Introduction: The Growing Recall Storm
The City of Avenal is in the middle of one of the most contentious recall efforts in recent history. Four city council members are being targeted for removal. The recall drive began as a dispute over fire protection services but has since grown into a broader conflict over transparency, public trust, and the use of government property in political campaigns.
What makes this recall different from many others is the role of Kings County Fire and the county’s potential stake in the outcome. Recall leaders have repeatedly pointed to the city’s unwillingness to finalize a contract with Kings County Fire as the reason for their campaign. At the same time, recall supporters have been documented sitting under canopies on county property, specifically at the Avenal Fire Station, which is located together with the Old County Courthouse. At that site, tables and paperwork for signatures were present, and signature gathering was underway. In other images, taken at different locations, recall signage clearly displayed the name and station number of Kings County Fire Station 12 Avenal, making it appear as though the department itself was tied to the campaign.
When combined with social media statements from recall leader Ginger Wallis, who has acknowledged working with Kings County Fire, and public comments from Supervisor Richard Valle, who admitted awareness of the issue but clarified that he does not endorse the recall, a troubling picture emerges. The evidence raises a critical question: Has Kings County maintained the neutrality required of a public agency, or has it allowed its property and its identity to become part of a political campaign that directly benefits the county?
Section 1: The Recall Effort in Context
The recall targets four sitting members of the Avenal City Council. Recall proponents claim the council has failed to be transparent, particularly regarding negotiations over fire protection contracts. They argue that the city is ignoring community safety by resisting a long-term agreement with Kings County Fire.
The City of Avenal has pointed to concerns about contract terms, including a six-month termination clause that does not give the fire chief much stability, and financial implications that would significantly impact the city budget. This hesitation to finalize a deal has been seized upon by recall leaders as evidence of poor governance.
The county, however, stands to gain if the recall succeeds. If Avenal signs a long-term contract with Kings County Fire, the county secures more revenue and expands its operational footprint. That fact alone heightens the importance of county neutrality in this political battle.
Section 2: The Fire Station Property Evidence
One of the most striking pieces of evidence is a photo showing recall supporters seated under a canopy on the lawn in front of the Avenal Fire Station, which sits on the same county property as the Old County Courthouse. Tables and chairs were set up, and signature gathering was actively taking place.
Unlike sidewalks or public parks, a fire station and a county courthouse are not open public forums. These are operational government facilities, and their primary purposes are emergency response and public administration. Allowing political activity on such property creates the impression of county involvement, particularly when the recall itself is directly tied to fire service contracts.
The issue is not only about legality but also about perception. Residents seeing recall tables set up on fire station and courthouse property could reasonably believe that Kings County Fire, or the county itself, supports the recall. That undermines the principle of government neutrality.
Section 3: The Use of County Logos and Station Identity
At other locations where recall supporters were present, signage was used. Photos show signs marked “Kings County Station 12 Avenal” with firefighter imagery. The combination of the station number, the Kings County Fire name, and slogans like “Help Save Our Fire Department” ties the recall effort directly to county fire identity.
Under California Government Code, county seals, insignia, and logos are protected from unauthorized use. They cannot be used in election campaigns. The law is designed to prevent voters from being misled into believing that a public agency officially endorses a political cause. Even if the signage is hand-drawn, the intent and appearance are clear: it uses county identity to strengthen a political campaign.
This action deepens the concern that county resources and reputation are being leveraged inappropriately.
Section 4: The Recall Leader’s Statements
Recall leader Ginger Wallis has been outspoken on social media. In lengthy comments, she acknowledged that she has worked with Kings County Fire on the department’s contract negotiations with the City of Avenal. She also expressed strong support for the county’s firefighters, noting their long-standing service in the community and arguing that Avenal’s resistance to a contract reflects poor transparency.
Wallis stated that she respects Supervisor Richard Valle but acknowledged that he has not endorsed the recall. Even so, her statements connect the recall effort to the interests of Kings County Fire. That direct tie between the recall leader and the county fire department blurs the line between grassroots advocacy and government alignment.
