Indian remains found at Shea site. Archaeologists excavate site before work on detention basin begins 

A group of county-contracted archaeologists are studying 2000-year old remains of two Bay Miwok Native Americans recently uncovered near the old Shea Homes building outside the Rossmoor gate.

The archaeologists must record and remove artifacts and human remains from the site before the detention basin expansion begins. The area will be excavated by heavy equipment to at least 12 feet, which would destroy anything not removed.

Contra Costa County Flood Control District says that the existing detention basin at Rossmoor's entrance needs to be expanded to prevent flooding of homes located downstream in Tice Valley. The work on the basin will begin when the archaeologists are finished with the excavation.

The most recent search for remains on the property began this past February by another group of archaeologists. A series of 20 holes (20 feet deep) revealed the two sets of remains. The team noted location and filled the holes until Contra Costa County approved a methodology for excavation.

The county contracted Orinda-based William Self Associates (WSA) to coordinate the dig. WSA specializes in archaeology and historic preservation at construction sites.

Heather Price, Ph.D., heads the six-member team from WSA. She expects more remains will be found as the work continues. The February test digs revealed a new location nearby with interesting artifacts.

According to the archaeologists, Tice Creek runs essentially the same route as 2,000 years ago, and since the early inhabitants used deer antlers and sticks to dig, they preferred the soft soil near creeks and rivers for burial.

Also on site is Andrew Galvan, a Native American representative referred to the county by the Native American Heritage Commission, and partner of an archaeology firm in Fremont that consults on Native American excavations in the Bay Area. The Native American Heritage Commission considers Galvan the "most likely descendent" of the burials since he has Ohlone and Miwok ancestors.

A passionate advocate of the early inhabitants, Galvan is also curator at Mission San Francisco de Asis (also called Mission Dolores). According to Galvan, who worked this site in the 1980s, '90s and this past February, Miwok Indians fleeing mission life stopped here on the way from San Francisco to the Carquinez Straits.

Galvan monitors the work and collaborates with the other archaeologists to determine culturally sensitive methods.

As part of the planning process, Galvan submitted pages of suggested guidelines, including one that prohibits smoking in the dig area. Galvan said, "tobacco has spiritual meaning in Indian culture Š smoking here is inappropriate." In any case, cigarette ash could taint carbon dating.

Galvan also discourages prayers at burial sites. He explained "we don't know the burial practices - if you want to pray, it's for you."

The archaeologists already know the age of the remains from obsidian flakes found in February. Water penetrates new surfaces on obsidian at a known rate, and scientists measured the intrusion to calculate when the flakes were buried. Two pieces date the site from 1,750 to 1,900 years old.

Even after all that time, the unearthed bones remain recognizable and largely intact. The archaeologists feel simple burial methods contributed to the preservation. Lack of oxygen from wrapping the body in animal skins and burying in a dirt-filled grave delayed decomposition.

The location protected the bones too. Seasonal flooding deposited layers of dirt, quickly protecting the bones from heat and surface moisture.

Osteologist/archaeologist Eric Strother examined the skeletons and speculated the sex and age at burial from tooth wear and characteristics of the pelvis bones: an older male and a young male.

The archaeologists also found red ochre pigment on one skeleton, probably an adornment applied to the flesh at burial. Bits of charcoal found in the grave perplexed Strother: were they buried with the body? Was something burned next to the body before burial? Did someone unknowingly build a fire on the grave?

All remains and artifacts will be removed, photographed and catalogued. As the most likely descendent, Galvan determines disposition. He intends to rebury the remains on site when the retention basin work finishes.

The excavation is a construction site, so visitors are unwelcome for safety reasons. The remains are covered at night by steel plates.

Indian remains found at Shea site. Archaeologists excavate site before work on detention basin begins 

A group of county-contracted archaeologists are studying 2000-year old remains of two Bay Miwok Native Americans recently uncovered near the old Shea Homes building outside the Rossmoor gate.

Devil Mountain's majesty caught from all angles through this resident's watchful lens 

He may be a former pastor, but he's not above courting the devil - or, more precisely, the devil's mountain. Ever since moving to Eagle Ridge four years ago, Duke Robinson has had a love affair with the hulking form that stares back at him when he looks out the back side of his manor.

Eagle Ridge buildings get solar-powered attic fans 

As a part of the settlement agreement between Mutual 68 in Eagle Ridge and Shea Homes, Shea has agreed to pay for the installation of solar-powered attic fans on all of the buildings in the Mutual. These fans will increase the air turnover in the attic spaces and reduce the attic temperature by several degrees.

Farmers Market reopens at Gateway parking lot on Friday 

Just in time for Memorial Day, the Certified Farmers Market reopens in Rossmoor on Friday, May 28. The market will return to the Gateway parking lot and will be open from 9:30 a.m. to noon throughout the summer.

