Anaheim Mayor Accused of Drunkenness, Slurs by Chief of Staff
A complaint filed by her chief of staff details allegations of intoxication at city events, inappropriate conduct, and racial slurs.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing serious allegations from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, who claims the mayor frequently appeared intoxicated at city functions and engaged in harassing behavior, including using racial slurs and making crude comments about sexuality.
The 25-page complaint, released by the city, asserts that Aitken exhibited signs of impairment at city events, including a City Council meeting. One particularly striking accusation details an incident in April 2025 where Aitken, allegedly impaired by alcohol after a closed session, reportedly rummaged through a former city manager’s car and took photographs.
Ballinas also alleges that Aitken used a racial slur against her, calling her “a dirty Mexican” in front of former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. The complaint further states Aitken described God as “her imaginary friend.” Aitken has previously denied allegations of making racist or homophobic remarks.
Another incident described in the complaint involves a Team Anaheim dinner where Aitken allegedly became physically affectionate with an unidentified individual before her husband intervened and removed her from the gathering. Ballinas claims Aitken then knocked over a bicycle and damaged its mirror before falling into the street.
The allegations extend beyond official city functions. At a Disneyland birthday lunch on June 10, Ballinas states Aitken consumed alcohol for hours and later questioned her about her sexual orientation. The complaint also alleges that Aitken directed similar intrusive questions toward a Disney Cast Member at the 1901 Lounge.
Ballinas claims she faced retaliation for raising concerns, including the withholding of a salary raise. She also reportedly raised issues regarding a trip to Qatar, police overtime, and the use of city employees for personal tasks, though the state Fair Political Practices Commission declined to investigate the Qatar matter.
These accusations emerge as Aitken prepares for reelection in November. The Anaheim mayor and council were scheduled to discuss the complaint in a closed-door session. Aitken's attorney, Lawrence Lennemann, declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations, stating that the complaint speaks for itself.