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

Metro Kiss of death for oil boomtown’s council who overruled their recall — as new mayor seizes total power By Nina Joudeh Published July 12, 2026, 10:36 p.m. Add The California Post on Google 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.