Latino History Course at Chapman University – A Deep Dive

Each fall, I teach a course on the Latino history of Orange County at Chapman University. The course spans from the Portola expedition to the current political climate, including Huntington Beach’s City Council member, Gracey Van Der Mark. A recent lecture covered the enduring presence of anti-Mexican politics in Orange County, which often serve as a model replicated across the nation. Sadly, the negative incidents continue to accumulate, necessitating regular updates to the course. I predict that by 2026, Anaheim may again be a focal point.

This possibility arises from a recent lawsuit targeting Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken. She allegedly called her chief of staff a “dirty Mexican.” The Anaheim mayor is now part of Orange County’s extensive history of anti-Mexican sentiment.

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TimesOC writer Gabriel San Román reported last month on allegations by Berenice Ballinas, Aitken’s chief of staff, seeking mediation from the city. Ballinas claims a sustained pattern of harassment and discriminatory treatment, detailing incidents at Disneyland’s Club 33, Angel Stadium, and other Anaheim landmarks.

The most critical example involves Aitken allegedly referring to Ballinas derogatorily in front of then-city attorney Jim Vanderpool. Ballinas further claims the mayor expressed a preference against having “a Mexican” like her drive Aitken’s car. Aitken has denied these charges in an official statement and during a council meeting.

The allegations reflect Orange County’s longstanding anti-Mexican political history. Notable examples include Proposition 187, accusations of poll guarding, attempts to grant local police immigration-enforcement powers, and discriminatory remarks by political figures throughout the county’s history. An example from 1972 involves Orange County supervisor Ronald Caspers referring to Mexican American employees as “bandidos” and suggesting moving the county seat due to an imbalanced ethnic composition.

Newport Beach council member Dick Nichols made a similar remark in 2003, arguing against expanding certain park areas due to frequent Mexican visitors. Despite demands for an apology, Nichols defended his statement.

Anaheim’s history also includes segregation of schools, parks, and swimming pools until the 1950s. Another case from 1999 involved the Anaheim Union High School District considering legal action against Mexico for educating children of undocumented immigrants.

Mexican residents have historically been marginalized and mischaracterized in O.C., reinforcing discriminatory political climates. Locals remain skeptical of Aitken despite her official denials.

On Friday, the Anaheim City Council initiated an independent investigation into the allegations against Aitken. In parallel, Aitken posted on Instagram about her challenges with alcohol and expressed regret over the situation. Although activists call for her resignation, the local liberal community stands by her, as evidenced by her continued political engagements.

Recent News Highlights

• A controversial ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has gained significant attention and criticism from various political groups.
• Recent polls show a shift in Latino voter support away from Karen Bass in the L.A. mayoral race.
• Federal investigators are examining a helicopter crash near Catalina Island while the community mourns the lost lives.
• The merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has led to the new name: Skydance.