Indians’ Remains

Your otherwise carefully researched story (“Facts of O.C. Prehistory May Be Buried Forever,” Nov. 2) leaves the unfortunate and inaccurate impression that the excavation of ORA-64 in Newport Beach was performed improperly, under a cloak of secrecy and with little public notice.

In fact, our approvals to construct Harbor Cove were gained after a lengthy process of public reports and hearings open to citizens and interest groups, as well as the news media. Further, midway through the excavation we invited the media to a briefing.

For decades this general area has been well known to have archeological significance. That is precisely why our public approvals from the city of Newport Beach and the California Coastal Commission required that the Irvine Co. sponsor a sophisticated and professional effort to thoroughly excavate one site on which development was planned, report findings to the public and make artifacts available for public viewing and study at an appropriate museum or institution of higher education. Four other promising sites have been left untouched in the surrounding open space.

Further, the excavation was monitored daily by Native American tribal representatives. And the handling of human remains was overseen by Most Likely Descendants selected by the California Native American Heritage Commission. We followed their wishes with respect to the reburial of remains with appropriate ceremonial dignity.

Contrary to your headline, we believe that the Native American communities, the archeological community and the public will have a wealth of valuable new information about life adjacent to Newport Harbor as many as 9,000 years ago.

LARRY THOMAS

Senior vice president

The Irvine Co.