Archeological Report.pdf

PREPARED FOR: WEST LOS ANGELES VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, OFFICE OF

CONSTRUCTION AND FACIL IT IES MANAGEMENT, WEST LOS ANGELES VA MEDICAL CENTER,

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, 1 1301 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES CA 90073

PREPARED BY: BECKETT ENVIRONMENTAL LLC, 8 COURT ST , STE 3 , JACKSON CA 95642

ARCHAEOLOGICAL

MONITORING

REPORT

JULY 2021

Dietetics Building 300 Seismic

Replacement Project

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Department of Veterans Affairs

Los Angeles County, California

Project Number: 36C10F20R0057

Archaeological Monitoring Report

Dietetics Building 300 Seismic Replacement Project

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Department of Veterans Affairs

Los Angeles County, California

VA Project Number: 36C10F20R0057

Prepared for:

Office of Construction and Facilities Management

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Department of Veterans Affairs

11301 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90073

Prepared by:

Chloe Beckett, RPA #17784, M.A., B.S.

Nathan Beckett, B.A.

Beckett Environmental, LLC 8 Court St, Ste 3

Jackson, CA 95642

July 2021

West Los Angeles VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3 PROJECT SETTING

3.1 Prehistoric Setting

3.2 Ethnographic Setting

3.3 Historic Setting

3.4 Modern Cultural Resource Status and Goals

4 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

5 METHODOLOGY

5.1 Level of Effort

5.2 Monitoring Protocol

5.3 Unanticipated Discoveries

5.4 NAGPRA Discoveries

5.5 Personnel

6 MONITORING RESULTS

7 CONCLUSION

8 REFERENCES

FIGURES

Figure 1 Project Vicinity………………………………………………………………....…5 Figure 2 Project Area…………………………………………………………….….……...6 Figure 3 Features in Project Area………………………………………………….….…...18

PHOTOGRPAHS

Photos 1-2 Project Area overviews…………………...…………………………..…….....…15 Photos 3-4 Feature 1……………………………………………………..…...………..……..19 Photos 5-8 Feature 2…………………………………………..……………………………...20

APPENDICES

Appendix I Additional Photos Appendix II Discoveries Log

ACRONYMS

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation APE Area of Potential Effects ASM Archaeological Sensitivity Model BP Before Present ca Circa CFR Code of Federal Regulations NAGPRA Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHDVS National Home of Disabled Volunteer Soldiers

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places PA Programmatic Agreement PEIS Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement PRC Public Resources Code SHPO California State Historic Preservation Office Qof Pleistocene Alluvium Qya Holocene Alluvium U.S.C. United States Code UTM Universal Transverse Mercator VA Department of Veterans Affairs VAGLAHS Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cultural resource monitoring was conducted for the Dietetics Building 300 Seismic Replacement Project at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA; 54 United States Code [U.S.C.] § 306101 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA; 25 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq.), and VA Directive 7545, as implemented by the Archaeological Sensitivity Model (ASM; Onken et al. 2018) and Programmatic Agreement (VA 2019b) created as part of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (VA 2019a) for the Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) Draft Master Plan (VA 2018).

Monitoring was performed during all ground-disturbing activities from May 12, 2020 - June 9, 2021.

No significant prehistoric or historic archaeological deposits were encountered during cultural resource monitoring of ground-disturbance activities. Historic-era debris and brick and metal piping features were encountered in the top 3 feet of artificial fill deposits in the vicinity of Building 510 and Parking Lot 43.

No encountered materials meet any criteria for eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). All cultural materials encountered were recorded and removed per Stipulation III of the ASM (Onken et al. 2018:10). The encountered materials are consistent with the ASM predictions for Historic Resources within the Project Area and no alterations to the ASM are warranted other than noting these observations.

1 INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Construction and Facilities Management requires archaeological compliance services for the Dietetics Building 300 Seismic Replacement Project at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.

A qualified archaeological monitor must be present during all ground disturbing activities for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as specified by the Archaeological Sensitivity Model (Onken et al. 2018) and Programmatic Agreement (VA 2019b) created as part of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (VA 2019a) for the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) Draft Master Plan (VA 2018).

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Dietetics Building 300 Seismic Replacement Project consists of construction of a new building near the intersection of Sawtelle Blvd and Dowlen Dr East on the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) Campus (see Figure 1: Project Vicinity, and Figure 2:

Project Area). Project activities include grading, excavation for utilities and basement construction, augering, staging areas, and construction of the new structure. The horizontal Area of Potential Effects (APE), depicted in Figure 2, includes all areas in which ground disturbance occurred.

