LAGUNA BEACH
An Orange County Superior Court judge has ruled that Festival of Arts President Sherri M. Butterfield, who was recalled this week, is wrongfully in possession of property of the Festival of Arts Foundation.
The Festival of Arts Foundation sought an injunction to recover its books and records. The foundation is run separately from the festival and awards about $150,000 annually to Laguna Beach students and charities from the festival’s savings and investments.
Judge Raymond J. Ikola ruled Thursday that all corporate property of the foundation must be turned over to its directors. Butterfield had served as secretary of the foundation and handled administrative documents in that role. She said Thursday she believed she remained secretary despite the recall.
She said she would turn the materials over to the directors. “My concern is only about the money being managed in the right way,” Butterfield said.
Members of the festival recalled the board to stop a proposed move of the 68-year Laguna Beach institution to San Clemente.
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