The Terminal Early Period defined who the Chumash would become.  The different groups began to establish small settlements.  They would travel to one specific location, then return.  They would gather acorns then return to the settlement to prepare them.  They had larger mortars and pestles for grinding the acorn.  Plus, they recognized acorn as a major food source and figure out how to leach the toxins from them.  The only endeavor left was how to store the acorn flour.

Hunting was developed, as well.  Atlatl, arrows thrown by a sling-stick, came into use to hunt large animals- deer, elk, and even sea lions and seals.  The meat was brought back to the settlements.  And, shellfish still remained as a major source in their diets.

Finally, with settlements came communications.  A common tongue became distinct: Proto-Chumash.