The picturesque town of Sausalito, known for its charming waterfront and vibrant community, is grappling with an unexpected turn of events. Elaine Forbes, the newly appointed city manager, was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of burglary, sending shockwaves through the Marin County community.
The arrest, which took place near the bustling intersection of Humboldt Avenue and Johnson Street, has left residents and officials alike seeking answers. Forbes, who began her tenure as city manager on July 1, was taken into custody by Marin County sheriff’s deputies. The incident occurred just two days after the Sausalito city council placed her on administrative leave, a move that has raised numerous questions.
The Arrest and Charges
According to Marin County jail records, Forbes, a 53-year-old resident, was booked into jail on a felony charge of burglary. The arrest took place at approximately 6:50 a.m. at 501 Humboldt Ave, a location that houses the offices of the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Authorities received a call about a burglary and found Forbes inside a yacht that did not belong to her.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office has referred all inquiries to the Sausalito Police Department, which in turn has directed questions to a city spokesman. The city of Sausalito released a statement acknowledging the arrest but declined to comment on specific allegations, citing an ongoing investigation by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a difficult development for our City staff and our community,” the statement read.
A Career in Public Service
Forbes brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served as the executive director at the Port of San Francisco for nine years, from to 2026. Her tenure at the port was marked by significant projects, including the upgrade of the seawall along San Francisco’s Embarcadero and proposals to redevelop Fisherman’s Wharf. Forbes was also a key figure in addressing the need for infrastructure improvements to mitigate earthquake risks.
Her appointment as Sausalito’s city manager was met with enthusiasm, as she was seen as a valuable asset to the community. The city council unanimously voted to hire Forbes on May 5, setting her base salary at $275,000. Forbes expressed her excitement about returning to Marin County, where she had lived as a child, and her eagerness to support the city’s long-term goals.
The Community Responds
A statement issued on behalf of Forbes and her family by spokesperson Sam Singer Public Relations highlighted her dedication to public service and the respect she has earned over the years. The statement emphasized that Forbes is experiencing a mental health crisis and urged the public to withhold judgment until more information becomes available.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The Sausalito City Council is expected to discuss next steps at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday. The community, meanwhile, remains in a state of disbelief, grappling with the unexpected turn of events that has cast a shadow over the town’s leadership.
