Anaheim’s mayor is dealing with a serious workplace complaint from her chief of staff, which outlines allegations of excessive drinking, harassment, and a disturbing mix of personal and political issues.
Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas claims that Mayor Ashleigh Aitken often showed up to city events under the influence of alcohol—this included a City Council meeting, where Aitken reportedly acted inappropriately, even rummaging through a former city manager’s car during a ride home.
The detailed 25-page complaint released by the city on Thursday also accuses Aitken of making inappropriate remarks about Ballinas’s sexuality and using a racial slur against her.
Among other allegations, Ballinas states that Aitken referred to her as “a dirty Mexican” in the presence of former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. Additionally, she claims the mayor made a bizarre comment about God being “her imaginary friend.”
Aitken has denied any racist or homophobic comments previously.
One specific incident, described by Ballinas, involved a rather strange car ride home after an April 2025 council meeting. According to her, Aitken appeared “visibly impaired by alcohol” and needed a ride after the closed session. During the trip in Vanderpool’s car, the mayor allegedly started searching through the vehicle and taking photos of Vanderpool’s belongings, though it’s unclear what, if anything, she found, as some parts of the complaint are blacked out.
On another occasion, during a Team Anaheim dinner, Aitken’s husband had to step in when she became overly affectionate with someone whose identity is redacted. Following this, Ballinas claims the mayor knocked over a bicycle, causing some damage, and fell into the street. In response to Ballinas’s concern, Aitken’s husband reportedly replied, “Don’t we all?”
But the alleged behavior didn’t stop at official events. At a birthday lunch at Disneyland’s exclusive Club 33, Ballinas says Aitken spent hours drinking and persistently asked her about her sexual orientation. Later, at the 1901 Lounge in California Adventure, she claims the mayor questioned a Disney Cast Member about his dating life as well.
Ballinas has also raised issues about a nearly $17,000 trip to Qatar and alleged misuse of police overtime, as well as private city employees helping Aitken with her prayer breakfast during work hours. Notably, the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission opted not to investigate the Qatar situation, according to reports.
After raising these concerns, Ballinas claims she faced retaliation, including not receiving a scheduled salary increase.
These allegations come as Aitken is preparing for reelection in November against two new candidates.
The mayor and city council are set to discuss the complaint in a closed-door session on Friday morning. Aitken’s attorney, Lawrence Lennemann, chose not to elaborate on the allegations, stating that the complaint speaks for itself.
