Sausalito City Manager Elaine Forbes has resigned from her position less than two months after her arrest aboard a yacht at the city's marina. Forbes, 53, is currently in treatment and her condition is improving, according to family spokesperson Sam Singer.
"Resigning was important so she could focus on her mental wellbeing," Singer said.
Forbes' resignation was announced by Mayor Steven Woodside on Monday. "Our hearts are with Elaine and her family, and we stand behind her as she takes this time to focus on her health and healing," Woodside said.
The city has appointed Brandon Phipps as interim city manager for a six-month term and plans to recruit a permanent replacement after the November election.
Forbes was arrested on July 18, just three weeks into her tenure as Sausalito's city manager. Authorities reported that she boarded multiple vessels at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor, including a large yacht. The yacht's owner stated that Forbes had ransacked clothing, eaten food, and consumed alcohol aboard the vessel. She was initially booked on suspicion of felony burglary. Authorities found Forbes aboard the yacht around dawn after its alarm began sounding. She allegedly initially claimed the boat was hers before the owner confirmed she did not have permission to be on board.
Prior to her arrest, a missing-person report had been filed for Forbes days earlier. Her attorney, Randy Knox, stated that she was "trying to get the help she needs." Forbes agreed to a psychiatric evaluation at Marin General Hospital during a court appearance, where she did not enter a plea.
Singer indicated that Forbes was experiencing a significant mental health crisis during the incident and may have believed she was on her own houseboat, which was moored near the marina.
Before becoming Sausalito's city manager, Forbes served for nine years as the executive director of the Port of San Francisco. She announced her departure from that role in September 2025, citing fatigue from managing a large operation and a need for change.
Forbes' family, including her wife Angela Cavillo, clerk of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, expressed gratitude for the city's support. "Angela and her family are tremendously grateful for the city of Sausalito and how nicely they have treated her during this difficult moment in her life," Singer said.