ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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expansion occurred. Little evidence is present for development of regularized exchange relations. Artifacts diagnostic of this period include the bowl mortar and pestle,which first appear in the archaeological record during this time, and large projectile points. The increased complexity of social and political factors marks the Upper Archaic Period(3000-1500 B.P.). The development of status distinctions based on wealth is well documented and group-oriented religions emerge. Some indications suggest that these religions may represent the origins of the Kuksu religious system at the end of the period. Exchange systems grew more complex with evidence of regular, sustained exchanges between groups. Shell beads gained in significance as possible indicators of personal status and as important trade items. During this period,large projectile points are still found in lithic assemblages, and the bowl mortar and pestle replace the milling stone and hand stone throughout most of the state. Several technological and social changes distinguish the Emergent Period(500-200 B.P.). The bow and arrow are introduced during this period and ultimately replace the dart and atlatl. Territorial boundaries between groups become well established and closely resemble those documented in the ethnographic literature. Distinctions in individual social status become increasingly linked to acquired material wealth. Exchange of goods between groups becomes more regularized with more material, including raw materials, entering into the exchange networks. In the latter portion of this period, exchange relations become highly regularized and sophisticated. The clam disk bead becomes a monetary unit for exchange, and increasing quantities of goods were moved greater distances. Craft specialization arises and individuals or groups of craftsperson govern various aspects of production and exchange of trade goods in particular. During the latter part of this period, consistent contact with Euro-American populations becomes regular and sustained. ETHNOGRAPHIC CONTEXT Ethnographically,the Northern Valley Yokuts occupied the project vicinity—that is,the land on either side of the San Joaquin River from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to south of Mendota. The Diablo range probably marked the Yokuts' western boundary(Wallace 1978); the eastern edge would have lain along the Sierra Nevada foothills. Yokuts occupation of the northern parts of the range may be relatively recent, as linguistic evidence points toward an earlier Miwok occupation. The Yokuts gradually expanded their range northward and clearly occupied the area during the Spanish Colonial period,as evidenced by mixed historic and prehistoric artifact assemblages. The late prehistoric Yokuts may have been the largest ethnic group in precontact California. Euro-American contact with the Northern Valley Yokuts began with infrequent excursions by Spanish explorers traveling through the Sacramento–San Joaquin Valley in the late 1700s to early 1800s. In general, early contacts between the Native Americans and Euro-Americans were not positive. Many Yokuts were lured or captured by missionaries and scattered among the various missions, although many escaped and returned to the valley. Yokut raiding parties targeting the Spanish(and later Mexican)cattle herds became prevalent, leading to retaliatory action by the settlers. The malaria epidemic of 1833 decimated the Yokut population,killing thousands and severely disturbing traditional cultural patterns. The influx of Europeans during the Gold Rush era further reduced the population through additional diseases and violent relations with the miners. Although there was no gold in the Yokuts territory,miners passing through on their way to the diggings caused a certain amount of upheaval. HISTORIC CONTEXT The earliest known European settlers in the San Joaquin County area were trappers with the Hudson's Bay Company,many of whom were of French descent. Several of these early settlers inhabited the area still known today as French Camp. While early European trappers and explorers may have paved the way for future non- Indian settlement of the project area and its vicinity,the establishment of the Spanish land grant ranchos had a lasting impact on the cultural, social, economic, and physical landscape. EDAW Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR Cultural Resources 4.12-2 City of Manteca