Anaheim Mayor Faces Calls for Resignation Amidst Racial Slur Allegations

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing increasing pressure as multiple city council members have spoken out against allegations that she used racial slurs and made inappropriate comments towards her chief of staff. Three council members are now calling for an expedited investigation into the claims and for the city to release documents related to the accusations.

The controversy centers on allegations made by Berenice Ballinas, Aitken's chief of staff, who claims the mayor used racist and homophobic remarks directed at her. According to a mediation request filed by employment attorney Lawrence Lennemann, Aitken allegedly told Ballinas, "I do not want her car driven by a dirty Mexican." The remarks were reportedly made on multiple occasions, including during drives home and during a lunch at Disneyland's exclusive Club 33 and the 1901 Lounge.

During the June lunch, Aitken is also accused of questioning Ballinas's sexuality in front of others and gossiping about a Disney employee's sexual orientation and ethnicity. The allegations also state that several Disney employees complained about Aitken's conduct, leading to the suspension of a third party's Club 33 membership.

Mayor Aitken, who is running for reelection, has denied the allegations. "I want to commend Councilmember Kurtz on her bravery for coming out and joining this and kicking me while I’m down, two weeks after this has happened. I have called for an independent investigation," Aitken stated at a recent City Council meeting. "This process is going to play out."

Councilwoman Natalie Meeks was the first council member to publicly address the accusations, calling for an investigation. Her stance was joined by Councilwoman Norma Campos Kurtz during Tuesday night's City Council meeting. "I stand with Councilmember Meeks in demanding an expedited investigation. If the allegations are shown to be correct, I will also ask for the Mayor’s resignation," Kurtz said. Kurtz also requested that the council schedule a special closed-door meeting to discuss the litigation threat stemming from the alleged conduct.

Councilwoman Kristen Maahs expressed concern for both residents and city staff, stating, "There is no room for racism in our city period." Maahs, who is of Mexican heritage, added, "I’m not only concerned about how our residents feel, but how our city staff feels."

Councilman Ryan Balius acknowledged the need for due process but suggested Aitken might consider suspending her public duties during the investigation. "I believe strongly in innocent until proven guilty," Balius said. "I know when we have investigations in the city and what not, we oftentimes will put staff on investigatory leave. And I don’t know how to do that on city council, but I would ask the mayor – I mean we obviously got some pain in the community – maybe it is a good idea to suspend the public calendar until the investigation is over."