By Mary O’KEEFE

Local residents stopped by Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Tuesday to have “Coffee with the COPPS.”
The Glendale police pilot program is a way for local law enforcement to meet and greet residents in a relaxed setting.  Residents ask questions and raise concerns about a variety of topics from local traffic problems to the new smoking restrictions.
Glendale Officer Matt Zakarian, Montrose COmmunity Police Partnership officer, was joined by other Glendale officers as well as Crescenta Valley Sheriff Deputy Eric Matejka.
Armine Jimenez, Fresh Air Program Ambassador, and Thomas Soler, neighborhood services inspector, were at the event to answer questions and educate residents on Glendale’s Fresh Air Ordinance.
“It is our intent to eliminate exposure to second hand smoke,” Jimenez said.
She is part of Glendale Neighborhood Services. Part of their responsibility is to let people know about the regulations that restrict smoking in public areas like the outdoor seating at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
“This was where the first citation was issued regarding the smoking ban,” she added.
Jimenez explained that inspectors from Neighborhood Services and Glendale officers will first give a warning to people they find who are violating the smoking regulations.  If the person ignores the warnings they can then receive a citation which can carry a $100 fine.
She and Soler said that like any new law there is some resistance.
“But that’s why we are out here, to educate people on the [ordinance],” he said.
Coffee with the COPPS is held every month at various locations throughout Montrose.