Person Of The week - Alan Degenova

Photo- Toshimi Watanabe

Most of you know Allan De Genova. He has been an NPA Parks Commissioner for 13 years. Allan topped the polls in the last election and he is one of Vancouver's Skateboarders greatest advocates. Allan has been a huge help in completing Hastings Park (skate bowl,) and Quilchena Skate board Park. He was also instrumental in the early stages of building the skate board park underneath the Georgia Viaduct. Allan believes there should be a skate park in every community
in Vancouver. Vancouver has 23 communities. Now that would be cool. He is currently working with Vancouver boarders to make this happen. Alan understands the concept of keeping young peeps healthy by giving them a place to go will make Vancouver a better, more fun, place to live.

Just recently, our friend Al was suspended from the NPA for 6 months which included taking his profile off the NPA website. Mayor Sam Sullivan called Allan into his office at City Hall and told him that the NPA wanted a more "unified plan" and he should be carrying the party's issues as opposed to voting on his own merits and beliefs. It was because Allan did not "toe the Party line," he was suspended. He has been a loyal NPA member for 18 years, during that time he has always concentrated on getting things done rather than focusing on personalities or beating up on the opposition. Allan always felt he needed to speak in his own voice/mind, he admits he has gone too far on occasion but that's because he really cares about the community. He now has some serious soul searching to do before he makes any decisions. Allan was told by Mayor Sullivan that he consulted widely with his caucus and members of the NPA before he made his decision about suspending Allan. De Genova said he would live by Mayor Sullivan's decision as to what will happen in the future.

Anyhow, Alan would like to know what Vancouver's youth and skateboarders think he should do???? I personally think the NPA made a big mistake here. They need more Alan's not less. He should go Indy-pendant.

And Skaters, don't forget to check his name off in the next municipal election in 08......!

Alan D's interview below.........................Check it out.

Photo- Jeff Chan Skater- Moondog 41 yrs young shredin' Hastings Bowl.

Name?
Allan De Genova

Occupation?
Vancouver Park Board Commissioner / Realtor Project Marketing.

Years as Park Board Commissioner?
13 years, 5th term in office.

Any Hobbies?
Old car restoration, Hiking, helping wildlife, sustainability conservation.

Why did you get into politics?
I was appointed project coordinator for the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, where I worked on revitalizing Chinatown. After being involved for so many years it was then they suggested that I run for office in Vancouver to be a voice for the community.

Three major issues affecting Vancouver's citizens right now?
1) Hastings Park. I would like to see Hastings Park more as a park with a fair rather than a fair with a park. I feel that a majority of the year, the PNE is closed up and not many people can use the area, I would like to see more green space and in addition a street style skate board park working along-side with the PNE built into the park.

2) The Fruit Tree Project I am working with Tree City Folks to plant 600 fruit trees around Vancouver which will produce 12 to 14 tones of fruit per season. This will be great to feed people walking down the street and we will collected by volunteers to give away to the food bank.

3) Southeast side of False Creek, I feel this community will evolve into different housing types being affordable housing and high end housing. Also offering a community centre and playing field. (A small skate park would be nice.)

Your future plans with the NPA?
I still have some soul searching to do right now, I have been a loyal NPA member for 18 years and I have not ruled out working with the NPA in the future just as they apparently have not ruled out reconciliation on their part. TIME WILL TELL.

Leeside Memorial Park ?
Leeside is taking longer that I would like it to, but projects of this size take time. The good thing is Leeside is happening, it is a long process and important that we do it right. This will leave a legacy for the Lee's family and friends to enjoy for a long time to come.

Wildest moment on the Parks Board?
Besides the Polar Bear Temperature testing... I took my daughters skate board for a trial test under the Viadock and after landing on my head, I have never looked the same since.

Any cool events coming up?
YES!! The Environmental Youth Alliance is showcasing "Vancouver's urban agriculture United Nations World urban form 2006."

What are some of the best things about Vancouver?
Culturally diverse, a number of great programs offered through community centers and being able to cycle many paths around the city along the waters edge.

What are the worst?
Drug addiction and dealers that prey on young people. Safety for seniors, they seem easy targets for criminals. I would like to see the downtown Eastside evolve into a much better place.

Restaurant?
Nick's Spaghetti House for Italian food, and in Chinatown Hon's Won Ton House. Both are GREAT places to eat.

Music?
Chinese Music, Sarah McLachlin and Van Morrison.

What do you do on rainy days?
WORK, WORK, and more WORK. I love rainy misty days, and I also love bundling up in a warm Jacket, going out in the cold and coming home to Wine and cheese. I love my wine and cheese. I guess that's why they call me Fai Lo, which means "chubby guy" in Chinese.

Photo- Toshimi Watanabe

Do you want to thank anyone?
The Vancouver Skate Board Coalition for allowing me to get involved with them and their many exciting ideas, also I would like to thank the coalition for making my Daughter Emily feel comfortable as she started to learn skate boarding. That was really special to me. They are a GREAT bunch of people.

Photo- Jeff Chan Skater- Ryan Faust doing a frontside air over the 6-foot hip at Hastings Bowl

Good links to check out?
www.vancouverparks.ca