“The Bubble Pirate” found himself facing criminal treatment after attempting to bring joy to children at a public park in California.
Sandy Snakenberg, a 63-year-old disabled homeless veteran and self-proclaimed “bubbleologist,” was simply blowing bubbles when he was cited on Aug. 24 at La Jolla Cove in San Diego by Rangers with San Diego Parks and Recreation for “liquid littering.”
In the state of California, where the streets are marred by the waste of the growing homeless population, it’s ironic that a bubble-blowing disabled veteran is being penalized for littering.
The city insists that the “Bubble Pirate’s” actions are more serious than they seem.
“In this instance,” a city spokesperson told KGTV-TV, “park rangers attempted to educate the individual numerous times that the residual substances from the bubbles are in violation of the City’s municipal code as it relates to littering.
“The individual uses up to six gallons of liquid per day, with the residual chemicals ending up in the lawn areas, which can cause damage to the grass. After witnessing numerous violations and receiving complaints from other park users, Rangers issued the lowest level citation available.”
The city alleges that it received public complaints about Snakenberg and the leftover bubble solution, which led to a citation being issued after rangers conducted an investigation.
The “pirate” also challenges the government’s stated six-gallon waste amount.
“I explained to them I am full compliance,” Snakenberg told KFMB-TV. “I am registered with San Diego Parks and Rec. I have insurance.”
Snakenberg argues that the city’s assessment is incorrect and asserts that his homemade remedy consists of harmless dilutions of food-grade and non-toxic substances.
The “pirate” also challenges the government’s stated six-gallon waste amount.
The “Bubble Pirate” remains defiant in the face of the law, however, vowing to continue public performances despite the continued citations rangers have promised to throw at him.
“The park Ranger enforcement division has finally approached me with an ordinance (littering prohibited fluids) in order to present me with a citation that I WILL be appearing for,” Snakenberg wrote on an Instagram post showing the citation.
“Not to worry. This Bubble Pirate will be continuing public performances at La Jolla cove when I am not otherwise engaged at other events. And (as the officer communicated) will likely get more citations.”
In 2018, a video captured the “Pirate” in action, delighting children with a barrage of bubbles that sent them into a frenzy.
If Snakenberg had chosen a more suitable activity for California, such as urinating on the sidewalk or discarding a used hypodermic needle in a playground, he might have completely avoided legal issues.
Instead, this “pirate” is now struggling to prevent government interference with his bubble business and his means of living.