Avenal officials, recall organizers clash outside Kings County courthouse

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cameras were not allowed in the Kings County Courtroom, where the City of Avenal and residents had their first court appearance.

The hearing about the recall of four city council members was pushed back two weeks.

But outside of the courthouse, tensions continued between the city mayor, the city manager and recall organizers.

"We have been saying there are two ways you can do this, handcuffs peacefully, and right now they are choosing the hard way; it's probably gonna lead to handcuffs," said recall supporter Ginger Wallis.

A group of Avenal residents has been pushing for a recall of four of the city's 5 council members.

Recall advocates began their efforts last year after receiving a letter from the city stating plans for changes to fire services.

"This recall was not started because of the fire contract; it was done because of the lack of transparency because of that fire contract. Transparency, no accountability and very duplicitous behavior as you are seeing right now," said recall organizer Dalila Barajas.

Last week, Kings County served Avenal a cease-and-desist letter stating that city council members recalled in an election this Spring are not legally authorized to spend public funds.

The City's manager and mayor say due process should be followed.

"If we acknowledge this illegal recall election as a legal recall election, I won't be there; none of the other people will be there; the city needs to continue moving every single day, providing services to our community," said Avenal Mayor Alvaro Preciado.

City Manager Antony Lopez also emphasized the need for further review.

"Because this is an ex parte petition we don't feel that this should be moved so quickly, i think there needs to be a thorough review of nuances throughout the case, it should go through the Kuranta process, as allowed by the AG," Lopez said.

The next court appearance is expected on Tuesday, July 14.

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