however, there are no documented occurrences
within 10 miles of the project (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Euphorbia
platysperma
flat-seeded
spurge
BLM/None/1B.2 None Desert dunes, Sonoran desert scrub
(sandy)/annual herb/Feb–Sep/215–330
Low potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
suitable vegetation and soils are present,
however, there are no documented occurrences
within 10 miles of the project (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Funastrum
crispum
wavyleaf
twinvine
None/None/2B.2 None Chaparral, Pinyon and juniper
woodland/perennial herb/May–Aug/3,820–
6,035
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and there is
no suitable vegetation present to support this
species. Page 207 of 650 AGENDA ITEM #11.1
East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1107 of 1774

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
Grusonia
parishii
Parish's clubchollaNone/None/2B.2 None Joshua tree "woodland", Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Rocky,
Sandy/perennial stem/May–June
(July)/985–5,000
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Jaffueliobryum
raui
Rau's
jaffueliobryum
moss
None/None/2B.3 None Alpine dwarf scrub, Chaparral, Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub;
Carbonate, Dry, Openings, Rock
crevices/moss/N.A./1,610–6,890
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Leptosiphon
floribundus ssp.
hallii
Santa Rosa
Mountains
leptosiphon
BLM/None/1B.3 None Pinyon and juniper woodland, Sonoran desert scrub/perennial herb/May–July
(Nov)/3,280–6,560
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Linanthus
maculatus ssp.
maculatus
Little San
Bernardino
Mtns.
linanthus
BLM/None/1B.2 Covered Desert dunes, Joshua tree "woodland", Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert
scrub; Sandy/annual herb/Mar–May/460–
4,005
Low potential to occur. While suitable
vegetation and soils are present, most of the
project site lies outside of this species’ elevation
range. In addition, no documented occurrences
are mapped within 10 miles of the project
(CDFW 2024b). This species is known to occur
within the Coachella Valley at the mouth of Big
Morongo Canyon north of Indian Avenue, in the
Whitewater River areas, and in Mission Creek
east of old Highway 62 (CVAG 2016).

Marina orcuttii
var. orcuttii
California
marina
None/None/1B.3 None Chaparral, Pinyon and juniper woodland, Sonoran desert scrub; Rocky/perennial
herb/May–Oct/3,445–3,805
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Matelea
parvifolia
spear-leaf
matelea
None/None/2B.3 None Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Rocky/perennial herb/Mar–May
(July)/1,445–3,595
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Monardella
robisonii
Robison's
monardella
BLM/None/1B.3 None Pinyon and juniper woodland/perennial rhizomatous herb/(Feb)Apr–Sep
(Oct)/2000–4920
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range and there is
no suitable vegetation present.

Nemacaulis
denudata var.
gracilis
slender
cottonheads
None/None/2B.2 None Coastal dunes, Desert dunes, Sonoran desert scrub/annual herb/(Mar)Apr–May/-
165–1310
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and suitable vegetation is present and
documented occurrences approximately 7 miles

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
west of the project were mapped in the 1980s
(CCH 2024; CDFW 2024b).

Petalonyx
linearis
narrow-leaf
sandpaperplant
None/None/2B.3 None Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub; Rocky (sometimes), Sandy
(sometimes)/perennial shrub/(Jan–Feb)
Mar–May(June–Dec)/-80–3,660
Moderate potential to occur. The site is
located within the species’ known elevation
range and suitable vegetation and soils are
present. The closest documented occurrence is
approximately 8 miles west of the project from
1921 (CDFW 2024b).

Phaseolus
filiformis
slender-stem
bean
None/None/2B.1 None Sonoran desert scrub/annual
herb/Apr/410–410
Low potential to occur. While suitable
vegetation is present, most of the project site
lies outside of this species’ elevation range. In
addition, there are no documented occurrences
mapped within 10 miles of the project (CCH
2024; CDFW 2024b).

Pseudorontium
cyathiferum
Deep Canyon
snapdragon
None/None/2B.3 None Sonoran desert scrub (rocky)/annual herb/Feb–Apr/0–2,625
Low potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
while suitable vegetation and rocky soils are
present, there are no documented occurrences
mapped within 10 miles of the project (CCH
2024; CDFW 2024b).

Saltugilia
latimeri
Latimer's
woodland-gilia
BLM/None/1B.2 None Chaparral, Mojavean desert scrub, Pinyon and juniper woodland; Granitic (often),
Rocky (sometimes), Sandy (sometimes),
Washes (sometimes)/annual herb/Mar–
June/1,310–6,235
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Selaginella
eremophila
desert spikemossNone/None/2B.2 None Chaparral, Sonoran desert scrub (gravelly, rocky)/perennial rhizomatous
herb/(May)June (July)/655–4,250
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Senna covesii Cove's cassia None/None/2B.2 None Sonoran desert scrub; Dry, Sandy, Slopes, Washes/perennial herb/Mar–June
(Aug)/740–4,250
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Stemodia
durantifolia
purple
stemodia
None/None/2B.1 None Sonoran desert scrub (often mesic,
sandy)/perennial herb/(Jan)Apr–Dec/590–
985
Low potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
while suitable vegetation, mesic areas, and
sandy soils are present, there are no

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State/CRPR)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP
Primary Habitat Associations/
Life Form/ Blooming Period/
Elevation Range (feet) Potential to Occur
documented occurrences mapped within 10
miles of the project (CCH 2024; CDFW 2024b).

Wislizenia
refracta ssp.
refracta
jackass-clover None/None/2B.2 None Desert dunes, Mojavean desert scrub, Playas, Sonoran desert scrub/annual
herb/Apr–Nov/1,970–2,625
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Xylorhiza
cognata
Mecca-aster BLM/None/1B.2 Covered Sonoran desert scrub/perennial herb/Jan– June/65–1,310
High potential to occur. The site is located
within the species’ known elevation range and
suitable vegetation is present and there are
several documented occurrences are mapped
in the Indio Hills nearby. The closest occurrence
is within 1 mile of the northern portion of the
project and was mapped in 2005 (CCH 2024;
CDFW 2024b).

Yucca
brevifolia
western
Joshua tree
BLM/SC/CBR None Great Basin grassland, Great Basin scrub, Joshua tree woodland, Mojavean desert
scrub, Pinyon and juniper woodland,
Sonoran desert scrub, Valley and foothill
grassland/perennial leaf succulent/Apr–
May/1,312–6,562
Not expected to occur. The site is outside of
the species’ known elevation range.

Notes: CRPR = California Rare Plant Rank.

Status Designations:

Federal:

FE: Federally listed endangered species
FT: Federally listed threatened species
BLM: BLM sensitive
State:

SC: State listed candidate species
CRPR (California Rare Plant Rank):
1B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CBR: Considered but Rejected
Threat Rank:

0.1: seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat)

0.2: moderately threatened in California (20%–80% of occurrences threatened/moderate degree and immediacy of threat)

0.3: not very threatened in California (<20% of occurrences threatened/low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)

APPENDIX A / SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR References
CCH (Consortium of California Herbaria). 2024. CCH2: Specimen Data from the Consortium of California Herbaria. Accessed September 2024. https://cch2.org/portal/index.php.

CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2024a. RareFind 5, Version 5.3.0. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, California: CDFW, Biogeographic Data Branch. Accessed September 2024. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data.

CDFW. 2024b. “Biogeographic Information Observation System: CDFW BIOS Viewer.” Accessed September 2024. https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/.

CNPS (California Native Plant Society). 2024. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5). California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. Accessed September 2024. https://rareplants.cnps.org/Search/Advanced.

CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments). 2016. Final Major Amendment to the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.

August 2016. Accessed September 2024. https://cvmshcp.org/Plan-Documents/16-CVAG-MSHCP-Plan-Section-9-0.pdf.

EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR – PHASE 1
16290 v
NOVEMBER 2024
Appendix B Special-Status Wildlife Species
Potential to Occur

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1112 of 1774

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
Amphibians
Batrachoseps major
aridus
desert slender
salamander
FE/SE None Barren, palm oasis, desert wash, and
desert scrub
Not expected to occur. While the Project Area contains
desert scrub and palms trees, the palms trees are
associated with development and agricultural lands. This species also requires springs with minimal direct sunlight which are not present in the Project Area. In Addition, the species has historically been reported from two locations in Riverside County, California - Hidden Palm Canyon and Guadalupe Canyon. Both canyons are encompassed
within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument area. (USFWS 2024).

Scaphiopus couchii Couch's
spadefoot
BLM/SSC None Desert and arid areas including desert
washes, desert riparian, palm oasis,
desert succulent scrub, and desert scrub
habitats; also cultivated cropland
Not expected to occur. While the Project Area contains
desert scrub, desert washes, riparian habitat, and
cultivated croplands, the Project is located outside the range of the species (Nafis 2024).

Birds
Athene cunicularia
(burrow sites &
some wintering
sites)
burrowing owl BCC/SSC, SC Covered Nests and forages in grassland, open scrub, and agriculture, particularly with
ground squirrel burrows
High potential to occur. The Project Area contains
suitable nesting habitat (i.e., open desert scrub), and ground squirrels have been mapped within the Project
site, and provide burrow sites for burrowing owls. In
addition, several CNDDB occurrences from the early
2000s were mapped within 5 miles of the Project Area,
and two unprocessed occurrences were mapped in the
southern portion of the site in 2024 (CDFW 2024b).

Empidonax traillii
extimus (nesting)
southwestern
willow flycatcher
FE/SE Covered Nests in dense riparian habitats along
streams, reservoirs, or wetlands; uses
variety of riparian and shrubland habitats
during migration
Not expected to occur. The Project Area encompasses a
very small area of riparian habitat in the southern portion of the Project, however, suitable breeding habitat is not present. Suitable breeding habitat known in CVMSHCP
include Mission Creek, Chino, Andreas, Murray, Palm,
Millard, and Whitewater Canyons, and possibly Stubbe
and Cottonwood Canyons (CVAG 2016). Furthermore,
there are no CNDDB occurrences within 10 miles of the
suitable habitat onsite (CDFW 2024b).

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
Gelochelidon
nilotica (nesting
colony)
gull-billed tern BCC/SSC None Nests at the Salton Sea and in estuaries in San Diego County; forages in emergent
wetland, lakes, mudflats, cropland, and
grassland
Not expected to occur. The Project site is located
outside this species’ known nesting range which is locally exclusive to the Salton Sea.

Icteria virens
(nesting)
yellow-breasted
chat
None/SSC Covered Nests and forages in dense, relatively wide riparian woodlands and thickets of
willows, vine tangles, and dense brush
Low potential to occur. The Project Area encompasses
a small riparian area in the southern portion of the Project Area at the edge of an agricultural area; however, there are no recent CNDDB occurrences nearby (CDFFW
2024b).

Lanius ludovicianus
(nesting)
loggerhead
shrike
None/SSC None Nests and forages in open habitats with
scattered shrubs, trees, or other perches
Moderate potential to occur. Suitable nesting habitat
(i.e., open desert scrub) is present and a CNDDB
occurrence from 2005 and was mapped approximately 8
miles west of the project area (CDFW 2024b). Additionally, there are numerous eBird records from the region (eBird 2024).

Piranga rubra
(nesting)
summer tanager None/SSC Covered Nests and forages in mature desert riparian habitats dominated by
cottonwoods and willows
Low potential to occur. While the Project Area contains dry desert wash woodland, mesquite hummocks, and
desert washes, this species has not been reported within the West Berdoo Canyon and Indio quadrangles and the
surrounding ten USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (CDFW
2024a; CNPS 2024a).

Pyrocephalus
rubinus (nesting)
vermilion
flycatcher
None/SSC None Nests in riparian woodlands, riparian
scrub, and freshwater marshes; typical
desert riparian with cottonwood, willow,
mesquite adjacent to irrigated fields,
ditches, or pastures
Low potential to occur. The Project Area encompasses
a small riparian area adjacent to an agricultural area; however, the only CNDDB occurrences nearby were
mapped in the early to mid-1900s (CDFW 2024b).

Rallus obsoletus
yumanensis
Yuma Ridgway's
rail
FE/FP, ST Covered Freshwater marsh dominated by Typha
spp., Scirpus spp., Schoenoplectus spp.,
and Bolboschoenus spp.; mix of riparian
tree and shrub species along the marsh
edge; many occupied areas are now manmade, such as managed ponds or effluent-supported marshes
Not expected to occur. The Project Area includes a
manmade water feature (i.e., agricultural reservoir) that appear to have Typha spp. growing in it (Google Earth
2024) and includes some riparian habitat. This species is locally found in the Salton Sea (CDFW 2024b).

Rynchops niger
(nesting colony)
black skimmer BCC/SSC None Nests on barrier beaches, shell banks, spoil islands, and saltmarsh; forages over
Not expected to occur. The Project Area lacks sandy
beaches for nesting, and this species is locally exclusive to the Salton Sea (CDFW 2024b).

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
open water; roosts on sandy beaches and
gravel bars
Toxostoma bendirei Bendire's
thrasher
BCC/SSC None Nests and forages in desert succulent
shrub and Joshua tree habitat in the
Mojave Desert; nests in yucca, cholla, and
other thorny shrubs or small trees
Not expected to occur. This species can be found on
agricultural lands (CLO 2024) which are present within the Project Area; however, the site is located outside the
typical range of this species (CLO 2024). The closest
CNDDB occurrences found in the San Bernardino
Mountains is located approximately 9.5 miles north of the Project Area and is from 1986 (CDFW 2024b).

Toxostoma crissale Crissal thrasher BLM/SSC Covered Nests and forages in desert riparian and desert wash; dense thickets of sagebrush
and other shrubs such as mesquite, iron
catclaw acacia, and arrowweed willow
within juniper and pinyon–juniper
woodlands
Moderate potential to occur. Suitable habitat is present within the Project Area; however, the CNDDB occurrences nearby were mapped in the early to mid-1900s (CDFW
2024b).

Toxostoma lecontei LeConte's
thrasher
BCC/SSC Covered Nests and forages in desert wash, desert scrub, alkali desert scrub, desert
succulent, and Joshua tree habitats; nests
in spiny shrubs or cactus
Moderate potential to occur. The Project Area contains
suitable desert wash and desert scrub habitat to support this species.

Vireo bellii pusillus
(nesting)
least Bell's vireo FE/SE Covered Nests and forages in low, dense riparian thickets along water or along dry parts of
intermittent streams; forages in riparian
and adjacent shrubland late in nesting
season
Not expected to occur. The Project Area encompasses a
very small area of riparian habitat in the southern portion of the Project, however, least Bell’s vireo is known to occur as a breeding bird in Chino Canyon and in Andreas Canyon within the CVMSHCP (CVAG 2016). Other
suitable breeding habitat may occur in Millard Canyon,
Whitewater Canyon, Mission Creek, Palm Canyon, Murray
Canyon, at Oasis de los Osos, at the Willow Hole-Edom
Hill Preserve/ACEC, along the Whitewater River near the Salton Sea, and at Dos Palmas (CVAG 2016).

Furthermore, there are no CNDDB occurrences within 10
miles of the suitable habitat onsite (CDFW 2024b).

Fishes
Cyprinodon
macularius
desert pupfish FE/SE Covered Desert springs, small streams, and marshes below 1,515 meters (5,000 feet)
above mean sea level; tolerates high
Not expected to occur. This species is locally exclusive to the Salton Sea; nearby occurrences are artificial
refugium (CDFW 2024b).

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
salinities, high water temperatures, and
low dissolved-oxygen concentrations
Xyrauchen texanus razorback sucker FE/FP, SE None Found in the Colorado River bordering California
Not expected to occur. The Project Area lacks suitable
habitat (i.e., the Colorado River) to support this species.

Some CNDDB data for occurrences of this species is
found in the Whitewater River and Salton Sea; however,
they appear to be historical from the mid to late 1900s (CDFW 2024b).

Invertebrates
Dinacoma caseyi Casey's June
beetle
FE/None None Found only in two populations in a small
area of southern Palm Springs
Not expected to occur. The Project site lies outside of this species’ known populations areas; the nearby CNDDB occurrence is extirpated (CDFW 2024b).

Danaus plexippus
plexippus pop. 1
monarch -
California
overwintering
population
FC/None None Wind-protected tree groves with nectar
sources and nearby water sources
Not expected to occur. The Project Area lacks suitable
habitat to support this species (i.e., wind-protected tree groves).

Mammals
Antrozous pallidus pallid bat BLM/SSC None Grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, forests; most common in open, dry
habitats with rocky outcrops for roosting,
but also roosts in man-made structures
and trees
Moderate potential to forage and low potential roost.

The Project Area provides suitable open, dry habitat for foraging and contains some manmade structures that
could provide roosting habitat for the species. There are no CNDDB occurrences within 10 miles of the project
(CDFW 2024b).

Corynorhinus
townsendii
Townsend's bigeared batBLM/SSC None Mesic habitats characterized by coniferous and deciduous forests and riparian habitat,
but also xeric areas; roosts in limestone
caves and lava tubes, man-made
structures, and tunnels
Moderate potential to forage and low potential to
roost. The Project Area contains suitable open desert
habitat for foraging. In addition, there are isolated
buildings in the northern portion of the site that may act as roosting sites. One CNDDB occurrence is mapped
approximately 9.9 miles south of the project (CDFW
2024b).

