Anaheim mayor faces 25-page claim alleging intoxication, slurs, and retaliation
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is facing a 25-page government claim from her chief of staff, Berenice Ballinas, alleging repeated public intoxication, racial slurs, and harassment. The claim, released by the city, details incidents spanning 2024 to 2026, including Aitken allegedly searching a city manager's car while drunk and making derogatory comments about Ballinas's sexuality and heritage. Aitken denies the specific racial slur but welcomes an independent investigation as she prepares for a November reelection bid.