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San Diego's 'Bubble Man' ticketed by park rangers

Sandy Snakenburg, a homeless veteran known for bubble blowing in La Jolla Cove, was issued a citation by a San Diego park ranger.

SAN DIEGO — A San Diego man, known for putting on free performances at parks around the county, says he was given a ticket for blowing bubbles at La Jolla Cove. He's known to many people as the "Bubble Man." 

"Bubbleology is the science, art and magic of bubbles," said Sandy Snakenburg, the creator of Bubble World.

He's been blowing bubbles and bringing smiles to people's faces for more than a decade.

"Huge bubbles! It was so fun chasing them down trying to pop them," said 13-year-old Adan after seeing Snakenburg perform Sunday.

That magic has a way of bringing people of all ages together.

"It made me feel like a kid," said Jeremy. 

Snakenberg's love for bubbles inspired him to create his non-profit Bubble World. His truck is not only used for work but also where he lives.

"I am a registered disabled homeless veteran," he said. "I don't take advantage of any of the programs offered to me. I'm fully supported by this it's a 501c3."

He lives off of tips he gets from his bubble shows. He often performs in La Jolla Cove and that's where he was Saturday when Park Rangers gave him a ticket for the bubbles. They cited him for what they called "liquid littering."

"Basically he was saying when my bubbles pop the residue of the bubbles fall to the ground and kill the grass," he said. "I explained to them I am full compliance. I am registered with San Diego Parks and Rec. I have insurance."

He showed CBS 8 the citation. It didn't have a fine but does have an appearance date in October. CBS 8 reached out to San Diego Parks and Rec for comment. 

Snakenberg says the ticket isn't going to stop him from doing what he loves and sharing it with the community.

"I have a heart condition. I look at life a bit differently than other people and it's more in the moment I'm not gonna let that kill the moment," he said.

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