Sausalito city manager arrested days after leave of absence was approved

Sausalito's city manager was arrested over the weekend, just weeks after taking office, the city said Sunday.

Elaine Forbes was arrested around 7 a.m. Saturday on suspicion of criminal charges, according to the city.

The city said it would not comment on the allegations as the Marin County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating, but stated she was arrested within city limits. The sheriff's office said she was arrested on suspicion of burglary and was allegedly on a yacht that she does not own. 

In a statement, Forbes's family said she is experiencing a mental health crisis.

"Elaine Forbes has devoted much of her life to public service and is widely respected by the many people who have worked with her over the years. We ask that no one rush to judgment based on limited information. Elaine is experiencing a mental health crisis.  As the facts become clearer and Elaine obtains legal and healthcare counsel in the coming hours and days, we hope people will respond with compassion, patience and respect for her and her family during an extraordinarily difficult time," her family said.

Forbes was appointed unanimously on May 5 and took office on July 1, according to the city. She was previously the director of the Port of San Francisco from 2016 until December 2025.

The Sausalito City Council had recently approved a leave of absence for Forbes during a closed session on Thursday.

"The work of the City of Sausalito continues without interruption under the leadership of Acting City Manager Brandon Phipps and our dedicated municipal staff. It is anticipated the City Council will discuss next steps at its upcoming City Council meeting," the city said.

The sheriff's office said her bail was set at $50,000.