A political crisis in Avenal, a historic California oil town, escalated again Friday when Kings County leaders moved to put four contested City Council seats back before voters. The decision came just a day after the only councilmember to survive a recall election declared himself mayor.
The Kings County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling for the four Avenal City Council seats to appear on the November ballot. County officials said the special election is intended to restore representation after months of upheaval tied to the city’s bitter recall fight.
The dispute has left the Central California city, home to about 13,000 people and located roughly 60 miles southwest of Fresno, in an extraordinary standoff. Four elected officials who were decisively recalled by voters in April have refused to give up their offices.
Avenal has long been known for its oil history, having boomed in the 1930s after petroleum was discovered in the area. By 1940, the city had earned a reputation for having some of the strongest schools and public services in California.
Supervisor Richard Valle, who introduced the motion, said the new election would help deliver the representation voters had already called for, according to ABC30.
“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.
Kings County Counsel Laurie Buelna said California Elections Code Section 11381 prevents recalled officials from running in the special election. She added that the county confirmed that interpretation with the California Secretary of State’s office.
The supervisors’ vote followed another dramatic development: Councilmember Ricardo Verdugo, the lone member of the council who was not removed in the recall, appointed himself mayor on Thursday, intensifying the city’s already deep leadership crisis.
For now, Verdugo will continue serving in the self-appointed role until the November election, although city attorneys are expected to challenge the move.
Residents have pleaded with supervisors to end the months of political fighting that have consumed the city.
Board Chairman Doug Verboon said supervisors were acting on behalf of residents frustrated 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 said.
The latest showdown comes after a months-long legal and political battle that erupted when voters overwhelmingly approved the recall of Mayor Alvaro Preciado and councilmembers Leticia Gamez, Pablo Hernandez and David Reynosa, with each measure receiving more than 76% of the vote.
Instead of stepping down after the results were certified, the recalled officials voted to reject the election results and remain in office, arguing Kings County lacked the authority to administer the recall because the city never formally authorized it.
The dispute has since triggered courtroom battles, heated public meetings and sweeping law-enforcement raids targeting City Hall, a community center and several homes linked to the city’s leadership as investigators continue their probe.
