Orange County Coastkeeper

“Garry Brown (President & CEO) and Ellen Orange Brown (Associate Director & CFO) have a family relationship.”

“The Organization contracts with a public accounting firm to prepare the information returns. Prior to filing the Form 990, a draft of the information returns are sent to the Associate Director/CFO for review. The following procedures are performed during the review process: 1) Ensure the Form 990 agrees to the audited financial statements. 2) Confirms other information reported in the Form 990 information return were correct to the best of her knowledge. After her review process is complete, the Board of Directors reviews and approves the information returns.”

“On a day-to-day basis, Management is aware of the adopted policies ranging from record retentions to acceptance of donations and gifts. All grants, contracts, compensation are monitored for potential conflicts of interest. All employees, board members, and independent contractors are monitored. No conflicts of interest, past or present, have occurred.”

“The Organization maintains an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. It is comprised of the current offices of the Corporation and the present and past Chairpersons of the Board. As per the Organization's bylaws, the Executive Committee deals with all matters involving personnel, including each year establishing salaries and bonus levels for each of the primary and key employees. Garry Brown, CEO, does not participate in the meetings regarding his compensation.”

“The Organization maintains an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. It is comprised of the current offices of the Corporation and the present and past Chairpersons of the Board. As per the Organization's bylaws, the Executive Committee deals with all matters involving personnel, including each year establishing salaries and bonus levels for each of the primary and key employees. Garry Brown, CEO, does not participate in the meetings regarding his compensation.”

“The Organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Restoration- The Organization has restored local marine habitats. In the near shore water, giant Kelp was brought back from Newport Beach to Dana Point. In Upper Newport Harbor and Alamitos Bay eelgrass was planted and it thrives to now, four acres. Next to the eelgrass beds, we installed substrates to restore Olympia Oysters. Restoring eelgrass next to Oysters is part of the California Living Shoreline program and is proving a natural buffer against sediment erosion in sea level rise. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: Research- The Organization conducts numerous monitoring of activities such as its Marine Protected Area (MPA), Santa Ana River Mouth (SAR), Aliso Creek Berm, and collects water samples throughout the region. The data is collected and reports are prepared to assist in public policy decisions. Special Projects include programs to engage residents of the region on specific issues in collaboration with the State. The Organization conducts campaigns to support or oppose specific proposed development projects, permits, utilities, actions that impact coastal or inland waterways.”