Elaine Forbes, the newly appointed city manager of Sausalito, California, was arrested on felony burglary charges early Saturday after authorities responded to a noise complaint at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor.
Deputies arrived at approximately 6:50 a.m. and found Forbes aboard a yacht she did not own, attempting to start the vessel while surrounded by empty alcohol bottles, with the boat’s horn, windshield wipers, and spotlight activated.
Witnesses reported that Forbes was wearing clothing belonging to the yacht’s owner and that she greeted the boat’s captain calmly, saying “Good morning” before being asked to leave the vessel.
The yacht’s owner described extensive disarray, including food and alcohol consumption, and noted that personal items had been removed from storage and tried on by the intruder.
Forbes, 53, began her role as Sausalito’s city manager on July 1 with an annual salary of $275,000, after serving nine years as executive director of the Port of San Francisco, where she oversaw large‑scale waterfront projects and sea‑level rise planning.
Family representatives have stated that Forbes is experiencing a mental health crisis and have asked the public to respond with compassion while legal and healthcare counsel are arranged.
She was booked into Marin County Jail on a $50,000 bail and remains under investigation by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
The city confirmed that Forbes was on a leave of absence at the time of her arrest and that acting city manager Brandon Phipps will continue to lead municipal operations.
The city council had approved the leave of absence in a closed session earlier in the week and is expected to discuss further actions at an upcoming meeting.
