lauren
Complainers have ruined it for everyone. The City of Santa Barbara is now ordering the “Santa Barbara Bubble Guy” to obtain permits for his beloved free bubble shows at Shoreline Park based on resident complaints.
Derrick Dunten, aka the “Bubble Guy,” took to Instagram last week stating he will no longer be offering his free shows that include a variety of bubbles from small to life-size with foam and smoke, that draws all ages to wow and wonder.
Two residents along Shoreline Drive reportedly complained about these shows to the city which prompted them to contact Dunten to cancel these free shows unless he obtains event permits.
Dunten’s instagram page, @sb_bubble_guy, was flooded with comments of support and critique of the oceanview curmudgeons.
“Whoever felt the need to complain about bubbles must hate their life. Thanks for all the bubble shows bubble guy! We will find a way!” wrote one supporter.
“We live across from Shoreline park and I am super frustrated to hear this. The kids in the community including ours LOVE seeing you around,” wrote another.
Dunten’s Bubble Guy business has been around for the past six years. He’s become a staple at children’s parties, often requiring a booking reservation months in advance. Lately he’s been securing bigger gigs throughout the South Coast including the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation’s grand opening celebration of the new plaza.
He said while practicing outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, people would come up to him and say that just by watching him make bubbles it made their day better.
“We are playing a part in making people feel good by the masses, how cool is that? I knew I touched on something and had to keep moving forward especially during Covid where hate, blame, and isolation was at its highest we’ve ever seen,” said Dunten.
It wasn’t until 2022 where Dunten started to charge a fee for private parties and events, effectively turning his hobby into a bubble business. Yet he’s continued to offer free community gatherings and pro-bono work with local nonprofit the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.
“It’s the least I can do to support them and my community which I have lived in for over 40 years,” said Dunten.
With all the joy and support, Dunten was taken aback by the city’s response. In the six years he’s been offering these community shows, most of which are at Shoreline Park, he’s only received two complaints. One was a free glow in the dark bubble show with music that was after dark. A neighbor’s complaint brought out police officers who asked him to simply turn the music down.
The second complaint was by another resident off Shoreline Drive that was sent directly to Dunten via email complaining that he was killing insects with his bubbles, an unfounded claim. Shortly thereafter he received a call from the city’s Creeks Division inquiring what ingredients were used in his bubbles. Dunten provided the homemade recipe and it was deemed appropriate, he said.
However, the city’s Parks & Recreation Department called soon after and stated he needs a permit to set up events on city property as he is promoting a business. According to Dunten, the city said it’s ok if he was simply “practicing” on his own, but he cannot promote the shows as a community event.
“I understand the city has to follow their rules and regulations. However, I also believe the city has too many of them that many times hinders creation, artists, activities, and events our community can benefit greatly from for FREE without the city having to put a hand out,” said Dunten. “There is so much red tape that we have lost the uniqueness of Santa Barbara or what it could be. Don’t get me wrong, the city does great things too. But between unique mom and pop stores closing their doors, to increasing rents, to forcing permits on others who are trying to make a positive difference in their community for free, is maddening.”
The free community bubble show on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving, was cancelled but hope is on the horizon.
“I will continue finding a way to spread the joy of bubbles by still performing free from time to time for my community. Bubbles are therapeutic, it calms the soul, puts a smile on your face, and reminds you what it was like to be young again,” said Dunten.
On Monday, it was announced that Eling’s Park, a private nonprofit park off Las Positas, would host his free bubble show on November 29th. The fun will take place between 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. at the soccer fields.
The Bubble Guy frequently posts about his free events on Instagram, and he’s also available for private events through his website.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot him out in the wild.
“I also like to randomly show up in areas and blow bubbles. A follower, now a friend, said we are the Sasquatch of SB. You never know where you will see us so the unknowing, and excitement is still present,” said Dunten.
Sasquatch, indeed.
Boo! Hiss! I feel sorry for the complainers — someone must’ve peed in their Cheerios that morning! But they took it out on the community by complaining about something that makes people smile?! smh
Wow, that’s sad. The City strikes again..against common sense.
