A majority of Anaheim City Council members have now publicly addressed allegations against Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, with three council members specifically calling for an expedited investigation into claims that the mayor made racist and homophobic remarks. There are also increasing calls for the public release of documents detailing these allegations.
This week's developments follow Councilwoman Natalie Meeks' public call for an investigation a week prior. The allegations were first reported after the mayor's chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, claimed Mayor Aitken made racist and homophobic comments directed at her. Mayor Aitken denies these allegations.
During Tuesday's city council meeting, Councilwoman Norma Campos Kurtz voiced her support for Councilwoman Meeks' demand for an expedited investigation. Kurtz further stated that if the allegations are proven correct, she would request the mayor's resignation. She also requested a special closed-door meeting of the city council to discuss the "threat of litigation stemming from the alleged conduct of the mayor." Additionally, Kurtz sought an update on the public release of the claims documents submitted by Ballinas and the status of the investigation.
Mayor Aitken, who is up for reelection in November, responded to Kurtz's comments during the meeting. The mayor stated she had already called for an independent investigation and welcomed it to clear her name, emphasizing a belief in being "innocent until proven guilty." She also remarked on Kurtz's timing, noting the comments came "two weeks after this has happened" and described it as "kicking me while I’m down."
Councilwoman Kristen Maahs also spoke on the issue, stating, "There is no room for racism in our city period." Maahs expressed concern for both residents and city staff, looking forward to all facts becoming known. She criticized any use of the situation for political gain, calling it a "lack of character." Maahs later clarified that she is half Mexican.
Councilman Ryan Balius joined the growing calls for an expedited investigation, reiterating a strong belief in "innocent until proven guilty." Balius clarified that his silence in the previous week indicated agreement with Councilwoman Meeks' initial call for an investigation. He also suggested that the mayor might consider suspending her public calendar until the investigation concludes, citing community pain and likening it to staff being placed on investigatory leave.
The discussion at the council meeting followed public comments from scores of residents who questioned the council's earlier silence on the matter. Among the speakers was former City Councilman Jose Moreno, who is the president of the Latino advocacy group Los Amigos and chairs the Chicano and Latino Studies Department at Cal State Long Beach. Moreno acknowledged Mayor Aitken's role in the push to establish district elections, which he credited with enabling Latino representation on the city council. Moreno urged that the investigation be completed expeditiously, while also emphasizing a belief in due process. He thanked Councilwoman Meeks for being the only council member to initially call for accountability. Moreno also criticized Councilmembers Natalie Rubalcava, Carlos Leon, and Norma Campos Kurtz for their previous week's silence, describing it as a "betrayal to the ethics and the work of so many" who fought for district elections.
Councilmembers Natalie Rubalcava and Carlos Leon, both of whom are also on November's ballot, did not publicly speak on the issue during Tuesday night's meeting.
The allegations and the council's response underscore ongoing discussions about conduct within city government and the process for addressing serious claims. The request for a special meeting and the public release of documents indicate a desire for transparency and a swift resolution to the matter impacting city leadership and staff.
