This California town booted out its leaders. Now they’re refusing to leave

Avenal has been rocked by the council’s refusal to accept the results of a recall election – and the repercussions extend far beyond the Central valley From the outside, the city of Avenal appears to embody every bit of its motto – an “oasis in the sun”.

Approaching the community, passing through the dusty yellow hillsides of the Central valley, Avenal emerges with a sudden burst of green on the horizon.

Its small-town feel and quiet tree-lined streets offer respite from the bustling Interstate 5 about five miles away.

But trouble is brewing here that has brought this lonesome city national attention.

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