Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has been accused of repeatedly appearing intoxicated during city-related events, making racially derogatory remarks and asking intrusive questions about sexuality, according to a newly released 25-page government claim.Berenice Ballinas, who has worked in Aitken's office since December 2022 as her chief of staff, alleges harassment, discrimination and retaliation based on her perceived sexual orientation, Mexican heritage and Catholic faith.The filing also accuses the city of failing to adequately respond after concerns were raised.Ballinas outlines a number of alleged incidents involving Aitken, including accusations about the mayor's conduct while drinking.SMALL-TOWN VIRGINIA MAYOR REPORTEDLY ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SHOWING UP DRUNK TO TRAIN DERAILMENTAnaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing allegations of discrimination, harassment and inappropriate conduct from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas.Aitken has denied using the racial slur attributed to her and said the allegations should be investigated.
(Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)She alleges that Aitken arrived at a City Council meeting in April 2025 appearing "visibly impaired by alcohol."After a closed session at the meeting, Ballinas says she ultimately drove Aitken home in then-City Manager Jim Vanderpool's city vehicle.During the roughly 15-minute ride, the claim alleges Aitken began searching through Vanderpool's vehicle and personal belongings and taking photographs with her cellphone.Ballinas says she objected and told the mayor to delete the photos because Vanderpool's information was private.Aitken is also accused in the claim of making racially derogatory remarks.Ballinas alleges that Aitken made multiple derogatory comments concerning her Mexican heritage and referred to her as a "dirty Mexican."During a separate incident at Disneyland in May 2025, Ballinas said she offered to drive Aitken after believing the mayor was too into...