LAGUNA BEACH

The group leading the recall effort against the Festival of Arts board of directors recently incorporated to bolster its status and effectiveness.

The Committee to Keep the Festival in Laguna Beach Inc. made the move so the community can better appreciate the seriousness of its opposition to moving the festival in San Clemente, said Bruce Rasner, the group’s president.

With its new nonprofit status, the committee can now solicit tax-deductible donations. An estimated 100 volunteers work with the group, making phone calls and attending meetings, Rasner said. About seven attorneys are working pro bono to help the group’s recall efforts, Rasner said.