Dasypterus
xanthinus
western yellow
bat
None/SSC Covered Valley–foothill riparian, desert riparian, desert wash, and palm oasis habitats;
below 2,000 feet above mean sea level;
roosts in riparian and palms
Moderate potential to forage and roost. The Project
Area includes foraging desert habitat and palm trees for roosting. There are no current CNDDB occurrences within 10 miles of the Project site (CDFW 2024b).

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
Euderma
maculatum
spotted bat BLM/SSC None Foothills, mountains, desert regions of southern California, including arid deserts,
grasslands, and mixed-conifer forests;
roosts in rock crevices and cliffs; feeds
over water and along washes
Low potential to forage; not expected to roost. Desert
habitat and water are present within the Project Area for foraging. No rocky crevices or cliffs for roosting occur within the Project Area. There are no recent CNDDB
occurrences within 10 miles of the project area (CDFW
2024b).

Eumops perotis
californicus
western mastiff
bat
BLM/SSC None Chaparral, coastal and desert scrub,
coniferous and deciduous forest and
woodland; roosts in crevices in rocky
canyons and cliffs where the canyon or
cliff is vertical or nearly vertical, trees, and
tunnels
Moderate potential to forage and low potential roost.

The Project Area contains suitable desert scrub habitat for foraging and there are some trees that could provide
suitable roosting sites. The CNDDB occurrences nearby
were mapped in the mid to late-1900s (CDFW 2024b).

Neotoma lepida
intermedia
San Diego
desert woodrat
None/SSC None Coastal scrub, desert scrub, chaparral,
cacti, rocky areas
Low potential to occur. The Project Area contains desert scrub and some potentially rocky areas in the northern
portion of the site; however, this species tends to prefer dense shrub cover, cactus patches, and rock outcrops that are minimal within the Project Area. The nearest CNDDB
occurrence is 5.7 miles northwest of the project area and was mapped in 1995 (CDFW 2024b).

Nyctinomops
femorosaccus
pocketed freetailed batNone/SSC None Pinyon–juniper woodlands, desert scrub, desert succulent shrub, desert riparian,
desert wash, alkali desert scrub, Joshua
tree, and palm oases; roosts in high cliffs
or rock outcrops with drop-offs, caverns,
and buildings
Moderate potential to forage; not expected to roost.

Suitable foraging habitat is present within the Project Area; however, no rocky outcrops, cliffs, or cavern-like buildings are onsite to support roosting of this species. The closest CNDDB occurrence is approximately 6 miles southwest of
the Project site was mapped in 1994 (CDFW 2024b).

Ovis canadensis
nelsoni
Nelson's bighorn
sheep
BLM/FP None Steep slopes and cliffs, rough and rocky
topography, sparse vegetation; also
canyons, washes, and alluvial fans
Moderate potential to occur. The Project Area contains
washes and occurs within an alluvial fan. In addition,
CNDDB occurrences from 1986 are mapped within 1.5
miles of the project area (CDFW 2024b).

Ovis canadensis
nelsoni pop. 2
Peninsular
bighorn sheep
DPS
FE/FP, ST Covered Dry, rocky, low-elevation desert slopes, canyons, and washes; females near water
during lambing season
Not expected to occur. This species is not found east of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains nearby. In
addition, the heavy urbanization and highways create a
barrier for this species to enter the project area.

Perognathus
longimembris bangsi
Palm Springs
pocket mouse
BLM/SSC Covered Creosote scrub, desert scrub, and
grasslands; sparse to moderately dense
vegetative cover
High potential to occur. The Project Area contains
creosote scrub and desert scrub habitat that can support

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
this species. In addition, there are CNDDB occurrences
from 1999 mapped within the Project Area (CDFW 2024b).

Spermophilus
(Xerospermophilus)
tereticaudus chlorus
Palm Springs
round-tailed
ground squirrel
BLM/SSC Covered Sandy arid regions of Lower Sonoran Life Zone including creosote bush scrub and
creosote–palo verde
High potential to occur. The Project Area contains
creosote bush scrub as well as palo verde trees to support this species. In addition, there are CNDDB occurrences
from 2000 are mapped within the project area (CDFW
2024b).

Vulpes macrotis
arsipus
desert kit fox None/FM None Sparse scrub habitats such as creosote scrub communities that support abundant
rodent populations (Center for Biological
Diversity 2013)
High potential to occur. Creosote scrub is present within the Project Area, and rodents such as the Palm Springs
round-tailed ground squirrel and pocket mouse have been documented onsite. The Project site is located within the CWHR range of the species and has a medium to high
probability of the predicted habitat model (CDFW 2017,
2021).

Taxidea taxus American badger None/SSC None Dry, open, treeless areas; grasslands, coastal scrub, agriculture, and pastures,
especially with friable soils
High potential to occur. Suitable habitat with friable soils is present within the Project Area, and a CNDDB
occurrence is mapped within 1 mile of the site (CDFW
2024b). In addition, the project area is located within the CWHR range of the species and has a medium to high
probability of the predicted habitat model (CDFW 2017,
2021).

Reptiles
Crotalus ruber red diamondback
rattlesnake
None/SSC None Coastal scrub, chaparral, oak and pine
woodlands, rocky grasslands, cultivated
areas, and desert flats
Not expected to occur. The Project Area falls outside of this species’ known range (CDFW 2021). In addition, no
CNDDB occurrences are mapped within 10 miles of the
project area (CDFW 2024b).

Gopherus agassizii Mojave desert
tortoise
FT/ST Covered Arid and semi-arid habitats in Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including sandy or
gravelly locations along riverbanks,
washes, sandy dunes, canyon bottoms,
desert oases, rocky hillsides, creosote
flats, and hillsides
Moderate potential to occur. The Project Area provides
suitable habitat in the form of creosote flats and desert washes. In addition, there is a CNDDB occurrence from
2006 mapped approximately 3.3 miles east of the Project site (CDFW 2024b).

Phrynosoma
blainvillii
Blainville's
horned lizard
None/SSC None Open areas of sandy soil in valleys,
foothills, and semi-arid mountains
including coastal scrub, chaparral, valley–
Not expected to occur. The Project site falls outside of this species’ known range (CDFW 2021). In addition, no

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Status
(Federal/State)
Coachella
Valley MSHCP Habitat Potential to Occur
foothill hardwood, conifer, riparian, pine–
cypress, juniper, and annual grassland
habitats
CNDDB occurrences are mapped within 10 miles of the
Project site (CDFW 2024b).

Phrynosoma mcallii flat-tailed horned
lizard
None/SSC Covered Desert washes and flats with sparse lowdiversity vegetation cover and sandy soilsHigh potential to occur. Suitable habitat is present and CNDDB occurrences from 1995 are mapped within the
project area (CDFW 2024b).

Uma inornata Coachella fringetoed lizardFT/SE Covered Sand dunes in sparse desert scrub, alkali scrub, and desert wash
High potential to occur. The Project Area provides
suitable desert scrub and desert wash habitat, and there are CNDDB occurrences from 1994 mapped within the
Project site (CDFW 2024b).

Invertebrates
Macrobaenetes
valgum
Coachella giant
sand treader
cricket
None/None Covered Known from the sand dune ridges in the vicinity of Coachella Valley.

Low potential to occur. The Project Area provides
suitable desert scrub and desert wash habitat; however, it is unknown if sand dunes are present.

Notes: CNDDB = California Natural Diversity Database.

Status Designations
Federal
FE: Federally listed as endangered
FT: Federally listed as threatened
FC: Federal candidate species (former Category 1 candidates) BCC: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bird of Conservation Concern BLM: BLM sensitive
State
SSC: California Species of Special Concern
FP: California Fully Protected Species
SE: State listed as endangered
ST: State listed as threatened

APPENDIX B / SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES POTENTIAL TO OCCUR References
CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2017. CWHR Predicted Habitat Suitability datasets. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Biogeographic Data Branch. Sacramento, California. Last updated on BIOS on 1/23/2017. Accessed September 2024. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR.

CDFW. 2021. California Wildlife Habitat Relationship System, Version 10.1.29. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Biogeographic Data Branch, 2021. Sacramento, California. Accessed September 2024. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR/Life-History-and-Range.

CDFW. 2024a. RareFind 5, Version 5.3.0. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, California: CDFW, Biogeographic Data Branch. Accessed September 2024. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data.

CDFW. 2024b. “Biogeographic Information Observation System: CDFW BIOS Viewer.” Accessed September 2024. https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/.

Center for Biological Diversity. 2013. Before the California Fish and Game Commission, A Petition to List the Desert Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis arsipus) as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. March 10, 2013. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/desert_kit_fox/pdfs/Desert-kit-fox-CESA-petition-3-10-13.pdf.

CLO (Cornell Lab of Ornithology). 2024. “Bendire's Thrasher Life History.” All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Accessed September 2024. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bendires_Thrasher/lifehistory.

CVAG (Coachella Valley Association of Governments). 2016. Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habit Conservation Plan. As amended August 2016.

Accessed August 2020. http://www.cvmshcp.org/
Plan_Documents_old.htm#plan.
eBird. 2024. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Accessed September 2024. http://www.ebird.org.

Nafis, G. 2024. California Herps - A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Accessed September 2024. https://californiaherps.com/index.html.

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2024. Desert Slender Salamander species account. Accessed September 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/desert-slender-salamander-batrachoseps-aridus.

Appendix A3
Cultural Resources

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1121 of 1774 Initial Cultural Resources Review
East Indio Employment
Corridor Annexation Study -
Phase 1
MARCH 2025
Prepared for:

CITY OF INDIO
100 Civic Center Mall
Indio, CA 92201
Contact: Brian Halvorson, AICP (Project Manager)
Prepared by:

Jessica Colston, BA; Matthew DeCarlo, MA; and Micah Hale, PhD, RPA 225 S Lake Avenue Suite 225
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: Rachel Lindt (Project Manager)

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1122 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 16290 ii
MARCH 2025
Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Project Overview.....................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Purpose of this Report ...........................................................................................................................2

1.3 Project Description .................................................................................................................................2

1.4 Key Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................................3 2 Archaeological Technical Section........................................................................................................................5

2.1 Applicable Regulations...........................................................................................................................5

2.1.1 California Register of Historical Resources (California Public Resources Code Section 5020 et seq.) ............................................................................................................................5

2.1.2 Native American Historic Cultural Sites (California Public Resources Code Section 5097 et seq.).......................................................................................................................................5

2.1.3 California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.....................................6

2.1.4 California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 ....................................................................................................................................6

2.1.5 City of Indio General Plan: Chapter 8 Conservation ...............................................................6

2.2 Background.............................................................................................................................................7

2.2.1 Cultural Setting .........................................................................................................................7

2.3 Methods ............................................................................................................................................... 15

2.3.1 SCIC Records Search............................................................................................................. 15

2.3.2 Aerial Photograph Analysis.................................................................................................... 15

2.3.3 Review of Geomorphological Context................................................................................... 15

2.3.4 NAHC Sacred Lands File Search........................................................................................... 15 3 Results............................................................................................................................................................... 15

3.1 SCIC Results ........................................................................................................................................ 16

3.2 Historic Reference Results ................................................................................................................. 18

3.3 Soils Review......................................................................................................................................... 19

3.4 NAHC SLF and Outreach ..................................................................................................................... 20 4 Summary of Results.......................................................................................................................................... 23 References...................................................................................................................................................................... 28

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MARCH 2025
TABLES
Table 1. Key Issues and Opportunities.............................................................................................................................3 Table 2. Reports Within the Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 16 Table 3. Resources Within Project Area ........................................................................................................................ 17

EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1. 1904 topographic map of Indio .................................................................................................................... 21 Exhibit 2. 1953 Aerial imagery showing Dillon Rd through the center, as well as Old Aqueduct Rod as the pale diagonal line in the upper right of the image. ................................................................................................. 22

FIGURES
Figure 1. Project Location ............................................................................................................................................. 24 Figure 2. Cultural Resources Sensitivity Map ............................................................................................................... 26

APPENDICES
A Confidential SCIC Record Search Results
B NAHC and Tribal Outreach

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1124 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 2 1 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview
The East Indio Employment Corridor project (Project) is a focused planning study to analyze the potential annexation of approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into the City of Indio’s (City) boundary. The potential annexed land includes the City’s existing sphere of influence known as the Eastern Sphere according to the City’s General Plan. The East Indio Employment Corridor Project Area (Project Area), as shown in Figure 1, is largely passive open space, with a limited amount of existing commercial development and resource extraction.

While no construction or other development is currently proposed by the City or private development with this annexation request, the City’s goal for the project is to understand the potential land uses for the Project Area through a market analysis, environmental constraints analysis, and a series of planning activities.

1.2 Purpose of this Report
This Cultural Resources Review outlines an overview of the archaeological resources sensitivity within the vicinity of the Project Area. This desktop inventory was conducted to determine the presence of, and potential impacts related to, archaeological resources associated with proposed construction or development within the Project Area (Figure 1 and Table 1).

To determine the archaeological sensitivity of the Project Area, Dudek performed an archaeological resources desktop review. The inventory consisted of a records search at the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC), a search of the Native American Heritage Commission Sacred Lands File, a review of historic aerials and topographic maps, a review of topography and soils data, and review of the Built Environment Resources Directory.

1.3 Project Description
The Project Area consists primarily of undeveloped, open desert. In addition to undeveloped desert, the Project Area includes both commercial and rural development, including a gravel/landscape lot, semi-truck storage areas, a rock quarry, rural houses, and a powerline corridor. Agricultural lands and the Coachella Canal occur within the southern portion of the Project Area.

The Project Area is bordered by a gravel mine and open desert alluvial fan (i.e., desert uplands interspersed with desert washes flowing out of the San Bernardino Mountains) to the north. A second gravel mine occurs immediately east of the central portion of Project Area, and a landfill is located immediate east of the southern portion of the Project Area. The rest of the lands bordering the Project Area to the east are comprised of open desert and desert alluvial fan. The Project Area is bordered to the west by open desert, some desert alluvial fan, and what appears to be inactive, remnant agricultural lands. Finally, the Project Area is bordered by open desert and the Coachella Canal to the south (Figure 1).

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1125 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 3 1.4 Key Issues and Opportunities
Table 1. Key Issues and Opportunities
Topic Description
Issue
Archaeological Sensitivity of
the Project Area
The potential of future development to impact archaeological resources depends on archaeological sensitivity. Archaeological sensitivity varies throughout the Project Area and is based on previous development, known archaeological resource locations, traditional tribal knowledge, and topography. In general, the areas of highest sensitivity as shown on Figure 2., are areas adjacent to water, and access routes.

Archival Results This cultural resources review identified three roads, that, if not already documented would be included in the future impacts assessments, in the Project Area. These would include, Fargo Canyon Rd, Old Aqueduct Rd and an unnamed dirt road in the northeastern portion. Dillion Rd was previously evaluated and found not eligible for the CRHR. The presence of mining in the adjacent hills and within the Project Area makes the area moderately sensitive for historic era mining claims, and potentially Native American stone quarry sources.

Much of the Project Area is undeveloped, however there are a portion that have undergone development or other ground disturbances in the past that they preclude the existence of intact archaeological deposits. Significant previous disturbances include the development of commercial/agricultural development, residences, and roadways with subterranean utilities. In summary, since much of the Project Area has not undergone extensive earth-moving many future developments will have a moderate potential to impact archaeological resources. Future development adjacent to waterways also have an increased potential of impacting archaeological resources.

Sacred Lands Results The California Native American Heritage Commission Sacred Lands File (SLF) search yielded positive results for the Project Area, but did not provide details on what the resource(s) are or where they are located. No specific information has yet to be gathered from tribal contacts.

Tribal Outreach Results Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a review of the SLF for the Project Area on October 4, 2024. The NAHC replied on October 17, 2024, stating resources are listed in the SLF for this area, but did not provide details on what the resource(s) are or where they are located (Appendix B).

The SLF response indicated that Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians be directly contacted for additional information, as well as 25 other tribal contacts with Traditional use ties to the area.

Tribal outreach letters were mailed on October 28, 2024, to all Native American group representatives included on the NAHC contact list (Appendix A). These letters attempted to solicit additional information relating to Native American resources that

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1126 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 4 may be impacted by the Project. Native American representatives were requested to define a general area where known resources intersect the Project Area (Appendix B).

Five responses have been received to date. A summary of responses area as follows:
• Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians responded via email and indicated that the tribe is not aware of any specific cultural resources within the Project Area.

They ask that if any cultural resources are discovered during the Project that the NAHC are contacted, and appropriate steps taken to evaluate and protect the discovery.
• Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians responded via email and requested a copy of the cultural resource inventory of the area prior to development, including any cultural resources documentation generated from the Project. • Cahuilla Band of Indians indicated that the tribe was unaware of resources within the Project Area and defer to the Agua Caliente Band of for further information.
• Morongo Band of Mission Indians indicated that the Project is not located in the traditional use area of the Cahuilla and Serrano People of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Resources Available Water is present seasonally at the southern end of the Project Area as it abuts Whitewater Channel, and two wells were documented at the locations of the private residences located along Dillon Rd. Archaeological sensitivity is heightened around areas of resource availability. Creeks and other water sources have always been epicenters of human activity. Seasonal creeks, ponding areas, and wells would be an attractive location for prehistoric camps, hunting sites, and habitation sites.

