thedenverpost--2020-06-13--Denver protest leader says Stapleton may be next target if neighborhood doesn’t change name

A Denver Public Schools board member who has helped direct some of the recent police protests said Saturday that Stapleton is a likely next target for demonstrations if the neighborhood doesn ’ t change its name .
Tay Anderson announced his intention in a tweet Saturday morning : “ The neighbors of Stapleton have ONE WEEK to change their name … if they do NOT we will march through their neighborhood to show them # BlackLivesMatter.
” Stapleton is named after former Mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton , who was associated with the Ku Klux Klan .
The neighborhood was built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bore the same name .
Last July , more than 65 % of property owners who participated in a referendum rejected a proposal to change the name .
Anderson is hoping to jump-start the debate again , after weeks of protests across the country set off by the May 25 death of George Floyd while a Minneapolis police officer had his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .
But Anderson isn ’ t the only one to raise the issue .
Renewed national attention to racial equity has sparked new debate within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website Friday , neighborhood group Stapleton United Neighbors said it was exploring a name change for its own organization — if not the neighborhood at large .
“ SUN will engage the community to synthesize suggestions , vet options , and recommend solutions for a community-identified name for Stapleton United Neighbors , ” says the statement by the group ’ s board of directors .
“ A candidate name that emerges from this process will then be voted on by the community.
” But the legal name of the neighborhood is controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which operates Stapleton ’ s special districts .
The Stapleton MCA was responsible for last summer ’ s referendum .
Attempts to reach leaders of the MCA were not immediately successful Saturday .
Debate about a possible name change has roiled the northeast Denver neighborhood for several years .
Stapleton , who served five nonconsecutive terms as mayor in the 1920s , 1930s and 1940s , was a KKK member when first elected and even appointed the Klan ’ s pick for police chief .
According to historians , he later tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his legacy was cemented .
Anderson , elected to the DPS board last year , was part of a successful recent push to end a contract with the Denver Police Department that provided school resource officers in district schools .
Asked on Twitter if his ultimatum to Stapleton neighborhood leaders was a threat , Anderson responded Saturday afternoon : “ No threat — it ’ s a promise that we will peacefully march though their neighborhood to show # BlackLivesMatter and we will NOT honor racists .
”

Update: On June 14, the Stapleton Master Community Association announced it is “taking steps to remove the name ‘Stapleton’ as it relates to the community and its operations.”
A Denver Public Schools board member who has helped direct some of the recent police protests said Saturday that Stapleton is a likely next target for demonstrations if the neighborhood doesn’t change its name.
Tay Anderson announced his intention in a tweet Saturday morning: “The neighbors of Stapleton have ONE WEEK to change their name … if they do NOT we will march through their neighborhood to show them #BlackLivesMatter.”
Stapleton is named after former Mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton, who was associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The neighborhood was built on the site of a former airport that bore the same name. Last July, more than 65% of property owners who participated in a referendum rejected a proposal to change the name.
Anderson is hoping to jump-start the debate again, after weeks of protests across the country set off by the May 25 death of George Floyd while a Minneapolis police officer had his knee on Floyd’s neck.
But Anderson isn’t the only one to raise the issue. Renewed national attention to racial equity has sparked new debate within Stapleton, and in a post to its website Friday, neighborhood group Stapleton United Neighbors said it was exploring a name change for its own organization — if not the neighborhood at large.
“SUN will engage the community to synthesize suggestions, vet options, and recommend solutions for a community-identified name for Stapleton United Neighbors,” says the statement by the group’s board of directors. “A candidate name that emerges from this process will then be voted on by the community.”
The neighbors of Stapleton have ONE WEEK to change their name … if they do NOT we will march through their neighborhood to show them #BlackLivesMatter — Tay Anderson (@TayAndersonCO) June 13, 2020
But the legal name of the neighborhood is controlled by the Stapleton Master Community Association, which operates Stapleton’s special districts. The Stapleton MCA was responsible for last summer’s referendum.
Attempts to reach leaders of the MCA were not immediately successful Saturday.
Debate about a possible name change has roiled the northeast Denver neighborhood for several years. Stapleton, who served five nonconsecutive terms as mayor in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, was a KKK member when first elected and even appointed the Klan’s pick for police chief. According to historians, he later tried to dissociate himself from the KKK, but his legacy was cemented.
Anderson, elected to the DPS board last year, was part of a successful recent push to end a contract with the Denver Police Department that provided school resource officers in district schools.
