California entertainer 'The Bubble Pirate' cited for 'fluid littering' at park

SAN DIEGO (TND) — A California entertainer who makes a living performing a bubble show was cited for "fluid littering."

Sandy Snakenberg says he's traveled the world entertaining audiences with his giant bubbles, but over the weekend his show couldn't go on.

"The Bubble Pirate" says he was approached by a park ranger at his favorite spot, La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

According to Snakenberg, the ranger warned him that he was in violation. The city of San Diego has a city code for littering and disposal of waste.

The warning didn't stop the "Bubble Pirate."

Snakenberg told The National Desk he refused because he had been doing his show for so long and felt there was "no damage to the environment" from his bubbles.

His second attempt on Saturday was unsuccessful.

The park ranger returned and issued him a ticket. While the officer wrote out the ticket, Snakenberg asked if he couldnote "bubbles."

The ticket read"littering prohibited fluid" with a court date to appear.

Snakenberg is ordered to appear before on October 16.

Snakenberg then said the park ranger told him not to perform at the California park until he goes to court.

The 63-year-old displaced Navy veteran said he doesn't plan to stop his "livelihood."

"I've dedicated myself to what is, what I describe as bubbleology, which is the science, art and magic of bubbles," explainedSnakenberg. "Everything I do is to bring people together."

Snakenberg stressed his art provides people an outlet from reality.

"There's no religion or politics involved. Everyone's a six year old, again, basically creating magic," he added.

A city spokesperson explained to TND in a statement why the citation was issued.

"The City of San Diego values the rights of community members to engage in expressive activity in City parks, including artistic expression," Supervising Public Information Officer Benny Cartwright stated. "This does require those engaging in these activities to do so in accordance with other City codes and regulations, including those related to littering and disposal of waste."

Cartwright added thatSnakenberg was "alerted and warned multiple times before the citation was issued." Snakenberg did acknowledge that was true, though he said there are also other bubble entertainers.

Cartwright claimed that Snakenberg uses up tot six gallons of liquid per day, leaving the the residual chemicals on lawn areas. He claimed the "chemicals" could damage grass.

"After witnessing numerous violations and receiving complaints from other park users, Rangers issued the lowest level citation available," stated Cartwright.

According to Snakenberg, he lives out of his "Bubble World" van and had been doing his show in the park for years.

He added that throughout the years he's been conscious of the environment.

Despite the city's crackdown, the show will go on, according to theSnakenberg.

The artist also said he plans on having legal representation for his court appearance.