Possible Ruins Found on Hellman Ranch
An archeological survey of the 183-acre Hellman Ranch property has turned up what may be the ruins of a prehistoric house, which would be a rare find. But researchers caution that it might turn out to be nothing more than impressions in the earth left by a water tank.
“We don’t know if it’s a prehistoric house, but if it turns out to be one, it’s a very, very unique find,” archeologist E. Gary Stickel told City Council members Monday night.
Stickel has confirmed that there are 13 Native American archeological sites on the Hellman Ranch property, on Seal Beach Boulevard across from the U.S. Naval Weapons Station. Similar sites have been found in the city that date back 4,000 years, he said.
Stickel, a consulting archeologist with Environmental Research Archeologists in Los Angeles, discovered a circular shape under the soil on the Hellman Ranch property using aerial photography and infrared film. The circle is similar in size to known prehistoric houses built by the ancestors of the Gabrielino and Juaneno tribes, he said.
City officials are expected to authorize further study of the site.
The archeological review is part of the groundwork for a 66-home development proposed by the Hellman family.
Mayor Gwen Forsythe said she does not expect the archeological sites to block the development.
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