Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is under scrutiny following serious allegations from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas.
Ballinas filed a 25-page claim accusing Aitken of being intoxicated at city events and making derogatory remarks. The claim, released Thursday, includes allegations of racism, homophobia, and religious bigotry, which Aitken has denied.
Ballinas, who has worked with Aitken since December 2022, alleges that the mayor often appeared drunk at official functions, including a City Council meeting in April 2025. During a ride home from the meeting, Aitken allegedly searched through former City Manager Jim Vanderpool’s car, photographing personal items. Aitken is also accused of making racially derogatory comments, referring to Ballinas as a “dirty Mexican” and questioning her sexual orientation.
The claim details another incident at Disneyland in May 2025, where Aitken reportedly refused Ballinas’s offer to drive her home, citing Ballinas’s Mexican heritage. Aitken has denied using racial slurs and called for an investigation into the allegations.
Ballinas’s claim also mentions an incident in Tampa, Florida, where she was instructed by Aitken’s husband to bring the mayor home immediately due to her impaired condition. Ballinas claims the situation led to her post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.
The allegations come as Aitken seeks reelection in the upcoming November 3 mayoral election. Anaheim officials have confirmed that an independent investigation into the claims is underway. The city spokesperson, Mike Lyster, stated that the process is moving forward with an experienced investigator.
The allegations have sparked discussions within the Anaheim City Council, with Councilmember Norma Campos Kurtz calling for the release of all related documents. Councilmember Natalie Meeks has apologized for Aitken’s absence from a council meeting, citing illness.