Ground-disturbing activities include mechanical excavation with heavy machinery (excavators, backhoes), hand excavation with shovels, augering, and grading. The vertical Area of Potential Effects extends to a maximum of approximately 16 feet below surface level for excavation of Dietetics Building basement and to approximately 10 feet below surface for utility trenching.

Ground-disturbing activities occurred from May 12, 2020 through June 9, 2021.

3 PROJECT SETTING

The VAGLAHS Campus lies within a heavily urbanized area of Los Angeles, California near the base of the Santa Monica Mountains (see Figure 1: Project Vicinity). The Project Area lies near the intersection of Sawtelle Blvd and Dowlen Dr E in a previously developed area of the VAGLAHS Campus, adjacent to the south of Building 510, and to the west of Parking Lot 43 (see Figure 2: Project Area). The discovery of a concrete encasement in the southeast corner of the Project Area led to re-routing utilities for the project, resulting in the expansion of the Project Area down Sawtelle Ave and Dowlen Dr E.

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA, County of Los Angeles, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA

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Project Location

Figure 1: Project Vicinity, West Los Angeles VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project

Archaeological Monitoring Report

Figure 2: Project Area, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Dietetics Building Replacement Project

West Los Angeles VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project

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3.1 Prehistoric Setting

Human occupation of California dates to circa (ca) 14,000 Before Present (BP) and is consistently represented in the archaeological record beginning ca 12,000 BP (Moratto 1984). As the consistent occupation of California corresponds to the transition from the Pleistocene epoch to the Holocene epoch of the Quaternary Period, Pleistocene geologic deposits are generally considered low sensitivity for prehistoric cultural resource deposits.

The Project Area is primarily situated on Pleistocene Alluvium deposits (Qof; ASM 2018:12). Qof are high energy deposits dating to the Middle to Late Pleistocene. While Holocene Alluvium (Qya) soils are shown to border the eastern extent of the Project Area, soil mapping may be imprecise due to mapping resolution and disturbances due to development over the past ~120 years. Soils are best identified during field efforts and can generally be easily distinguished by their color and composition. Descriptions of soil characteristics within the Project Area can be found in the ASM (2018: 6-8).

Prior to modern development, the Project area lay within drainage area from the Santa Monica Mountains leading to lower-lying wetlands. Soils developed in proximity of fresh water may have higher sensitivity for prehistoric resource exploitation as they were beneficial locations for access to fresh water, food (freshwater fish and shellfish, waterfowl, plant foods), and plant materials for basketry and medicinal uses. As such, any Qya soils identified during field efforts have high sensitivity for buried prehistoric deposits.

Despite a heightened sensitivity for prehistoric deposits in Qya areas, no prehistoric cultural resource sites have been identified within the VAGLAHS Campus. Possible remnants of “displaced and redeposited” prehistoric shell midden were noted during monitoring efforts by Applied EarthWorks, Inc. in the vicinity of Lot 20 (Abdo-Hintzman and Mirro 2015). The nearest recorded prehistoric site is the Serra Spring site (CA-LAN-382), which is located 500 meters away from the VAGLAHS Campus.

The Project Area lies within an area designated as Very Low Sensitivity for Prehistoric Archaeology by the ASM, bordering an area designated as High Sensitivity (Onken et al. 2018:13).

3.2 Ethnographic Setting

The Project Area lies within the Southern California Bight, which spans from Santa Barbara to San Diego and includes the Channel Islands. Prehistoric occupation in the Southern California Bight is evident as early as the Terminal Pleistocene, approximately 13,000 BP (Erlandson 1994).

Following climactic cooling trends after 6000 BP, populations increased and spread throughout the Southern California Bight. The population expansions correlate with a shift to mortar and pestle technology, signifying a widening of diets that include the processing of local acorn and seed resources (Glassow 1999:163-164, Erlandson 1994, Moratto 1984).

The Late Holocene (3500 cal BP – 130 cal BP) is characterized as a period of complex and dynamic regional and local patterns of cultural change. In general, the Late Holocene displays an increase in population density, economic specialization, and environmental fluctuations (Arnold 1992, Byrd and Raab 2007, Erlandson 1994, Moratto 1984). Facilitated by the plank canoe, social interaction between groups occupying the islands and mainland produced a rich material culture and furthered complex social organization (Arnold 1995; Arnold and Bernard 2005; Gamble 2002).

During the Proto-Historic Period [(1542- 1769 AD) - (408-181 Cal. BP)] ethnographic records indicate that the area of the southern California Bight was occupied by the Tipai and Ipai, named the Digueño, Luiseño, Gabrielino, Juaneño, and Chumash. Natives of the southern California Bight were described as living in densely populated areas in large villages, towns, and markets with a sophisticated maritime economy, artistic craft specialization, extensive regional trade networks and a shell bead monetary system (Arnold 1995; Arnold and Bernard 2005, Byrd and Raab 2007, Erlandson 1994).

