In an echoing warehouse that sometimes reverberates with the eager screech of guitar amps next door, John and Alice Fisher often see, hear and (depending on the decibel level) feel what goes on at The Shop, a teen-run music venue renting space adjacent to their automotive repair shop, Metric Motors. But what resonates most strongly is the belief that The Shop offers an invaluable resource for local youth, and the community at large.
“It helps kids stay out of trouble,” said Fisher, himself an avid drummer. “If a kid can bring his drums and amp and come down here and make as much noise as he wants, he’s not going to be (channeling that energy) into other (more harmful) stuff.”
The Shop puts on a rich variety of shows and Fisher volunteers his time at the alcohol-and-drug-free venue, chaperoning regularly. For the last quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, Metric Motors is donating five percent of its profits to help the Shop and its umbrella organization, Operation Youth funds and oversees two other invaluable youth programs. Teen Safe Ride provides free taxi rides home to kids who find themselves in unsafe situations. Operation Youth’s No Name Cafe at Sonoma Valley High School is also a tremendous resource for local teens. The inclusive center does a lot more than serve up smoothies: outfitted with computers, it hosts tutoring sessions, club meetings, student art exhibits and poetry events.
Four years ago, John, Alice and their three children traded the big city environs of San Francisco for a cozier, Wine Country life. Ever since their family and business became so inextricably woven into the Sonoma community, the couple wanted to give something back. Volunteering their time and donating a percentage of their sales to Operation Youth are just two ways they’re exploring such grassroots community philanthropy. John also hopes to soon offer an informal auto clinic to teens: a sort of regular open house to which kids can bring their cars, ask maintenance questions and get a good grasp of the automotive industry. Metric Motors provides full service automotive work and repairs, specializing in Asian and European models. For more information on Metric Motors, go to www.metricmotorsauto.com or call 707.363.5114.
For more information about Operation Youth, call John Randall, board president at 707.843.0746.
