I was saddened to hear that the Koi Nation was appealing the recent court decision that went against them in regard to the youth sports center slated to be built in Clearlake.

It is my understanding that the environmental impact report for the project was accepted by both the state of California and seven tribes, but not the Koi Nation.

They sued in court and lost, and now are appealing, as is their right. However, it may take from 12 to 18 months to settle this appeal, and while Clearlake city officials try to be confident of the outcome, there is a group, without a voice in this matter, which is bearing the brunt of this conflict: our kids.

The need for positive recreational opportunities for Clearlake youth is clear and overwhelming and has been for years.

A 12- to 18-month delay for this project means kids could still be facing teen pregnancy, drug abuse, truancy and delinquency when they could be developing social, cultural, artistic, and physical skills on the field and at the new recreation center.

As adults, we need to decide what we want for our kids. Our City Council has worked hard to get this project to this point. I respectfully ask the Koi Nation to reconsider their appeal of this court decision and put the best interests of our children at the forefront of all of our actions.

Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.