Asked on Twitter if his ultimatum to Stapleton neighborhood leaders was a threat, Anderson responded Saturday afternoon: “No threat — it’s a promise that we will peacefully march though their neighborhood to show #BlackLivesMatter and we will NOT honor racists.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-13--Four things to watch as Colorado Rapids prep for MLS is Back Tournament

The Colorado Rapids entered the 2020 season with designs on chasing hardware .
The unique circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic offer the club a chance to do just that when MLS play resumes July 8 in Orlando , Fla .
Win the MLS is Back Tournament , and Colorado earns a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League , as well as a few more wins to add to the regular-season standings .
More interestingly , the tournament presents the first big test for the Rapids this calendar year .
Here are four things to watch as kickoff approaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a temporary realignment , Nashville S.C. moved to the Eastern Conference for the remainder of the 2020 season , leaving 12 teams in the Western Conference .
The top two clubs from each group and the four best third-place teams out of the six groups in the tournament will advance to the round-of-16 bracket .
Those 12 Western Conference teams are split across three groups with varying degrees of difficulty .
Reigning MLS Cup champ Seattle seems to have gotten a sweetheart draw with Dallas , Vancouver and San Jose in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ group of death ” with rivals L.A. Galaxy , a perennial contender in Portland and Houston .
The Rapids ’ group is somewhere between those levels , though some think it could be the toughest draw in the tournament .
Like Colorado , both Kansas City and Minnesota started 2020 with two wins .
The team that fills out that group is the Rapids ’ biggest rival , Real Salt Lake , who finished with the third-best record in the west in 2019 .
It ’ s well known the Rapids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense .
Last year they led the league by a wide margin , knocking in 19 off restarts .
Two of the Burgundy Boys ’ four goals this season have already come off set pieces .
A high degree of organization , cohesion and skill are needed to make these plays successful .
With a three-month layoff between full-team practices , rust could have an impact .
A positive is that the Rapids have already returned to full-team practices , which not all teams have done .
Given the scrappy , starless makeup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliance on team-oriented play , these early practices are extra important .
Just before MLS play was halted , the Rapids signed goalkeeper William Yarbrough from Liga MX .
Yet-to-debut , he and Clint Irwin are both capable of the starting role .
That final move falls in line with most of the transactions the Rapids have made in the last calendar year as the club has focused on building depth .
Forward Braian Galvan is also scheduled to join the club before this tournament begins , giving Colorado yet another option at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three games over 16 days , and possibly seven over 34 , will push teams to the brink .
Humidity , a long layoff , short practice time and possibly even external stresses will force clubs to tap into their depth .
A total of 23 players will be active on match days and five substitutions can be used .
If the Rapids have any advantage , it ’ s in their depth .
And given the club ’ s two wins in 2020 both came once the bench was emptied , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their recipe .
MLS will be the biggest league operating once play resumes .
The National Women ’ s Soccer League ( NWSL ) starts a few weeks earlier June 27 in Utah .
Many ownership groups from NWSL have ties to MLS , so there will be a close eye on how that goes .
Similarly , MLS will be the test for the NBA as soccer will control Disney ’ s Wide World of Sports complex for nearly a month before the NBA arrives .
About 1,250 to 1,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with around 200 on or near the field on matchdays .
Given the league ’ s latest plans , the Avalanche , Nuggets and Rapids will be playing this summer .
The Rapids will be the first to resume .
A strong showing from MLS could further legitimize the league and could be a chance for the Rapids to garner some attention back home in Colorado .

The Colorado Rapids entered the 2020 season with designs on chasing hardware.
The unique circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic offer the club a chance to do just that when MLS play resumes July 8 in Orlando, Fla.
Win the MLS is Back Tournament, and Colorado earns a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, as well as a few more wins to add to the regular-season standings. More interestingly, the tournament presents the first big test for the Rapids this calendar year. Here are four things to watch as kickoff approaches:
How west will be won
As part of a temporary realignment, Nashville S.C. moved to the Eastern Conference for the remainder of the 2020 season, leaving 12 teams in the Western Conference. The top two clubs from each group and the four best third-place teams out of the six groups in the tournament will advance to the round-of-16 bracket.
Those 12 Western Conference teams are split across three groups with varying degrees of difficulty. Reigning MLS Cup champ Seattle seems to have gotten a sweetheart draw with Dallas, Vancouver and San Jose in its group. Powerhouse LAFC is in the “group of death” with rivals L.A. Galaxy, a perennial contender in Portland and Houston.