Reoccurring alluvial action and flooding serve to support the development and the presence of cultural deposits in the area. Since there are alluvial soils present throughout the Project Area, there is moderate potential for subsurface cultural resources.

Next Steps for Future
Development Projects
The Project Area has the potential to identify significant archaeological resources during ground disturbing activities. Dudek recommends that as specific development projects move forward in this area, the completion of project specific impact assessments be completed by a qualified archaeologist in order to meet regulatory compliance and best practice standards with mitigation measures developed in consultation with consulting tribes.

Opportunity
Discovery of significant archaeological resources during Project construction can result in the disturbance of Native American remains, or assist in our understanding of the settlement, habitation, importance, and history of the region. In addition, it provides more opportunity for planning with native groups and developing additional surveys as part of future efforts.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1127 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 5 2 Archaeological Technical Section

2.1 Applicable Regulations

2.1.1 California Register of Historical Resources (California Public Resources Code Section 5020 et seq.)
In California, the term “cultural resource” includes but is not limited to “any object, building, structure, 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” (California Public Resources Code Section 5020.1[j]). In 1992, the California legislature established the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) “to be used by state and local agencies, private groups, and citizens to identify the state’s cultural resources and to indicate what properties are to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from substantial adverse change” (California Public Resources Code Section 5024.1[a]). A resource is eligible for listing in the CRHR if the State Cultural Resources Commission determines that it is a significant resource and that it meets any of the following National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria (California Public Resources Code Section 5024.1[c]):

1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage.

2. Associated with the lives of persons important in our past.

3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values.

4. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Resources less than 50 years old are not considered for listing in the CRHR, but may be considered if it can be demonstrated that sufficient time has passed to understand the historical importance of the resource (see 14 CCR, Section 4852[d][2]).

The CRHR protects cultural resources by requiring evaluations of the significance of prehistoric and historic resources. The criteria for the CRHR are nearly identical to those for the NRHP, and properties listed or formally designated as eligible for listing on the NRHP are automatically listed on the CRHR, as are the state landmarks and points of interest. The CRHR also includes properties designated under local ordinances or identified through local cultural resource surveys. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) maintains the CRHR.

2.1.2 Native American Historic Cultural Sites (California Public Resources Code Section 5097 et seq.)
The Native American Historic Resources Protection Act (Public Resources Code Section 5097, et seq.) addresses the disposition of Native American burials in archaeological sites and protects such remains from disturbance, vandalism, or inadvertent destruction; establishes procedures to be implemented if Native American skeletal remains are discovered during construction of a project; and establishes the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to resolve disputes regarding the disposition of such remains. In addition, the Native American Historic

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1128 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 6 Resources Protection Act makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail to deface or destroy an Indian historic or cultural site that is listed or may be eligible for listing in the CRHR.

2.1.3 California Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act
The California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (California Repatriation Act), enacted in 2001, requires all state agencies and museums that receive state funding and that have possession or control over collections of human remains or cultural items, as defined, to complete an inventory and summary of these remains and items on or before January 1, 2003, with certain exceptions. The California Repatriation Act also provides a process for the identification and repatriation of these items to the appropriate tribes.

2.1.4 California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98
CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 assigns special importance to human remains and specifies procedures to be used when Native American remains are discovered. As described below, these procedures are detailed in California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98.

California law protects Native American burials, skeletal remains, and associated grave goods, regardless of their antiquity, and provides for the sensitive treatment and disposition of those remains. Health and Safety Code section 7050.5 requires that if human remains are discovered in any place other than a dedicated cemetery, no further disturbance or excavation of the site or nearby area reasonably suspected to contain human remains shall occur until the County coroner has examined the remains (California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5[b]). If the coroner determines or has reason to believe the remains are those of a Native American, the coroner must contact the NAHC within 24 hours (California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5[c]). In accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98(a), the NAHC will notify the Most Likely Descendant (MLD). With the permission of the landowner, the MLD may inspect the site of discovery. Within 48 hours of being granted access to the site, the MLD may recommend means of treatment or disposition, with appropriate dignity, of the human remains and associated grave goods.

2.1.5 City of Indio General Plan: Chapter 8 Conservation Identifying and preserving significant cultural and historic resources strengthens community heritage and identity.

These resources provide a constant reminder of the culture and history of Indio and the Coachella Valley, and serve as a valuable educational resource for residents and visitors (Indio 2025).

Goal CE-8: Historic, Archaeological, and Paleontological Resources. Historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources preserved for their scientific, educational, aesthetic, and cultural values.

CE-8 Policies
• CE-8.1 Site plan review. Ensure adequate site plan review and mitigation measures are implemented for the development of sites with the potential to contain historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1129 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 7 • CE-8.2 Avoidance of impacts to historic resources. For projects that could affect historic resources, ensure adequate study to identify eligible resources and project-level review to avoid or lessen negative impacts through conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. • CE-8.3 Incentivize retention of historic landmarks. Explore opportunities to provide economic and regulatory incentives for the retention and sensitive upgrades and changes to historic landmarks and contributors to designated historic districts.
• CE-8.4 Monitoring. Require monitoring on sites where grading has the potential to impact subsurface cultural and paleontological resources during excavation and construction activities. • CE-8.5 Public Education. Support opportunities to promote public awareness of the history and prehistory of the area as the oldest Valley City and the cultural center of the Coachella Valley. • CE-8.6 Coordination with local tribes. Periodically meet with representatives from local tribes to: Obtain input prior to making decisions, taking actions, or implementing programs/projects that may impact cultural resources; Discuss methods to preserve and protect highly sensitive cultural resources; and ensure that there is agreement regarding the protocol to be followed when cultural resources are discovered.

2.2 Background

2.2.1 Cultural Setting

2.2.1.1 Paleoindian (Pre-10,000 BP)
Although much has been written about the Paleoindian period in western North America, it remains poorly understood. This is especially true in the Colorado Desert, where no Paleoindian period sites have been identified.

A little more is known about the adjacent Mojave Desert, but even the organic materials associated with Paleoindian toolkits and suitable for radiocarbon assays are virtually nonexistent. The problem is made worse by the vagaries of obsidian hydration from specimens that date to this period (due largely to weathered or sandblasted specimens) (see Basgall and Overly 2004). The hallmark artifacts of the Paleoindian period—fluted concave-base projectile points—are not an uncommon occurrence throughout the Mojave, particularly on the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, where Emma Lou Davis documented a robust Paleoindian component (Davis 1975; Davis and Panlaqui 1978). Malcolm Rogers (1929) documented a similar component at Pleistocene Lake Mojave. Since then, discoveries of fluted concave-base points have become more common, especially on military installations where most systematic archaeological work has occurred (see Basgall 2007; Basgall and Hall 1991, 1993, 1994).

Fluted concave-base points remain the hallmark of Paleoindian occupation because they are technologically distinctive and their morphological correlates are well dated to 12,000–10,000 BP (late Pleistocene) in the Great Plains (Meltzer 1993; Tuohy 1974; Willig and Aikens 1988). The best case for late Pleistocene occupation of the Mojave Desert comes from the China Lake assemblages, where Emma Lou Davis reported fluted concave-base points in strong association with burned bone from extinct late Pleistocene fauna (Davis and Panlaqui 1978; see also Basgall 2007). When found with other tools, fluted points tend to be associated with a highly formalized lithic tool kit consisting of shaped scraping and cutting tools and crescents, with groundstone being essentially absent.

Most early discoveries of fluted points have occurred along the margins of Pleistocene dry lake beds, leading to an obvious assumption that Paleoindian groups were adapted to lacustrine environments for targeting large game, and the definition of the Western Pluvial Lakes Tradition (Bedwell 1970). However, research in the last 40 years has since demonstrated that fluted-point sites occur in a variety of environments, indicating that inhabitants were likely generalized foragers rather than specialized big-game hunters. However, much debate surrounds this interpretation because of the specialized nature of fluted-point technology (Bettinger 1999; Dincauze and Curran

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1130 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 8 1983). Regardless, there is little, if any, debate that Paleoindian groups were highly mobile. This is inferred from the wide range of lithic raw materials reflected in fluted-point assemblages, indicating that the points traveled far from the stone sources (Basgall 1988; Giambastiani 2008; Goodyear 1979).

Basgall’s (2007) work on China Lake, investigating areas targeted by Emma Lou Davis such as Basalt Ridge and the Lakebed Locality, has teased apart some patterning, finding some success in obsidian hydration dating of related artifacts as early as 12,000 years ago. Additionally, spatial patterning in artifact types recognized by Basgall (2007) provides additional reason to separate Great Basin stemmed points as a later variant than fluted concavebase points.

2.2.1.2 Lake Mojave and Silver Lake (10,000–7000 BP)
In the western Great Basin, various stemmed projectile point forms have been fairly well dated to the Early Holocene, roughly between 10,000 and 7500 BP. The “Great Basin stemmed” label is used to describe a relatively wide range of stemmed points characterized by relatively long lanceolate blades with obtuse stem-to-shoulder angles that are often rounded (Justice 2002). In the Mojave Desert, Great Basin stemmed varieties are represented by relatively slender Lake Mojave (unshouldered) and Silver Lake (slightly shouldered) forms. Associated toolkits are similar to those found with fluted points, and include various shaped scraping and cutting tools, bifaces, and crescents. The formal shape of these items is a product of both initial shaping and rejuvenation over time. Also like fluted points, Lake Mojave and Silver Lake points were at first thought to be associated with extant Pleistocene lakes, due to their discovery in such contexts; however, recent research has shown that they occur in a wide range of contexts outside of lacustrine settings. Lake Mojave and Silver Lake are generally thought to reflect the same socioeconomic pattern as San Dieguito (Rogers 1939; Warren 1967) and Death Valley I (Hunt 1960). This similarity is borne out by the discovery of Lake Mojave and Silver Lake point forms located in archaeological sites in the San Diego region (Hale 2011; see also Warren 1967). More interesting is that there are indications at some Lake Mojave and Silver Lake sites that grinding implements increase in frequency and signify the growing importance of vegetal processing, although this inference is not well substantiated. Regardless, Basgall (1993) suggests that preservation bias (including preservation of grinding tools in erosional contexts) likely contributes to a misunderstanding of the role of plant foods in Early Holocene contexts.

The contribution of different foods to the diet of people inhabiting the Mojave Desert during Lake Mojave and Silver Lake periods is largely inferred from subsistence technology. A consensus is developing that suggests the variability in the form and use of subsistence technology of these periods is indicative of a generalized diet with regionally variable manifestations. Despite such regional variability, faunal profiles from Lake Mojave and Silver Lake sites appear stable (Basgall 1991, 1993; Douglas et al. 1988; Basgall and Hall 1991; Jenkins 1985; Warren and Crabtree 1986). Small game seems to predominate in these assemblages, although medium- and large-bodied prey are not rare (Basgall and Hall 1992; Douglas et al. 1988).

2.2.1.3 Pinto (7000–4000 BP)
Archaeological assemblages dating to this period are typified by Pinto points, projectiles bearing weak shoulders and indented or split-stem bases (Basgall and Hall 2000). Associated flaked-stone assemblages include leafshaped bifaces, formal unifaces, simple flake tools, and large quantities of groundstone and core-cobble implements (Basgall 1993, 2000; Campbell and Campbell 1935; Hale 2001; Hunt 1960; Rogers 1939). The stark abundance of groundstone in Pinto assemblages signals a fundamental shift in subsistence and settlement, leading most researchers to speculate that seed processing was an socioeconomic response to the Altithermal—a period of marked aridity for the desert west (Antevs 1953). Early research continued to be site specific in approach, producing a biased record that, on the surface, indicates the Mojave Desert was all but abandoned during the Altithermal of the Middle Holocene (Rogers 1939; Wallace 1962). However, ongoing research has documented an abundance of Pinto period sites in the Mojave—large and small—indicating instead very regular, serial occupation

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1131 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 9 of sites with access to predictable resources (Basgall and Hall 1993). Moreover, additional research indicates that the Altithermal was variable in its onset, magnitude, and consistency, likely being regionally variable in the degree of aridity (Grayson 1993; Mehringer 1986).

Regardless, the pattern of serial site occupation during Pinto times generated vast, relatively homogeneous assemblages. In areas of raw material abundance, Pinto toolkits appear more expedient in nature, taking advantage of easily exploitable local materials for use as grinding stones and for lithic tool production, while smaller or more task-specific sites have higher proportions of shaped tools, including shaped grinding stones (Basgall and Hall 1993; Hale 2001). Indeed, the high visibility of large Pinto habitation sites would appear at first glance to signify larger, more stable populations. However, serial site occupation is a more likely scenario for the robustness of these assemblages, and population densities during Pinto times probably remained similar to those during the Silver Lake period, if not slightly denser.

The large numbers of grinding stones have been taken to signify a widening of diet breadth to exploit lower-ranked seeds with higher processing costs (Grayson 1993; Warren 1980, 1984; Warren and Crabtree 1986). Small animals continue to dominate Pinto period faunal profiles, as they did during the Silver Lake period, lending support to such a scenario. Additionally, Pinto period midden deposits seem more abundant or least more recognizable than during the Lake Mojave/Silver Lake period (see Basgall and Hall 1991). However, the trend of increasing diet breadth probably began during the Lake Mojave/Silver Lake period, as indicated by morphological characteristics of subsistence tools and the presence of groundstone implements therein.

2.2.1.4 Gypsum (4500–1500 BP)
Diagnostic artifacts at Gypsum period sites include Gypsum contracting-stem projectile points, Elko eared and corner-notched points, and Humboldt basal-notched points. Lithic assemblages are typified by bifaces, formal scrapers, a large number and variety of other flake-based tools, and millingstones and handstones, but also contain mortars and pestles as evidence of expanded plant processing (including mesquite, pine nuts, yucca, and agave).

Sutton (1996) speculates that the presence of some large villages or village complexes that appear during Gypsum times reflect a transition from seasonal transhumance to year-round sedentary occupation, although this pattern may have been limited to the southwestern Mojave Desert, particularly within the Antelope Valley. Regardless, the Gypsum period appears to be defined by subsistence intensification and the development of large-scale regional trade relations. Warren and Crabtree (1986) suggest that the terminus of the Altithermal between 5,000- and 4,000-years BP produced widespread improvement in environmental conditions, including the availability of water and stable resource communities. Further support of environmental improvements is provided by Gardner (2007), who analyzed data from a slew of sites in the western Mojave to assess the socioeconomic impact of the Medieval Climatic Anomaly and in so doing, suggested a revision in the terminus of the Gypsum period to about 2000 BP.

Gardner (2007, p. 241) based this revision on the early appearance of the bow and arrow within the Rose Spring Complex in conjunction with an increase in effective moisture at 2000 BP. In any case, the effect of these environmental changes on human subsistence is inferred from an apparent increase in large-game hunting and the intensive exploitation of high-value seed and nut crops, mainly pinyon, mesquite, and acorn (Warren 1984; Warren and Crabtree 1986).

Marked subsistence intensification beginning during Gypsum times is supported by a sharp increase in the frequency of milling tools at Gypsum period sites on Fort Irwin (Basgall 1993); a pattern paralleled at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (Basgall and Giambastiani 2000), as well as on Edwards Air Force Base (Bupp et al. 1998; Byrd et al. 1994; Giambastiani and Basgall 1999).

Subsistence intensification and consequent shifts in settlement were accompanied by enhanced cultural relationships between various Mojave Desert groups. Given the high mobility of Mojave Desert groups for much of the Holocene, trans-desert trade relationships had likely been in place and somewhat complex for a long period of

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1132 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 10 time. These trade relationships are evidenced by Lake Mojave and Silver Lake points (likely occupations) at coastal sites in San Diego County (see Hale 2011; Warren 1967), as well as marine shell items in Mojave Desert sites that date to the Early Holocene. Additional evidence of early trans-desert relationships also come from Newberry Cave, where split-twig figurines were identified that appear similar to those in the Grand Canyon (Davis and Smith 1981; Jennings 1978; Schwartz et al. 1958). Hale et al. (2009), Hunt (1960), Leonard and Drover (1980), Lyneis (1982), and a host of others report Anasazi ceramics in Mojave Desert sites. Halloran Springs provided evidence not only of Anasazi ceramics, but also of turquoise quarrying that was used by prehistoric and ethnohistoric aboriginal groups for trade (Drover 1980; Leonard and Drover 1980; Rogers 1929).

