A majority of Anaheim City Council members have now publicly addressed allegations that Mayor Aitken hurled racial slurs and homophobic comments at her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas. This week, three council members specifically called for an expedited investigation into these claims, alongside increasing demands for the public release of documents detailing the allegations. Mayor Aitken denies the accusations.
Councilwoman Norma Campos Kurtz joined the call for an investigation during Tuesday's council meeting, 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 that a special closed-door meeting of the city council be scheduled before the next regular meeting on October 13th to discuss the threat of litigation stemming from the alleged conduct. She also 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, remarking that Kurtz was "kicking me while I’m down." The Mayor reiterated that she has called for an independent investigation and welcomes it, stating, "I need this independent investigation to clear my name." She added that she believes in due process and that the process is going to play out.
These developments come a week after Councilwoman Natalie Meeks was the first council member to publicly call for an investigation into the allegations. The claims were initially reported by the LA Times’ Daily Pilot, detailing comments Ballinas alleged Aitken made against her.
Scores of residents questioned the council's previous silence during public comment on Tuesday night. Former City Councilman Jose Moreno, who is president of the Latino advocacy group Los Amigos, noted that Mayor Aitken had supported the transition to district elections, which helped Latinos get elected to the council. Moreno acknowledged the community's patience for the investigation and belief in due process. However, he criticized Councilmembers Natalie Rubalcava and Carlos Leon for their silence on the issue during the meeting, calling it a "betrayal" given the community's efforts to secure their seats.
Councilwoman Kristen Maahs also weighed in, stating, “There is no room for racism in our city period.” Maahs expressed concern for both residents and city staff, emphasizing the importance of all facts coming forward. Councilman Ryan Balius joined the growing calls for an expedited investigation, stating his belief in "innocent until proven guilty." Balius also suggested that the mayor might consider suspending her public calendar until the investigation is concluded, drawing a comparison to staff being placed on investigatory leave during such processes.
Councilmembers Rubalcava and Leon, who are also on November's ballot, did not publicly comment on the matter during Tuesday's meeting.
