Children Cited for Violating Drought Restrictions Over Water Balloon Fight

Seven children in Rancho Bernardo, California were cited for violating drought related water restrictions after neighbors reported their water balloon fight to police Saturday.

The four boys and three girls, aged 5-10, were caught wet-handed by responding officers not only tossing the illicit projectiles, but also discharging water-filled pistols and "water weenies" outside their suburban San Diego homes, witnesses say.

"We were shocked. Here are these children, senselessly splashing each other with precious gallons of water, screaming and carrying on as if we're not in the middle of a terrible drought," remarked Ruth Grabel, 75.

"I bet they won't be laughing when we they all have to go live on the moon," Grabel added.

The citations, which draw a $100 fine for a first offense, will come out of the children's allowances, the kids' shamed parents say.

"Personally, I had no idea this was happening. My wife was out shopping and I was asleep at the time," the father of one of the children commented. "We have no idea where they got those balloons, but I can assure everyone that our children will be punished and punished severely."

Meanwhile, Grabel made some suggestions for some fun non-wasteful forms of entertainment.

"The kids might try playing bridge. Or cribbage. My friends and I think those games are just dandy," she said.