2.2.1.5 Saratoga Springs (1500–800 BP)
By at least 1500 BP (or 2000 BP, using Gardner’s (2007) chronological scheme), the aboriginal people of the Mojave Desert had replaced the atl (or spear-thrower) with the bow and arrow (Yohe 1992, 1998). This change brought about a shift toward the use of smaller projectile points, including various corner-notched and side-notched Saratoga Springs types and the corner-notched Rose Spring and Eastgate types. Anasazi ceramics are more common in the southern Mojave around 1200–1100 BP, coinciding with the westward spread of the Virgin Anasazi into southern Nevada. Influence from the cultures of the Colorado River eventually grew stronger than those from the west, allowing for an influx of buffware ceramics and other goods that persisted until the historic present. The intensification of plant use initiated during the Gypsum period continued in the Saratoga Springs period, as diet breadth was expanded to include a wide range of plant foods that required high-cost/high-return procurement and processing strategies. This is indicated by a general increase in milling equipment from Gypsum times through the Saratoga Springs period (see Gardner 2007, pp. 225–228). Warren and Crabtree (1986) speculate that an increase in plant use might have continued until about 700 BP, when artiodactyl overexploitation necessitated the further expansion of native diets and vegetal resources first assumed a dominant economic role (Warren and Crabtree 1986). However, the appearance of mortars and pestles—by all accounts, a costly processing technology—during earlier Gypsum times suggests that plant processing was already taking a dietary lead.

2.2.1.6 Protohistoric (800–300 BP)
Social and economic adaptations during this final prehistoric interval were largely an extension of patterns that developed during the Saratoga Springs period. Trade along the Mojave River continued to provide the people of eastern Antelope Valley with a variety of exotic goods and materials, although it appears that relationships with groups in coastal California eventually grew stronger than those with groups inhabiting the arid interior, suggested by acorns and shell beads becoming more common. Projectile points also shifted in form, with unnotched Cottonwood triangular and Desert side-notched points being even smaller than their predecessors. Mortars and pestles also appear in significant quantities, probably an indication of increased emphasis on high-cost/high-yield processing.

2.2.1.7 Ethnohistoric (post-AD 1769)
Cahuilla
The Project Area is located in the territory known ethnographically to have been occupied predominantly by the Cahuilla Native American group prior to contact with Europeans in the late eighteenth century. Cahuilla territory was bounded on the north by the San Bernardino Mountains; on the east by the Orocopia Mountains; on the west by the Santa Ana River, the San Jacinto Plain, and the eastern slope of the Palomar Mountains; and on the south by Borrego Springs and the Chocolate Mountains (Bean 1978).

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1133 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 11 The name “Cahuilla” is possibly derived from a native word meaning “a master, boss” (Bean 1978, p. 575). ‘Ivi’lyu’atam is the traditional term for the linguistically and culturally defined Cahuilla cultural nationality, and “refers to persons speaking the Cahuilla language and recognizing a commonly shared cultural heritage” (Bean 1972, p. 85). It is thought that the Cahuilla migrated to Southern California about 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, most likely from the southern Sierra Nevada of east–central California with other related sociolinguistic groups (Takic speakers) (Moratto 1984, p. 559). The Cahuilla settled in a territory that extended west to east from the presentday City of Riverside to the central portion of the Salton Sea in the Colorado Desert, and south to north from the San Jacinto Valley to the San Bernardino Mountains. While 60% of Cahuilla territory was located in the Lower Sonoran Desert environment, 75% of their diet from plant resources was acquired in the Upper Sonoran and Transition environmental zones (Bean 1978, p. 576).

The Cahuilla had three primary levels of sociopolitical organization (Bean 1978, p. 580). The highest level was the cultural nationality, encompassing everyone speaking a common language. Next were the two patrimoieties of the Wildcats (tuktum) and the Coyotes (‘istam). Every clan of the Cahuilla fell into one or the other of these moieties.

The third basic level consisted of the numerous political–ritual–corporate units called sibs, or a patrilineal clan (Bean 1978, p. 580). While anthropologists have designated groups of Cahuilla clans by their geographical location into Pass, Desert, and Mountain, suggesting dialect and ceremonial differences between these groupings, these social and linguistic areas were more a result of proximity than actual social connections. In reality, there was a continuum of minor differences from one clan to the next. Lineages within a clan cooperated in defense, in community subsistence activities, and in religious ceremonies. While most lineages owned their own village site and particular resource area, much of the territory was open to all Cahuilla people.

Cahuilla villages were usually located in canyons or on alluvial fans near a source of accessible water, such as springs or where large wells could be dug. Each family and lineage had their houses (kish) and granaries for the storage of food, and ramadas for work and cooking. There would often be sweat houses and song houses (for nonreligious music). Each community also had a separate house for the lineage or clan leader. There was a ceremonial house, or kíš ámnawet, associated with the clan leader, where major religious ceremonies were held. Houses and ancillary structures were often spaced apart, and a “village” could spread out over a mile or two.

A wide variety of tools and implements were employed by the Cahuilla to gather and collect food resources. For the hunt, these included the bow and arrow, traps, nets, slings, and blinds for hunting land mammals and birds, and nets for fish in Holocene-epoch Lake Cahuilla. Rabbits and hares were commonly brought down by the throwing stick, but communal hunts for these animals used tremendously large nets and clubs. Foods were processed with a variety of tools, including portable stone mortars, bedrock mortars and pestles, basket hopper mortars, manos and metates, bedrock grinding slicks, hammerstones and anvils, woven strainers and winnowers, leaching baskets and bowls, woven parching trays, knives, bone saws, and wooden drying racks. Food was consumed from a number of woven and carved wood vessels and pottery vessels. The ground meal and unprocessed hard seeds were stored in large finely woven baskets, and the unprocessed mesquite beans were stored in large granaries woven of willow branches and raised off the ground on platforms to keep it from vermin. Pottery vessels were made by the Cahuilla and also traded from the Yuman-speaking groups across the Colorado River and to the south.

By 1819, several Spanish mission outposts, known as assistencias, were established near Cahuilla territory at San Bernardino and San Jacinto, but interaction with Europeans was not as intense in the Cahuilla region as it was for coastal groups. The area’s topography and lack of water made it less attractive to colonists than the coastal valley regions. By the 1820s, however, the Pass Cahuilla were experiencing consistent contact with the ranchos of Mission San Gabriel, while the individuals and families of the Mountain branch of the Cahuilla were frequently employed by private rancheros and were also recruited to Mission San Luis Rey.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1134 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 12 By the 1830s, Mexican ranchos were located near Cahuilla territory along the Upper Santa Ana and San Jacinto Rivers, thus introducing the Cahuilla to ranching and an extension of traditional agricultural techniques. The Bradshaw Trail was established in 1862 and was the first major east–west stage and freight route through the Coachella Valley. Traversing the San Gorgonio Pass, the trail connected gold mines on the Colorado River with the coast. Bradshaw based his trail on the Cocomaricopa trail, with maps and guidance provided by local Native Americans. Journals by early travelers along the Bradshaw Trail told of encountering Cahuilla villages and walk-in wells during their journey through the Coachella Valley.

The continuing expansion of immigrants into the region introduced the Cahuilla to European diseases. The single worst recorded event was a smallpox epidemic in 1862–63. By 1891, only 1,160 Cahuilla remained within what was left of their territory, down from an aboriginal population of 6,000–10,000 (Bean 1978, pp. 583–584). By 1974, approximately 900 people, most of whom resided on reservations, claimed Cahuilla descent.

Between 1875 and 1891, the United States established 10 reservations for the Cahuilla within their territory (Agua Caliente, Augustine, Cabazon, Cahuilla, Los Coyotes, Morongo, Ramona, Santa Rosa, Soboba, and Torres-Martinez) (Bean 1978, p. 585). Four of the reservations are shared with other groups, including the Chemehuevi, Cupeño, and Serrano.

2.2.1.8 Historic Period (post-AD 1542)
Post-contact history for the State of California is generally divided into three periods: the Spanish Period (1769– 1821), Mexican Period (1821–1848), and American Period (1846–present). Although Spanish, Russian, and British explorers visited the area for brief periods between 1529 and 1769, the Spanish Period in California begins with the establishment in 1769 of a settlement at San Diego and the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of 21 missions constructed between 1769 and 1823. Independence from Spain in 1821 marks the beginning of the Mexican Period, and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ending the Mexican–American War, signals the beginning of the American Period, when California became a territory of the United States.

2.2.1.9 Spanish Period (1769–1821)
Spanish explorers made sailing expeditions along the coast of Southern California between the mid-1500s and mid1700s. In search of the legendary Northwest Passage, Juan Rodríquez Cabríllo stopped in 1542 at present-day San Diego Bay. With his crew, Cabríllo explored the shorelines of present-day Santa Catalina Island as well as San Pedro and Santa Monica Bays. Much of the present California and Oregon coastline was mapped and recorded in the next half-century by Spanish naval officer Sebastián Vizcaíno. Vizcaíno’s crew also landed on Santa Catalina Island and at San Pedro and Santa Monica Bays, giving each location its long-standing name. The Spanish crown laid claim to California based on the surveys conducted by Cabríllo and Vizcaíno (Bancroft 1885; Gumprecht 1999).

More than 200 years passed before Spain began the colonization and inland exploration of Alta California. The 1769 overland expedition by Captain Gaspar de Portolá marks the beginning of California’s historic period, occurring just after the King of Spain installed the Franciscan Order to direct religious and colonization matters in assigned territories of the Americas. With a band of 64 soldiers, missionaries, Baja California Native Americans, and Mexican civilians, Portolá established the Presidio of San Diego, a fortified military outpost, as the first Spanish settlement in Alta California. In July of 1769, while Portolá was exploring Southern California, Franciscan Friar Junípero Serra founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá at Presidio Hill, the first of the 21 missions that would be established in Alta California by the Spanish and the Franciscan Order between 1769 and 1823.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1135 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 13 The Portolá expedition first reached the present-day boundaries of Los Angeles in August 1769, thereby becoming the first Europeans to visit the area. Father Crespi named the campsite by the river “Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de la Porciúncula” or “Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Porciúncula.” Two years later, Friar Junípero Serra returned to the valley to establish a Catholic mission, the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, on September 8, 1771 (Kyle 2002). Mission San Fernando Rey de España was established 26 years later on September 8, 1797.

2.2.1.10 Mexican Period (1821–1848)
A major emphasis during the Spanish Period in California was the construction of missions and associated presidios to integrate the Native American population into Christianity and communal enterprise. Incentives were also provided to bring settlers to pueblos or towns, but just three pueblos were established during the Spanish Period, only two of which were successful and remain as California cities (San José and Los Angeles). Several factors kept growth within Alta California to a minimum, including the threat of foreign invasion, political dissatisfaction, and unrest among the indigenous population. After more than a decade of intermittent rebellion and warfare, New Spain (Mexico and the California Territory) won independence from Spain in 1821. In 1822, the Mexican legislative body in California ended isolationist policies designed to protect the Spanish monopoly on trade, and decreed California ports open to foreign merchants (Dallas 1955).

Extensive land grants were established in the interior during the Mexican Period, in part to increase the population inland from the more settled coastal areas where the Spanish had first concentrated their colonization efforts. Nine ranchos were granted between 1837 and 1846 in the future Orange County. Among the first ranchos deeded within the future Orange County were Manuel Nieto’s Rancho Las Bolsas (partially in future Los Angeles County), granted by Spanish Governor Pedro Fages in 1784, and the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, granted by Governor José Joaquín Arrillaga to José Antonio Yorba and Juan Pablo Peralta in 1810 (Hallan-Gibson 1986). The secularization of the missions (enacted 1833) following Mexico’s independence from Spain resulted in the subdivision of former mission lands and establishment of many additional ranchos.

During the supremacy of the ranchos (1834–1848), landowners largely focused on the cattle industry and devoted large tracts to grazing. Cattle hides became a primary Southern California export, providing a commodity to trade for goods from the east and other areas in the United States and Mexico. The number of non-native inhabitants increased during this period because of the influx of explorers, trappers, and ranchers associated with the land grants. The rising California population contributed to the introduction and rise of diseases foreign to the Native American population, who had no associated immunities.

2.2.1.11 American Period (1848–Present)
War in 1846 between Mexico and the United States precipitated the Battle of Chino, a clash between resident Californios and Americans in the San Bernardino area. The Mexican-American War ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ushering California into its American Period.

California officially became a state with the Compromise of 1850, which also designated Utah and New Mexico (with present-day Arizona) as U.S. Territories (Waugh 2003). Horticulture and livestock, based primarily on cattle as the currency and staple of the rancho system, continued to dominate the Southern California economy through 1850s. The Gold Rush began in 1848, and with the influx of people seeking gold, cattle were no longer desired mainly for their hides but also as a source of meat and other goods. During the cattle boom of the 1850s, rancho vaqueros drove large herds from Southern to Northern California to feed that region’s burgeoning mining and

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1136 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 14 commercial boom. Cattle were at first driven along major trails or roads such as the Gila Trail or Southern Overland Trail, then were transported by trains when available. The cattle boom ended for Southern California as neighbor states and territories drove herds to Northern California at reduced prices. Operation of the huge ranchos became increasingly difficult, and droughts severely reduced their productivity (Cleland 2005).

2.2.1.12 Local History of the Project Area
By the 1860s, people were regularly traveling through the Coachella Valley via the Bradshaw Trail. With the establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPRR) line in 1876, however, use of the Bradshaw Trail for travel declined (Lech 2004). Due to the increased travel brought by the railway, the name “Palm Springs” was fully established by 1885 (Wild 2007). In 1877 it was renamed Indio, and was located on the site of the Palte-Wate Indian Village (Britanica 2024). Around this time, San Francisco attorney John Guthrie McCallum brought his son to the dry climate of Palm Springs for health reasons, and by the 1900s, the city of Palm Springs became an oasis for those whose doctors had prescribed a dry-heat environment for their health (Palm Valley Land Co. 1888).

In 1938, the Indio Date Festival was established, showcasing the area’s significant date farming industry. This event marked an early cultural milestone, as it celebrated the region's agriculture, with an emphasis on the date harvest.

Over time, the festival became a major draw for tourists, growing in size and importance. The festival became an integral part of Indio’s identity and brought national attention to the town.

Indio, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley became important locations during World War II. General Patton’s Desert Training Center was headquartered at the Chiriaco Summit and existing airfields became training and staging areas. The Palm Springs El Mirador Hotel was purchased by the US government and converted into the Torney General Hospital. At the facility, Italian prisoners of war served as kitchen help and orderlies. Through the war, it was staffed with 1,500 personnel and treated some 19,000 patients (California State Military Museum 2016).

At the close of the war, areas like Palm Springs, Indio and Coachella Valley again flourished and between 1947 and 1965, with an explosion of residential development, essentially doubling the housing capacity. Artisanal springs in the area was a draw for tourists and residents. The 1973 recession forced many of the wealthy residents to cut their spending, slowing growth of the area (St. Petersburg Independent 1972). The creation of the I-10 Freeway in the 1960s made it easier for people from Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California to visit or move to Indio, contributing to population growth and the town’s transformation.

The second half of the 20th century marked a major cultural shift in Indio as the town began to embrace more artistic and entertainment events. This period also saw the diversification of the economy, with new industries and tourism becoming more important to Indio's growth. The date industry, while still significant, was no longer the only major economic driver. In the 1990s, Indio gained international attention for its Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which debuted in 1999. The festival, originally launched to showcase live music and art, grew into one of the largest and most prestigious music festivals in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Another important event was the California Mid-State Fair, which continues to draw people to the area and highlights the region's agricultural heritage while also showcasing a wide variety of cultural activities. These events solidified Indio’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment destination, shifting the town away from purely agricultural roots.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1137 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 15 2.3 Methods
To determine the cultural resource sensitivity of the Project Area, Dudek reviewed previously prepared cultural resource studies concerning the Project Area, archival documents, historic aerials, historic maps, United States Geological Survey (USGS) soils maps, and a review of the NAHC Sacred Lands File. The analysis of this information has enabled Dudek to make recommendations for the Project that will reduce possible impacts to cultural resources. Below is a description of how the current study analyzed previous records, spatial information, historic aerial photographs, and soils maps to determine cultural resource sensitivity within the Project Area.

2.3.1 SCIC Records Search
An examination of existing maps, records, and reports housed at the SCIC at San Diego State University was conducted by Dudek to identify previously recorded cultural resources within the Project Area. In addition to a review of previously prepared site records, the records search also reviewed previously conducted cultural inventories, historical maps of the City, ethnographies, the NRHP, the CRHR, the California Historic Property Data File, and the lists of California State Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, and Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility.

2.3.2 Aerial Photograph Analysis
Dudek conducted an examination of the Project Area on aerial photographs and satellite images. This analysis showed the current level of development and enabled a review of the development history of the Project Area. The level of development contributes to the cultural sensitivity of the Project Area. Dudek consulted aerial photographs from Historicaerials.com (NETR 2025) and UCSB Historic Aerials (UCSB 2025) to determine the level of development before and after the recordation of the resource.

2.3.3 Review of Geomorphological Context
Dudek reviewed the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey to determine the archaeological sensitivity based on the Project Area’s geomorphological context. A review of the types of sediments and landforms present within the Project Area is used to identify more specific areas of potential for buried archaeological deposits.

2.3.4 NAHC Sacred Lands File Search
As part of the cultural resources inventory projects, Dudek contacted the NAHC to request a review of their Sacred Lands File (SLF) for the Project Area. The SLF consists of a database of known Native American resources. These resources may not be included in the SCIC database. The NAHC will determine if any NAHC-listed Native American sacred lands are located within the Project Area. Information provided is not location specific, however contact information for culturally affiliated tribes is provided by the NAHC. Dudek sends outreach letters to the identified groups requesting any information they are willing to provide on the Project Area. 3 Results
This section describes the results of the cultural resources review for the Project.