3.3 Historic Setting

The area now known as the VAGLAHS Campus has been used to serve United States veteran population since 1888, when the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS) was constructed. Prior to the construction of the NHDVS, the land was used for agriculture and ranching, consistent with land use throughout much of the Los Angeles area during the mid- to late-19th century (Chattel et al. 2014).

The establishment of the NHDVS led to construction of numerous buildings and utility lines throughout the VAGLAHS Campus. The creation of the Second-Generation Veterans Hospital in 1923 led to further development. Historic maps indicate extensive water lines for indoor plumbing by 1910 and an on-site incinerator ca. 1930 (Chattel et al. 2014).

Despite extensive development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, historic maps do not depict any structures in the Project Area until ca. 1934-1950. The 1934 Sawtelle USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map shows the Project Area absent of any development, while the 1950 Beverly Hills USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map depicts several structures throughout the project area. These structures appear to be housing for veterans or outbuildings for the nearby hospital. They are still depicted in the 1966 Beverly Hills USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map but are no longer present in the 1995 Los Angeles USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map.

The ASM designates the VAGLAHS Campus into areas of Low, Moderate, and High Sensitivity for Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology. The Project Area lies within an area designated as High Sensitivity for Historic Archaeology (Onken et al. 2018:15). High Sensitivity for Historic Archaeology is described as:

“Associated with development and occupation of the VA facility during the NHDVS period through circa 1920. There is a higher likelihood of privies, refuse pits, and refuse deposits.

This category also includes buried infrastructure such as wells, pipelines, sewers, foundations, etc.”

Onken et al. 2018: 10

Even in areas with High Sensitivity for Historic Archaeology, development may have led to extensive surface and subsurface disturbance. Artificial fill soils are expected throughout the Project Area. During buried site testing in the vicinity of Lot 38, historic-era debris has been noted in artificial fill deposits up to 4.2 meters below surface (Mirro et al. 2012).

3.4 Modern Cultural Resource Status and Goals

In 2014, the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Historic District was nominated and found eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP; Chattel et al. 2014). With contributing and non-contributing elements throughout the VAGLAHS Campus, the District gained NRHP-listing for its contributions to VA healthcare policy, as a “tangible manifestation of the federal government’s commitment to the health care of veterans of World War I, which resulted in the nation’s largest network of hospitals,” and for its excellent representations of the Mission Revival Architectural Style found throughout the VAGLAHS Campus. The Project Area lies outside of the Historic District.

As part of the VA’s efforts to preserve its cultural resources and promote healthy development of the VAGLAHS Campus, the VA has identified Preservation Priorities and Preservation Management Areas. The Project Area lies within Area A, described as “the most modern development of the campus south of Wilshire Boulevard (South Campus) that is not part of the WLA VA NRHD.” Area A does not include any NRHP-listed sites or archaeological sites. Area A was “developed after the San Fernando earthquake of 1971 necessitated the demolition of the second Wadsworth hospital and many of the associated outbuildings” (VA 2019a: D-139).

4 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

As a federal facility, undertakings on the VAGLAHS Campus are subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA; 54 United States Code [U.S.C.] § 306101 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.), and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA; 25 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq.).

VAGLAHS developed and implemented a Master Plan (MP) “to guide redevelopment of the [Campus] to better serve the needs of Veterans in the [GLAVAHS] service area” (VA 2019b). The

Master Plan is defined as an “undertaking” and the entire GLAVAHS Campus, including the Los Angeles National Cemetery, is the Area of Potential Effects (APE) under NEPA.

Pursuant to VA Directive 7545, Cultural Resource Management (2011), the West Los Angeles VA has opted to meet its Section 106 responsibilities through 36 CFR § 800.8(c), “use of the NEPA process for Section 106 purposes.”

NEPA analysis dictated the development and implementation of an Environmental Impact Statement. A Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) was developed and finalized in 2019. The PEIS analyzed environmental impacts across the 388-acre VAGLAHS Campus, including effects to historical resources in accordance with NEPA and NHPA.

The VA has fulfilled its Section 106 responsibilities through implementation of a Programmatic Agreement (PA) among the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) Regarding Redevelopment of the West Los Angeles Campus of the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angles Healthcare System (2019).

The use of a PA may be used to satisfy Section 106 responsibilities when effects on historic properties cannot be fully determined prior to approval of an undertaking (36 CFR §§ 800.8(c)(1)(v) and 800.14(b), including § 800.14(b)(1)(ii)).