The Rapids’ group is somewhere between those levels, though some think it could be the toughest draw in the tournament. Like Colorado, both Kansas City and Minnesota started 2020 with two wins. The team that fills out that group is the Rapids’ biggest rival, Real Salt Lake, who finished with the third-best record in the west in 2019.
Set piece stars
It’s well known the Rapids are dependent upon set-piece goals to generate offense. Last year they led the league by a wide margin, knocking in 19 off restarts.
Two of the Burgundy Boys’ four goals this season have already come off set pieces. A high degree of organization, cohesion and skill are needed to make these plays successful. With a three-month layoff between full-team practices, rust could have an impact. A positive is that the Rapids have already returned to full-team practices, which not all teams have done.
Given the scrappy, starless makeup of Colorado’s club, and reliance on team-oriented play, these early practices are extra important.
Fight to the depth
Just before MLS play was halted, the Rapids signed goalkeeper William Yarbrough from Liga MX. Yet-to-debut, he and Clint Irwin are both capable of the starting role.
That final move falls in line with most of the transactions the Rapids have made in the last calendar year as the club has focused on building depth. Forward Braian Galvan is also scheduled to join the club before this tournament begins, giving Colorado yet another option at their deepest position.
A guarantee of three games over 16 days, and possibly seven over 34, will push teams to the brink. Humidity, a long layoff, short practice time and possibly even external stresses will force clubs to tap into their depth. A total of 23 players will be active on match days and five substitutions can be used.
If the Rapids have any advantage, it’s in their depth. And given the club’s two wins in 2020 both came once the bench was emptied, it’s something that is already part of their recipe.
Safety and support
MLS will be the biggest league operating once play resumes. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) starts a few weeks earlier June 27 in Utah. Many ownership groups from NWSL have ties to MLS, so there will be a close eye on how that goes.
Similarly, MLS will be the test for the NBA as soccer will control Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex for nearly a month before the NBA arrives. About 1,250 to 1,500 people will be inside the bubble for MLS, with around 200 on or near the field on matchdays.
Given the league’s latest plans, the Avalanche, Nuggets and Rapids will be playing this summer. The Rapids will be the first to resume. A strong showing from MLS could further legitimize the league and could be a chance for the Rapids to garner some attention back home in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-06-13--Police to investigate hanging death of California black man

PALMDALE , Calif. — Authorities in the Southern California city of Palmdale are investigating the death of a 24-year-old black man found hanging from a tree near City Hall , which they originally described as an apparent suicide , prompting outrage in the community .
A passerby reported seeing Robert Fuller ’ s body around 3 a.m. Wednesday .
Emergency personnel responded and found that he appeared to have died by suicide , Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s officials said .
Fuller ’ s death has generated intense scrutiny , especially after nationwide protests rebuking the police killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protesters took to the streets of the high desert city of 150,000 , marching from the park where Fuller ’ s body was found to the sheriff ’ s station .
Many carried signs that said “ Justice for Robert Fuller.
” More than 100,000 people signed an online petition demanding a full investigation into Fuller ’ s death .
Community members confronted city officials at a contentious news briefing Friday , asking why they were quick to label his death a suicide and demanding an independent autopsy .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barajas , who went to the press conference and joined a crowd gathered at the tree where Fuller ’ s body was found , told the Los Angeles Times .
“ All alone , in front of the City Hall — it ’ s more like a statement , ” she said .
“ Even if it was a suicide , that in itself is kind of a statement.
” Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the county medical examiner-coroner ’ s office said a decision on the cause of death is deferred pending an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Residents demanded surveillance video around the time and place where Fuller ’ s body was found .
The city said there were no outdoor cameras , and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not have captured what happened .
Sheriff ’ s Capt .
Ron Shaffer said homicide detectives were investigating the circumstances leading to Fuller ’ s death to determine if foul play was involved .
He urged members of the public to contact detectives if they have relevant information , particularly about where Fuller had been and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Palmdale officials wrote in a statement that investigators have been in contact with Fuller ’ s family .
KPCC-FM reports that at the march Saturday , Fuller ’ s sister Diamond Alexander insisted her brother was not suicidal .
“ Robert was a good little brother to us and it ’ s like everything they have been telling us has not been right … and we just want to know the truth , ” she said .
Protesters held a moment of silence and took a knee outside the sheriff ’ s @ @

PALMDALE, Calif. — Authorities in the Southern California city of Palmdale are investigating the death of a 24-year-old black man found hanging from a tree near City Hall, which they originally described as an apparent suicide, prompting outrage in the community.
