McConaha Memorial

Of all the photos that I snapped at yesterday's memorial event for Jack McConaha this one is my favorite. Karen Meyers, one of our local Desert Trail columnists, is regaling the crowd with stories about Jack. 

Karen and her sister Darlene, the other columnist, mean so much to this community and we are grateful for their loving participation. Look at all those smiles.

Jack's daughters are recording Karen's stories.

Jack McConaha Memorial - April 29, 2017

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend a memorial service for the former Fire Chief of the Wonder Valley Volunteer Fire Department - Jack McConaha.

Saturday, April 29, 2017 from, noon - 3 p.m.
Wonder Valley Community Center80256-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277

Jack died two years ago. His daughters, who live elsewhere, were unable to get together here for a memorial until now.

* A potluck will begin shortly after noon.
* Bill and Bob will perform live music for the event. They are a blues duo - guitar and harmonica, and sometimes trombone.
* We will screen a short film - "Riding Shotgun with Jack McConaha," made by local filmmaker Nick Higgins.
* Those who knew Jack will be asked to share their remembrances of him with the community.

Please bring a dish to share. In addition to the regular table we will also have a vegan table. If you want to prepare a vegan dish - remember: no meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

Even if you didn't know Jack, you'll learn about the history of Wonder Valley.

To find out more about Jack, read:

Hi-Desert Star: McConaha watches out for Wonder Valley

William Hillyard: Laying Tracks with Jack McConaha

Wonder Valley Fire Department, circa 1970s

At the dedication of Fire Station 42 in Wonder Valley, circa 1970s

On July 25, 1987, Wonder Valley Fire Chief Jack McConaha tendered his resignation to San Bernardino Fire Chief Glenn Newman.

McConaha wrote,

It is with the deepest regret that I wish to resign my position as fire captain of the Wonder Valley Fire Stations 41 and 42. The following are the reasons for my resignation:

A. Lack of support and participation of the residents of Wonder Valley to their fire department.
Before I became fire chief in 1978, the residents and weekenders were all very involved and supportive of their fire department. Most of the original founders and supporters have now passed away, leaving the new residents who do not get involved in supporting or contributing to any of the activities needed to make Wonder Valley and vicinity a successful growing community.
To those few residents, in a population of around 2,500, who worked very hard to support the fire department, I express my deepest thanks.
Because of these ‘old timers’ (that I love so dearly!) I have hesitated to resign at an earlier date.

B. The fire department provides fire and rescue and public service to the community of Wonder Valley with just 12 firefighters. They respond seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to assist the residents, weekenders and travelers in Wonder Valley, Highway 62, Highway 66, Amboy Road and Interstate 40.
I have advertised and even begged for volunteer pay-call firefighters from the residents of Wonder Valley and Highway 62, but got none. These residents sit at home, watch TV and drink at the local bars, rather than assist their fire department.
It’s not right that my firefighters work five to six days a week at their regular jobs and also seven days a week, 24 hours a day, on call to respond with help for the residents, who in turn, do not want to support or participate as members of their fire department.

McConaha continued and then thanked everyone who made his years at the WVFD the “best and most rewarding years of his life.”

The more things change, the more they stay the same. As in 1987, so in 2016, almost 30 years later.

SOURCE: The Desert Trail, July 30, 1987

Wonder Valley Monthly Meeting - March 12, 2016

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend our monthly community meeting from 9-11 a.m. on March 12 at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277.

Agenda is posted on March 7 at 9:00 a.m. at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vb7if1jah30h4n2/03122016_wv_meeting_2.pdf?dl=0
The notes for this meeting are posted here:
http://bit.ly/wv03122016_meeting

We've temporarily moved the monthly community meeting to a Saturday and if you attend, you'll find out why! Everyone is welcome and invited to attend and participate. (There may even be Porto's Cuban pastries from Glendale.)

James Brakebill, the head of the Copper Mountain College Fire Technology Program will report and show the short film The Power of Fire.

We'll discuss County Code Enforcement's recent Wonder Valley cleanup with before and after photographs, Neighborhood Watch, give a Fire/Emergency Services update, discuss how we might honor Jack McConaha, talk about upcoming meetings and changes at the community center.

The first meeting of the Wonder Valley PCF Fire Department

James Brakebill, head of the Copper Mountain College Fire Technology Program met with the Community of Wonder Valley on Saturday, January 23, to discuss the inception of  Paid Call Firefighter Program. About 50 people met at the Wonder Valley Community Center at 80526 1/2 Amboy Road to learn about the requirements of setting up such a program.

Former Fire Chief Jack McConaha donated the fire dog, much like his own dog "Whiskey,"
to the Wonder Valley Fire Department.

Starlene Javier, the former Fire Chief for the Wonder Valley Volunteer Fire Department, was present and  earned an enthusiastic round of applause for the work she did then, and has continued to do throughout the years hence. Ms. Javier recently resigned as the community's only county worker, though she continues in her former capacity as a volunteer, running the USDA Food Distribution program and the free book and DVD loan program.

The Wonder Valley community was abuzz at the community breakfast at the Palms Bar and Restaurant Sunday morning regarding the possibility of forming a community fire department. James Brakebill and Sandy Willis, a former member of the Wonder Valley Fire Department, met at the Palms for breakfast. James Brakebill received a round of applause from the community for the former day's meeting.

A great deal of work lies ahead but the payoff will be a community united to meet the best interests of Wonder Valley.