Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing a series of misconduct allegations from her chief of staff, who claims the mayor appeared intoxicated at city-related events, used racially derogatory language and asked invasive questions about sexuality, according to a newly filed 25-page government claim.
Berenice Ballinas, Aitken’s chief of staff since December 2022, alleges harassment, discrimination and retaliation tied to her perceived sexual orientation, Mexican heritage and Catholic faith.
The filing also asserts the city did not respond adequately after concerns were raised.
Ballinas details several events involving Aitken, including conduct she attributes to drinking.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken accused of intoxication at events
Ballinas alleges Aitken arrived at an April 2025 City Council meeting “visibly impaired by alcohol.” After a closed session, Ballinas says she drove Aitken home in then–City Manager Jim Vanderpool’s city vehicle. During the roughly 15-minute ride, Aitken allegedly searched Vanderpool’s vehicle and personal belongings and took photos with her phone. Ballinas says she told the mayor to delete the photos because the information was private.
The claim also accuses Aitken of using racially derogatory language. Ballinas alleges Aitken made multiple disparaging remarks about her Mexican heritage and referred to her with a slur. In a separate incident at Disneyland in May 2025, Ballinas says she offered to drive Aitken home because she believed the mayor was too impaired to drive. According to the claim, Aitken declined because she did not want “a Mexican” to drive her.
Aitken has denied using the racial slur attributed to her and said the allegations should be investigated. “These allegations are extremely serious, and they deserve to be investigated. I did not use the racial slur attributed to me, and I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community,” she said in a statement posted last month on Facebook. The city says an independent investigation is expected, and Aitken has pledged to cooperate.
Additional claims about conduct at work events
Ballinas also describes behavior during a team dinner, alleging Aitken became physically affectionate with another person, prompting the mayor’s husband to remove her from the event. While walking back toward the hotel, Ballinas says Aitken became angry and knocked or pushed over a bicycle, damaging its mirror, and later fell in the street. The filing says Aitken’s husband later asked Ballinas to make a Venmo payment to compensate the bicycle’s owner.
Ballinas further alleges Aitken persistently questioned her about her perceived sexual orientation. She says that during a June 10, 2026 birthday lunch at Disneyland’s Club 33, where Aitken consumed alcohol, the mayor repeatedly asked whether Ballinas was a lesbian. Later at the 1901 Lounge, Aitken allegedly questioned a Disney cast member about whether he was gay or straight and about his dating life. Disney later sent written correspondence to the Club 33 member whose membership was used, stating cast members reported “rude, insensitive, and inappropriate remarks.”
The government claim says Ballinas was forced to take leave beginning around July 31 and alleges retaliation after she reported or opposed conduct she believed violated laws or workplace rules.
Anaheim officials say a review of the allegations is underway, and Aitken has committed to participate. She is seeking another term as mayor in the Nov. 3 election, which comes as other California races, including the California governor debate, draw statewide attention.
Information about Anaheim’s elected officials and city processes can be found on the City of Anaheim website.
