Anaheim mayor denies racial slur allegation amid inquiry

Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken denied an allegation that she used a racial slur against Chief of Staff Berenice Ballinas as the city investigates harassment claims involving Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, Voice of OC reported.

The inquiry places new scrutiny on Anaheim City Hall about a month before Aitken faces reelection and in a city where 53% of residents are Latino, according to Voice of OC.

Aitken addressed the allegation in a Facebook statement Thursday evening, according to Voice of OC, after TimesOC reported on a confidential mediation letter sent to the city on Ballinas’ behalf.

"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," Aitken, the Anaheim mayor, said in the statement.

The mediation letter has not been released publicly. Voice of OC reported that it allegedly describes harassment by Aitken and Vanderpool, who resigned near the beginning of the year amid scrutiny over ties to Anaheim resort interests connected to an FBI corruption probe.

City Spokesman Mike Lyster said in a Friday morning email that the city is moving forward with a review. "A process is underway and will involve a full, fair and independent investigation of the issues and concerns raised. Beyond that, we want to respect all involved with no additional updates to share at this time," Lyster said.

Aitken said Ballinas remains employed by the city. "Berenice remains a City employee, and because this involves an ongoing personnel matter, there are strict limits on what I can responsibly discuss publicly," Aitken said.

Councilwoman Natalie Meeks called for the investigation after the TimesOC report, according to Voice of OC. Lawrence Lennemann, Ballinas’ attorney, declined to comment.

Anaheim officials are scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday for a regular City Council meeting and at 1 p.m. Wednesday behind closed doors as they continue deliberations on appointing a new city manager, Voice of OC reported.