Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has for the first time explicitly denied allegations that she called her Chief of Staff, Berenice Ballinas, a racial slur and repeatedly questioned and commented on her perceived sexuality. The Mayor addressed these claims in a statement posted on Facebook Thursday evening.
“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,” Aitken’s statement read. This social media post expanded on earlier brief statements she issued this week, in which she cited limitations on what she could publicly discuss and encouraged reflection on her past record. Mayor Aitken added that Ballinas remains a City employee, and due to the matter being an ongoing personnel issue, there are strict limits on public discussion. Lawrence Lennemann, attorney for Ballinas, declined to comment on the matter.
An investigation into the allegations against Mayor Aitken is currently underway. Councilwoman Natalie Meeks called for this investigation the day after TimesOC reported on a confidential mediation letter sent to the city on behalf of Ballinas. This letter reportedly detailed alleged harassment by both Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool.
City Spokesman Mike Lyster confirmed the ongoing process in a Friday morning email, stating, “A process is underway and will involve a full, fair and independent investigation of the issues and concerns raised. Beyond that, we want to respect all involved with no additional updates to share at this time.” Lyster did not provide details on the specific nature of the investigation process, who would conduct it, its anticipated duration, or whether the findings would be made public. Mayor Aitken reiterated in her Thursday statement that she would cooperate with the investigation and expressed care for Ballinas. Aitken also stated 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 outlines the allegations against Aitken and Vanderpool. First Amendment advocates have argued that this document should be publicly accessible under state law, drawing comparisons to a claim filed against a government entity. Former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment, resigned earlier this year. His resignation followed scrutiny over his close ties to Anaheim resort interests, which were a significant focus of an FBI corruption probe.
This new development comes approximately one month before Mayor Aitken faces reelection. She is running against two 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 light of the allegations, a group of local activists and residents called for Aitken’s resignation at a City Council meeting held on Tuesday. Anaheim officials are scheduled to convene for their regular City Council meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m., and then again on Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a closed-door session to continue discussions regarding the appointment of a new city manager.
