Marin Voice: Kids across county can benefit from MC field lights plan

As someone who has spent a lifetime in Marin County, I’ve seen our community grow and evolve, while facing its fair share of challenges. But one thing that’s always brought us together is our deep belief in supporting the next generation.

That’s why I feel compelled to speak up against the recent lawsuit challenging the approval of the field lights at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield. To be clear: This isn’t just about lights. This is about what kind of community we want to be.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the field lights at Marin Catholic because its members understand what is at stake. I believe they see the benefits to youth development, community connection and school spirit. Most importantly, they appear to recognize the overwhelming need for field space and the desire from students, families and residents who simply want to see their kids thrive. I believe this decision represented the vast majority of Marin County residents.

And yet, here we are — facing another lawsuit and another delay. This is another example of how change, even when it’s widely supported and clearly beneficial, is too often met with resistance in Marin.

I say this as someone who has spent his life building things and knows the ins and outs of getting things done in this county. I also know firsthand how often lawsuits citing the California Environmental Quality Act are used to stall progress (not necessarily to “protect the environment”). They’re a well-worn tactic for opposing change, especially the kind that supports young people.

Thankfully, there are state-level efforts underway in Sacramento to rein in the misuse of CEQA to address these kinds of tactics. But we shouldn’t need new laws to remind us of our priorities. We should be able to look around, see the smiling faces of young athletes, and say, “This is worth it.”

Youth sports aren’t just about competition — they’re about building character. They teach accountability, teamwork, resilience and leadership. Simply put, that is a great recipe for how you can succeed in life. That’s why I have personally contributed to nearly 10 playing fields throughout Marin and beyond. When we invest in opportunities for our kids — be it through fields, facilities or, yes, even field lights — we’re investing in the future of Marin.

The MC field lights have gone through extensive review. Concerns have been heard, addressed and weighed thoughtfully by county officials. The decision to allow the lights reflected not only the legal merits of the project, but the moral imperative to support our youth.

Of course, no change is ever easy in Marin. We have a long history of paralyzing opposition. But we have to start asking ourselves the harder questions: Does it really have to be this hard? Who are we protecting when we say no? What opportunities are we denying? And mostly, who do we want to be as a community?

Personally, I want to be part of a community that says yes to kids. That understands that community isn’t just about protecting the status quo — it’s about building a legacy for the next generation.

I urge those who filed this lawsuit to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Think about the students who may lose the chance to create memories they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. Think about the young athletes who currently miss valuable classroom time just to play before sunset. Think about the new opportunities this opens up, like the recently established North Coast Section girls flag football program. Most of all, think about the message it sends to our youth when adults are fighting against something that’s meant for them.

Youth is fleeting — it’s a brief window when kids learn who they are, what they’re capable of and how it feels to be part of something bigger than themselves. We owe it to them to make that window as full of opportunity as possible.

Let’s stop making it so hard to say yes to something that is so clearly right. Let the kids be kids. Let them play under the lights — and know their community stood up for their future.

Dick Ghilotti, of Corte Madera, is a local business owner and  79-year resident of Marin County.