Anaheim officials on Thursday released a redacted copy of a legal claim filed by Mayor Ashleigh Aitken’s policy adviser. The claim alleges the mayor had a drinking problem and fostered a hostile workplace that reportedly included racial and homophobic slurs.
City spokesman Mike Lyster issued a statement indicating the claim was made public as the city seeks "balancing openness on an issue involving the city’s mayor and our responsibility to all involved." Lyster noted that redactions were made to protect personnel, medical, and some third-party privacy concerns, alongside attorney-client information. The city is now looking to hire an “independent, experienced investigator” to review the allegations over the coming months, aiming for a "comprehensive, impartial review that balances expediency with due process."
The claim was filed by Berenice Ballinas, who served as chief policy adviser to Mayor Aitken since December 7, 2022. Ballinas states she was forced to take a leave of absence on July 31. The claim alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination based on her perceived sexual orientation, race, religion, and disability.
Among the numerous allegations, Ballinas claims Aitken drank excessively at workplace events. The claim describes the mayor’s behavior when drinking as potentially becoming "erratic, belligerent, confrontational, and difficult to manage." Ballinas alleges she was grilled about her sexual orientation, despite her denials of being gay. She further claims Aitken made "racially derogatory comments concerning (Ballinas’) heritage on more than one occasion," including allegedly calling her a "dirty Mexican."
The claim details an incident in May 2025 at a local theme park where Ballinas offered to drive the mayor home due to perceived impairment, but Aitken allegedly refused, stating she would not have a Mexican drive her. Another incident at a gala in October 2024 saw an Orange County supervisor reportedly express concern and ask Ballinas to intervene in the mayor's drinking. Later, while attempting to assist the mayor home, Aitken allegedly stated she did not want a "dirty Mexican" and a "faggot man" in her car.
Ballinas, who is Roman Catholic, also alleged that Aitken commented on a cross she wore, referring to God as her "imaginary friend." The claim also portrays Ballinas as being drawn into an "unofficial, frequently after-hours crisis-management role as the mayor’s 'handler'" for the mayor's personal crises and conduct. Ballinas alleges that attempts to establish limits often led to the mayor becoming angry, belligerent, or denying impairment.
Former City Manager Jim Vanderpool is also mentioned in the claim, described as being present for many alleged incidents and at times the recipient of inappropriate conduct himself. Ballinas states she reported alcohol-related problems to then-assistant city manager Greg Garcia, now the interim city manager, who allegedly downplayed the conduct.
Mayor Aitken has not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding the allegations. Anaheim City Councilwoman Natalie Meeks, who is mentioned in the claim regarding an open letter critical of the mayor, said she directed city staff to investigate the issue thoroughly and expeditiously, emphasizing a need for a "full and fair investigation." Other council members have requested a closed session briefing on the claim.
Corey Glave, Ballinas’ attorney, declined to comment on the release of the claim, stating, "Unlike the city of Anaheim we choose not to litigate in the media." He added that they would wait to see how city leadership chooses to proceed. A legal claim is a required initial step before an individual can file a lawsuit against a public agency if the claim is rejected by the city.