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The SCIC records search was completed by Dudek staff on February 13, 2025. This search included the Project Area as well as a one-mile buffer. The records search indicated that 51 previous studies have been conducted within one mile of the Project Area with 18 studies intersecting the Project Area. These reports and studies covered less than 10% of the total Project Area, and are listed in Table 2. The full list of reports within the Project Area is in Confidential Appendix A.

Table 2. Reports Within the Project Area
Report # Year Publisher Title
Ri-00161 1975 Greenwood And
Associates
Paleontological, Archaeological, Historical, And Cultural Resources, West Coast-Midwest Pipeline Project, Long Beach To Colorado River Ri-00284 1977
Archaeological
Research Unit,
U.C. Riverside
Cultural Resource Identification-Sundesert Nuclear Project Ri-01778 1993
CSU Stanislaus
Institute For
Archaeological
Research
Cultural Resources Investigations Of The Proposed Indio To Salton Lightguide System Project, At & T Fiber Optic Route, 46.2 Miles In Riverside And Imperial Counties, California
Ri-02210 1986 Dames And
Moore
Preliminary Cultural Resources Survey Report For The Us Telecom Fiber Optic Cable Project, From San Timoteo Canyon To Socorro, Texas: The California Segment
Ri-02975 1990 Bureau Of Land
Management I-10/Coachella Canal Land Exchange - Ne 1/4 Of Section 28, T5s R8e Ri-04452 1993 CRM Tech Cultural Resources Reconnaissance, Eagle Mountain Pumped Storage Transmission Corridor, Riverside County, California
Ri-06802 2006
Stantec
Consulting,
Palm Desert,
Ca
Cultural Resources And Paleontological Assessment: The Citrus Ranch Project In The Southeastern Indio Hills Area, Riverside County, California, Phase I Survey, Phase II Assessment Following OHP Protocol, Public Review Document
Ri-07376 2007 CRM Tech Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report: The Stone Water Project Near The City Of Indio, Riverside County, California Ri-07462 2007
Michael
Brandman
Associates,
Irvine, Ca
Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment With Paleontological Records Review Palm Desert Rock Expansion Project (Smp00200r1), Riverside County, California
Ri-08540 2010 CRM Tech
Identification And Evaluation Of Historic Properties Indio Water Authority Wastewater Treatment Project Cities Of Indio And La Quinta Riverside County, California
Ri-08981 2013 ASM Affiliates
Summary Class Iii Cultural Resource Inventory, Proposed Southern California Edison Devers-Palo Verde 2 500kv Transmission Line Project, Riverside County, California
Ri-09047 2013 AECOM Cultural Resources Investigations Glass Iii Report For The Path 42 Transmission Line Project Riverside County, California
Ri-09451 2015 Statistical
Research, Inc.

Class Iii Cultural Resources Inventory Of The Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan Line 2000c Hydrotest Project, Riverside County, California

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1139 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 17 Table 2. Reports Within the Project Area
Report # Year Publisher Title
Ri-09491 2015 Statistical
Research, Inc.

Class Iii Cultural Resource Inventory Of The Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan Line 2001w-C Hydrotest Project, Riverside County, California
Ri-10461 2015 ASM Affiliates
Archaeological Investigations And Monitoring For The Construction Of The Devers-Palo Verde No. 2 Transmission Line Project, Riverside County, California
Ri-10848 1985
Associated
Southern
Engineering
Company
Archaeological Survey Report Federal Bureau Of Land Management & Bureau Of Reclamation Lands Within The Proposed Mirage Coachella 220kv T/L Right-Of-Way Riverside County, California
Ri-11015 2018 CRM Tech Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report, Red Moon Coachella Rv Subdivision Project, City Of Coachella, Riverside County, California Ri-11202 2002 EarthTouch,
LLC
Spectrasite Communications Proposed Wireless Telecommunications Service Facilities- Landfill Along Dillon Road In Coachella, Southern California
The results of the search indicated that a total of 71 resources is present within the Project Area, of which only 14 intersect the Project Area and one resource is located adjacent to the Project Area. The intersecting resources are summarized in Table 3, with the non-intersecting resources listed in Confidential Appendix A. No listed California State Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, were found in the Project Area through review of the online archives.

Table 3. Resources Within Project Area
Primary Trinomial Period Description CRHP Eligibility Inside? P-33-001539 CA-RIV001539 Prehistoric Lithic scatter, ceramic scatter, bone Not Eligible for CRHR Yes
P-33-001540 CA-RIV001540 Prehistoric Ceramic scatter, bone Not evaluated Adjacent P-33-005705 CA-RIV012999 Historic Water conveyance system Eligible for listing in
the NRHP under
Criterion A and C
Yes
P-33-008389 - Prehistoric Isolate: three ceramic
sherds Not eligible Yes
P-33-008410 CA-RIV013015 Historic Highway: Dillon Hwy Not eligible Yes P-33-010993 - Historic Wall Not evaluated Yes
P-33-011008 - Prehistoric Isolate: singular ceramic
sherd Not eligible Yes
P-33-012318 CA-RIV007027H Historic Structure and historic refuse Not evaluated Yes
P-33-014848 CA-RIV007915 Historic Historic refuse and
landscape
Not eligible for NRHP
or CRHR Yes
P-33-015151 CA-RIV008057 Prehistoric
Lithic scatter, ceramic
scatter, faunal bone,
charcoal,
Not evaluated Yes

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1140 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 18 Table 3. Resources Within Project Area
Primary Trinomial Period Description CRHP Eligibility Inside? P-33-018152 CA-RIV009332 Historic Refuse deposit Not evaluated Yes P-33-024691 - Historic Isolate: two historic cans Not eligible Yes P-33-024719 CA-RIV012240 Historic Highway Not evaluated Yes P-33-026710 - Historic Isolate: bottle fragments Not eligible Yes Of these 14 resources, the Coachella Canal (CA-RIV-012999) was recommended eligible for the NRHP and would therefore also be eligible for the CRHR (Stanton and Becker 2016). Additionally, five resources; P-33-010993 (historic era wall), CA-RIV-007027H, (historic era structure and refuse) CA-RIV-008057 (prehistoric artifact scatter), CA-RIV-009332 (historic era refuse), and CA-RIV-012240 (historic era highway) were not evaluated. Two resources were evaluated; CA-RIV-007915 (historic era refuse and landscape) and CA-RIV-001539 (prehistoric artifact scatter) and recommended not eligible for the CRHR (Dice & Williams 2005; Hogan 2005). P-33-008410 (historic era highway), was recommended not eligible through survey evaluation for the NRHP or the CRHR (Smallwood 2015). A total of four isolates are present; P-33-008389 (prehistoric ceramic sherds), P-33-011008 (prehistoric ceramic sherd), P-33-024691 (historic era cans), and P-33-026710 (historic era bottle fragments), which are categorically not eligible for the CRHR. Lastly, CA-RIV-001540 (prehistoric artifact scatter) is located adjacent to the Project Area and has not been evaluated.

3.2 Historic Reference Results
Both historic aerials and topographic maps were consulted. Historic aerials were available from 1940 through 2022, and historic topographic maps were available from 1944 to 2021 (UCSB 2025 and NETR 2025).

Historic maps of the Project Area showed Dillon Rd in its present-day alignment extending north/south as the western boundary of the Project Area (Exhibit 1). Numerous seasonal drainages cross the area from the northeast to the southwest from the adjacent mountains. The Fargo Coach benchmark is shown in the southern portion of the Project Area. Fargo Canyon Road is also seen on the 1944 topographic map. The Coachella Canal appears on the topographic maps between the 1956 and 1957 images. Though the Coachella Canal consists of a 122-mile aqueduct, began in the 1930’s completed in 1949 (CVWD 2024). The southern extent of the Project Area ends at the Coachella Canal. A pair of dirt roads are visible running northwest to southeast in Section 4 and are present to present day. The more easterly dirt road is identified as Old Aqueduct Road on Google Maps (2025). Between 1977 and 1991 maps a transmission line is shown to bisect the Project Area, to the south of the Coach Benchmark 15.

Between the 1979 and 1988 topographic maps show two wells immediately east of Dillon Road and north of 40th Ave.

Historic aerials of the Project area show minimal disturbance beyond the roads identified in the topographic maps from 1940 through the 1980s. In the 1953 aerial the Old Aqueduct Rd, is clearly visible (Exhibit 2). It also shows the topography gently trending southward away from the mountains on an alluvial plain. As identified on the maps, the two wells immediately east of Dillon Road and north of 40th Ave are visible in the 1984 aerial images as started grading. These two developments appear to have palm groves planted, and continue to present day, though diminished since the 2010’s. The southern development gains Brak Rd leading to its center. A mining establishment is visible on the central east side of the Project that started between 1977 and 1984, and is extant in the present day.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1141 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 19 3.3 Soils Review
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (USDA 2024), nine soil mapping units occur within the Project Area. These include Badlands, Borrow pits, Carrizo stony sand (2% to 9% slopes), Carsitas cobbly sand (2% to 9% slopes), Carsitas gravelly sand (0% to 9% slopes), Chuckawalla very gravelly sandy clay loam (2% to 5% slopes), Gilman fine sandy loam (0% to 2% slopes), Gravel pits, Myoma fine sand (0% to 5% and 5% to 15% slopes) and water. Soil series are described by the NRCS as follows (USDA 2024):

Badlands. There is no official NRCS Soil description of Badland soils; however, they are noted as being comprised of 85% Badland soils, 10% Carsitas soils, and 5% Riverwash as well as being excessively drained and not hydric, according to Nadal-Romero et al. (2019), Badlands occur where soft sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils are extensively eroded by wind and water. They are comprised of “intensely dissected landscapes” that lack much in the way of vegetation. Badlands are useless for agriculture; however, they can provide valuable biological and ecological functions (Nadal-Romero et. al 2019)
Borrow Pits. Borrow pits are defined as being an excavated area where material has been dug for use a fill at another location (Merriam-Webster 2024). The southwestern portion of the Project Area is mapped as a borrow pit, as soils were removed from this area to be used as fill in another location.

Carrizo Series. Carrizo soils consist of moderately alkaline, extremely gravelly sand that formed in mixed igneous alluvium. These soils are found on a variety of landforms within flood plains, fan piedmonts, and bolson floors at elevations of 270 feet below mean sea level to 2,600 feet above mean sea level (amsl). These soils are excessively drained with negligible to low runoff and rapid permeability. This soil type is extensively distributed and supports areas used for rangeland, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Typical vegetation within this series includes creosote bush and white bursage shrublands (USDA 2024).

Carsitas Series. The Carsitas series consists of very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils that formed in alluvium derived from granitic and/or gneissic rocks. Carsitas soils are found on alluvial fans, fan aprons, valley fills, and remnants of alluvial fans and in drainage ways at elevations of 220 feet below sea level to 2,625 feet amsl. These soils have a low runoff and high saturated hydraulic connectivity. Carsitas soils are distributed in southeastern California and support irrigated agricultural areas that include citrus and grapes, as well as watershed, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Vegetation in uncultivated areas includes creosote bush, white bursage, California barrel cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus), mesquite, and blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) (USDA 2024).

Chuckawalla Series. The Chuckawalla series consists of very deep, well drained soils that form in stratified mixed alluvium. These soils are found on fan terraces in the low desert areas of southern California and southwestern Arizona. They have slopes ranging from 0% to 15% and experience a mean annual precipitation of 4 inches, and at elevations ranging from 400 feet amsl to 1,800 feet amsl. Chuckawalla soils are used for recreation and are useful in watersheds, as they are typically barren save some annuals that occur for short periods in wetter years.

Gilman Family Series. The Gilman series consists of very deep, well-drained soils that formed in stratified stream alluvium. Gilman soils are on flood plains and alluvial fans at elevations of 75 feet amsl to 2,500 feet amsl. These soils have a slow runoff, with moderate permeability. Gilman soils are widely distributed and support irrigated areas used for production of alfalfa, cotton, grains, sugar beets, and truck crops (e.g., lettuce, onion, carrots) and livestock grazing. Vegetation in uncultivated areas is mesquite (Prosopis spp.), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), and saltbush (Atriplex spp.). Gravel Pits and Dumps

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1142 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 20 Myoma Family Series. The Myoma series consists of moderately alkaline, fine sand soils that formed in sand blown from recent alluvium. Myoma soils are on found on nearly level to rolling lands at elevations of 200 feet below mean sea level to 1,800 feet amsl. These soils have excessively drained; very slow runoff, and rapid permeability. Myoma soils are widely distributed and support irrigated areas used for production of citrus fruits, grapes, alfalfa, dates, and truck crops. Vegetation in uncultivated areas include ephemeral grasses and forbs, and sparse cover of creosote bush, bush sunflower, and mesquite.

Water. Water is described as being comprised of areas that are either permanently or seasonally inundated with water. It should be noted that the area mapped as water occurs within what appears to be a manmade detention basin within an active agricultural area in the southern portion of the Project Area.

3.4 NAHC SLF and Outreach
Dudek contacted the NAHC to request a review of the SLF for the Project Area on October 4, 2024. The NAHC replied on October 17, 2024, stating resources are listed in the SLF for this area, but did not provide details on what the resource(s) are or where they are located (Appendix B). The SLF response indicated that Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians be directly contacted for additional information, as well as 25 other tribal contacts with Traditional use ties to the area.

Tribal outreach letters were mailed on October 28, 2024, to all Native American group representatives included on the NAHC contact list (Appendix A). These letters attempted to solicit additional information relating to Native American resources that may be impacted by the Project. Native American representatives were requested to define a general area where known resources intersect the Project Area (Appendix B). Five responses have been received to date. A summary of responses area as follows:

On October 30, 2024, Silvia Torres Administrative Assistant for the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, on behalf of Jacobia Kirksey Tribal Operations Specialist, responded via email and indicated that the tribe is not aware of any specific cultural resources within the Project Area. They ask that if any cultural resources are discovered during the Project that the NAHC are contacted, and appropriate steps taken to evaluate and protect the discovery.

On November 5, 2024, Clarista Duarte Cultural Resource Analyst of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians responded via email and requested a copy of the cultural resource inventory of the area prior to development, including any cultural resources documentation generated from the Project.

On November 14, 2024, Lorrie Gregory Cultural Resource Coordinator for the Cahuilla Band of Indians indicated that the tribe was unaware of resources within the Project Area and defer to the Agua Caliente Band of for further information.

On December 16, 2024, Sarah Berman Tribal Archaeological for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians send a response on behalf of Bernadette Ann Brierty Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, indicating that the Project is not located in the traditional use area of the Cahuilla and Serrano People of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

On January 8, 2025, a follow-up email was sent to Doug Welmas, Chairperson of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians requesting any information available related to the Project Area and the presence of cultural resources.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1143 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 21 Exhibit 1. 1904 topographic map of Indio
Source: USGS (2024)

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1144 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 22 Exhibit 2. 1953 Aerial imagery showing Dillon Rd through the center, as well as Old Aqueduct Rod as the pale diagonal line in the upper right of the image.

Source: UCSB (2025)

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1145 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY - PHASE 1 23 4 Summary of Results
The potential of future development to impact archaeological resources depends on archaeological sensitivity.

Archaeological sensitivity varies throughout the Project Area and is based on previous development, known archaeological resource locations, traditional tribal knowledge, and topography. In general, the areas of highest sensitivity as shown on Figure 2., are areas adjacent to water, and access routes.

The SLF search yielded positive results, but did not provide details on what the resource(s) are or where they are located. No specific information has yet to be gathered from tribal contacts.

This cultural resources review identified three roads, that, if not already documented would be included in the future impacts assessments, in the Project Area. These would include, Fargo Canyon Rd, Old Aqueduct Rd and an unnamed dirt road in the northeastern portion. Dillion Rd was previously evaluated and found not eligible for the CRHR. The presence of mining in the adjacent hills and within the Project Area makes the area moderately sensitive for historic era mining claims, and potentially Native American stone quarry sources.

Water is present seasonally at the southern end of the Project Area as it abuts Whitewater Channel, and two wells were documented at the locations of the private residences located along Dillon Rd. Archaeological sensitivity is heightened around areas of resource availability. Creeks and other water sources have always been epicenters of human activity. Seasonal creeks, ponding areas, and wells would be an attractive location for prehistoric camps, hunting sites, and habitation sites. Reoccurring alluvial action and flooding serve to support the development and the presence of cultural deposits in the area. Since there are alluvial soils present throughout the Project Area, there is moderate potential for subsurface cultural resources.

