Anaheim’s Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing a workplace complaint from her Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas, which includes allegations of intoxication, harassment, and inappropriate behavior. The 25-page complaint, released by the city on Thursday, claims that Aitken appeared intoxicated at city functions, including a City Council meeting, and allegedly rummaged through a former city manager’s car on a ride home.
Ballinas accuses Aitken of making crude comments regarding her sexuality and using a racial slur, specifically calling her 'a dirty Mexican' in front of former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. Aitken has denied making any racist or homophobic remarks.
The complaint details an incident following an April 2025 council meeting where Ballinas claims Aitken appeared 'visibly impaired by alcohol' and required a ride home. During this ride, Aitken allegedly searched through Vanderpool’s car and took photographs. The complaint does not specify what Aitken found, as parts of it are redacted.
Another incident described by Ballinas involved Aitken at a Team Anaheim dinner, where her husband had to intervene after she became overly affectionate with another individual. Ballinas claims that Aitken knocked over a bicycle and fell into the street during this event.
The complaint also mentions a birthday lunch at Disneyland’s Club 33, where Aitken reportedly drank excessively and questioned Ballinas about her sexual orientation, as well as similar inquiries directed at a Disney Cast Member later at the 1901 Lounge.
Additionally, Ballinas raised concerns about a nearly $17,000 trip to Qatar, police overtime, and city employees allegedly assisting with Aitken’s prayer breakfast during work hours. The Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot reported that the Fair Political Practices Commission declined to investigate the Qatar issue.
Ballinas claims she faced retaliation, including the withholding of a salary raise, after raising these concerns. The allegations come as Aitken prepares for reelection in November against two political newcomers. A closed-door discussion regarding the complaint is scheduled for Friday morning. Aitken’s attorney, Lawrence Lennemann, declined to comment on the allegations.