Bird Rock curtails tricks part of trick or treat Trick-or-treaters across the city have learned that Bird Rock neighborhoods offer a quintessential Halloween experience with their long, flat streets and charmingly decorated homes. Last year, 5,000 people came to the neighborhood to trick-or-treat. In response to the crowds, the Northern Division police will set up its sole neighborhood command post at the corner of Camino de la Costa in Bird Rock.  The Bird Rock Community Council has also hired six private security officers to patrol the streets. The officers are armed and capable of issuing tickets for public intoxication or acts of vandalism. The majority of residents have also agreed to limit trick-or-treating hours from 5 to 8 p.m., according to Michelle Fulks, a Bird Rock resident and chair of the Neighborhood Watch program. “So go somewhere else if you want to cause trouble,” Fulks said. “We’re looking for a family environment and a good, clean environment where people can have fun.”  Fulks said the neighborhood has seen vandalism, destruction of property and teenage fighting in the past. Despite the large crowd last year, Northern Division Lt. James Filley reported the evening was problem free.  “There are more people in Bird Rock than anywhere else in the beach [communities],” Filley said. “Thousands of people come to that neighborhood for whatever reason.”   ‘Back Room Bandit’ robbery series continues Point Loma is the latest area to be hit by the “Back Room Bandit.” According to police, the Oct. 22 armed robbery of Pet People on 3600 Midway Drive is believed to be part of a series of eight robberies that have taken place around San Diego in the past month, including the Pet People 8900 Villa La Jolla Drive. The police department’s Robbery Unit is currently investigating the heists. According to police reports, the suspect entered Pet People on Oct. 22 as three employees were working. He displayed a handgun and demanded money, which one of the employees provided in a plastic bag. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction. According to police, the suspect is described as an Asian male between 30 and 40 years old, standing between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 to 165 pounds. In most of the cases, the suspect is wearing a baseball cap and black sunglasses. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the identity and/or location of the suspect to call the San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line, (888) 580-8477, or send an anonymous e-mail or text message via www.sdcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest. Three-story lawsuit to be heard Nov. 3 San Diego Superior Court will hear oral arguments on Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. in the case brought by the La Jolla Village Residents Association against San Diego City Council for approving a three-story development in a two-story zone in 2008. Property owner Michael Krambs, along with architect Mark Lyon and Associates Inc., plan to build a three-story building called Bird Rock Station at 5702 La Jolla Blvd. The lawsuit argues that City Council “deviated” from the La Jolla Planned District Ordinance by permitting a three-story development in a two-story zone, as well as permitting access to the parking garage from the street, rather than via the alley behind the property. “The city’s approval of the third story… diminishes, if not eliminates, the enforceability of key elements of the current Planned District Ordinance for future developments in La Jolla,” states the lawsuit. To read the full lawsuit, visit www.nothirdstory.org  Superior Court Judge Ronald Prager will hear oral arguments at 330 West Broadway, Department 71. For more information call (619) 450-7071 or visit www.sdcourt.ca.gov. Meeting will discuss renewable energy Property owners interested in receiving city financing to install renewable-energy devices or make energy-efficient retrofits are invited to a meeting to discuss the mayor’s Clean Generation Program on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Standley Middle School Auditorium, 6298 Radcliffe Drive. District 1 Councilmember Sherri Lightner is hosting the meeting. The Clean Generation Program is a pilot program to provide upfront financing to install solar or other renewable energy-generating devices, which the property owner can repay through the property tax bill. The pilot program stems from the July 2008 passage of Assembly Bill 811. City cancels code amendment hearing The city has scrapped its plans to consider amending the municipal code to provide more community oversight regarding minor modifications to approved development. City council was scheduled to hear the proposed amendment on Oct. 27, but the Development Services Department (DSD), under the direction of the mayor’s office, will instead ask the council not to make any changes to the substantial conformance review process. DSD decided not to go forward with the amendment since the Planning Commission, Land Use & Housing Commission and Chamber of Commerce’s housing committee did not support the amendment, according to project manager Mike Westlake. The amendment to the municipal code would have required any modifications to approved development to go through a Process 2 decision instead of the current Process 1 decision, which is a unilateral staff decision. A Process 2 decision requires community notification and allows the public to appeal the decision.  Gallery, wine walk set for Nov. 5 Promote La Jolla is moving ahead with its largest fund-raiser of the year: the La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste, to be held next Thursday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. Fifteen art galleries will keep their doors open later for patrons to peruse with a wine of glass in hand. More than 20 restaurants will offer samples of their dishes, including Alfonso’s, Karl Strauss Brewery, PrepKitchen, Trattoria Aqua and Vigilucci’s Steakhouse. Promote La Jolla Chair Rick Wildman said the event is proceeding as budgeted, and that the number of tickets sold will determine the profit for Promote La Jolla. “It’s not just about the money,” Wildman said. “It’s really about the event for the community. Our whole thing is to do events that bring the community together.”  Tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For tickets, call (619) 233-5008 or visit www.mcfarlanepromotions.com.   Junior Lifeguards hold first Halloween Pancake Breakfast The San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation will hold its first Halloween Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 7 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Clara Recreation Center, 1008 Santa Clara Place in Mission Beach. Tickets are $5. The event includes bobbing for apples, a DJ, a pre-carved pumpkin contest and a Halloween costume contest. Judging takes place at 10 a.m. Local merchants have provided prizes for the contests as well as a drawing. Each summer, 1,000 youngsters participate in the City of San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches a variety of skills including first aid, CPR and water rescue skills. Due to budget constraints, the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation was formed to raise critically needed funds to sustain this program.