Much of the Project Area is undeveloped, however there are portions that have undergone development or other ground disturbances in the past that they preclude the existence of intact archaeological deposits. Significant previous disturbances include the development of commercial/agricultural development, residences, and roadways with subterranean utilities. In summary, since much of the Project Area has not undergone extensive earth-moving, many future developments will have a moderate potential to impact archaeological resources. Future development adjacent to waterways also has an increased potential of impacting archaeological resources. Dudek recommends that as specific development projects move forward in this area, the completion of project specific impact assessments be completed by a qualified archaeologist in order to meet regulatory compliance and best practice standards with mitigation measures developed in consultation with consulting tribes.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1146 of 1774

EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY
- PHASE 1
24 Figure 1. Project Location

EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR ANNEXATION STUDY
- PHASE 1
25 INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Date: 2/28/2025 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\Cultural\Figure2-CulturalSensitivity.mxd 86 10
Cultural Sensitivity
Phase 1 Annexation Request for the City of Indio, CA
SOURCE: USGS 7.5-Minute Series Indio, West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles 0 1,000 2,000Feet
Project Area Boundary
Cultural Sensitivity
Low
Moderate
High
FIGURE 2

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1154 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR - PHASE 1/ CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW Appendix A
Confidential SCIC Record Search Results

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1155 of 1774 EAST INDIO EMPLOYMENT CORRIDOR - PHASE 1/ CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW Appendix B
Sacred Lands File Search Results
And
Tribal Outreach

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1156 of 1774 1 Jessica Colston
From: Jessica Colston
Sent: Friday, October 4, 2024 9:56 AM
To: NAHC@NAHC; Matthew DeCarlo
Subject: SLF Request for PN 16290 Phase 1 City of Indio Annexation Project Attachments: Sacred Lands File Contact Form-Indio annexation.pdf; CityIndioAnnexationPhase1 _RecordsSearch.pdf
Hello NAHC Sta,
Happy Friday! Please see the attached SLF request for the Phase 1 City of Indio Annexation Project PN 16290.

Thank you and have a lovely weekend!
Jessica Colston (she/her) C: 760 815 6642
Archaeologist dudek.com

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1157 of 1774 SLF&Contactsform: rev: 05/07/14
Sacred Lands File & Native American Contacts List Request

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
1550 Harbor Blvd, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95501
(916) 373-3710
(916) 373-5471 – Fax
[email protected]
Information Below is Required for a Sacred Lands File Search Project:

County:

USGS Quadrangle
Name:

Township: Range: Section(s):

Company/Firm/Agency:

Contact Person:

Street Address:

City: Zip:

Phone: Extension:

Fax:

Email:

Project Description:

Project Location Map is attached

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1158 of 1774 Date: 9/3/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\Paleo\CityIndioAnnexation_RecordsSearch.mxd Records Search
Phase 1 Annexation Request for the City of Indio, CA
SOURCE: USGS 7.5-Minute Series Indio, West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles Township 4S / Range 8E / Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
Township 5S / Range 8E / Sections 03, 04, 05, 08, 09, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 0 1,000 2,000Feet
Project Area Boundary
1-Mile Buffer
FIGURE 1A

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1159 of 1774 Date: 9/3/2024 - Last saved by: agreis - Path: Z:\Projects\j1629001\MAPDOC\Paleo\CityIndioAnnexation_RecordsSearch.mxd Records Search
Phase 1 Annexation Request for the City of Indio, CA
SOURCE: USGS 7.5-Minute Series Indio, West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles Township 4S / Range 8E / Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
Township 5S / Range 8E / Sections 03, 04, 05, 08, 09, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 0 1,000 2,000Feet
Project Area Boundary
1-Mile Buffer
FIGURE 1B

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1160 of 1774 STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom, Governor

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

October 17, 2024
Jessica Colston
Dudek
Via Email to: [email protected]
Re: Phase 1 City of Indio Annexation Project, Riverside County To Whom It May Concern:

A record search of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File (SLF) was completed for the information submitted for the above referenced project. The results were positive. Please contact the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians on the attached list for information. Please note that tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the SLF, nor are they required to do so. A SLF search is not a substitute for consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with a project’s geographic area. Other sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and recorded sites, such as the appropriate regional California Historical Research Information System (CHRIS) archaeological Information Center for the presence of recorded archaeological 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. Please contact all of those listed; if they cannot supply information, they may 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 the NAHC. 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: [email protected].

Sincerely,
Andrew Green
Cultural Resources Analyst
Attachment

CHAIRPERSON
Reginald Pagaling
Chumash

VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Buffy McQuillen
Yokayo Pomo, Yuki,
Nomlaki

SECRETARY
Sara Dutschke
Miwok

PARLIAMENTARIAN
Wayne Nelson
Luiseño

COMMISSIONER
Isaac Bojorquez
Ohlone-Costanoan

COMMISSIONER
Stanley Rodriguez
Kumeyaay

COMMISSIONER
Laurena Bolden
Serrano

COMMISSIONER
Reid Milanovich
Cahuilla

COMMISSIONER
Bennae Calac
Pauma-Yuima Band of
Luiseño Indians

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Raymond C.

Hitchcock
Miwok, Nisenan

NAHC HEADQUARTERS
1550 Harbor Boulevard
Suite 100
West Sacramento,
California 95691
(916) 373-3710
[email protected]

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1161 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Lacy Padilla, Director of Historic Preservation/THPO
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
5401 Dinah Shore Drive
Palm Springs, CA, 92264
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. Padilla,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1162 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1163 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Tribal Operations,
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
84-001 Avenue 54
Coachella, CA, 92236
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Tribal Operations,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1164 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1165 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Doug Welmas, Chairperson
Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians
84-245 Indio Springs Parkway
Indio, CA, 92203
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Welmas,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1166 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1167 of 1774 October 24, 2024
BobbyRay Esparza, Cultural Director
Cahuilla Band of Indians
52701 CA Highway 371
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Esparza,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1168 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1169 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Anthony Madrigal, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cahuilla Band of Indians
52701 CA Highway 371
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr.Madrigal,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1170 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1171 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Erica Schenk, Chairperson
Cahuilla Band of Indians
52701 CA Highway 371
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairwoman Schenk,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1172 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1173 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Ray Chapparosa, Chairperson
Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians
P.O. Box 189
Warner Springs, CA, 92086-0189
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Chapparosa,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1174 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1175 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Robert Martin, Chairperson
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
12700 Pumarra Road
Banning, CA, 92220
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Martin,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1176 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1177 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Ann Brierty, THPO
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
12700 Pumarra Road
Banning, CA, 92220
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. Brierty,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1178 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1179 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Manfred Scott, Acting Chairman - Kw'ts'an Cultural Committee Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation
P.O. Box 1899
Yuma, AZ, 85366
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Scott,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1180 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1181 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Jill McCormick, Historic Preservation Officer
Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation
P.O. Box 1899
Yuma, AZ, 85366
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. McCormick,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1182 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1183 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Jordan Joaquin, President, Quechan Tribal Council
Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Reservation
P.O.Box 1899
Yuma, AZ, 85366
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Joaquin,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1184 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1185 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Joseph Hamilton, Chairperson
Ramona Band of Cahuilla
P.O. Box 391670
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Hamilton,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1186 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1187 of 1774 October 24, 2024
John Gomez, Environmental Coordinator
Ramona Band of Cahuilla
P. O. Box 391670
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Gomez,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1188 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1189 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Steven Estrada, Tribal Chairman
Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 391820
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Estrada,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1190 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1191 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Vanessa Minott, Tribal Administrator
Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 391820
Anza, CA, 92539
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. Minott,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1192 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1193 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Jessica Valdez, Cultural Resource Specialist
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians
P.O. Box 487
San Jacinto, CA, 92581
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. Valdez,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1194 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1195 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Joseph Ontiveros, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians
P.O. Box 487
San Jacinto, CA, 92581
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Ontiveros,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1196 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1197 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Alesia Reed, Cultural Committee Chairwoman
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA, 92274
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairwoman Reed,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1198 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1199 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Thomas Tortez, Chairperson
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA, 92274
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Chairman Tortez,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1200 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1201 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Abraham Becerra, Cultural Coordinator
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA, 92274
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Becerra,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1202 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1203 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Mary Belardo, Cultural Committee Vice Chair
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA, 92274
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Vice Chair Belardo,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1204 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1205 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Gary Resvaloso, TM MLD
Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
P.O. Box 1160
Thermal, CA, 92274
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Resvaloso,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1206 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1207 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Sarah O'Brien, Tribal Archivist
Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
46-200 Harrison Place
Coachella, CA, 92236
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Ms. O'Brien,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1208 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1209 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Nicolas Garza, Cultural Resources Specialist
Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
46-200 Harrison Place
Coachella, CA, 92236
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Garza,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1210 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1211 of 1774 October 24, 2024
Christopher Nicosia, Cultural Resources Manager/THPO Manager Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
46-200 Harrison Place
Coachella, CA, 92236
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Dear Mr. Nicosia,
The City of Indio (City) is interested in analyzing and annexing approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into its City boundary through the East Indio Employment Corridor Project (Project). This area falls within the following PLSS area: Township 4S, Range 8E, Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and Township 5S, Range 8E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 Indio & West Berdoo Canyon Quadrangles, CA 1:24,000 USGS maps (Figure 1a and 1b).

As part of the cultural resources study prepared for the proposed Project, Dudek contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American individuals and/or tribal organizations who may have knowledge of cultural resources in or near the proposed Project area. The NAHC emailed a response on October 17, 2024, which stated that the SLF search identified the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate Project area.

The NAHC recommended that we contact you regarding your knowledge of the presence of cultural resources that may be impacted by this Project. If you have any knowledge of cultural resources that may exist within or near the proposed Project area, please contact me directly at (760) 815-6642 or at [email protected] within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Please note that this letter does not constitute Assembly Bill (AB) 52 notification or initiation of consultation. AB 52 is a process between the lead agency and California Native American Tribes concerning potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Tribes that wish to be notified of projects for the purposes of AB 52 must contact the lead agency, City of Indio, in writing (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 (b)).

Respectfully,

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1212 of 1774 16290
2 October 2024
_____________________
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
DUDEK
Phone: (760) 815-6642
Email: [email protected]
Attachments: Figure 1a. Records search area map.

Figure 1b. Records search area map

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1213 of 1774 1 Jessica Colston
From: THPO Consulting <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 9:02 AM
To: Jessica Colston
Subject: East Indio Employment Corridor
Attachments: 03-002-2024-007ACBCI11_5_2024.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hello Jessica,
If you have any quesons about the aached leer please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,
Claritsa Duarte
Cultural Resources Analyst
[email protected]
C: (760) 985-7538 | D: (760) 883-1134
5401 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1214 of 1774 Dear Jessica Colston,
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) appreciates your efforts to include the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in the East Indio Employment Corridor project. The project area is not located within the boundaries of the ACBCI Reservation. However, it is within the Tribe’s Traditional Use Area.A records check of the ACBCI registry indicates this area has not been surveyed for cultural resources. In consultation, the ACBCI THPO requests the following:
[VIA EMAIL TO:[email protected]]
Dudek
Jessica Colston
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
November 05, 2024
Re: East Indio Employment Corridor
Again, the Agua Caliente appreciates your interest in our cultural heritage. If you have questions or require additional information, please call me at (760) 883-1134. You may also email me at [email protected].

Cordially,
Claritsa Duarte
Cultural Resources Analyst
Tribal Historic Preservation Office

AGUA CALIENTE BAND

OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
03-002-2024-007
*A cultural resources inventory of the project area by a qualified archaeologist prior to any development activities in this area.
*Copies of any cultural resource documentation (report and site records) generated in connection with this project.
*A copy of the records search with associated survey reports and site records from the information center.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1215 of 1774 1 Jessica Colston
From: Lorrie Gregory <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:15 AM
To: Jessica Colston
Cc: BobbyRay Esparza
Subject: Information Request for the East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, Ca Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Good morning,
Thank you for reaching out to the Cahuilla Band concerning the referenced project. We are unaware of Cultural resources within the project area, we kindly defer to the Agua Caliente Band for further information.

Additionally, will there be any ground disturbance proposed for this undertaking? If so, will monitoring be included in mitigation measures?
Thank you,
Lorrie Gregory
Cultural Resource Coordinator
Cahuilla Band of Indians
Phone: 1 (951) 782-0481
Email: [email protected]

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1216 of 1774 1 Jessica Colston
From: Silvia Torres <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 4:32 PM
To: Jessica Colston
Subject: East Indio Employment Corridor Project
Attachments: J. Colston 10.30.2024.pdf
Good evening,
Please see attached the cultural resources response letter.

Thank you
Silvia Torres
Administrative Assistant
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
Office: (760) 398-4722 Ext 7498
Email: [email protected]
Website: augustinetribe-nsn.gov
Confidentiality Note: This email may contain confidential and/or private information.

If you received this email in error please delete and notify sender.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1217 of 1774 Augustine BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
84-001 AVENUE 54 COACHELLA, CA 92236 | T: 760-398-4722 F: 760-369-7161 TRIBAL CHAIRPERSON: AMANDA AUGUSTINE TRIBAL TREASURER: William Vance TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBER: RONNIE VANCE
Date: 10/30/2024
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
605 Third Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
SUBJECT: East Indio Employment Corridor Project
Thank you for contacting Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians about the proposed East Indio Employment Corridor Project. We appreciate your consideration of the cultural resources in the project area.

At this time, we are not aware of any specific cultural resources within the project area that would be affected by the proposed development. Therefore, we do not believe that formal consultation is necessary at this stage.

If any cultural resources are discovered during the project, we ask that you contact the California Native American Heritage Commission immediately to take appropriate steps to evaluate and protect them.

Thank you once again for your attention to this important matter.

Very truly yours,
Jacobia Kirksey
Jacobia Kirksey, Tribal Operations Specialist
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1218 of 1774 1 Jessica Colston
From: Sarah Bertman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 3:50 PM
To: Jessica Colston
Cc: Ann Brierty; Joan Schneider; Tribal Historic Preservation Office Subject: Notification for Proposed East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California
Attachments: OOT_Dudek_East_Indio_Employment_Corridor_Project_MBMI_12.16.2024.pdf Dear Ms. Colston:

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians (Tribe/MBMI) Tribal Historic Preservation Office is in receipt of the Dedek’s letter regarding the above referenced project. The proposed East Indio Employment Corridor Project is not located within the boundaries of the ancestral territory and traditional use area of the Cahuilla and Serrano people of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Thank you for notifying the MBMI about this project. MBMI encourages your consultation with tribes more closely associated with the lands upon which the project is located.

Best,
Sarah Bertman
Sarah Bertman (she/her/hers)
Tribal Archaeologist
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
12700 Pumarra Road
Banning, CA 92220
Phone and Text: (951)728-0877
[email protected]
The information contained in this communication is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

For your safety, the contents of this email have been scanned for viruses and malware.

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1219 of 1774

TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
12700 Pumarra Road – Banning, CA 92220 – (951) 755-5259 – Fax (951) 572-6004 – [email protected]

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
December 16, 2024
[email protected]
Jessica Colston
Archaeologist
Dudek
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
Re: Notification for Proposed East Indio Employment Corridor Project, City of Indio, California Dear Ms. Colston:

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians (Tribe/MBMI) Tribal Historic Preservation Office is in receipt of the Dedek’s letter regarding the above referenced project. The proposed East Indio Employment Corridor Project is not located within the boundaries of the ancestral territory and traditional use area of the Cahuilla and Serrano people of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Thank you for notifying the MBMI about this project. MBMI encourages your consultation with tribes more closely associated with the lands upon which the project is located.

Respectfully,
Bernadette Ann Brierty
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
CC: Morongo THPO

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Paleontological Resources

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East Indio Employment
Corridor - Phase 1
NOVEMBER 2024
Prepared for:

CITY OF INDIO
100 Civic Center Mall
Indio, California 92201
Contact: Brian Halvorson, AICP Project Manager)
Prepared by:
225 S Lake Avenue Suite 225
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: Rachel Lindt (Project Manager)

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Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Project Overview.....................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Purpose of this Report ...........................................................................................................................1

1.3 Key Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................................2 2 Paleontological Technical Section ......................................................................................................................5

2.1 Analysis Methodology.............................................................................................................................5

2.2 Paleontological Resources.....................................................................................................................5

2.3 Regulatory Framework ...........................................................................................................................8

2.4 Environmental Setting............................................................................................................................9 3 Constraints ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 4 References ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 TABLES
1 Paleontological Resources Potential ..................................................................................................................2 2 Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria.....................................................................................................5 FIGURE
1 Project Location ...................................................................................................................................................4 2 Paleontological Resources Sensitivity……………………………………………………………………………………………………7

APPENDICES
A Confidential Records Search Results

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview
The East Indio Employment Corridor project (Project) is a focused planning study to analyze the potential annexation of approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into the City of Indio’s (City) boundary. The potential annexed land includes the City’s existing sphere of influence known as the Eastern Sphere according to the City’s General Plan. The East Indio Employment Corridor Project Area (Project Area), as shown in Figure 1, is largely passive open space, with a limited amount of existing commercial development and resource extraction.

The City’s goal for the project is to understand the extent to which the Project Area is feasible for development, and through that work identify potential land uses through a market analysis, environmental constraints analyses, and a series of planning activities. The City’s long-term vision for the Project Area is to expand industrial development opportunities in Indio to support job creation, enhance services, and promote investment within the city.

1.2 Purpose of this Report
To determine the paleontological sensitivity of the Project Area, Dudek performed a paleontological resources desktop review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology ([SVP] 2010). The inventory consisted of a paleontological records search through the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA) and the Western Science Center in Hemet (WSC), an unofficial records search through the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) online collections database, and a review of geological mapping and geological and paleontological literature.

