Kiss of death for oil boomtown’s council who overruled their recall — as new mayor seizes total power

The political meltdown gripping a historic California oil town took another dramatic turn Friday after county leaders ordered four disputed City Council seats back onto the ballot – just one day after the lone councilmember who survived a recall declared himself mayor.

The Kings County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution placing four Avenal City Council seats up for election in November, saying the move would restore representation after months of turmoil stemming from the city’s explosive recall battle.

The decision follows an unprecedented standoff in the Central California city of about 13,000 residents, roughly 60 miles southwest of Fresno, where four elected officials overwhelmingly recalled by voters in April have refused to leave office.

The city is famous for its booming in the 1930s after the discovery of oil in the area. By 1940, the city had some of the best schools and public services in California.

Supervisor Richard Valle, who brought the motion forward, said the special election would help restore the representation voters demanded, 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.

Under California Elections Code Section 11381, recalled officials are barred from running in the special election, according to Kings County Counsel Laurie Buelna, who said the county confirmed the interpretation with the California Secretary of State’s office.

The vote came just one day after Councilmember Ricardo Verdugo, the only member of the council who survived the recall election, appointed himself mayor – further deepening the city’s 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.