“The Sausalito City Council met in a closed session during which we discussed matters regarding City Manager Elaine Forbes. 

Since it is a personnel matter, there is not a lot we can share publicly right now. But I can tell you that no decisions were made regarding her employment. She remains on a leave of absence, and I want to assure everyone that we are gathering and evaluating all of the facts surrounding this matter. 

Based on public statements that have been made by her family and representatives, our thoughts are with Elaine and her family right now. Tonight, I am asking everyone for patience and compassion. 

This moment calls for a sensitive balance between individual privacy rights and the rights the public have for accountability. It’s not easy. But we will get through this. 

In order to continue city business as seamlessly as possible, we are in discussions with Sausalito’s former City Manager Chris Zapata to come back in a temporary advisory role as soon as possible. Chris has indicated his willingness to do so. Chris is currently the Assistant County Executive for the County of Marin. If we can complete negotiations with him and the county, he would be on loan to us from the county. We are grateful to Derek Johnson, the Marin County Executive, for facilitating Chris’ assistance to help us stabilize matters as we go forward.”

 - Sausalito Mayor Steven Woodside