The City would have left him alone if it weren’t for the nosy neighbor complaints. Or did you only read the headline again?
The people voted for these regulations.
The City, the elected officials work for the American Citizen.
You are all allowing this tyrannical behavior from our government.
Citizens do not get a chance to “vote for these regulations”. “Staff” makes up the recommendations and the “administration” put these in place. Any enforcement in the future is a crapshoot.
I’m torn on this one. The guy is clearly doing nothing wrong and it’s lame he can’t keep doing it. On the other hand, if we allow all people to promote their businesses on public property, the park could easily become a pop up shop and that would be even more lame. It seems like a case of the city being forced to do something because one Karen complained about missing ants or whatever? Glad he’s finding a home at Elings, seems like a better fit.
Gee, I sure wish the City would make the E-bikers pay for permits to operate their E-bikes, which would force bikers to adhere to the traffic laws. Then there could be assistance paying for damage caused by an E-biker(s), which has been great. The SB City Council has its priorities confused.
pay for permits for riding a bike? you’re reaching into fascist territory. sorry, but i am not paying anyone to ride my bike anywhere. take that idea and move to Russia.
IMO E-bike riders should have a drivers license to operate on the street.
These are not simple bicycles where you actually have to pedal, rather mopeds.
In 2023, there were 73 e-bike crashes in Santa Barbara, up from 10 in 2022.
You need a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive a moped. To get the license, you must pass a written and driving test, or you can skip the driving test if you pass a motorcycle basic rider course
Mopeds can go much faster than a 20 mph Rad 2, which is what most of the kids ride that people here complain about. Requiring a license won’t “force” them to obey traffic laws.
Enforce the laws when they’re broken, pretty simple. We all know where the more mischievous ebike kids hang out and ride, so I’m guessing the cops do to. Write some tickets!
exactly, and honestly, do you think those of us that drive daily, follow all rules and obey every law? absolutely not. I see more flagrant road abuse and violations just in my ten minute ebike commute from marina to downtown, 4x a day.
The only ebike riders i see doing stupid stuff, are the kids and we were all kids and did stupid stuff too…..
you’re wrong 100%. They are class 2 vehicles and max out at 19.5 mph. My human powered mountain bike goes much much faster. Care to comment on that and tell me i need a license for it? I ride at a sustained speed on my regular bike at around 20. My ebike, 19.5. Yes they are bicycles which you peddle. Do you own one? It sounds, by your comments, that you literally have no idea other than what conclusions you’ve dreamt up in your mind. IMO people should have IQ tests to vote and procreate, as well as a common sense section for the drivers tests.
Did you count how many car accidents happened in 2023? My buddy is the SBPD traffic investigator. I’ve checked the #’s from him. You have far more to worry about on SB streets than some people on ebikes. Cars have actually killed people in SB. year after year, where is the protest for that? Oh yeah, i bet you own a car, therefore you won’t say squat about that huh? Back to the topic…..which is far more important than your lame dictatorship ideas.
K, once or twice a day in driving around town, usually from the eastside to the waterfront but not just there, I see bikers blow through red lights. That’s dangerous on several levels. Surely they know that they are supposed to obey traffic signals? If not, perhaps mandatory training. There are not enough PD officers to ticket all these scofflaws.
California AB 122 legalizes the safety stop for bicyclists, allowing them to treat stop signs as yield signs and proceed through intersections when it’s safe to do so.
Nope. That bill was vetoed.
Remember, this is the same city admin that won’t crack down on homelessness running rampant across downtown or mobs of irresponsible E-bikers. But god forbid a guy entertains children and park goers.
Criminals the lot of them.
I know, the City looks the other way all day and everyday for decades on the homeless doing whatever they want wherever they want, including illegal camping, littering, and using our public areas as restrooms – yet this guy has to be “shut down” down asap because a couple sad wankers cry about bubbles. Assbackwards from the super liberal super stupid City. Sad. You’re too woke.
