Anaheim Mayor accused of racist remarks and inappropriate sexual orientation inquiries

Berenice Ballinas, the chief of staff for Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, has filed a confidential mediation request alleging that the mayor made racist remarks and inappropriate inquiries regarding her sexual orientation.

According to a four-page letter sent by attorney Lawrence Lennemann, Aitken allegedly used a racial slur toward Ballinas on occasions when Ballinas was driving the mayor home. The letter also claims that Aitken questioned Ballinas’ sexuality in front of others during a lunch at Disneyland’s Club 33. The document further alleges that former City Manager Jim Vanderpool also made unwelcome comments regarding Ballinas’ perceived sexual orientation and that she faced retaliation, including the withholding of an approved raise.

Mayor Aitken, who is seeking reelection in November, issued a statement through a political consultant asking the public to judge her based on her “record, words, initiatives and values.” Anaheim city officials stated they are reviewing the issues raised but have not yet released the letter to the public, despite calls from advocates to do so under state public records laws.