A passerby reported seeing Robert Fuller’s body around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Emergency personnel responded and found that he appeared to have died by suicide, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials said.
Fuller’s death has generated intense scrutiny, especially after nationwide protests rebuking the police killing of George Floyd.
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the high desert city of 150,000, marching from the park where Fuller’s body was found to the sheriff’s station. Many carried signs that said “Justice for Robert Fuller.”
More than 100,000 people signed an online petition demanding a full investigation into Fuller’s death. Community members confronted city officials at a contentious news briefing Friday, asking why they were quick to label his death a suicide and demanding an independent autopsy.
“I have doubts about what happened,” Marisela Barajas, who went to the press conference and joined a crowd gathered at the tree where Fuller’s body was found, told the Los Angeles Times.
“All alone, in front of the City Hall — it’s more like a statement,” she said. “Even if it was a suicide, that in itself is kind of a statement.”
Lt. Kelly Yagerlener of the county medical examiner-coroner’s office said a decision on the cause of death is deferred pending an investigation. A full autopsy is planned.
Residents demanded surveillance video around the time and place where Fuller’s body was found. The city said there were no outdoor cameras, and video recorders on a nearby traffic signal could not have captured what happened.
Sheriff’s Capt. Ron Shaffer said homicide detectives were investigating the circumstances leading to Fuller’s death to determine if foul play was involved. He urged members of the public to contact detectives if they have relevant information, particularly about where Fuller had been and who he had been with in recent weeks.
Palmdale officials wrote in a statement that investigators have been in contact with Fuller’s family.
KPCC-FM reports that at the march Saturday, Fuller’s sister Diamond Alexander insisted her brother was not suicidal.
“Robert was a good little brother to us and it’s like everything they have been telling us has not been right … and we just want to know the truth,” she said.
Protesters held a moment of silence and took a knee outside the sheriff’s station.


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--John Hickenlooper’s ethics violations raise question in Senate race: Will voters care?

John Hickenlooper ’ s ethics imbroglio this month has brought him plenty of political embarrassment , but Colorado political watchers say a key question remains unanswered in the U.S. Senate race .
In an election year painted by such stark dividing lines , will voters much care about the issue ?
Republican allies of U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner certainly hope so .
They have made clear that as long as the Democratic former governor is in the race , they ’ re eager to make heavy political use of a state commission ’ s recent findings that he twice violated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office .
Fellow Democrat Andrew Romanoff also seized forcefully on the issue in two debates last week as he attempts to defeat Hickenlooper in the June 30 primary .
“ Honestly , my impression was that this probably looks kind of minor to most voters — either primary or general election voters — to the extent they even know it ’ s going on at all , ” said Seth Masket , a political science professor at the University of Denver .
He added : “ The type of scandal that usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing the outcome of a race are things where there ’ s substantial abuse of power , or where there ’ s physical violence … and I don ’ t really think this rises to that level.
” Still , in a year in which President Donald Trump is up for re-election — and Gardner , a key ally , is on the ropes — it ’ s anybody ’ s guess how the ethics scandal will play .
“ At a time when the environment is so tumultuous , and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a candidate that they can trust , ” said Cinamon Watson , a longtime Republican political strategist .
“ This is going to hurt ( Hickenlooper ) — it ’ s going to sting .
And it definitely erodes his trustworthiness.
” The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission , acting on a complaint filed by a GOP-affiliated group , found June 5 that Hickenlooper was wrong in 2018 to allow corporations to foot the bill for a private jet trip , expensive dinners and limousine rides on two trips out of state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commissioning ceremony for the U.S.S .
Colorado , an attack submarine , and went to Italy for the Bilderberg Meetings , an annual gathering of the global elite .
In an unusual series of events leading up to his eventual testimony June 5 , Hickenlooper skipped out on a remote video ethics hearing he ’ d been subpoenaed to attend , resulting in the commission holding him in contempt .
The former governor , who has received taxpayer-funded legal representation , unsuccessfully fought the subpoena in court , citing concerns that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , Romanoff called for Hickenlooper to drop out of the race during a 9News debate , arguing the ethics issue was the latest easy attack the candidate — the establishment favorite in the primary — had handed to Republicans to use in the fall if he ’ s the nominee .
But Hickenlooper , while taking responsibility , shot back that he wasn ’ t daunted by what he considers “ smear attacks ” engineered by the Public Trust Institute , the group that filed the ethics complaint .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Colorado voters “ through thick and thin ” would survive .
