Avenal recall dispute flares after delay. ‘Probably going to lead to handcuffs’

Avenal recall organizers accused city officials of using another stall tactic to keep in office the city mayor and three council members who have been recalled by voters. What the city claims was an illegal recall election process has become a long legal dispute.

City officials and recall organizers clashed outside the Kings County courthouse in Hanford on Monday after a judge continued the civil injunction case against the city until next month.

“As we say all the time, there are two ways we can do this, handcuffs or peacefully, and right now they are choosing the hard way,” recall supporter Ginger Wallis said after learning the hearing was pushed back. “So, it’s probably going to lead to handcuffs.“

Residents initiated the recall of four of the five City Council members last summer, citing perceived disrespect toward constituents, lack of transparency and accountability and Brown Act violations.

Avenal residents seek to stop recalled council members from continuing to act as city officials and spending public money after the recall election was certified in May. The recall election had more than 73% voter approval.

Supporters of the recall packed Judge Robert S. Burns’ courtroom, hoping for a favorable decision. Instead, the city had filed paperwork late Friday to have the case moved to another courtroom and another judge. The next court date is set for July 14.

Avenal attempted to stop the April 28 recall election through Kings County Superior Court and the Fifth Court of Appeal in Fresno. Both courts denied the city’s attempts to halt the recall. Burns was the presiding judge in the Kings County’s case allowing the recall election to proceed as scheduled.

“As we’ve stated before, we’re waiting for our day in court, looking forward to presenting our side, our case, and having something later on through the quo warranto process, which is how this should be addressed, and having you know a decision on the merits,“ said City Manager Antony Lopez outside of court. “There needs to be a thorough review of all the nuances to this case.”

Earlier this month, proponents of the recall filed a quo warranto application, which was approved by state Attorney General Rob Bonta on June 17. It cleared the path to file a lawsuit against the recalled city officials: Mayor Alvaro Preciado and Councilmembers Leticia Gamez, Pablo Hernandez and David Reynosa.

Last Thursday, city officials were served with a temporary restraining order during another City Council meeting marked by tension over the recall of four members and their refusal to leave office.

The recalled officials have refused to accept the results of the recall, refused to vacate office, and voted to stay in office at their June 11 meeting.

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Avenal recall dispute flares after delay. ‘Probably going to lead to handcuffs’."

María G. Ortiz-Briones

The Fresno Bee

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María G. Ortiz-Briones is a reporter and photographer for McClatchy’s Vida en el Valle publication and the Fresno Bee. She covers issues that impact the Latino community in the Central Valley. She is a regular contributor to La Abeja, The Bee’s free weekly newsletter on Latino issues. | María G. Ortiz-Briones es reportera y fotógrafa de la publicación Vida en el Valle de McClatchy y el Fresno Bee. Ella cubre temas que impactan a la comunidad latina en el Valle Central. Es colaboradora habitual de La Abeja, el boletín semanal gratuito de The Bee sobre temas latinos. Support my work with a digital subscription