Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has for the first time explicitly denied allegations that she called her Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas a racial slur. The denial comes amid claims that Aitken referred to her top aide by a racist term and repeatedly questioned and commented on her perceived sexuality.
Mayor Aitken released a statement on Facebook Thursday evening addressing the accusations. “These allegations are extremely serious, and they deserve to be investigated. I did not use the racial slur attributed to me, and I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community,” her statement read. This social media post expanded on earlier brief statements Aitken issued this week, where she indicated limits on her ability to respond publicly and urged reflection on her past record.
Aitken reiterated that Berenice Ballinas remains a City employee. Due to the situation being an ongoing personnel matter, the Mayor stated there are strict limits on what she can responsibly discuss publicly.
At the same time, an investigation into the allegations against Mayor Aitken is underway. Councilwoman Natalie Meeks called for this investigation a day after a confidential mediation letter, sent to the city on behalf of Ballinas, was reported to detail alleged harassment by Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool.
City Spokesman Mike Lyster confirmed Friday morning that a process is underway. Lyster stated it "will involve a full, fair and independent investigation of the issues and concerns raised." He added that beyond this, officials wish to respect all involved and have no additional updates to share at this time. Lyster did not answer questions regarding the exact nature of the process, who would conduct the investigation, its expected duration, or whether the results would be made public.
Mayor Aitken affirmed in her Thursday statement that she would cooperate with the ongoing investigation. She also expressed care for Ballinas and conveyed her belief that she is entitled to have these serious allegations evaluated based on evidence.
The city has not yet publicly released the mediation letter that details the allegations against Aitken and Vanderpool. First Amendment advocates have suggested that state law should allow for the public release of this document, comparing it to a claim filed against the government.
Lawrence Lennemann, Ballinas’ attorney, declined to comment on the matter.
Former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment, resigned near the beginning of the year. His resignation occurred amid scrutiny concerning his close ties to Anaheim resort interests, which were a significant focus of an FBI corruption probe.
This developing situation arises approximately one month before Mayor Aitken is scheduled for reelection. She is running against two relatively unknown political newcomers: Dr. Imran Sharief, a physician, and Alfredo Rodriguez, a general manager of an environmental services company. Anaheim is a city where 53% of residents are Latino.
In response to the allegations, a handful of local activists and residents called for Mayor Aitken’s resignation at Tuesday’s city council meeting. They condemned her for her alleged comments.
Anaheim officials are scheduled to convene for their regular city council meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m. They are also expected to meet again on Wednesday at 1 p.m. behind closed doors. This closed-door session is set to continue deliberations regarding the appointment of a new city manager.
