# Allegations of misconduct against Anaheim Mayor

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/allegations-of-misconduct-against-anaheim-mayor
> Updated: 2026-09-25T19:57:05.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Berenice Ballinas, chief of staff for Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, filed a confidential mediation request alleging that the mayor used a racial slur and made inappropriate inquiries regarding Ballinas’s sexual orientation. The allegations, detailed in a letter from attorney Lawrence Lennemann, also claimed that former City Manager Jim Vanderpool made unwelcome comments regarding Ballinas’s perceived sexual orientation and that she faced retaliation, such as the withholding of an approved raise.

Mayor Aitken, who is seeking reelection, issued a statement through a political consultant asking the public to judge her based on her “record, words, initiatives and values.” She later released a direct denial via Facebook, asserting her support for the LGBTQ community and denying the use of a slur. The City of Anaheim has confirmed that a review of the matter is in its early stages.

## Claims

- Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas alleges Mayor Ashleigh Aitken used a racial slur against her. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ballinas alleges the mayor made inappropriate comments regarding her sexual orientation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Aitken stated she will cooperate with an investigation into the allegations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The allegations were detailed in a mediation letter sent on September 11 to the Anaheim City Attorney. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mayor Ashleigh Aitken denied using the racial slur attributed to her. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The City of Anaheim has confirmed that a review of the matter is in its early stages. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken denies racial slur allegations

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has denied allegations from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, regarding the use of racial slurs and inappropriate comments about her sexual orientation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anaheim-mayor-ashleigh-aitken-denies-racial-slur-allegations

### 2026-09-22: Anaheim Mayor accused of racist remarks and inappropriate sexual orientation inquiries

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken faces allegations from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, involving racist remarks and inappropriate questioning regarding her sexual orientation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anaheim-mayor-accused-of-racist-remarks-and-inappropriate-sexual-orientation-inquiries

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Cite as: Allegations of misconduct against Anaheim Mayor. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/allegations-of-misconduct-against-anaheim-mayor