The political turmoil in Avenal, a California city historically known for its oil industry, escalated Friday when county leaders ordered four City Council seats, previously vacated by a recall election, to be placed on the November ballot. The Kings County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution aimed at restoring representation to the Central California city, which has been embroiled in a months-long leadership crisis.
The decision follows an unprecedented standoff where four elected officials, overwhelmingly recalled by voters in April, refused to vacate their positions. The recalled officials argued that Kings County lacked the authority to administer the recall, as the city had not formally authorized it. This dispute led to legal battles, contentious public meetings, and law enforcement investigations targeting City Hall.
Supervisor Richard Valle, who introduced the motion, stated that the special election would help reinstate the representation voters desired. "It is my great honor and my privilege to make this motion today to put the four seats on the ballot and bring back and restore justice, freedom, and democracy to the city of Avenal," Valle said, according to ABC30.
Under California Elections Code Section 11381, recalled officials are prohibited from running in the special election. The county confirmed this interpretation with the California Secretary of State's office, according to Kings County Counsel Laurie Buelna.
This action occurred just one day after Councilmember Ricardo Verdugo, the sole council member to survive the recall, appointed himself mayor. City attorneys are expected to challenge Verdugo's self-appointed role, which he is set to hold until the November election.
Board Chairman Doug Verboon noted that the supervisors were responding to the frustration of residents impacted by the ongoing dispute. "We do not work for the government; we work for the people, and I believe the four individuals forgot who they work for," Verboon stated.
The recall effort in April saw over 76% of voters approve the removal of Mayor Alvaro Preciado and councilmembers Leticia Gamez, Pablo Hernandez, and David Reynosa. The city, located about 60 miles southwest of Fresno, gained prominence in the 1930s with the discovery of oil, leading to prosperous public services by 1940.