A California woman, Charlotte Russ, took the family to Pismo Beach, known as the “Clam Capital of the World.” Her five kids spent some time collecting sea shells. Only they were more than seashells – they were live clams. The kids had picked up 72 clams. Someone from the Department of Fish and Wildlife saw what was happening and approached the mother of five and told her that her kids were collecting the clams without a fishing license, and issued her a ticket. She later received a fine in the mail ordering her to pay $88,993. (* Bet she was shell shocked!) After protesting the ticket, a judge knocked her fine down to $500. (* Or 500 clams, to use the vernacular.) “It kind of ruined our trip,” Russ said. “The kids know now at the beach don’t touch anything.”
* That should be the motto of all our national parks and public spaces: “Don’t touch anything.”
* The clam-motto, as it were. (Y’know – Clamato? Hello? Never mind.)
* “A ticket? Can’t you give me a warning?” “Sure. Here’s your warning: PAY THE TICKET!”
* Even if you’re wearing sunscreen, there’s more than one way to get burned at the beach.
* But thank goodness California’s clam supply was saved.