Consulting Parties for the PA include SHPO, ACHP, the Tongva Ancestral Territorial Tribal Nation, the Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians, the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California, the 1887 Fund, the Los Angeles Conservancy, the West Los Angeles Veterans Collective, and the Veterans Park Conservancy.

Additionally, an Archaeological Sensitivity Model (ASM; Onken et al. 2018) was developed as part of the PEIS and PA. The ASM provides methodology for identification and treatment of buried historic properties (unanticipated discoveries) and was approved by the SHPO and the ACHP at the time of the execution of the PA.

The PEIS, PA, and ASM describe Mitigation Measures and procedures for treatment of cultural materials, including unanticipated discoveries and NAGPRA procedures (43 CFR § 10).

5 METHODOLOGY

5.1 Level of Effort

Stipulation VII (a) of the PA states that the “VA shall follow the ASM for identification of buried historic properties” (VA 2019b: VII(a)). The ASM delineates the VAGLAHS Campus into Very Low, Low, Moderate, and High Sensitivity areas for Prehistoric and Historic Resources and describes methodology for archaeological treatment in each of these categories (Onken et al.

2018:17).

The ASM designates the Project Area in the High Sensitivity category for Prehistoric and Historic Resources, based on sensitivity for Historic Resources (Onken et al. 2018:13-16). The ASM states that archaeological “monitoring shall be full-time or BST [Buried Site Testing] shall be undertaken” in High Sensitivity areas (Onken et al. 2018:17)

Results of this monitoring effort are detailed here and shall be provided to the SHPO as part of an Annual Report, pursuant to Stipulation VIII of the PA (2019).

5.2 Monitoring Protocol

An Archaeological Monitor shall be present during any ground-disturbing activities, including mechanical or hand excavation, pile driving, or drilling. A Qualified Archaeologist shall be present at the pre-construction meeting. See professional qualification standards in Personnel section, below.

Monitors shall complete daily field logs of the progress of ground disturbance and any cultural resource observations or soil anomalies. All monitors shall review and implement the Health and Safety Plan specific to this project. The Health and Safety Plan ensures the well-being of our workers and heightens their awareness of project hazards, enabling them to recognize and remedy potentially unsafe work conditions. A Special Condition of this is the COVID-19 Safety Section, which outlines specific requirements to keep workers safe such as social distancing procedures and mandated PPE. If the job site is determined unsafe due to COVID-19 by any employee, the employees will face no repercussions for abstaining from work, pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. Additionally, this will be considered an “excusable delay” under the “epidemic” category in Section (f) of C.1 52.212-4 of this Contract (#36C10F20R0057).

The on-site point of contact for information regarding all project activities is West Los Angeles VA Senior Resident Engineer Mike Eller, 626-545-5927.

5.3 Unanticipated Discoveries

In the event of an archaeological discovery during monitoring of project activities, PA Stipulation VII (b)(i) dictates that the ASM methodology should be followed, consistent with 36 CFR § 800.4(c). The following methodology shall be observed:

2. In the event of an archaeological discovery, the monitor shall flag the area and notify the VA Resident Engineer or equivalent VA employee immediately. The contractor shall follow the construction contract protocols. No further disturbance in the flagged area shall occur until the VA Resident Engineer has cleared the area.

3. In consultation with the qualified archaeologist, the monitor shall quickly assess the nature and significance of the find. If the discovery is not significant it shall be quickly mapped, documented, removed and the area cleared.

4. If the discovery is potentially significant, the qualified archaeologist shall notify the VA Federal Preservation Officer or equivalent VA employee prior to the start of construction activities. The VAGLAHS shall consult with the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), consulting Native American groups (Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians/Kizh Nation, and Tongva Ancestral Territorial Tribal Nation), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) within 48 hours of determining significance, notifying them of the potential National Register eligibility of the discovery and the proposed plan to resolve adverse effects. The plan may include avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation, or a combination of treatment options.

Onken et al. 2018:17

In the event that the encountered archaeological materials are potentially significant, Scenario 4 (above) must be followed and treatment of the archaeological discovery will be determined in consultation with the SHPO, consulting Native American groups, the ACHP, and the VA Federal Preservation Officer. Additional details on the process for treatment of potentially significant materials is detailed in the ASM (Onken et al. 2018:17)

“Significance” under Section 106 of the NHPA is defined by eligibility for listing in the NRHP.

A property is eligible for listing in the NRHP by meeting at least one the following criteria:

Criteria A. The property must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.

Criteria B. The property must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.