Gardner also has been the target of ethics complaints — in his case made to the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee — one about his attendance at a ritzy party put on by Krug Champagne and the other about a campaign ad .
His campaign says it reimbursed Gardner ’ s party cost and disputes the ad violates any rules .
Mindi Haddad , a Denver political strategist who has worked with Democrats , views the Hickenlooper ethics issue as “ much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme ” of 2020 politics .
She supports Romanoff in the primary but isn ’ t working for him .
“ I think with all of the garbage that we ’ ve been fed for the last four years , or since the ( Trump ) administration started running their campaign … it ’ s just been one long ethics violation , ” she said .
“ It would be hypocritical to now say that what Hickenlooper did was correct , because it wasn ’ t .
… ( But ) I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She expects to see attack ads , but she ’ s skeptical the ethics issue will have legs .
“ I don ’ t think it compromises his ability to be a senator , ” Haddad said .
“ I just think it makes him part of the old boys ’ club.
” Jeff Fard , a community activist in Five Points who ’ s known as Brother Jeff , isn ’ t so sure voters will shrug off Hickenlooper ’ s ethics case — in particular his decision to skip out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s frightening for me to hear any candidate who says , ‘ I ’ m not going to court because the system ’ s not working , ' ” Fard said .
“ That ’ s a wonderful privilege to have , ” given that criminal defendants typically face big consequences for ignoring a court date .
“ This may resonate a little with black and brown communities , ” he said — and not in a good way .
Fard says he ’ s undecided in the primary , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue has more potential to be a small factor considered by voters as they decide between Romanoff and Hickenlooper .
Criminal justice issues are important , Fard said , particularly in light of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests .
He gives Hickenlooper some credit for good leadership in that area as governor , though Hickenlooper ’ s police strategies earlier , in the Denver mayor ’ s office , have come under renewed scrutiny .
Fard noted that Romanoff also still is answering to some Latino voters for his past sponsorship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public polling for the November general election has shown Hickenlooper leading Gardner substantially , but first he needs to win the nomination .
And the primary stage is where a similarly small-seeming scandal hampered another Colorado candidate a decade ago .
In 2010 , Republican Scott McInnis , a former congressman , was running for governor when he faced accusations of plagiarism in writing he did as part of a $ 300,000 fellowship .
He was the front-runner in the Republican primary but narrowly lost to a relative unknown , Dan Maes — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hickenlooper in a three-way race .
This time around , “ Hickenlooper comes into the primary with pretty substantial advantages , with his name recognition and generally high approval ratings throughout his time as governor and his time as mayor , ” Masket said , adding about the ethics issue : “ It seems unlikely that this would really dismantle that .
”

John Hickenlooper’s ethics imbroglio this month has brought him plenty of political embarrassment, but Colorado political watchers say a key question remains unanswered in the U.S. Senate race.
In an election year painted by such stark dividing lines, will voters much care about the issue?
Republican allies of U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner certainly hope so. They have made clear that as long as the Democratic former governor is in the race, they’re eager to make heavy political use of a state commission’s recent findings that he twice violated the state’s ethics law while in office. Fellow Democrat Andrew Romanoff also seized forcefully on the issue in two debates last week as he attempts to defeat Hickenlooper in the June 30 primary.
“Honestly, my impression was that this probably looks kind of minor to most voters — either primary or general election voters — to the extent they even know it’s going on at all,” said Seth Masket, a political science professor at the University of Denver.
He added: “The type of scandal that usually ends up really hurting a candidate and changing the outcome of a race are things where there’s substantial abuse of power, or where there’s physical violence … and I don’t really think this rises to that level.”
Still, in a year in which President Donald Trump is up for re-election — and Gardner, a key ally, is on the ropes — it’s anybody’s guess how the ethics scandal will play.
“At a time when the environment is so tumultuous, and there is so much divisiveness, voters are really seeking a candidate that they can trust,” said Cinamon Watson, a longtime Republican political strategist. “This is going to hurt (Hickenlooper) — it’s going to sting. And it definitely erodes his trustworthiness.”
The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission, acting on a complaint filed by a GOP-affiliated group, found June 5 that Hickenlooper was wrong in 2018 to allow corporations to foot the bill for a private jet trip, expensive dinners and limousine rides on two trips out of state. He was representing Colorado in Connecticut at the commissioning ceremony for the U.S.S. Colorado, an attack submarine, and went to Italy for the Bilderberg Meetings, an annual gathering of the global elite.