Derp, both the City and County enforcement of anything like this is complaint driven. People complained. They respond. That’s how it works.
Go complain about something to those who can do something, not here on Edhat.
Very true that activity such as this is complaint driven as Alexblue states. You’ll notice that all over town that hedges in front of homes are waaaaaaay higher than they are supposed to be (I think they are not supposed to be over six feet). The city only contacts you to tell you that you need to cut them down when a neighbor complains or if they are growing over the sidewalk.
Derp, well guess what folks feel the City didn’t have to shut the guy down because they think he’s doing nothing wrong and a couple loudmouth complainers shouldn’t run the show. Lots of folks disagree with your take-simple as that.
Yeah it’s super ridiculous the level of pandering and how arbitrary it is.
I’m so relieved that as a country, the general consensus is to move away from that. Unfortunately not in super liberal SB though.
To the people saying it’s complaint driven, complaints are made about the homeless. Complaints are made about e bikes. Complaints are made about the illegal sidewalk vending.
The city just chooses not to do anything about those complaints.
I’d be interested to know what special gravity these two complainants have over the rest of us.
So 2 toxic haters dictate what the city needs to do, the city caves in to the ridiculous request and hundreds of people can’t enjoy this now? Wth!
Why is it so important to destroy all happy moments and Individualism? I guess it is for the ones that are so miserable that they can’t look at others smile and have fun.
When is the city growing a backbone? Never?
How much is the permit? Let`s get together and pay for the permit for him! Make lemonade out of neighbor`s lemons!
STEVE – count me in!
Likely a couple hundred bucks. Start a go fund me and it will get what he needs quickly
Hey guys. I don`t know how to set up gp fund me page, but if someone let`s ne know it is set up, I will gladly donate.
Book him for a party at your house and support him that way. Pooling money for a city permit is giving the city what they want. Let’s support him by helping his business.
I don`t live in SB (but did for years) so that`s not feasible. Now that he is on city`s radar he will need to get a permit ,unfortunately, to perform in public. Just the way it works. Not to worry, went to show last night at Elings and it was fantastic. Figured out a way to support him there. Keep making people happy, Mr. Bubble Guy!
Wish the City would put that much effort into some sort of safety enforcement of ebikes, etc. on State St
Perfectly appropriate for the city to stop this. Do we really want out public parks to be taken over by hustlers? Veg-a-matic and tarot card readers and tonic dispensers? Should a food vendor be able to set up on the grounds? Really folks, rules need to be followed for equal application/due process to occur. IF the suggestions of those who want the city agency to “exercise discretion” were followed we would be in government hell for sure.
RHS – he’s not selling a product without a license, he’s blowing effing bubbles. Dude….. stay indoors.
Really, you can’t see that this is to get more paying business? However, the occupation of public space can be overdone even if for “good” uses. Should one family be able to take over the barbeque areas on a more or less permanent basis? OK with a revival meeting setting up on the same lawn every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.? I would have thought you would understand the need for consistent rules, not ad hoc bureaucratic exceptions.
RHS – “this is to get more paying business?” Hey, how about you actually read the article then get back to me.
And please…. your hyperbolic “analogies” are anything but.
Getting back to you: I do not think that what one reads in “the article” if unvarnished fact. Circumstances make it pretty clear to me that this guy (nice as he seems) is doing this for contacts and contracts. Once in awhile that is OK but not on such a regular basis. Again, sort of surprised that you have taken this tack on this issue.
RHS – LOL, “the article?” What, you believe it’s untrue? Wowzers….
Why can’t you explain why permits for FREE bubble shows in a park should be necessary? What is to gain by requiring him to pay for and renew a permit?
So it’s the imaginings in your head that are unvarnished fact?
LOL. Open flame cooking and grease pouring into the sewers by illegal vendors is perfectly fine in the city but bubbles. Bubbles? Not a chance!
We really have lost our way. This one may make national news simply for its absurdity.