Criteria C. The property must embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, represent the work of a master, possess high artistic values, or represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

Criteria D. The property must show, or may be likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory.

Additionally, the resource must retain integrity, defined as the “ability of a property to convey its significance.” Integrity is grounded in a property’s physical characteristics and includes location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

5.4 NAGPRA Discoveries

Should human remains be encountered during project activities, all project activities within 100 feet of the discovery must cease immediately and the procedures outlined in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 (43 CFR § 10), State of California Health and Safety Code 7050.50, and PRC 5097.98 apply. The VA Police and Los Angeles County Coroner must be notified immediately. The Coroner will determine if the remains are of Native American origin within two working days. If the remains are Native American in origin, the VA will contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to identify the Most Likely Descendant (MLD) or appropriate mitigation measure if no MLD is identified. Once developed, the VAGLAHS Campus-wide NAGPRA Plan of Action shall be followed.

5.5 Personnel

The ASM describes the following professional qualification standards:

The “archaeological monitor” (B.A./B.S. in anthropology, or related discipline with an emphasis in archaeology and demonstrated experience and competence in archaeological fieldwork) shall work under the direct supervision of a “qualified archaeologist” (Secretary of Interior Professional Qualification Standards – M.A./M.S. in anthropology, or related discipline with an emphasis in archaeology and demonstrated experience and competence in archaeological research, fieldwork, reporting, and curation).

Onken et al. 2018:17

As described above, in the event a potentially significant archaeological resource is encountered, all work in the vicinity shall cease and the VA Senior Resident Engineer, Mike Eller, and Beckett Environmental Project Manager, Nathan Beckett, shall be notified immediately. In consultation with the Qualified Archaeologist, Chloe Beckett, the Archaeological Monitor shall determine the nature and significance of the find.

The following personnel worked on this project:

• Nathan Beckett, B.A. - Project Manager, Technical Writer, GIS Specialist

• Chloe Beckett, M.A. - Qualified Archaeologist (PI/Project Archaeologist), Technical

Writer

• David Sosa, M.A. - Archaeological Monitor, Qualified Archaeologist, GIS Specialist

• Michael Evans, M.A. – Qualified Archaeologist

• James Albani, B.A. – Archaeological Monitor

• Maxamilian van Rensselaer, B.A. – Archaeological Monitor, Technical Writer

• Albert Knight, B.A. – Archaeological Monitor

• ArchaeoPaleo Resources, Inc. was subcontracted to provide the following Archaeological

Monitors: Jack Flynn, B.A., Laurie Sollis, B.A., Paul Shattuck, B.A., and Miguel Miguel (sic) B.A. ArchaeoPaleo Resources, Inc. is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) specializing in cultural resource management. ArchaeoPaleo is located within one mile from the Project Area and has direct experience at the VAGLAHS Campus. Subcontracting did not exceed 5% of contract value.

Photo 1: Overview of Project Area showing the area to be excavated for the footprint of the Dietetics Building, in the vicinity of Building 510 and Parking Lot 43. View SE. Date 5/13/2020.

Photo 2: Example of historic-era debris in disturbed artificial fill soils. Observed from approximately 0-3 ft below surface in the basement footprint area (see Fig 3). View SW. Date 5/20/2020.

Archaeological Monitoring Report

6 MONITORING RESULTS

Cultural resource monitoring occurred during all ground-disturbing activities from May 12, 2020

– June 9, 2021. Excavation extended approximately 16 feet below surface for excavation of the Dietetics Building basement, adjacent to the south of Building 510 and to the west of Parking Lot 43, near the intersection of Dowlen Dr E and Sawtelle Blvd (see Figure 2: Project Area). Utility trenching along Dowlen Dr E and the Access Road extended to approximately 10 feet below surface.

Monitoring logs were completed daily and are on file with Beckett Environmental at 8 Court St, Ste 3, Jackson CA 95642. All photographs are also retained in digital format.

The large majority of soils observed throughout the Project Area consisted of artificial fill soils likely deposited during the 1920s and 1970s development of the Project Area. Modern and historic-era debris were encountered in mixed artificial soil deposits in the top 3 feet below surface of the Dietetics Building basement footprint (see Photos 1-2 and Figure 3). Two brick encasements of metal piping were also located in the top 3 feet of this area (see Photos 3-8). No cultural materials were present throughout the remainder of the Project Area and artificial fill soils were observed throughout (see Photos 9-10).

No cultural resources potentially eligible for listing in the NRHP were identified during monitoring.

