Anaheim city officials are currently facing scrutiny regarding the potential release of a letter that details serious allegations against Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. The letter reportedly accuses Mayor Aitken of making racist remarks to her chief of staff and repeatedly questioning her sexual orientation. Questions have been raised as to whether the document, which First Amendment advocates argue should be public under state records laws, will be made available for review by residents.
Mayor Aitken, who is currently seeking re-election, publicly acknowledged the controversy for the first time on Tuesday. In a statement provided by her political consultant, she said, “I am limited in how I may respond, but I can ask that you look to my record, my words, my initiatives and my values to inform your opinion of my character.”
The confidential mediation letter was sent to the city on behalf of Berenice Ballinas, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. As reported by TimesOC on Monday, the letter accuses Mayor Aitken of making racist remarks to Ballinas and repeatedly inquiring about her sexuality. The letter further alleges that former City Manager Jim Vanderpool also repeatedly asked about and commented on Ballinas’ perceived sexual orientation. Additionally, it claims Ballinas experienced retaliation from city officials, including the withholding of an approved raise.
When asked about the letter on Tuesday, City Spokesman Mike Lyster stated that the matter “touches on personnel matters” and that the city was still reviewing the document and its contents. Lyster advised that a public records request could be made for the letter. The city has since confirmed receipt of a public records request, with a management assistant in the city clerk’s office indicating a formal response would be provided within 10 days.
First Amendment advocates believe the letter should be released. David Loy, Legal Director for the First Amendment Coalition, stated that he knows no reason under California’s public records request law to withhold the document. He described it as “antecedent litigation” and analogous to a formal government claim, asserting he sees “no plausible reason to withhold that under the California Public Records Act.”
Lawerence Lennemann, Ballinas’ attorney, declined to comment on the matter. Former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment, resigned from his position earlier this year amid scrutiny related to his close ties with Anaheim resort interests.
Mayor Aitken is campaigning for re-election in November against Dr. Imran Sharief and Alfredo Rodriguez. In a Tuesday afternoon email statement, Dr. Sharief called the allegations troubling, emphasizing that “No one should be treated differently because of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, especially by those entrusted with public office.” Sharief added that the people of Anaheim deserve to know the truth.
This controversy emerges as Anaheim City Council members are deliberating on appointing a new city manager this week. A regular city council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. today.
