Recalled Avenal officials refuse to leave office

Four elected officials in Avenal, California, including Mayor Alvaro Preciado, were recalled in April but refuse to leave office.

Councilman Ricardo Verdugo has launched a rival government, holding meetings at an elementary school after the recalled officials retained control of City Hall.

The crisis stems from a dispute over fire services: the city sought to create its own department after Kings County proposed raising the annual fire protection bill from $450,000 to $1.1 million.

Many residents opposed the new fire department, citing lack of transparency and the $1 million cost for new equipment.

California's attorney general has become involved in the power struggle.