Historic-era debris was observed in artificial fill soils in the top 3 feet below surface in the footprint of the Dietetics Building basement, in the vicinity of Building 510 and Parking Lot 43 (see Figure 3). These materials included fragments of bricks, glass bottles, ceramic tile debris; see Appendix I: Additional Photos (Photos 11-22) for the most intact debris encountered. Appendix II:

Discoveries Log lists all encountered cultural materials. None of these historic-era items held the potential to yield any advancement in knowledge through further data collection. All materials were recorded and placed within the on-site office of the Senior Resident Engineer.

Two historic-era features were observed during monitoring (see Figure 3: Features in Project Area). These features were recorded and removed per Stipulation III of the ASM (Onken et al.

2018:10). The feature locations were recorded and are provided in Figure 2; GIS coordinates are also provided below. The features appear in situ in artificial fill soils.

Each feature consisted of remnants of historic-era buried infrastructure including metal piping with brick casings within the top 3 feet below surface (see Photos 3-8). These likely represent water lines dating to the early 20th century as described in the ASM (Onken et al. 2018:17). These materials are consistent with the predictions of the ASM for High Sensitivity areas but do not meet any criteria for eligibility in listing on the NRHP.

Feature 1 consists of a rectangular brick utility box approximately 2.5 feet wide by 3 feet long by 2 feet deep, encountered on May 12, 2020 at approximately 1-3 feet below surface (see Photos 3- 4). Feature 1 appears to be in situ within artificial fill soils. There are no indications of the type of utility housed by this box. The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates for its location are 11S 366087.31 m E 3768780.93 m N.

Feature 2 consists of a circular brick utility box approximately 2 feet wide by 2 feet long by 2 feet deep, encountered on May 20, 2020 at approximately 1-3 feet below surface (see Photos 5-8).

Feature 2 appears to be in situ within artificial fill soils. This utility box housed water lines. The UTM coordinates for its location are 11S 366156.90 m E 3768740.12 m N.

None of these features met any Criteria A-D for eligibility for listing on the NRHP. The features are not associated with events or persons of significance (Criteria A-B). While they are likely associated with the water line development of the NHDVS, they do not embody any distinctive characteristics of its construction or unique artistic values (Criterion C). Finally, they do not possess the potential to yield information important to history (Criterion D), as they are incomplete and damaged components of a water utility system that has been previously recorded. They do not have the potential to contribute to any body of knowledge related to the VAGLAHS Historic District.

Both the historic-era debris and piping features are consistent with the predicted types of historic resources in areas designated as High Sensitivity for Historic Resources (Onken et al. 2018:10).

These findings should be noted in subsequent updates to the ASM, however they corroborate the Sensitivity Model and do not warrant any modifications to the Model.

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Historic-era debris observed

Figure 3: Features in Project Area

Feature

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Archaeological Monitoring Report West Los Angeles VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project

Features consist of historic-era metal pipes in brick encasements located in the top 3 feet below surface. Features appear in situ in artificial fill soils.

Feature 1

Feature 2

Project Area

Photo 3: Feature 1 - rectangular brick casing around metal utility pipes, likely water pipes. Observed from approximately 1-3 ft below surface in the basement footprint. View SE. Date 5/12/2020.

Photo 4: Detail view of Feature 1.

Dimensions are approximately 2 feet wide by 3.5 feet long by 2 feet deep.

Detail view. Date 5/12/20.

Archaeological Monitoring Report

Photo 5: Feature 2 - Circular brick casing around metal water valve and pipes. Observed approximately 1-3 ft below surface in the basement footprint. Detail view. Date: 5/20/2020.

Photo 6: Overview of Feature 2. View SE.

Date:5/20/2020.

Photo 7: Detail view of Feature 2 water valve and brick casing. Diameter is approximately 2 feet, by approximately 2 feet deep. Date 5/20/2020.

Photo 8: Detail view of Feature 2 water valve and brick casing. Date 5/20/2020.

Archaeological Monitoring Report

7 CONCLUSION

Cultural resource monitoring was conducted for the Dietetics Building 300 Seismic Replacement Project at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center for compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA, NEPA, NAGPRA, and VA Directive 7545, as implemented by the ASM and PA.

Monitoring was performed during all ground-disturbing activities from May 12, 2020 - July 9, 2021. Excavation extended approximately 16 feet below surface in the Dietetics Building basement footprint and approximately 10 feet below surface for utility trenching throughout the Project Area.

No significant archaeological deposits were encountered during cultural resource monitoring of ground-disturbance activities. Historic-era debris and brick and metal piping features were encountered in the top 3 feet of artificial fill deposits in the vicinity of Building 510 and Parking Lot 43. No encountered materials meet any criteria for eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Results of this monitoring effort shall be provided to the SHPO as part of an Annual Report, pursuant to Stipulation VIII of the PA (2019), and shall be incorporated into subsequent updates of the ASM per Stipulation X (Onken et al. 2018:17). Results of this monitoring effort should be noted in subsequent updates to the ASM but do not affect the Sensitivity Levels currently specified in the ASM (Onken et al. 2018).

