California mayor accused of drunken behavior, racial slur, harassment in chief of staff's 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.

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."

Aitken has directly denied using the racial slur attributed to her and said the allegations deserve to be investigated.

"These allegations are extremely serious, and they deserve to 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 posted last month on Facebook.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Aitken's office for comment.

While walking back toward the hotel, Ballinas alleges Aitken became angry and knocked or pushed over a bicycle, damaging its mirror, before later falling in the street.

Aitken then fell in the street, according to the claim.

When Ballinas told the mayor's husband that Aitken was not OK and needed help, he allegedly responded, "Don't we all?"

The filing says Aitken's husband later asked Ballinas to make a Venmo payment to compensate the bicycle's owner.

Ballinas also makes several allegations concerning questions about her perceived sexual orientation.

She said Aitken took her to Disneyland's Club 33 for a birthday lunch on June 10, 2026, where the mayor consumed alcohol and repeatedly questioned whether Ballinas was a lesbian.

Later at the 1901 Lounge, Aitken allegedly questioned a Disney cast member about whether he was gay or straight and about his dating life.

Disney later sent written correspondence to the Club 33 member whose membership was used for the visit, saying cast members had reported "rude, insensitive, and inappropriate remarks" during the outing.

Anaheim has said a review of the allegations is underway. Aitken has pledged to participate in the process.

She is currently seeking another term as Anaheim mayor in the Nov. 3 election.