How much 'Law' is enough?

Interesting story out of Fresno, Calif. today -- where police appear to be issuing a crack down of sorts on nightlife in that city.

In fact, it is such a crack down -- according to recent stories in the Fresno Bee newspaper -- that some entertainment venues are canceling all-ages shows because of the threat, real or otherwise, of underage drinking. In some instances, the venues are canceling live shows altogether.

If the story is factual, the crack down isn't coming from police at all. The story indicates letters have been sent to the venues to be sure to abide the provisions set forth in their conditional use permits for the property. Live music may not have been covered in the permit.

Well, that's not a police issue at all. It is a planning and zoning department issue. Conditional use permits were issued by Fresno planning and zoning, and if the process is similar to that in Texas communities, the conditional use permits go through two approval processes -- on by the planning and zoning commission and the other from a vote of the city council, city commission, town council, city alderman or whathaveyou.

At any rate, the question for events in entertainment venues and festival events such as the Real. Texas. Festival. becomes "How much police presence and/or security is enough?"

There is one event that occurred in another community -- we won't mention any names here but let's just say this community is where I-30, Loop 820, I-35W and U.S. 287 kind of all converge.

I remember walking around the venue thinking, "My gosh there are lot of police officers here." It seemed like every fifth or sixth person you ran into at this event was a uniformed police officer -- and there were probably a number of "undercover" police officers working the crowd blending into their surroundings.

It just seemed too much ... it was palatable. It was kind of off-putting to be quite honest.

We believe we have the right number of police and private security present at RTF.

We've been fortunate and blessed that there hasn't been any kind of threatening criminal activity requiring intrusive action by police and/or security.

Now, this isn't to say the festival takes place in a cathedral and everyone is wearing their Sunday best and on their best behavior. We've had some instances where folks have gotten, oh, shall we say, a little excited.

But rather than act a complete fool, these folks have been gracious enough to remove themselves from the masses when asked to be removed. There was an instance where a gentleman tried to drive out of the parking areas at the festival -- much faster than he should have -- and hit a parked vehicle.

Sure, there have been "instances" of people behaving not so well at the festival.

But for the most part, people who attend the Real. Texas. Festival. are respectful. They have a great time and they are there for the party. But they don't draw attention to themselves and they understand there are people there to have a great time listening to great music or attending an Texas icon like the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.

Of course, by speaking of all this, there are those who will probably tell me I've just jinxed the event. But I really don't believe in that stuff. Jinxing or karma can be directed. As long as we continue to put a quality event that people want to see on the ground, building on the momentum that has been attained in years one through four of this thing ... well, we'll be fine.

There are number of other events that haven't been as fortunate.

Reality TV star Tila Tequila was pelted with rocks and debris at the recent Gathering of the Juggalos festival -- organized by the metal rap group Insane Clown Posse.

Gee, I didn't even know those guys were still relevant, let along headlining their own festival.

Of course, the Juggalos and the RTF is an apples and oranges comparison. Still, we have been very fortunate over the years to have great attendees to the festival, and we've hit on a pretty decent system for security and police.

We believe our festival is a nice, fun, safe entertainment option for the end of April and our security plan and the city police department play a tremendous hand in that.

Check us out.