California: Second Alameda Councilmember expected to face recall effort

The recall effort against Council member Malia Vella is proceeding, despite the success of the progressive faction that Vella belongs to in the November election. There is also talk of a recall against Council member Jim Oddie, who won in November (that recall cannot start until the waiting period ends for newly elected officials). The Democratic Party has already denounced the move.

The recall is over  the dismissal of the City Manager. There are accusations that the City Manager was being pressured to hire a fire chief backed by the firefighters' union. The City Manager secretly recorded a conversation with Vella and another council member claiming that they improperly pushed for a different fire chief.

Petitioners need 9421 signatures to get on the ballot.