While the Project is not in the CEQA phase of work, Dudek has conducted an evaluation that is pursuant to the requirements of (CEQA) and SVP (2010) guidelines to determine the presence of, and potential impacts related to, paleontological resources associated with proposed construction or development within the Project Area (Figure 1 and Table 1).Note that this report should be reviewed in concert with other desktop reports, including Land Use and Community Profile, Cultural Resources, Biological Resources, Public Services and Utilities, Circulation and Traffic, and Geotechnical, to understand the full opportunities and constraints to the Project Area.

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1.3 Key Issues and Opportunities
Table 1. Paleontological Resources Potential
Topic Description
Issue
Paleontological Sensitivity of
Project Area
There are high paleontological sensitivity areas mapped within the southern portion of the Project Area. These areas are either congruent with high sensitivity areas mapped by the County of Riverside and/or are areas where the paleontologically sensitive Ocotillo Formation are mapped at the surface, Table 2 and Figure 2 outline these sensitivities and show where they are mapped within the Project Area.

The Project Area has the potential to produce significant paleontological resources during ground disturbing activities. Ground-disturbing activities associated with construction of the proposed Project, such as grading during site preparation, large diameter (two-feet or greater) augering, and trenching for utilities, have the potential to destroy a unique paleontological resource or site. As such, the Project Area is considered to be potentially sensitive for paleontological resources, and without mitigation, the potential damage to paleontological resources during construction associated with the Project is considered a potentially significant impact.

Potential Additional
Paleontological Sensitivity
The NHMLA reported over one dozen nearby fossil localities from the same sedimentary deposits that underlie the Project Area on the surface or at depth, and the WSC in Hemet has one fossil locality just outside the Project’s one-mile radius buffer. Given the proximity of past fossil discoveries in the surrounding area from Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo Formation, the Project Area is highly sensitive for supporting paleontological resources below the depth of fill and weathered Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo Formation.

Within the Project Area, the potential Lake Cahuilla deposits are not differentiated from other Quaternary alluvial deposits, mapped surficially as Quaternary alluvium (Qa), which are all the low sensitivity deposits indicated on Figure 2. Lake Cahuilla deposits have high paleontological sensitivity whereas Quaternary alluvial deposits generally have low paleontological sensitivity that increases to high sensitivity with depth.

Each potential construction project should be evaluated by a qualified paleontologist on a project-by-project basis.

Opportunity
Negative Paleontological Records Although there is the potential for paleontological resources to occur within the Project Area, the results of the paleontological records searches were negative for paleontological resources within the Project Area and within a one-mile radius buffer of the Project Area boundary.

In addition, the Project Area is not anticipated to be underlain by unique geologic features.

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Potential Mitigation Measures
Reduce Impacts to Below a Level
of Significance
Upon implementation of the following mitigation measure, impacts would be reduced to below a level of significance.
• Mitigation would require a qualified paleontologist to prepare and implement a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP). The PRIMP would require Worker Environmental Awareness Training for construction personnel at a
preconstruction meeting and paleontological monitoring within undisturbed Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo Formation.

The PRIMP would also detail paleontological resource discovery protocols.
- Prior to commencement of any grading activity on-site, the applicant shall retain a qualified paleontologist to prepare a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program
(PRIMP).
- The qualified paleontologist shall attend the preconstruction meeting, and a qualified paleontological monitor shall be onsite during all rough grading and other significant grounddisturbing activities (including augering) in previously undisturbed Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo
Formation.
- In the event that paleontological resources (e.g., fossils) are unearthed during grading, the paleontological monitor will temporarily halt and/or divert grading activity to allow recovery of paleontological resources. The area of discovery will be roped off with a 50-foot radius buffer. Once documentation and collection of the find is completed, the monitor will remove the rope and allow grading to recommence in the area of the find. Any costs associated with laboratory work and curation fees at the Western Science Center, or another appropriate repository are the responsibility of the Project applicant.

Potential New Species Discovery of significant paleontological resources during Project construction can result in a new species, extend the geographical range of known fossil species, or assist in our understanding of the geology, paleontology, and paleoclimate of the region.

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2 Paleontological Technical Section

2.1 Analysis Methodology
Establishment of the Project Area’s existing paleontological conditions have been informed by site-specific paleontological records searches, a review of several online collections databases, and a review of published geological maps and published and unpublished reports to identify geological units located on the Project Area and determine their paleontological sensitivity.

A paleontological records search request was sent to the NHMLA and WSC on September 3, 2024. The records search area included the Project Area and a one-mile radius buffer. The purpose of the records search was to determine whether there are any known fossil localities in or near the Project Area to aide in determining whether a paleontological mitigation program is warranted to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects of construction on paleontological resources.

2.2 Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources are the remains or traces of plants and animals that are preserved in the Earth’s crust, and per SVP (2010) guidelines, are older than written history or older than approximately 5,000 years, which approximates the middle Holocene of Cohen et al. (2023). They are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific and educational value and are afforded protection under state laws and regulations. This analysis complies with guidelines and significance criteria specified by CEQA and SVP (2010). Table 2, Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria, provides definitions for high, low, and undetermined paleontological resource potential, or sensitivity, as set forth in and by the County of Riverside, Riverside County Information Technology (RCIT) (2024). Figure 2 is the paleontological sensitivity map for the Project that corresponds to the sensitivity definitions as listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria
Resource
Sensitivity/Potential Definition
High (H) Formations or rock units that are known to contain or have the correct age and depositional conditions to contain paleontologic resources.

High Sensitivity formations can be further classified:

Ha: Areas where nonrenewable paleontological resources are known from surface outcrops.

Hb: Areas of high sensitivity where sediments containing paleontological resources are expected at depth. The depth at which these sediments occur must be determined by developing cross sections and/or reviewing geotechnical boring logs that locate such sediments.

Low (L) Determined by a qualified vertebrate paleontologist conducting a literature and records review as well as a field survey. Low sensitivity cannot be determined by simply looking for rock unit descriptions on a geologic map.

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Table 2. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria
Resource
Sensitivity/Potential Definition
Undetermined (U) Areas underlain by sedimentary rocks about which literature and unpublished studies are not available and which, therefore, must be evaluated by field studies and then designated Ha, Hb, or L.

Source: County of Riverside RCIT (2024).

In conjunction with Table 1, as shown above, Figure 2, below, shows the areas with the most potential to produce paleontological resources within the Project Area. These areas are as follows: 1. Highlighted blue to represent the County of Riverside’s determination of “High (Ha)” paleontological sensitivity/ potential. 2. Areas represented by brown cross-hatching to show where geologic units of High sensitivity are mapped surficially within the Project Area.

3. Areas highlighted in brown represent the County of Riverside’s determination of “Undetermined (U)” paleontological sensitivity/potential, which require a field survey to assign a sensitivity of high or low to those areas.

4. Areas highlighted in green the County of Riverside has designated as “Low (L)” paleontological sensitivity/ potential, but still requires a field survey in support of this determination.

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2.3 Regulatory Framework
The California Environmental Quality Act
While the project is not in the CEQA phase of work, this paleontological resources evaluation was completed to the standards of CEQA Guidelines as a best practice. The CEQA Guidelines require that all private and public activities not specifically exempted be evaluated against the potential for environmental impacts, including effects to paleontological resources. Paleontological resources, which are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific, cultural, and educational value, are recognized as part of the environment under these state guidelines. This study satisfies Project requirements in accordance with CEQA (13 PRC [Public Resources Code], 15000 et seq.).

Paleontological resources are explicitly afforded protection by CEQA, specifically in Section VII(f) of CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, the “Environmental Checklist Form,” which addresses the potential for adverse impacts to “unique paleontological resource[s] or site[s] or … unique geological feature[s].” This provision covers fossils of significant importance, which include the remains of species or genera new to science, for example, or fossils exhibiting features not previously recognized for a given animal group – as well as localities that yield fossils significant in their abundance, diversity, preservation, and so forth.

California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5
In addition to CEQA’s requirements, Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 (Stats 1965, c 1136, p. 2792) regulates removal of paleontological resources from state lands, defines unauthorized removal of fossil resources as a misdemeanor, and requires mitigation of disturbed sites.

Riverside County General Plan Multipurpose Open Space Element (2017) The Multipurpose Open Space Element of the Riverside County General Plan discusses policies regarding paleontological resources (Riverside County 2017). In particular, it discusses the county inventory of fossils, and the corresponding paleontological sensitivities assigned to particular areas within the county. These sensitivities are to be used in the environmental assessment of development proposals and the determination of mitigation impacts. The following policies are to ensure that paleontological resources are appropriately considered.

OS 19.6: Whenever existing information indicates that a site proposed for development has high paleontological sensitivity as shown on Figure OS-8, a paleontological resource impact mitigation program (PRIMP) shall be filed with the County Geologist prior to site grading. The PRIMP shall specify the steps to be taken to mitigate impacts to paleontological resources.

OS 19.7: Whenever existing information indicates that a site proposed for development has low paleontological sensitivity as shown on Figure OS-8, no direct mitigation is required unless a fossil is encountered during site development. Should a fossil be encountered, the County Geologist shall be notified and a paleontologist shall be retained by the Project proponent. The paleontologist shall document the extent and potential significance of the paleontological resources on the site and establish appropriate mitigation measures for further site development.

OS 19.8: Whenever existing information indicates that a site proposed for development has undetermined paleontological sensitivity as shown on Figure OS-8, a report shall be filed with the County Geologist documenting the extent and potential significance of the paleontological resources on site and identifying

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mitigation measures for the fossil and for impacts to significant paleontological resources prior to approval of that department.

OS 19.9: Whenever paleontological resources are found, the County Geologist shall direct them to a facility within Riverside County for their curation, including the Western Science Center in the City of Hemet.

2.4 Environmental Setting
Geological Literature and Map Review
The Project Area lies in the northmost section, along the very eastern edge of the Colorado Desert Geomorphic Province, which is located between the Mojave Desert and Peninsular Ranges geomorphic provinces and occupies the plate boundary. It is characterized as being the on-land extension of the Gulf of California, is largely below sea level, and is an arid basin consisting mostly of the Salton Sea and ancient lake beds. It is quite tectonically active and has numerous geothermal features in its southern section as a result (California Geological Survey 2002).

According to geological mapping by Dibblee and Minch (2008 a,b) at a 1:62,500 scale, the proposed Project Area is underlain by late Holocene to middle Holocene (recent to 8,200 years ago; Cohen et al. 2023) surficial sediments (mapped as Qa) and the late Pliocene (2.58 million years ago to 3.6 million years ago; Cohen et al. 2023) Ocotillo Formation upper beds (map unit Qo-u). This upper part of the formation described as a gray boulder-conglomerate.

The Ocotillo Formation has high (high a) paleontological sensitivity.

Paleontological Literature Review
Two nearby localities are recorded in Jefferson (2012) from the same or similar sediments as those that underlie the Project Area. The Miles Avenue Bridge locality (Anza Borrego Desert State Park [ABDSP] 3233) in Indio, located

5.3 miles west of the Project Area, yielded fish, snakes, rodents, and sheep fossils from Lake Cahuilla beds (Jefferson 2012). This same area is mapped as Qa on Dibblee and Minch (2008a). Another Lake Cahuilla bed fossil locality, located approximately 6.5 miles southwest of the Project Area in the city of La Quinta, produced fossil invertebrates and vertebrates. The late Pleistocene vertebrates include fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, birds, and small- and medium-sized mammals (Jefferson 2012) Paleontological Records Search
A search of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) online collections database returned one locality approximately 4.8 miles north-northwest of the Project Area. This locality (AMNH FM 116148) yielded the partial skull and teeth of a fossil horse from an unnamed geologic unit (AMNH 2024). No other online fossil databases returned any results for this project.

The NHMLA paleontological records search results were received on September 15, 2024 (Confidential Appendix A). The NHMLA did not report any fossil localities from within the Project Area or from within a one-mile radius buffer of the Project Area. They did, however, report five vertebrate fossil localities and 25 invertebrate fossil localities from the same or similar sediments (Lake Cahuilla beds) as those found underlying the Project Area on the surface and/or at depth. These localities were recorded in the Coachella Valley from Indio to the Salton Sea and include LACM VP (Los Angeles County Museum Vertebrate Paleontology) 6252-6256 and 25 invertebrate localities that produced several types of rodents, rabbit, snakes, lizards, birds, fish, freshwater invertebrate such as mussels and snails, from Lake Cahuilla beds at the surface to 20 feet below ground surface (bgs) (NHMLA 2024,

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Confidential Appendix A). LACM VP 1139, 1140, 1148-1152, 3233-3239, 5834, 6921 produced Edward’s wolf, horse, rabbit, and other unspecified vertebrates from conglomeratic beds matching the Ocotillo Formation in the Mecca Hills (NHMLA 2024, Confidential Appendix A). Lastly, localities LACM VP 6916–6920; 7082-7085 produced horse, antelope, camel, deer and other uncatalogued mammals from the Ocotillo Formation in the Anza-Borrego Desert (NHMLA 2024, Confidential Appendix A).

The WSC records search results were received on October 12, 2024 (WSC 2024, Confidential Appendix A). The WSC did not report any fossil localities from within the Project Area or from within a one-mile radius buffer of the Project Area. They did, however, report one locality approximately 2.11 miles west of the Project Area boundary in the Indio Hills. WSC Locality 195 yielded rodents, rabbits, lizards, gastropods and plant material from an unspecified geological unit.

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3 Constraints
No paleontological resources were identified within the Project Area as a result of the institutional records search or desktop geological and paleontological review. In addition, the Project Area is not anticipated to be underlain by unique geologic features. The Project Area is underlain by late to middle to late Holocene surficial sediments which would normally have low paleontological sensitivity, but this same area has localities from Lake Cahuilla beds mapped nearby, so the sensitivity is likely higher due to the undifferentiated sediments. The late Pliocene-age Ocotillo Formation upper beds have high paleontological sensitivity (Figure 2).

Areas within the Project Area boundary mapped as 1. late Pliocene-age Ocotillo Formation and/or 2. areas designated by the County of Riverside as “High (H)a” have the highest potential for producing fossils (Figure 2, Table 2). Areas mapped as 3. “Undetermined (U)” have the potential to produce fossils but that can only be determined by field surveys in support or either assigning a “high” or “low” potential to those areas (Figure 2, Table 2). These three types of areas would require more work and potential elevated cost when determining budgets for development within these areas as there would be higher potential for discovering paleontological resources. Areas designated by the County of Riverside as having “Low (L)” paleontological sensitivity/potential require a paleontological survey in support of that designation (Figure 2, Table 2). This would presumably establish the presence or absence of the Lake Cahuilla beds within the Project Area.

Within or outside of the potential fossil producing areas, as stated above, if intact paleontological resources are located onsite, ground-disturbing activities associated with construction of the proposed Project, such as grading during site preparation, large diameter (two-feet or greater) augering, and trenching for utilities, have the potential to destroy a unique paleontological resource or site. As such, the Project Area is considered to be potentially sensitive for paleontological resources, and without mitigation, the potential damage to paleontological resources during construction associated with the Project is considered a potentially significant impact.

Given the proximity of past fossil discoveries in the surrounding area from Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo Formation, the Project Area, as a whole, is highly sensitive for supporting paleontological resources below the depth of fill and weathered Lake Cahuilla deposits and the Ocotillo Formation and has the ability to preserve fossil resources within and outside of areas already determined to have high paleontological sensitivity/ potential.

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4 References
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). 2024. Paleontology Collections Database, Locality= “Nevada”.

Accessed October 7, 2024. https://emu-prod.amnh.org/imulive/paleo/paleontology.html# details=ecatalogue.8131600.

City of Indio. 2019. City of Indio General Plan. Adopted September 18, 2019.

California Geological Survey. 2002. California Geomorphic Provinces: Note 36. 4 pp. Available; https://koordinates.com/layer/97118-california-geomorphic-provinces/.

Cohen, K.M., S.C. Finney, P.L. Gibbard, and J.-X. Fan. 2023. The ICS International Chronostratigraphic Chart Episodes 36: 199-204. https://stratigraphy.org/ICSchart/ChronostratChart2023-09.pdf.

County of Riverside RCIT. 2024. Paleontological Sensitivity for East Indio Project. Accessed October 18, 2024.

Dibblee, T.W. and Minch, J.A. 2008a. Geologic Map of the Palm Desert & Coachella 15 Minute Quadrangles, Riverside County, California. Dibblee Geological Foundation Dibblee Foundation Map DF-373. 1:62,5000 scale.

Dibblee, T.W. and Minch, J.A. 2008b. Geologic Map of the Thousand Palms & Lost Horse Mountain 15 Minute Quadrangles, Riverside County, California. Dibblee Geological Foundation Dibblee Foundation Map DF-372. 1:62,5000 scale.

Jefferson, G.T. 1991 [2012]. A Catalogue of Late Quaternary Vertebrates from California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Updated May 18, 2012.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA). 2024. Paleontological resources records search for the Indio East Indio Employment Corridor Project (PN:16290.02.2.4). Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California. September 15, 2024. Alyssa Bell, PhD.

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP). 2010. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources. 11 p. Available; http://vertpaleo.org/PDFS/68/ 68c554bb-86f1-442f-a0dc-25299762d36c.pdf.

