Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing an independent investigation after her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, filed a 25-page legal claim accusing the mayor of workplace harassment, discrimination based on perceived sexuality, race, and religion, and hostile behavior fueled by alcohol consumption. Ballinas, currently on medical leave, submitted the claim against both Aitken and the City of Anaheim.
A 25-Page Claim Alleges Slurs, Scrutiny, and Stalking
The legal claim, filed by employment attorney Lawrence Lennemann, details multiple accusations regarding the mayor’s conduct during official duties and public events. According to the documents, Ballinas asserts that Aitken questioned her Catholic faith and sexual orientation and directed a racial pejorative toward her following an October 2024 Orange County Taxpayers Association gala.
The filing goes further into municipal operations, alleging that Aitken made derogatory remarks about former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, went through his personal vehicle, and photographed his medical prescription bottles before disclosing the contents to others at a Palm Springs conference. Ballinas claims this conduct caused her to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, driven by a recurring pattern of alcohol consumption at municipal functions and stakeholder gatherings.
Aitken Denies Discrimination While Admitting to Relapse
Addressing the allegations in her first interview, Aitken called the claims shocking. She emphasized her historical advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, including fighting against Proposition 8. Aitken stated that Ballinas had previously complimented her as a supportive employer, leaving her to grieve the loss of a professional relationship while defending her values.
While strongly denying the discrimination and slurs attributed to her, Aitken acknowledged issues with alcohol. In a social media statement, Aitken announced that she checked into the Betty Ford Center for treatment in 2024 before experiencing a relapse in June 2025.
“Accepting responsibility for my alcohol consumption does not equate to the more serious allegations that have been made against me,” Aitken wrote on Instagram, maintaining her denial of the discriminatory remarks.
City Council Retains Independent Investigator
The Anaheim City Council convened a special closed session on Friday following the submission of the claim. City officials confirmed that an independent investigator has been retained to examine the validity of the allegations. The independent review is expected to take several months to complete.
Public Fallout and the Path Ahead
Meanwhile, residents have voiced concerns at public meetings. Some have called for the mayor’s resignation as the investigation proceeds, leaving the timeline and the ultimate political fallout of the independent probe entirely open.
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