Questions are being raised regarding whether Anaheim officials will release a letter detailing allegations against Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, who is running for reelection. The letter reportedly contains accusations that Mayor Aitken made racist remarks to her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, and repeatedly inquired about her sexual orientation. The document also alleges that former City Manager Jim Vanderpool repeatedly asked about and commented on Ballinas’ perceived sexual orientation.
TimesOC reported Monday night on the confidential mediation letter sent to the city on behalf of Ballinas. The letter further alleges that city officials retaliated against Ballinas, partly by withholding her approved raise.
Mayor Aitken publicly acknowledged the controversy for the first time on Tuesday afternoon. In a statement sent to a reporter by her political consultant, she indicated limitations in her ability to respond but asked the public to consider her record, words, initiatives, and values to form an opinion of her character.
Lawrence Lennemann, Ballinas’ attorney, declined to comment on the matter. Former City Manager Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment, resigned from his position earlier this year amid scrutiny over his close relationship with Anaheim resort interests.
When asked for the letter on Tuesday, City Spokesman Mike Lyster informed a reporter to make a public records request for the document. He declined to comment on the letter or the allegations, stating that the city was still reviewing its contents. Lyster noted that "This touches on personnel matters," and that the city wants to be respectful of all involved, with nothing further to add at this time as they review the letter and its contents. He also stated that to respect the process, a public records request for the letter was welcome.
First Amendment advocates assert that the letter should be publicly releasable under state public records laws, comparing it to a claim against the city. David Loy, Legal Director for the First Amendment Coalition, stated that he doesn't know of a reason under California's public records request law to not release the letter. He described it as analogous to a formal government claim, antecedent to litigation rather than in its direct context. Loy asserted that he does not see any plausible reason to withhold that under the California Public Records Act.
The city has not yet formally responded to a public records request made for the letter on Tuesday, and Lyster did not indicate whether the letter was part of a legal complaint. However, shortly after a news article's publication, city clerk officials confirmed receipt of the request via email, stating they would formally respond within 10 days. An email from Edith Trejo, a management assistant in the city clerk’s office, stated that the request had been forwarded to City Departments for response.
Mayor Aitken is seeking reelection in November. She is running against Dr. Imran Sharief, a sleep medicine doctor, and Alfredo Rodriguez, a general manager of an environmental services company. In a statement emailed on Tuesday afternoon, mayoral candidate Sharief described the allegations as troubling. He stated that no one should be treated differently because of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, especially by public office holders. Sharief further commented that Anaheim is one of America's most diverse cities, and its leaders have a responsibility to treat every resident and employee with dignity and respect. He concluded that the people of Anaheim deserve to know the truth about what happened.
This controversy arises as Anaheim City Council members are scheduled to deliberate appointing a new city manager this week. A regular city council meeting is set for 5 p.m. today.
