A San Diego "Bubble Man" has been cited for blowing bubbles in a public park, with law enforcement claiming he was "liquid littering."
Known locally as the "Bubble Pirate," Sandy Snakenburg was recently cited for blowing bubbles at La Jolla Cove, an activity he's been sharing with the community for over a decade. A retired veteran and the creator of Bubble World, Snakenburg has dedicated himself to spreading joy through his bubble performances, which have become a beloved spectacle for people of all ages.
During a recent show, San Diego park rangers issued him a ticket for what they described as "liquid littering," claiming that the residue from the bubbles could harm the grass. Snakenburg, a registered disabled homeless veteran, lives off the tips he earns from these performances and operates under a non-profit organization. Despite the citation, which requires a court appearance, Snakenburg remains committed to his craft, emphasizing his compliance with local regulations.
This incident is part of a broader conflict between San Diego Parks & Recreation and individuals offering free or donation-based activities in public spaces. Another controversial case involves Steve "NamaSteve" Hubbard, a yoga instructor who has been providing community yoga sessions overlooking Law Street Beach in Pacific beach for 17 years. After being ticketed several times while conducting his class in-person, Hubbard was recently cited by park rangers for conducting a YouTube class from his backyard, which participants were streaming in a nearby public park.
These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between community-driven activities and municipal governance, raising questions about the use of public spaces and the enforcement of local regulations.