Section 5: Supervisor Valle’s Clarification
In the same Facebook thread where recall supporters were pictured at the county fire station, Supervisor Richard Valle issued a public response. He stated clearly:
His public comments have only related to transparency in the fire situation.
He is against the lack of transparency but has not endorsed the recall.
He wanted to clarify the post as it related to him personally.
Valle’s response is significant for two reasons. First, it confirms that county leadership is aware of recall activity taking place on county property. Second, while he distances himself from endorsing the recall, his involvement in the same thread underscores the fact that this issue is happening in plain sight of elected officials. If the county is aware, why has it not acted to enforce neutrality?
Section 6: The Legal Framework
California law prohibits the use of public resources to support or oppose recall efforts, ballot measures, or candidates. Public resources include not only funds but also facilities, logos, equipment, and staff time.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has ruled that even the appearance of government endorsement can trigger violations. For example, using a city seal on a flyer, or holding campaign events in restricted government facilities, has been deemed unlawful in past cases.
In this case, two violations appear possible:
The use of county property: Recall supporters were on the grounds of the Avenal Fire Station and Old County Courthouse, which are not open public forums.
The use of county logos and station identity: Campaign signage displayed Kings County Fire identity, which is unauthorized in an election campaign.
If left unaddressed, both issues could be grounds for legal complaints or FPPC investigations.
Section 7: The Conflict of Interest
The recall is centered on whether Avenal should sign a long-term contract with Kings County Fire. If the recall succeeds, the county benefits financially and operationally. That alone creates a natural conflict of interest.
When recall organizers then use county property and county insignia to campaign, the conflict deepens. Even if county officials insist they are not involved, the optics suggest otherwise. In political matters, perception is powerful. Residents may reasonably conclude that the county is helping recall supporters, whether intentionally or by allowing it to happen unchecked.
Section 8: The Public Trust Issue
The people of Avenal deserve a recall campaign that is free from government interference. Whether one supports or opposes the recall, the central issue is trust. Can Kings County be relied upon to remain neutral when it has a direct interest in the outcome?
Public trust depends on fairness and transparency. If county property and logos are being used in a recall campaign, and if county officials are aware but do not intervene, then that trust is at risk. Residents may lose confidence not only in the recall process but also in county governance as a whole.
Section 9: Possible Next Steps
There are several paths forward:
County action: Kings County officials can establish and enforce clear rules prohibiting the use of county property and logos for political purposes.
Legal challenge: Opponents of the recall may file complaints with the FPPC or the courts if they believe neutrality has been violated.
Public accountability: Residents of Avenal and Kings County can demand explanations from their elected leaders, including Supervisor Valle, about what steps will be taken to protect neutrality.
Conclusion: A Question That Demands an Answer
The evidence is now public. Recall supporters have been documented on county fire station and courthouse property, actively gathering signatures. At other locations, signage used Kings County Fire identity and station numbers. The recall leader has admitted working with Kings County Fire. A county supervisor has acknowledged the issue in public comments.
This review is not about accusing county officials of endorsing the recall. It is about asking the question: Has Kings County allowed its property, its identity, and its reputation to become part of a political campaign where it has a direct stake in the outcome?
Until that question is answered with transparency and accountability, the integrity of the recall process and the neutrality of county government will remain in doubt.
Screenshot via Facebook, Avenal Citizens group, showing recall supporters under a canopy on Kings County Fire Station property, which is located together with the Old County Courthouse. The original post can be viewed at this link, although commenting has since been disabled.
Recall supporters pictured under a canopy on Kings County Fire Station grounds, which are located together with the Old County Courthouse. Photo via Facebook, Avenal Citizens group.
Photograph obtained by Kings Network News from a community member.
Screenshot via Facebook, Avenal Citizens group, showing recall supporters under a canopy on Kings County Fire Station property, which is located together with the Old County Courthouse, along with public comments from recall leader Ginger Wallis and Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle. Comments on this post have been turned off as of the time of writing this article.
At Kings Network News, we support public safety in all forms. Whether Avenal chooses to remain with county services, maintain a volunteer fire department, or employ its own paid firefighters is entirely up to the community. Our focus is on ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the process.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
