L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016 www.italoamericano.org 8 SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY S an Francisco and Genoa have never been so close! I n t h e l a s t f e w y e a r s , exactly how it used to happen almost a century ago, the Bay Area has welcomed immigrants from Liguria. These people, who work in different industries such as tech, business, architec- ture, food, have kept a strong connection with their homeland, while embracing a new life in the Bay. The Ligurian commu- nity puts together first genera- tion migrants and young people, all willing to keep the bridge between the two cities as solid as possible. In this perspective, over the last year, opportunities for partnerships have grown, also thanks to the visit of Mayor Marco Doria, followed by the presence of Alberto Cappato, G e n e r a l M a n a g e r a t P o r t o Antico Di Genova. Mr Cappato visited the Bay Area in Mid- November and met us at the Italian Consulate for an thought- ful conversation. Mr Cappato, first of all: w h y a r e y o u v i s i t i n g S a n Francisco? A s m a n y p e o p l e m i g h t remember, it is not my first visit in the city this year. Back in February, I was part of the mis- s i o n o r g a n i z e d b y G e n o a ' s Mayor, Marco Doria. During that week, I had the opportunity to explore some places that I did not know about; discover stories of people with Ligurian ances- tors; and meet new generation immigrants. My visit today is a result of all these factors. Your interest towards the Bay Area started even earlier though… There is a funny story behind the decision to come to the Bay Area. In May 2015, Italian jour- nalist Federico Rampini, origi- nally from Genoa, wrote an arti- cle calling out all the Genovese people and asking to pay more attention to the Bay Area reali- ty. Indeed, the current Scientific Attaché at the Italian Consulate, Professor Massimo Maresca, is o r i g i n a l l y f r o m G e n o a . A s Rampini pointed out, the city has a crucial point of contact who could help build partner- ships and collaborations with San Francisco. That thought inspired both Mayor Doria and myself, and we were immediate- l y i n t o u c h w i t h P r o f e s s o r Maresca to learn more about his role and possible support. What happened during and s o o n a f t e r t h e v i s i t i n February? At that time, we had a full schedule of meetings and found opportunities of partnerships with both a cultural and a busi- ness perspective. For the first time, I learned that there were possibilities to launch new col- l a b o r a t i o n s a b r o a d a n d S a n F r a n c i s c o a n d t h e B a y A r e a seemed to be the perfect spots. In the last few weeks, we heard the story of Tekpea. Why is it important in this context? Tekpea is a tech company founded in 2010, based in Palo Alto. The founder and CEO, D a v i d e T a p p e i n e r , i s a Genovese. It helps companies b u i l d s o l u t i o n s a n d d e l i v e r s innovative products for energy SERENA PERFETTO I t a ly, G e n o a , a n d S a n F r a n c i s c o L o o k a t N ew Collaborations Driven by Culture and Innovation efficiency. But most important, they opened a location in Genoa l a s t m o n t h . I a m p r o u d t h a t Mayor Doria and I supported Davide's decision and, as Porto A n t i c o d i G e n o v a , w e a r e already using this technology to measure water and energy. For our city, it is meaningful that an Italian entrepreneur, based in the Silicon Valley, picked Genoa as their main location in Italy. San Francisco has been and still is home to many immi- grants from Liguria. What's your idea about it? In February, we met young people from Liguria as well as local communities with Ligurian roots. The energy and the contri- bution they gave and still give to t h e B a y a r e v e r y i m p o r t a n t . Historical aspects that you find in the first generations are now mixed with special knowledge and skills from new immigrants. What's the goal of this mis- s i o n a s D i r e c t o r o f P o r t o Antico di Genova? I invested a lot of time and energy in learning and under- standing as much as I could dur- ing my first trip here. It is cru- cial we do not lose contact with this reality and these people. There are opportunities to grow through some partnerships in the Bay Area and I am willing to take them. I refer to scientific collaborations that can help con- sume energy in a more efficient way. At the same time, I am try- i n g t o t o u c h b a s e w i t h l o c a l i n s t i t u t i o n s , s u c h a s t h e Exploratorium, in order to start an exchange of scientific profes- sionals between Genoa and San Francisco. People who visited Genoa a l o n g t i m e a g o m a y b e s u r - prised to see how the port area has changed. Could you tell us a bit more? Surely people who haven't v i s i t e d G e n o a i n t h e l a s t 2 5 years will be positively shocked to see such changes in the area. 230K square meters welcome 4 million visitors every year, who can join more than 200 events. P o r t o A n t i c o d i G e n o v a , redesigned by Architect Renzo Piano, has become the heart of tourism in the city. Opened all day, all year long, it is home to events, festivals, conferences, so it is perfect for business and for fun. It hosts museums, retail shops, sea services, restaurants, a theatre. How can Porto Antico Di Genova be of inspiration for other cities? I think that it is not the only place worldwide of such kind. I v i s i t e d S a n F r a n c i s c o Fisherman's Wharf and felt the s a m e e n e r g y w e h a v e i n o u r Porto. However, we would like to prove how it is possible to successfully keep the symbols and the past of a city while look- ing at the future and embracing innovation. Alberto Cappato, General Manager of Porto Antico di Genova Italian Community Services provid Bay Area Italian-American seniors and famili with trusted rourc to help them live healthy, independent and productive liv. We are commied to honoring and prerving the Italian language and culture, with an emphasis on the strength and suort that com om family, community, education and goodwill. Casa Coloniale John F. Fugazi 678 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94133 415 •362 •6423 www.italiancs.com . . • Translation for seniors /new immigrants • Community service coordination • Information and referrals View of the old city port. The port of Genoa is the busiest port of Italy and one of the most important in the Mediterranean area.— Photo by gregorylee

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