Archeologists Hired for Hellman Ranch

After several months of searching for an archeological firm to reevaluate the importance of identified archeological sites on the Hellman Ranch property, the city this week hired KEA Environmental of San Diego.

The decision will allow the city to proceed with the public comment period for the recently released environmental impact report for the Hellman property, for which development is proposed. The city Environmental Quality Control Board will meet Tuesday to hear public input.

At least 16 archeological surveys and field studies have been conducted on the Hellman Ranch property since the late 1950s, said Nancy Whitney-DeSautels of Scientific Resource Surveys Inc., an archeological consultant that worked on the EIR.

As a result, the report states, there is substantial confusion over where individual sites are and how they are identified.

KEA Environmental, hired with approval of Gabrieleno-Digueno tribe members, will be responsible for producing a research design and an excavation plan. The company will also test the 12 identified sites for their cultural importance, according to the city contract. The EIR specifies what action the city and developers can take if important archeological sites are found. If human remains are found, the report states, the state Native American Commission should be contacted before any further work is done.

The Hellman family proposes to use the property for 70 homes, an 18-hole public golf course and limited commercial space. The project also specifies restoring and preserving more than 40 acres of wetlands and park grounds.

After public comment on the EIR, the Planning Commission and the City Council will study the proposal.