Anaheim Mayor Faces New Allegations From Chief of Staff Over Drinking and Remarks
Andrew Powell · Oct 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing a series of allegations from her chief of staff, who claims the mayor repeatedly appeared impaired at city-related events and made inappropriate comments about race, religion and sexuality.
According to Fox News, Berenice Ballinas, who has worked in Aitken’s office since 2022, filed a 25-page government claim accusing the mayor and city of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
The allegations remain unproven, and Anaheim officials say an independent investigation is expected to examine the claims.
Among the incidents described in the filing is an April 2025 City Council meeting. Ballinas alleges Aitken appeared “visibly impaired by alcohol” and later needed a ride home after a closed session.
According to the claim, Ballinas drove Aitken in then-City Manager Jim Vanderpool’s vehicle. During the trip, Ballinas alleges Aitken searched through Vanderpool’s personal belongings and photographed prescription bottles with her cellphone.
Ballinas also alleges that Aitken made derogatory comments about her Mexican heritage, including referring to her as a “dirty Mexican.” Aitken has denied using the racial slur attributed to her.
The claim describes another alleged incident at Disneyland in May 2025. Ballinas says she offered to drive Aitken because she believed the mayor was too impaired to drive, but Aitken allegedly objected to having “a Mexican” drive her.
Ballinas, who is Catholic, also alleges Aitken made a disparaging comment about her faith by referring to God as her “imaginary friend.” The filing further accuses Aitken of repeatedly questioning Ballinas about whether she was a lesbian and making comments about the sexuality of other people.
A separate incident allegedly occurred during a Disneyland birthday outing in June 2026. Ballinas claims Aitken repeatedly questioned a Disney employee about whether he was gay or straight and about his dating life. Disney later sent correspondence describing complaints from cast members about “rude, insensitive, and inappropriate remarks,” according to reports.
Ballinas also describes an alleged pattern in which she was expected to help manage Aitken after drinking at official functions and other events.
Aitken has rejected the racial-slur allegation and said the accusations should be investigated. “I did not use the racial slur attributed to me, and I have always been a champion of the LGBTQ community,” she said in a statement.
Anaheim has confirmed that a review of the allegations is moving forward, with an independent investigator expected to be selected. The investigation could continue for several months.
Aitken is seeking another term as Anaheim mayor in the Nov. 3 election, adding a political backdrop to the ongoing dispute.