Western Science Center (WSC). 2024. Unpublished Records Search Results for the East Indio Annexation Project (PN:16290.02.2.4). Western Science Center, Hemet, California. October 12, 2024. Andrew McDonald, Ph.D., Curator.

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Confidential Appendix A
Records Search Results (Confidential)

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e-mail: [email protected]
September 15, 2024
Dudek
Attn: Shawna Johnson
re: Paleontological resources records search for the Indio East Indio Employment Corridor Project (PN:
16290.02.2.4)
Dear Shawna:

I have conducted a thorough search of our paleontology collection records for the locality and specimen data for proposed development at the Indio East Indio Employment Corridor Project area as outlined on the portion of the Indio and West Berdoo Canyon USGS topographic quadrangle map that you sent to me via e-mail on September 3, 2024. We do not have any fossil localities that lie directly within the proposed project area, but we do have fossil localities nearby from the same sedimentary deposits that may occur in the proposed project area, either at the surface or at depth.

The following table shows the closest known localities in the collection of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA).

Ocotillo formation
Locality
Number Location Formation Taxa Depth

LACM VP
6252-6256
and 25 IP
localities
Coachella
Valley, from
Indio, CA south
to the Salton
Sea Lake Cahuilla beds
Pocket mouse (Perognathus), rabbit
(Sylvilagus), kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys), deer mice (Peromyscus),
pack rat (Neotoma), antelope squirrel
(Ammospermiophilus); western
shovelnose snake (Chionactis), gopher
snake (Pituophis), rattlesnake
(Crotalus), night snakes (Hypsiglena),
ground snake (Sonora); horned lizard
(Phrynosoma), spiny lizard
(Sceloponus), fringe-toed lizard (Uma),
tree lizard (Urosaurus); songbirds
(Passeriformes); razorback sucker
(Xyrauchen), pupfish (Cyprinodon),
western chub (Gila); freshwater
invertebrates including river mussels
(Anodonta cygnea) and ram's horn
snail (Helisoma tenue ammon)
Surface
to 20 feet
bgs

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1240 of 1774 Locality
Number Location Formation Taxa Depth

LACM VP
1139, 1140,
1148-1152,
3233-3239,
5834, 6921 Mecca Hills
Palm Spring / Borrego
/ Brawley Formation
(Late Pliocene-early
Pleistocene; arkose
sequence of coarse
sandstone with
interbedded grey silts
& shales, some
conglomerate beds)
Edward's wolf (Canis edwardii), horse
family (Equidae, Equus), rabbit/hare
(Leporidae), and other unspecified
vertebrates Unknown

LACM VP
6916 –
6920; 7082
- 7085
Anza Borrego
Desert, San
Diego County Ocotillo Formation
Camel family (Camelidae), horse
(Equus), antelope family
(Antilocapridae), deer family
(Cervidae), other uncatalogued
mammals Surface
VP, Vertebrate Paleontology; IP, Invertebrate Paleontology; bgs, below ground surface This records search covers only the records of the NHMLA. It is not intended as a paleontological assessment of the project area for the purposes of CEQA or NEPA. Potentially fossil-bearing units are present in the project area, either at the surface or in the subsurface. As such, NHMLA recommends that a full paleontological assessment of the project area be conducted by a paleontologist meeting Federal (43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 49.110) or Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards.

Sincerely,
Alyssa Bell, Ph.D.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
enclosure: invoice

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1241 of 1774 2345 Searl Parkway ♦ Hemet, CA 92543 ♦ phone 951.791.0033 ♦ fax 951.791.0032 ♦ WesternScienceCenter.org October 12, 2024
Dudek
Shawna Johnson
c/o Dudek HQ
605 Third Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
Dear Shawna Johnson,
This letter presents the results of a record search conducted for the East Indio Annexation Project (PN: 16290.02.2.4) in the City of Indio, Riverside County, California.

The geologic units underlying the project area are mapped as alluvial deposits (sand and gravel) dating from the Quaternary (Pleistocene-Holocene) (Dibblee & Minch 2008, Geologic map of the Palm Desert & Coachella 15 minute quadrangles, Riverside County, California), with intermittent outcrops of the older Pleistocene Ocotillo Formation (upper unit: boulderconglomerate) (Dibblee & Minch 2008, Geologic map of the Thousand Palms & Lost Horse Mountain 15 minute quadrangles, Riverside County, California). Quaternary alluvial units are considered to be fossiliferous and highly paleontologically sensitive. Although the Western Science Center does not have any fossil localities within the project area or 1-mile radius, there is a locality just outside the one-mile radius to the west of the project area (WSC Locality 195).

Quaternary alluvial units throughout Southern California have produced large quantities of fossils, such as the extensive collection from Diamond Valley Lake housed at Western Science Center.

Any fossil specimens recovered from the project would be scientifically significant. Excavation activity associated with the development of the project area would impact the paleontologically sensitive Quaternary units, and it is the recommendation of the Western Science Center that a paleontological resource mitigation program be put in place to monitor, salvage, and curate any recovered fossils from the study area.

If you have any questions, or would like further information, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Andrew McDonald, PhD
Curator

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1242 of 1774 Appendix A5
Public Services and Utilities

East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1243 of 1774 FINAL
Public Services and Utilities Report
East Indio Employment
Corridor Annexation Study -
Phase 1
APRIL 2025
Prepared for:

CITY OF INDIO
100 Civic Center Mall
Indio, CA 92201
Contact: Brian Halvorson, AICP (Project Manager)
Prepared by:
225 S Lake Avenue Suite 225
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: Rachel Lindt (Project Manager)

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APRIL 2025
Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Project Overview.....................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Purpose of this Report ...........................................................................................................................1

1.3 Key Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................................4 2 Existing Setting.....................................................................................................................................................7 3 Public Services .....................................................................................................................................................8

3.1 Police.......................................................................................................................................................8

3.2 Fire ..........................................................................................................................................................9

3.3 Schools................................................................................................................................................. 10

3.4 Recreational Facilities......................................................................................................................... 10

3.5 Libraries ............................................................................................................................................... 11

3.6 Telecommunications ........................................................................................................................... 11

3.7 Solid Waste and Recycling.................................................................................................................. 13 4 Utilities ............................................................................................................................................................... 15

4.1 Water Supply........................................................................................................................................ 15

4.2 Water Service....................................................................................................................................... 18

4.3 Wastewater.......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.4 Stormwater .......................................................................................................................................... 24

4.5 Natural Gas.......................................................................................................................................... 24

4.6 Electricity.............................................................................................................................................. 25

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FIGURES
Figure 1 East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Project Area .....................................................................3 Figure 2. Indio Public Safety Campus Site Plan...............................................................................................................9 Figure 3. CVAG and Golden State Network Planned Fiber Optic Cables..................................................................... 13 Figure 4. Public Services ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Figure 5. Water Utility Service Areas ............................................................................................................................. 17 Figure 6. Indio Water Authority Distribution System..................................................................................................... 19 Figure 7. Planned Developments within the IWA Future Service Area........................................................................ 20 Figure 8. Coachella Valley Water District System......................................................................................................... 22 Figure 9. Valley Sanitation District System ................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 10. Electricity and Natural Gas Infrastructure................................................................................................... 26 TABLES
Table 1. Public Services and Utilities Report – Key Issues and Opportunities..............................................................4

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview
The East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study project (Project) is a focused planning study to analyze the potential annexation of up to approximately 3,320 acres of unincorporated County of Riverside land into the City of Indio’s (City) boundary. The potential annexed land includes the City’s existing sphere of influence known as the Eastern Sphere according to the City’s General Plan. The East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Project Area (Project Area), as shown in Figure 1, is largely passive open space, with a limited amount of existing commercial development and resource extraction. The City’s goal for the project is to understand the extent to which the Project Area is feasible for development, and through that work identify potential land uses through a market analysis, environmental constraints analyses, and a series of planning activities. The City’s long-term vision for the Project Area is to expand industrial development opportunities in Indio to support job creation, enhance services, and promote investment within the city.

1.2 Purpose of this Report
This Public Services and Utilities report outlines an overview of existing public services and utilities, within the vicinity of the Project Area. In examining current public services and utilities that may serve the Project Area should it be annexed, this report aims to identify potential opportunities and constraints for development in the Project Area relative to police, fire, schools, recreational facilities, libraries, telecommunications, solid waste and recycling, water, wastewater, stormwater, natural gas, and electricity.

As part of this report's development, the City of Indio General Plan Infrastructure and Public Facilities Element Safety Element, and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element were reviewed as they contain information to inform and guide future investment in public services and utilities in the City of Indio. The Infrastructure and Public Facilities Element addresses all support systems important to Indio including water resources, domestic water facilities, storm drain and flood control facilities, wastewater collection and treatment, potable water and supply, electricity and natural gas utilities, and solid waste. The Safety Element addresses maintaining and improving the safety of Indio through police and fire services. The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element addresses the city’s strategies in producing, managing, and maintaining public amenities.

In addition, Dudek reviewed the Indio Water Authority 2019 Master Plan Update, the Indio Subbasin Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan, and the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan to identify potential water supply constraints and/or considerations for the project. The Indio Water Authority 2019 Master Plan Update includes a comprehensive assessment of the existing water system, identifies necessary upgrades, and outlines programs and improvements to address future water demands and regulatory requirements. The Indio Subbasin Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan incorporates projections for population growth, land use changes, and water demand to ensure informed strategies for groundwater recharge, conservation, and monitoring to balance water use and supply. The 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan addresses water supply reliability over a 20-year horizon, considering normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years, and includes water demand management measures such as water conservation and recycled water use, as well as a Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

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Lastly, to inform the development of this report, Dudek consulted with Indio Water Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, and Valley Sanitary District staff to complement the desktop research and ensure the team was aware of future planning considerations, requirements, and potential constraints relative to water supply, water service, and wastewater for the project. Findings from this consultation is documented in Section 4 of this report in the relevant sub-sections.

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Figure 1 East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Project Area Page 349 of 650 AGENDA ITEM #11.1 East Indio Employment Corridor Annexation Study Phase I Final Report (Br... Page 1249 of 1774 16290 4
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1.3 Key Issues and Opportunities
This section summarizes the findings of this report by outlining key issues and opportunities for public services and utilities for the Project Area based on a review of relevant plans, documents, and data as well as consultation. Table 1 outlines key issues and opportunities by topic, with details on each discussed in the relevant sections of this report.

Table 1. Public Services and Utilities Report – Key Issues and Opportunities Topic Consideration Relevant Plan/Document/Data
Issue
Law enforcement
service
If annexed and should development occur in
the Project Area and depending on the
nature of the land use mix and intensity,
additional substation(s) may be needed to
provide law enforcement services to the
Project Area, which can be determined in
coordination with Indio Police Department.

City of Indio Police Department station
and substation locations
Fire and emergency
service
If annexed and should development occur in
the Project Area, fire and emergency
services would continue to be provided by
the Riverside County Fire Department
(RCFD). Preliminary discussions with RCFD
Deputy Fire Marshal, Steven Payne, on
November 21, 2024, indicated that, given
the lack of proximal stations to the Project
Area, and that the closest stations are near
or at capacity, new station(s) would likely be
needed to serve any new development.

Future locations, number of responders, and
types of apparatus of fire stations within the
Project Area would be determined based on
RCFD’s documented methodology which
considers the type, intensity, and location of
land uses. RCFD also noted during the
preliminary meeting that while industrial
uses tend to have lower frequency of
emergency service demand compared to
residential uses, industrial fires can be more
complex and can require more equipment,
personnel, and time. The City should
continue to coordinate with RCFD to ensure
that they can feasibly service the
development and to determine adequate
services.

RCFD procedures for locating new fire
stations and preliminary discussion
with RCFD Strategic Planning staff.

School, library, and
recreation facilities
Should development occur in the Project
Area, impacts on school, library, and
recreation facilities may be minimal as the
initial vision for the Project Area is to
Desert Sands Unified School District,
Riverside County Library System, and

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facilitate industrial and commercial uses.

Should there be an influx of residents or
workforce housing to support the
commercial and business uses, the need for
additional facilities may need to be
evaluated in coordination with Desert Sands
Unified School District, Indio’s Public Works
Department, Parks and Facilities Division,
Desert Recreation District, and Riverside
County Library System
City of Indio Parks and Facilities
Division
Broadband internet Should development occur in the Project Area, future development should consider
broadband service access and, if feasible,
connection to fiber optic cables as part of
the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments Regional Traffic Signal
Synchronization Project.

City of Indio Fiber Master Plan
Solid waste and
recycling
The Project Area could be serviced by
Burrtec, who currently provides solid waste
and recycling services to the City of Indio, by
negotiating an extension of service to the
annexation area. This would entail an
increase in service costs to the City, at least
equal to the increased labor, equipment and
other operating costs of serving a larger
area. Alternatively, the City could seek
additional/other service providers for the
annexation area, and doing so would not
violate the existing agreement between the
City and Burrtec.

Franchise Agreement between the City
of Indio and Burrtec Waste and
Recycling Services
Water service The Project Area is in Indio Water Authority’s (IWA) future service area per their 2019
Water Master Plan (WMP). WMP water
demand projections indicate that IWA has
sufficient capacity to meet future demand,
including previously planned residential
development in the Project Area. However,
demand projections did not account for the
envisioned industrial and commercial
development, which have different water
service assumptions compared to
residential. Therefore, once a proposed land
use program is in place, additional study will
be required to assess demand projections.
2019 Water Master Plan; Discussions
with IWA
Wastewater The Project Area is in Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) service area and sphere of
influence. However, there is no existing
public wastewater collection or treatment
services nor any planned infrastructure in
the vicinity of the Project Area. Therefore, a
CVWD Data; Discussions with CVWD.

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significant amount of wastewater collection
and treatment infrastructure would need to
be constructed to connect the Project Area
to the CVWD system, which would be costly.

Alternatively, a potentially more costeffective approach may be to construct a package treatment plant on-site within the
Project Area that can be phased to scale up
based on actual development. A package
treatment plant would require a designated
maintenance responsible party, which can
be further explored should the City decide to
move further with a request for
reorganization.

Stormwater control Should development occur in the Project Area, the City may require the developer(s)
to construct drainage facilities to manage
localized stormwater. Additionally,
development must be consistent with
applicable stormwater regulations
pertaining to grading, drainage, construction
activities, among others. The Project Area
would not be subject to the City’s Floodplain
Management Ordinance; however, if
development is planned for the area
designated by DWR as an “awareness
floodplain,” flood mitigation measures
should be considered.

City of Indio Master Drainage Plan
Update; City of Indio Municipal Code
Chapter 153.

Opportunity
Natural gas provision The Project Area is located within SoCal Gas’s service area, so future development
would receive natural gas if the necessary
transmission infrastructure connections
were constructed.

Southern California Gas Company
Transmission Pipeline GIS Interactive
Map – Riverside
Electricity The Project Area is located within the service area of Imperial Irrigation District. In June
2023, the City approved the formation of
the Indio Electric Financing Authority Joint
Power Agreement (JPA) with the Imperial
Irrigation District to create a dedicated
revenue stream that will be reinvested
specifically within the City to fund electric
infrastructure on behalf of the Indio Electric
Financing Authority. There are no current
plans to construct or upgrade infrastructure
in the Project Area. Infrastructure
investment is driven by development, and
most IEFA projects are focused on western
Indio. If significant development occurs in
the Project Area, IEFA might fund
City of Indio website – electricity and
gas webpage; Indio Electric Financing
Authority Joint Power Agreement;
discussions with IID.

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infrastructure improvements. IID would
conduct an electricity transmission study to
determine needs, including a potential new
substation. Development would likely
require upgrades to the existing substation
and new distribution infrastructure.
2 Existing Setting
The Project Area is currently located within unincorporated Riverside County and, as such, is governed by the Riverside County General Plan and Zoning. If the Project Area is annexed to the City of Indio, the City, rather than County, regulations and plans would apply. Similarly, from a utility and service perspective, the Project Area is served by a variety of providers that serve the rest of unincorporated Riverside County as well as some providers who also serve the City of Indio. Table 2 summarizes existing service and utility providers that serve the Project Area as well as those that serve the City of Indio. As indicated in Table 2, some of the providers are the same across unincorporated Riverside County and the City, while others differ. Sections 3 and 4 of this report provide details on each service and utility provider, including their purview, existing and future service area, and associated facilities.

Table 2. Existing Service and Utility Providers in the Project Area and City of Indio Utility/Service Existing Provider in Project Area Existing Provider in the City of Indio Police Services Riverside County Sheriff City of Indio Police Department Fire Services Riverside County Fire Department Riverside County Fire Department Schools Coachella Valley Unified School District Desert Sands Unified School District Parks/Recreation Desert Recreation District Desert Recreation District and City of Indio
Libraries Riverside County Library System Riverside County Library System Telecommunications Spectrum and Frontier Spectrum and Frontier Solid Waste and Recycling None Burrtec
Water Supply Indio Water Authority Indio Water Authority Wastewater Coachella Valley Water District Valley Sanitary District Stormwater Riverside County Flood Control District Coachella Valley Water District Natural Gas Southern California Gas Company Southern California Gas Company Electricity Imperial Irrigation District Imperial Irrigation District (on behalf of Indio Electric Financing Authority)