Open flame and pouring of grease is not okay, but apparently no neighbors have complained or there’s a shortage of police at the times when these cookouts are happening.
What exactly are the ingredients for these bubbles? Is the soap harming any wildlife? What about the smoke? Is there particulate matter in the smoke? It’s fine for a neighbor to complain about loud music. Nothing “Karen” about enjoying peace and quiet. And I agree with RHS: Have performance artists apply for permits. if they want to “spread the joy” in our local parks, then let them do it legally.
MINI – the City apparently found the soap to be non-toxic/harmful.
“Shortly thereafter he received a call from the city’s Creeks Division inquiring what ingredients were used in his bubbles. Dunten provided the homemade recipe and it was deemed appropriate, he said.”
The smoke is usually water vapor from what I’ve seen. He’s not building bonfires with RR ties and pumping the smoke into toxic bubbles.
For Fred’s Sake, folks. Bubbles.
Ok, though…. so permits. Why? What reason is there for an artist like this to need a permit? He’s not selling anything. He’s not obstructing vehicle or foot traffic. What needs to be “regulated” by permit other than just simply paying off the government to be allowed to entertain people in public?
If his business were not selling bubbles, that might be true.
ANON – go read the article and tell me how many times the word “FREE” is listed.
I’ll give you a hint: 12.
FREE SHOWS. Sure, he sells some stuff from his site, but these are FREE SHOWS.
Now tell us, why does he need a permit to put on a FREE SHOW?
Free advertising.
Oh please….. so what?
Can ANYONE here who wants this permitted, explain WHY it should require a permit? What regulation via permitting needs to be done for FREE bubble shows?
What’s your rationale?
See comment by RHS.
ANON – RHS’ comment does not explain why a bubble blower doing free shows should need a permit.
Come on, if you all have time to complain, you should have time to explain.
He made several, none of which were sensible.
Indeed he doesn’t charge for it. But see, that’s not what “free advertising” means.
And what is wrong with free advertising? Isn’t the U.S. a capitalistic nation? This matter is a bit extreme for a bubble-blower. Even if he is cultivating referrals, he has conformed to requests made, especially now that he has moved to Elings Park, which is a privately held property. Much ado about nothing.
No one said there’s anything wrong with complaining about loud music. When you’re reduced to attacking strawmen, you don’t have an honest argument.
Wow this city just gets more ludicrous by the minute. Just when I think that I have heard it all, they come up with something else even worse…making themselves ever more irrelevant every day. No wonder SB is broke!
Shame on you, Santa Barbara.
It’s funny (more sad really) to see the disdain expressed here for those who oppose requiring permits for FREE bubble shows in a park and the “support” of those who agree that this should be regulated, like driving, commercial pop ups, parades, etc….
This town truly is, and always has been, a Karen-opolis. I mean, I guess I can see licensing and permits for street taco vendors, but FREE BUBBLE SHOWS?
LOL get off my lawn!!
How does City Enforcement follow up so quickly on two complaints and reguire someone to get a permit, but take multiple complaints regarding an illegally zoned business on the EastSide and look the other way? Secret backroom deals are in this town.
I wonder what would happen if the bubble man were to keep doing what he’s doing. Would he be arrested?
I don’t know what illegally zoned business you are talking about but maybe it’s a case of just ignoring the law. Perhaps the authorities don’t have as much authority as they claim, and can’t really shut it down?
Ahchooo – Short memory? You forget the power of a liberal administration to fabricate laws and arrest anyone they choose.
Pretty sure Dave is subjected to SB Fish Market’s prep shop.
https://www.independent.com/2015/07/15/neighbors-make-stink-over-fish-market-warehouse/
https://www.noozhawk.com/residents_raise_stink_over_smelly_santa_barbara_fish_market_facility/
https://www.noozhawk.com/santa_barbara_civil_grand_jury_report/
https://www.edhat.com/news/downtown-santa-barbara-smells/
ridiculous! this guy makes kids happy, entertains, (and has a well-paying day job.). Anyone who has seen him witnesses how he attracts children and makes them laugh, run, play, smile. We need more people like this in the parks (and on the dull State Street “promenade”) not less. Free the Bubble Man! Those few who complain should get a life.