8 REFERENCES

Abdo-Hintzman, K, and M. Mirro.

2015 “Cultural Resource Monitoring Report for the REC Solar Photovoltaic System Installation Project, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Los Angeles County, California.” Prepared by: Applied Earthworks, Inc., Hemet CA. Prepared for: REC Solar Commercial Corporation, San Luis Obispo CA.

Arnold, J. E.

1992 “Complex hunter-gatherer-fishers of prehistoric California: Chiefs, specialists, and maritime adaptations of the Channel Islands.” American Antiquity, 60-84.

Arnold, J. E., and Bernard, J.

2005 “Negotiating the coasts: status and the evolution of boat technology in California.” World Archaeology, 37(1), 109-131.

Byrd, B. F., & Raab, L. M.

2007 “Prehistory of the Southern Bight: Models for a new millennium.” California Prehistory: Colonization, Culture, and Complexity, 215-227.

Chattel, R., J. Snow, S. O’Carroll, S. Ferguson, K. McGee, M. Moshier, S. Swerdlow, S. Stokes, A. Lyons.

2014 “National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Historic District.” Prepared by: Chattel, Inc. Prepared for:

Department of Veterans Affairs.

Department of Veterans Affairs 2011 VA Handbook 7545: Cultural Resource Management. Department of Veterans Affairs.

2018 Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Campus Draft Master Plan.

Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles CA.

2019a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles CA.

2019b “Programmatic Agreement among the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the California State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding Redevelopment of the West Los Angeles Campus of the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angles Healthcare System.” Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles CA.

Erlandson, J.M.

1994 Early hunter-gatherers of the California coast. Springer Science & Business Media.

Gamble, L. H.

2002 “Archaeological evidence for the origin of the plank canoe in North America.”

American Antiquity, 301-315.

Glassow, M. A.

1999 “Measurement of population growth and decline during California prehistory.”

Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, 45-66.

McCawley, W.

2002 “A tale of two cultures: The Chumash and the Gabrielino.” Islanders and Mainlanders. SRI Press, Tucson, AZ, 45-65.

Moratto, M.J.

1984 California Archaeology. Academic Press, Orlando Florida.

National Park Service 1997 “National Register Bulletin: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.” Cultural Resources Division, National Park Service, US Department of the Interior.

Onken, J., C. Duke, D. Supernowicz.

2018 “Archaeological Sensitivity Model, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Campus Master Plan, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.” Prepared by: Duke Cultural Resources Management, Irvine, CA. Prepared for: Row 10 Historic Preservation Solutions, LLC, New Orleans, LA.

United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1925 Sawtelle USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map, 1:24,000 Scale 1934 Sawtelle USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map, 1:24,000 Scale 1950 Beverly Hills USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map, 1:24,000 Scale 1966 Beverly Hills USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map, 1:24,000 Scale 1995 Los Angeles USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Map, 1:24,000 Scale

APPENDIX I: ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Photo 9: Overview of Project Area showing soil profile at approximately 6 feet below surface in the basement footprint. View SE. Date 12/23/2020.

Photo 10: Example of utility trenching along the Access Road showing soil profile. View SE.

Date 6/4/2021.

Photo 11: Metal pickaxe head. Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 3 feet below surface, in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr Eand Sawtelle Blvd. Date:

5/12/2020.

Photo 12: Historic-era glass bottle fragment. Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 3 feet below surface, in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr Eand Sawtelle Blvd. Detail view. Date: 6/4/2020.

Photo 13: Glass bottle side view. Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the basement footprint. Detail view. Date:

5/12/2020.

Photo 14: Glass bottle top view. Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the basement footprint. Detail view. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 15: Amethyst glass bottle side view.

Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the basement footprint. Detail view. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 16: Amethyst glass bottle top view.

Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the basement footprint.

Detail view. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 17: Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr E and Sawtelle Blvd. Detail view. Date:

5/12/2020.

Photo 18: Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr E and Sawtelle Blvd. Detail view. Date:

5/12/2020.

Photo 19: Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr E and Sawtelle Blvd. Detail view. Date:

6/4/2020.

Photo 20: Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in the vicinity of the intersection of Dowlen Dr E and Sawtelle Blvd. Detail view. Date:

5/20/2020.

Photo 21: Brick 1 with Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company stamp, ca 1887-1926.

Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in basement footprint. Detail view. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 22: Side view of Brick 1. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 23: Brick 2 with Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company stamp, ca 1887-1926.

