Full Breakdown
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken Faces Formal Harassment and Conduct Claim
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Allegations
Chief of staff Berenice Ballinas filed a 25-page claim accusing Mayor Ashleigh Aitken of misconduct, including appearing “visibly impaired by alcohol” at city functions; searching former City Manager Jim Vanderpool’s vehicle and photographing items while intoxicated; using a racial slur (“dirty Mexican”) toward Ballinas in Vanderpool’s presence; repeatedly questioning staff about their sexual orientation; and directing staff to perform non-city work such as a mayoral prayer breakfast during paid hours. The claim alleges retaliation after Ballinas reported the behavior, citing a merit-salary freeze and a leave beginning around July 31.
Timeline of Key Incidents
- April 2025 – Closed council meeting; Ballinas says Aitken arrived “visibly impaired” and later required a ride home in Vanderpool’s car, during which she allegedly searched the vehicle and took photographs.
- June 10, 2026 – Birthday lunch at Disneyland’s Club 33; Ballinas reports Aitken drank for hours, declined a ride, and repeatedly asked whether Ballinas was a lesbian.
- June 10, 2026 (later) – At Disney California Adventure’s 1901 Lounge, Aitken allegedly questioned a cast member about his sexuality in Spanish, prompting a written complaint from Disney.
- July 31 – Ballinas placed on leave, described in the claim as retaliation.
- Early October 2026 – City Council scheduled a closed-door meeting to review the claim.
Data & Statistics
- The claim lists more than a dozen incidents from October 2024 to June 2026.
- Ballinas has served as Aitken’s chief of staff since December 2022.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Aitken denied using the alleged slur and affirmed support for the LGBTQ community. She said the allegations “deserve to be investigated” and pledged cooperation with any independent review. City spokesman Mike Lyster said the municipality is “moving forward” with an experienced investigator and will balance expediency with due process. Councilmember Natalie Meeks called for an expedited investigation; Councilmember Norma Campos Kurtz said she would seek the mayor’s resignation if the allegations are substantiated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The claim references a $16,779.34 expense for a trip to Qatar involving Aitken’s husband and suggests the mayor’s office failed to reimburse the Qatar embassy. The Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot reported that the state Fair Political Practices Commission declined to investigate the Qatar matter, leaving the allegation unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Anaheim takes all claims seriously. Our process is moving forward, with engagement of an independent, experienced investigator expected to be finalized soon. An independent investigation is expected to take place over the next few months,” — Mike Lyster, city spokesman
- “I did not use the racial slur attributed to me, and I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community.” — Mayor Aitken
What’s Next
The city’s special closed-door council session will consider the claim and set the scope of the independent investigation. The outcome will affect Aitken’s re-election campaign, with ballots slated to be mailed in the coming weeks.