A disabled Navy veteran and bubble artist has been fined by California state authorities for “liquid littering.”
Sandy Snaekenberg, 63, is an entertainer known as the “Bubble Pirate.” For more than a decade, Snaekenberg has been dressing up like a pirate and entertaining local residents with his creative bubble acts.
“This isn't just my livelihood, it's actually part of the community now.”
“I was just enjoying blowing some simple bubbles and people passing by enjoyed it too,” he said. KSWB Television“I became obsessed with sharing that joy.”
Snaekenberg, a self-proclaimed “bubble expert,” lives in his van, where he stores all his equipment and props.
“I got more involved with bubbles professionally, I made my own juice, my own device, and even gave a TED talk while I was in Singapore,” Snakenberg said. Fox News.
Snakeburg 2016 TED Talks Titled “Lessons from Bubbles,” the video is described as Snakeenberg's “journey and lessons learned not only from bubbles, but by observing others who have been exposed to and re-exposed to the magic of bubbles.”
Snakenberg, who is dyslexic, said he makes a living from bubble art and entertainment.
However, the Bubble Pirates were recently fined for blowing bubbles.
Last week, Snakeenberg performed his usual “Bubble Pirates” show at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California.
San Diego Parks and Recreation Department rangers fined Snakenberg for “littering prohibited liquids” on park grounds.
The Bubble Pirates allegedly asked park rangers to write on the tickets that the liquid in question came from bubbles, but the rangers failed to comply.
A spokesperson for the San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation told Fox News, “The City of San Diego respects the right of local residents to engage in expressive activities, including artistic expression, in City parks. However, those engaging in these activities must follow other City rules and regulations, including those regarding littering and waste disposal.”
The spokesperson continued, “In this case, park rangers attempted multiple times to explain to the individual that the foam residue was in violation of the City's trash ordinance (SDMC 63.0102(c)(8) Trash). The individual was using up to six gallons of liquid per day, which could result in residual chemicals running onto grassed areas and damaging the grass.”
“After observing numerous violations and receiving complaints from other park users, rangers issued the lightest possible tickets,” the spokesperson concluded.
San Diego Municipal ordinances Regarding littering, the law states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to leave or scatter any boxes, whether empty or not, waste paper, food remains, newspapers, cigarettes or remains of smokable substances, or rubbish of any kind; provided, however, that such substances or objects may be disposed of in any receptacle provided for such purpose.”
“If I felt like I was damaging the environment or hurting people, I wouldn't be around much longer. I've been doing this for over 10 years now,” Snaekenberg said.
Bubble Pirates San Diego Union-Tribune“I haven't done anything wrong. The ranger said my solution was damaging the grass, but I make it myself and I know it won't harm the environment. I tested it on a friend's lawn and no damage was done. I have spoken to parents about the safety of my solution. I am very committed to environmental safety and spectator safety.”
Snakenberg said the bubble-making area is covered with tarps and excess bubble solution is disposed of off-site.
“This isn't just my livelihood, it's actually become part of the community now,” he told KSWB-TV.
Snakenberg said he wasn't surprised by the allegations because he had “previous notice from the community” that police were cracking down on this type of littering.
“I'm not quitting because I've done no harm. If I was doing something wrong I wouldn't do that. But I am coming back against the advice of the rangers,” declared the Bubble Pirate.
Snakeberg said: Instagram“The Bubble Pirates plan to continue performing at La Jolla Bay when they are not engaged in other events and (as officers have stated) will likely face more charges.”
Snaekenberg is due back in court in October.
In May, the city of San Diego began cracking down on yoga classes held in public parks.
A city spokesman said: KGTV Television:
San Diego City ordinances prohibit groups of four or more people engaging in commercial recreational activities, such as yoga, fitness classes, or dog training, from gathering in parks without a permit, and they can only do so in certain designated areas. Picnics and other gatherings of more than 50 people in parks, beaches, and bays also require a permit. The applicable City ordinance (SDMC 63.0102) has been in place since 1993, and recent policy updates have clarified which activities are covered by the required permits. These updates went into effect on March 29 and are being implemented to ensure that these public spaces are safe and accessible to all users at all times. Park rangers, police, and lifeguards have the authority to enforce these ordinances to ensure public safety in San Diego parks and beaches.
Some yoga instructors have pushed back against the city, arguing that while yoga classes are free to attend, participants can make a donation if they enjoy the classes.
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