@Lauren Thank you for this story. This is so sad and infuriating to me. I first encountered the Bubble Guy at the Library Plaza dedication. I have a short video of him performing near the end of my article.
https://www.edhat.com/news/santa-barbara-library-towbes-plaza-plaza-palooza/
My friend Mark Collier is an outstanding magician and juggler. You may know him from his performances at the Palace Grill. But he started out performing decades ago at every public event in town, with a mutual friend Jeff Walsh. They entertained people for free, taking tips.
Back in those days we had ethnic festivals in Oak Park every few weeks. The City killed off most of them by overcharging the organizers. I remember back in the 1980s the City was also trying to kill off Solstice by asking for impossibly high insurance payments.
This seems to be a case of “No good deed goes unpunished”. People like this enrich our city. People don’t come to Santa Barbara to see perfectly manicured grass in the parks. They come because of the life that these performers bring to our community. We should be paying them, not harassing them.
I don’t buy the argument that we will be overrun by such performers if we don’t crack down on them. If that ever becomes a problem, I will be the first to say we might need to deal with it. But it is not a problem. We need more people like this.
We have good people on the current City Council. Can a couple of them step forward and offer a win-win solution so that we can enjoy the performances and such performers feel encouraged rather than hassled?
There are about 10 quintillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000) insects on the planet. I don’t think we would miss a few even if his bubbles were killing them (which they aren’t).
Oh dear, I did in 9 quintillion insects with that comment.
The correct number is 10,000,000,000,000,000,000.
Although global insect population declines do seem to be a problem.
He will be doing the same thing at Eling’s Park tonight! Go there and support him.
The city administration would do better for our people by controlling the peeing and pooping on our sidewalks than by taking a little joy from kids and adults watching bubbles. How about sidewalk peeing and pooping permits, city council?
#Super stupid that sidewalk vendors can do whatever they want (and they are just “promoting” a business they’re taking dollars out of pockets WITHOUT a permit, YO!) but thisguy is not allowed to blow bubbles in the park.
Interesting, where do we draw the line? Is the artist who paints a stunning work of art at the park then sells the same painting days later subject to the same mandate for a permit? Unlikely. Two complaints in six years? Makes me wonder the stature of the complaintant. Here, both requests were complied with by the giant bubble person (for lack of a better description), a bubble recipe was provided, and the music lowered when requested. Children enjoy the bubbles, and the park is safe with ample parking. Our tax dollars at work.
If he was burning down buildings he would be allowed to continue.
Seriously people, a public park. What’s next, charging the kids to play a game of football at the park?
Or not allow kids to gather if it creates an audience?
Welcome to the new world. Hope you’re all enjoying it.
SBLETSGET – “If he was burning down buildings he would be allowed to continue.”
Uh, that never happened. No one was allowed to do that. How do you folks still ignore the thousands of arrests and the unmarked vans hauling people away?
What DID happen though was someone was allowed to commit 34 felonies, sexual abuse, numerous cases of fraud and still become president.
It’s like actual facts are foreign concepts to you folks. Well, in that case actually you’d probably call facts “illegal.”
this is really messed up and i’m very disappointed in the city for even calling this guy on it. out of all of the things to whine and complain about, they target a man, doing something very innocent, for the benefit of others enjoyment. non toxic, non hazardous, always fun, always a crowd of smiling people around him and they tell him to leave….bc some pearl clutcher part time resident on Shoreline complained. I happen to know who one of the complainers is, which is why i noted…”part time resident” they only live in that house 4 months out of the year.
Now they push him to Ellings? Yeah, may as well have sent him to Gaviota.
Something like how he appreciates the “Community Support”?
https://keyt.com/news/money-and-business/2024/12/02/complaints-burst-sb-bubble-guys-free-promoted-performances/
obviously I was watching the “News”, sort’a…
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