Example of historic-era debris observed in the top 2 feet below surface in basement footprint. Detail view. Date: 5/12/2020.

Photo 24: Side view of Brick 2. Date: 5/12/2020.

APPENDIX II: DISCOVERIES LOG

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Appendix II: Discoveries Log West VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project

Discovery

Date Description Location Depth Context Measurements Diagnostics Age Range Original Photo #s NRHP Eligibility

1 5/12/20 Amber glass bottle fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

1" wide x 1 1/2" long x 1/4" thick

"Federal law forbids sale or reuse of this bottle"

Historic, ca 1935-1964

20200604_115829 Not elgible

2 5/12/20 Amber glass bottle base fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" long x 1/4" thick

N/A Historic 20200604_115818 Not eligible

3 5/12/20 Turqoise glass bottle base fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" long x 1/4" thick

Potential pontil scan at base

Historic 20200604_115801, 20200604_115751

Not eligible

4 5/12/20 Solarized glass bottle neck and finish

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

1" wide x 1 3/4" long x 1/4" thick

None Historic 20200604_115621, 20200604_115628

Not eligible

5 5/12/20 Turqouise glass bottle neck, finish, and shoulder

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/4" wide at shoulder, 1" wide at lip, 2" long, 1/4" thick

None Historic 20200604_115620, 20200604_115634

Not eligible

6 5/12/20 Amber glass bottle Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

Unknown Applied finish Historic 20200604_115056 Not eligible

7 5/12/20 Feature 1: Brick utility box 1

Basement footprint 1-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

3' wide x 2.5' long x 2' deep

N/A Historic 20200512_115302, 20200512_083806

Not eligible

8 5/12/20 LAPBCo brick 1 50 meters SE of the corner of Dowlen Drive East and Service Road

5" Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/8" wide x 8 1/8" long x 3 7/8" thick

Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company stamp

Historic, ca 1887-1926

28 Not eligible

Discoveries Log West Los Angeles VAMC Dietetics Building Replacement Project, May 2020-June 2021

9 5/20/20 Feature 2: Brick utility box 2

Basement footprint 1-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2' wide x 2' long x 2' deep

N/A Historic 20200520_141630, 20200520_141928, 20200520_142442, 20200520_144317, 20200520_144335

Not eligible

10 5/20/20 Olive tile fragment Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 3/8" wide x 1 1/2" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 001-003 Not eligible

11 5/20/20 Decorated purple/grey tile fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/8" wide x 1 5/8" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 004-006 Not eligible

12 5/20/20 Decorated turquoise tile fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/8" wide x 1 1/2" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 007-009 Not eligible

13 5/20/20 Dark red tile fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

1 5/8" wide x 1 1/2" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 010-012 Not eligible

14 5/20/20 Turquoise tile fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

1 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 013-015 Not eligible

15 5/20/20 Turquoise tile fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

0-3' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/4" wide x 1 1/4" long x 1/2" thick

None Historic 013-015 Not eligible

16 5/21/20 Brown ceramic rimsherd

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

3 1/4" wide x 2 1/4" long x 3/8" thick

None Historic 016-018 Not eligible

17 5/21/20 Miscellanous ferrous metal fragment

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 3/8" wide x 1" long x 3/16" thick

None Historic 019-020 Not eligible

18 5/27/20 LAPBCo brick 2 50 meters SE of the corner of Dowlen Drive East and Service Road

5-10' Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 7/8" wide x 7 7/8" long x 3 3/4" thick

Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company stamp

Historic, ca 1887-1926

29 Not eligible

19 6/15/20 Antrol Ant Killer green glass bottle

Backfill; basement footprint

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

1 3/8" wide x 2 7/8" long x 1 3/8" thick

Owens-Illinois makers mark

Historic, ca 1956-1962

021-023 Not eligible

20 7/20/20 Solarized glass bottle

50 meters SE of the corner of Dowlen Drive East and Service Road

Unknown (backfill)

Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/2" wide x 11" long x 2 1/2" thick

Owens-Illinois makers mark

Historic, ca

024-026 Not eligible

21 7/21/20 Simons brick fragment

50 meters SE of the corner of Dowlen Drive East and Service Road

6" Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/8" wide x 7 3/8" long x 4 1/4" thick

Simons brick company stamp

Historic, ca 1906-1952

27 Not eligible

22 7/21/20 LAPBCo brick fragment

50 meters SE of the corner of Dowlen Drive East and Service Road

6" Disturbed, modern and historic fill

2 1/8" wide x 8" long x 2 3/4" thick

Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company stamp

Historic, ca 1887-1926

30 Not eligible