Eckhardt responds to mass-gathering decision

It probably won’t surprise many readers to learn that Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has welcomed the recent decision by a state district judge to dismiss a legal challenge against the county’s newly adopted guidelines for mass gatherings. Last week, Judge Tim Sulak rejected Euphoria Music and Camping Festival’s request for an injunction against the new policy, which effectively sets a more restrictive curfew on the event’s amplified music than in years past. While representatives of Euphoria did not respond to requests for comment on Monday, Eckhardt’s office quickly issued a statement lauding the decision. “We need clarity on the law,” Eckhardt declared. “Whether or not Euphoria re-files its suit, the Commissioners Court will continue to work with it and other festivals to achieve the best balance between the business interests and the neighbors’ interests.” Because Sulak has not issued an official order yet, the clock is not yet ticking for Euphoria to file an appeal. When the order does come, the festival will have 30 days to decide whether to challenge the ruling.