Peninsula Community Association

A Clean Slate for Manila

Don't Forget to Vote!

Read about the four candidates on the "Clean Slate in 2008" ticket below.


Dan Ihara

Economics Instructor

I’ve lived in Manila since 1971 -- our community’s changed in some ways
and remained the same in some ways.

One thing is clear: the Manila Services District can not continue as it has. This year it will have had 4 general managers; 6 different people have filled the single office position; water and sewer revenues fall very short of meeting current operations expenses, much less providing for long-term maintenance and repair (LACO Report).

I have taught at HSU since 1992 (doctorate in economics University of Oregon). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, though, to see that a small District can not long continue to spend more than its revenue. Park and recreation accounts can not continue to borrow from other accounts.

Meetings need to be conducted efficiently -- currently lasting until late at night, many times a month (adding up to thousands of dollars in directors’ fees).

I was elected to two MCSD terms (1970’s); worked as an employee and General Manager (early 1980’s). I know the District’s physical infrastructure, finances, and programs. For the good of Manila, I ask for your support in setting the Service District “house” in order. Manila deserves a “clean slate” before it’s too late.


Michael Fennell House builder

I’ve lived in Manila for twenty years with my wife. We love this place. I served on the MCSD Board 1994-1998,and in 2003.

We successfully completed the sewage treatment ponds. We developed the old elementary school into a community center and public access to the beach and dunes. We made a promise to the community that the center would not cost the district any of the revenues that come from our monthly water and sewer bills. This money is needed to sustain its operations.

That promise was broken. Our sewer and water reserves are being depleted. MCSD is in chaos. One current board member called it a crisis. There has been constant turnover of office staff and managers. It’s time to turn things around and regain stability and financial responsibility. I plan to work cooperatively with our community to find our way back to solvency and normalcy.

I endorse MCSD’S mission statement. It calls for efficient services and transparency in government, while maintaining our rural character and natural resources. MCSD can help shape our growth as a community. I look forward to being part of that.


Joy Dellas      Artist, Bookkeeper

I moved to Manila 30 years ago to attend HSU, where I received a BA in journalism and a MA in art. I love Manila for its natural beauty and proximal location between Eureka and Arcata. Manila can retain its rural scenic quality and its cultural and economic diversity, while at the same time welcoming our newest community members.

As a board member my first objective is to guarantee that MCSD provides affordable quality services administered by a competent general manager.

My past participation in meetings and workshops for Manila and peninsula planning and my work to reduce the speed limit on highway 255 and to create safe pedestrian trails would be an asset on the board of directors.

My experience on the MCSD Parks and Recreation Commission, Peninsula Union Site Council, and the Arcata Artisans Cooperative board of directors leads me to study best practices for management, business and internet technology. I’ve managed community websites, email lists, and published newsletters to assist in creating a dialogue and access to public information.

I seek to involve residents in sharing thoughts and ideas, looking forward to our best times ahead and a community we are proud to call home.


Shelley Lima

I was born in Humboldt County, graduated from Arcata High , attended HSU and have made Manila my home for the last six years. I have served children and families for the past 20 years.

This diverse economic and demographic community needs the vision and support of becoming a community where all members feel a sense of trust and success.

I want to see our community working together in a positive way with efficient decision making, fiscal responsibility and supporting a manager with authority and the will to follow through on policies and accountability.