Caution Urged in Hellman Ranch Excavation

Native Americans and archeologists are calling for a more thorough study of the Hellman Ranch property, contending a dozen identified archeological sites there are threatened by proposed development.

The comments came during a public meeting this week before a city-appointed Archeological Advisory Committee that is considering excavation plans for the site.

Southland scientists and Native Americans said they wanted to halt any rushed archeological research to avoid missing important ancient cultural information.

The public comment period ends Sept. 1. By mid-September, city staff members expect to forward an excavation plan to the City Council for consideration.

Area researchers say the Hellman Ranch sites are the only remaining prehistoric archeological sites in Seal Beach.

The Hellman Ranch property, 231 acres off Seal Beach Boulevard near the Naval Weapons Station, contains 12 identified sites that KEA Environmental, the archeological firm the city hired with approval of Gabrieleno-Digueno tribe members, will excavate for their cultural importance.

“It’s important that people understand the history that is behind this property and what Native Americans had to give up,” said Eugene E. Ruyle, an anthropology professor at Cal State Long Beach.

The Hellman family, which has owned the land for more than 100 years, is proposing to build 70 homes, an 18-hole public golf course and limited commercial space.

The project also specifies restoration and preservation of more than 40 acres of wetlands and park grounds, where cultural resources will be preserved, said Dave Bartlett, a Hellman family representative.