First Mutual to appoint new director on Friday 

As announced in the May 5 Rossmoor News, First Mutual will hold a special meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 28, prior to the regular board meeting, to appoint an interim director for District 5. All members are invited to attend.

Fourth Mutual approves new policies 

At its meeting of May 17, the board of Fourth Mutual approved two new policies. One is a revised policy on delinquent assessments, and the other is a schedule of fines.

Fourth Mutual seeks nominations to its board. Incumbent Mike Herr to run 

Fourth Mutual will be having its annual members' meeting in August and any member seeking nomination to that board must have a petition submitted during the month of June.

GRF Board to hear presentation on moving Public Safety into Multipurpose Rooms 

Public Safety will make a presentation at the GRF Board meeting tomorrow, May 27, on why its offices need to move to Multipurpose Rooms 1 and 2 at Gateway.

GRF Policy Committee will recommend that escorted guests be allowed at Fitness Center 

The GRF Board Policy Committee went back to the drawing board and has come up with a new recommendation on a policy governing guest use of community facilities that is not as restrictive as recommended last month.

ID bar code trial at Dollar set to go 

The bar code reader trial program at Dollar pool is ready to go into operation and may start this week. The program was delayed a few weeks so SBC could install a phone line.

Local teacher to talk to Democrats 

Esteemed educator Melanie D. Rich Perkins will speak about education at the meeting of the Democrats of Rossmoor on Thursday, May 27, at 7 p.m. in the Diablo Room at Hillside Clubhouse.

MEICOR presents Israeli deputy consulate 

The Middle East Information Council of Rossmoor (MEICOR) will present Omer Caspi, deputy consul-general of the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco, on Sunday, June 13, at 4 p.m. in the Diablo Room of Hillside Clubhouse. His topic will be "Recent Events Affecting Progress in the Middle East."

Mutual 22 mails out second proxy on annual meeting 

The 34th annual meeting of members of Walnut Creek Mutual 22 will be held on Monday, June 7, at 10 a.m. in the Mutual's Recreation Room, 4033 Terra Granada Drive, Walnut Creek.

Mutual Eight to hold annual meeting 

The 35th annual meeting of members of Walnut Creek Mutual Eight will be held on Tuesday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m. in the Vista Room at Hillside Clubhouse, 3400 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek.

Newcomers to hear from GRF CEO Steve Adams 

The next Newcomers meeting will convene on Monday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Dollar Clubhouse on Stanley Dollar Drive. Speakers for this meeting include Golden Rain Foundation Chief Executive Officer Steve Adams.

Republican Club to hear from party chairman, convention delegate at dinner meeting 

The head of the San Francisco Republican Party, Michael A. DeNunzio, will be the speaker at the Republican Club Dinner meeting on Wednesday, June 9. DeNunzio is also chairman of Development Services Group, consultants to nonprofit organizations.

Rossmoor Flea Market is this Saturday 

More than 80 Rossmoor residents and organizations will be selling their wares at the Rossmoor Flea Market this Saturday, May 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Gateway complex.

Ruggie's will reopen Creekside Café 

This summer, the café at Creekside will get another chance. Longtime Rossmoor caterer Ruggie Van Muijen of Ruggie's will step in and oversee the on-site restaurant's new incarnation.

Runoff election under way for GRF District G seat 

Due to a tie, a run-off election is being held between Ron Moschel and Gene Wolfe for the District G seat on the GRF Board.

Scholarship Foundation elects new officers for new year 

The Rossmoor Scholarship board of trustees has elected officers for the next year. They are: Gordon Britz, president; Bill Regan, vice president; Marilyn Moore, secretary; Jim McNamara, corresponding secretary; Jim Riggs, treasurer; and Nell Fraser, assistant treasurer.

See Marines perform in Memorial Day video presentation 

In observance of Memorial Day, Sunday, May 30, the Veterans History Project of Rossmoor and the Recreation Department will bring the United State Marine Marching Band and Drum and Bugle Corps to Rossmoor in a special movie at Peacock Hall at 10 a.m.

Show business great Buddy Bregman brings brand new show to Rossmoor 

A brand new show written and starring internationally known conductor, arranger, producer, writer and director Buddy Bregman will make its world premier in the Sierra Room at the Del Valle Clubhouse on Wednesday, June 9, at 7 p.m.

Third Mutual annual meeting to be held June 8 

The formal announcement of Third Walnut Creek Mutual's 30th annual meeting was mailed to the members last week. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 8, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room, Gateway Clubhouse.

Walnut Creek Memorial Day events include dedication of Veterans Plaza 

City of Walnut Creek officials will dedicate the new Veterans Memorial Plaza and City Hall in separate ceremonies on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The program will begin at noon at the plaza at Civic Drive and North Broadway.