Anaheim weighs release of letter accusing mayor of racist remarks

Anaheim officials are reviewing whether to release a confidential mediation letter that reportedly accuses Mayor Ashleigh Aitken of making racist remarks and repeatedly questioning her chief of staff’s sexual orientation, Voice of OC reported.

The dispute puts public records access and City Hall accountability at the center of a major Orange County city as Aitken runs for reelection in November.

TimesOC reported Monday night that a confidential mediation letter sent to Anaheim on behalf of Berenice Ballinas, Aitken’s chief of staff, alleges Aitken made racist remarks to Ballinas and repeatedly questioned her sexuality, according to Voice of OC.

The letter also reportedly alleges former City Manager Jim Vanderpool asked about and commented on Ballinas’ perceived sexual orientation and that Ballinas faced retaliation in part through city officials withholding her approved raise, Voice of OC reported.

Aitken publicly addressed the matter Tuesday afternoon in a statement sent to Voice of OC by her political consultant. "I am limited in how I may respond, but I can ask that you look to my record, my words, my initiatives and my values to inform your opinion of my character," Aitken said.

City Spokesman Mike Lyster told Voice of OC the city was still reviewing the letter. "This touches on personnel matters. We want to be respectful of all involved with nothing to add at this time as we review the letter and its contents," Lyster said. "To also respect the process, you are welcome to make a public records request for the letter."

Voice of OC reported it requested the letter under the California Public Records Act. Edith Trejo, a management assistant in the city clerk’s office, confirmed the request and said, "Your request has been forwarded to City Departments for response. The City will respond to your request within 10-days," according to Voice of OC.

David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, told Voice of OC he did not see a legal basis to withhold the letter. "I do not see any plausible reason to withhold that under the California Public Records Act," Loy said.

The records question comes as Anaheim council members were also deliberating this week over appointing a new city manager, Voice of OC reported.