Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has publicly acknowledged an alcohol problem and revealed she checked into a rehab center last year. The admission, made in an Instagram post on Friday morning, came minutes after a special closed-door meeting of city council members. That meeting was held to discuss a claim against the city, made public the day prior, by Aitken’s chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas. Ballinas' claim alleges the Mayor drank heavily at government functions, used racist slurs, questioned her sexuality, and mocked her faith. Mayor Aitken denied the allegations of racist slurs, stating, "I have denied the slurs attributed to me, and I stand by that denial."
In her Friday post, Mayor Aitken shared that she entered the Betty Ford Center in June of 2025, leaving a conference early. She explained that she recognized an "unhealthy relationship with alcohol" and sought help to manage the stress and responsibilities in her life. Aitken stated that while she accepts responsibility for her alcohol consumption, it "does not equate to the more serious allegations" against her. She also mentioned a setback in her recovery journey in June, where she consumed alcohol at a birthday event, noting, "Every sober journey gets rocky, and I hit a bump this past June and drank at a birthday event. I disappointed myself and committed to start again." She added that she regretted not believing her community would support her. Mayor Aitken apologized to those burdened by her drinking, particularly her family, acknowledging her recovery is not a "straight line."
The claim from Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas details multiple alleged incidents. Ballinas alleges that during a June 10, 2026 birthday celebration for her at Disneyland’s Club 33, Mayor Aitken began consuming alcoholic beverages and "repeatedly questioned Claimant concerning her sexual orientation." The claim states that after a three-hour lunch, the Mayor "insisted on continuing to drink." Ballinas further claims that at the 1901 Lounge in Disney California Adventure, Mayor Aitken allegedly questioned a Disney Cast Member about their sexuality. Ballinas also stated her friend’s Club 33 membership was reportedly placed on hold due to the Mayor's behavior following the lunch.
The claim also describes an incident in June 2025, during a conference in Tampa, where Ballinas alleges she was awakened by the Mayor's husband to assist an "impaired" Mayor Aitken in packing and arranging her return to California. Following this, the Mayor was reportedly absent for an extended period, during which Ballinas was expected to manage inquiries about her whereabouts and professional responsibilities.
Beyond specific incidents, Ballinas' claim also points to what she describes as "apathetic leadership" from top executives at city hall, stating her concerns were dismissed and downplayed. She alleges former City Manager Jim Vanderpool also commented on her perceived sexuality and that Aitken referred to him as a "faggot man" and searched his car. Ballinas' claim also raises questions about who paid for Mayor Aitken's husband’s plane ticket to Qatar and alleges retaliation, including withholding her salary raise, for reporting concerns she believed were illegal.
Following the special closed-door meeting on Friday, which Mayor Aitken did not attend, city officials publicly reported that no reportable action was taken regarding Ballinas' claim. However, City spokesman Mike Lyster confirmed in an email statement that an independent investigation into the allegations is expected to take place over the next few months. Mayor Aitken reiterated in her Instagram post that she would cooperate with such an investigation, stating, "Where I made mistakes, I will own them. As to other allegations, I trust the evidence will bear out the truth."
At the Friday morning meeting, several residents spoke out, criticizing city leadership for allegedly minimizing Ballinas’ concerns and only initiating an investigation after the scandal became public. Resident Stephanie Mercadante questioned, "Where was the investigation when Berenice was asking city leadership for help?" Councilman Carlos Leon addressed the allegations in his own Friday Instagram post, stating they are serious and merit a fair investigation. He confirmed, "An independent investigator has now been retained to review the allegations and establish the facts." As of Friday afternoon, Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava was the only council member who had not commented on the issue.
Mayor Aitken is currently seeking reelection next month, facing two other candidates, Dr. Imran Sharief and Alfredo Rodriguez. She has pledged to be a better leader for Anaheim and to continue her recovery journey.
