A majority of Anaheim City Council members have now publicly addressed allegations that the mayor made racist and homophobic remarks directed at her chief of staff, with three explicitly calling for an expedited investigation this week. There are also increasing calls for the public release of documents detailing these allegations.
These developments follow a week after Councilwoman Natalie Meeks first publicly requested an investigation into the claims. The allegations, first reported by the LA Times’ Daily Pilot, state that Mayor Aitken’s chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, alleged the mayor made the inappropriate comments. Mayor Aitken denies these allegations.
During Tuesday's city council meeting, Councilwoman Norma Campos Kurtz joined the public discussion, stating, “I stand with Councilmember Meeks in demanding an expedited investigation. If the allegations are shown to be correct, I will also ask for the Mayor’s resignation.” Kurtz requested a special closed-door meeting for the council to confer with the city attorney’s office regarding potential litigation related to the mayor’s alleged conduct. She also sought an update on the public release of the claims documents submitted by Mrs. Ballinas and the status of any ongoing investigation.
Mayor Aitken, who is running for re-election in November, responded to Kurtz’s comments, remarking on her "bravery for coming out and joining this and kicking me while I’m down." The mayor reiterated her call for an independent investigation, stating, “I welcome an independent investigation, I need this independent investigation to clear my name and I really welcome it because that is what a democracy is all about – you are innocent until proven guilty.” She emphasized that the process would play out.
Scores of residents raised questions about the council's silence on the matter during the public comment section of Tuesday night’s meeting. Former City Councilman Jose Moreno, who serves as president of the Latino advocacy group Los Amigos, highlighted the significance of district elections in Anaheim, which allowed for Latino representation on the city council. Moreno acknowledged that Mayor Aitken had previously supported the transition to district elections. He urged patience for the investigation to be completed expeditiously and praised Councilwoman Meeks for being the only councilperson to initially call for accountability. Moreno also criticized council members Natalie Rubalcava and Carlos Leon for their prior silence, asserting that their positions were earned through community organizing and that their silence was a "betrayal."
Councilwoman Kristen Maahs also weighed in, declaring, “There is no room for racism in our city period.” Maahs expressed concern for both residents and city staff and criticized those she believed were using the situation for "political gain and political theater." She later noted her Mexican heritage after public comment.
Councilman Ryan Balius joined the increasing calls for an expedited investigation, stating his strong belief in "innocent until proven guilty." Balius clarified his previous silence, indicating agreement with Councilmember Meeks’ initial call for an investigation. He also suggested that the mayor might consider suspending her public calendar until the investigation is concluded, referencing "some pain in the community" and comparing it to staff being placed on investigatory leave.
Council members Natalie Rubalcava and Carlos Leon, both of whom are on November’s ballot, did not speak publicly on the issue during Tuesday night’s meeting.
