Alan West was born and raised in the East Bay and graduated from college at Colorado State University with the help of an athletic scholarship. Alan attended Lincoln University School of Law and became an attorney in January of 1982.

Alan has been a resident of Castro Valley for thirty years and his children attended and graduated from Castro Valley schools.

Alan is a member of Rotary International and served as the Castro Valley Club President in the 1990-1991 Rotary year. Alan is also a member of the California Masons and served as Master of the local Masonic Lodge in 1991. Alan continues to be active with local charities in a variety of areas.

Affiliations