In an unusual series of events leading up to his eventual testimony June 5, Hickenlooper skipped out on a remote video ethics hearing he’d been subpoenaed to attend, resulting in the commission holding him in contempt. The former governor, who has received taxpayer-funded legal representation, unsuccessfully fought the subpoena in court, citing concerns that the setup would shortchange his due process rights.
Last week, Romanoff called for Hickenlooper to drop out of the race during a 9News debate, arguing the ethics issue was the latest easy attack the candidate — the establishment favorite in the primary — had handed to Republicans to use in the fall if he’s the nominee.
But Hickenlooper, while taking responsibility, shot back that he wasn’t daunted by what he considers “smear attacks” engineered by the Public Trust Institute, the group that filed the ethics complaint. He suggested the relationship he’d built with Colorado voters “through thick and thin” would survive.
Gardner also has been the target of ethics complaints — in his case made to the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee — one about his attendance at a ritzy party put on by Krug Champagne and the other about a campaign ad. His campaign says it reimbursed Gardner’s party cost and disputes the ad violates any rules.
Mindi Haddad, a Denver political strategist who has worked with Democrats, views the Hickenlooper ethics issue as “much ado about nothing, in the grand scheme” of 2020 politics. She supports Romanoff in the primary but isn’t working for him.
“I think with all of the garbage that we’ve been fed for the last four years, or since the (Trump) administration started running their campaign … it’s just been one long ethics violation,” she said. “It would be hypocritical to now say that what Hickenlooper did was correct, because it wasn’t. … (But) I think a lot worse has been done.”
She expects to see attack ads, but she’s skeptical the ethics issue will have legs.
“I don’t think it compromises his ability to be a senator,” Haddad said. “I just think it makes him part of the old boys’ club.”
Jeff Fard, a community activist in Five Points who’s known as Brother Jeff, isn’t so sure voters will shrug off Hickenlooper’s ethics case — in particular his decision to skip out on the first commission hearing.
“It’s frightening for me to hear any candidate who says, ‘I’m not going to court because the system’s not working,'” Fard said. “That’s a wonderful privilege to have,” given that criminal defendants typically face big consequences for ignoring a court date.
“This may resonate a little with black and brown communities,” he said — and not in a good way. Fard says he’s undecided in the primary, and that’s the election where he thinks the issue has more potential to be a small factor considered by voters as they decide between Romanoff and Hickenlooper.
Criminal justice issues are important, Fard said, particularly in light of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. He gives Hickenlooper some credit for good leadership in that area as governor, though Hickenlooper’s police strategies earlier, in the Denver mayor’s office, have come under renewed scrutiny. Fard noted that Romanoff also still is answering to some Latino voters for his past sponsorship of legislation seen as anti-immigrant.
Limited public polling for the November general election has shown Hickenlooper leading Gardner substantially, but first he needs to win the nomination. And the primary stage is where a similarly small-seeming scandal hampered another Colorado candidate a decade ago.
In 2010, Republican Scott McInnis, a former congressman, was running for governor when he faced accusations of plagiarism in writing he did as part of a $300,000 fellowship. He was the front-runner in the Republican primary but narrowly lost to a relative unknown, Dan Maes — who would go on to lose to Hickenlooper in a three-way race.
This time around, “Hickenlooper comes into the primary with pretty substantial advantages, with his name recognition and generally high approval ratings throughout his time as governor and his time as mayor,” Masket said, adding about the ethics issue: “It seems unlikely that this would really dismantle that.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--Uncertainty surrounds nearly everything about Colorado schools’ plans to reopen classrooms this fall

When schools in Colorado let out for summer break , it ’ s typically that : a break .
By early June , school administrators have solidified the next year ’ s budgets and educators have finalized their schedules .
Parents , students and faculty have a good idea of what ’ s to come when classes resume in late summer .
But since the coronavirus pandemic threw the spring semester into disarray , abruptly ending in-person classes in March and forcing school districts across Colorado to move education entirely online , this year is proving to be anything but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece of the state ’ s school system as planning proceeds for a very different fall semester .
In an effort to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19 , some of Colorado ’ s largest school districts are considering hybridized learning approaches , with a mix of in-person and virtual classes , that will not only reduce the number of students in each classroom but the number of days they ’ re able to be in their physical school buildings .
Educators are reconfiguring classrooms , passing-period schedules and lunch-hour protocols to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to week , and will likely continue to do so as experts warn of the potential for a second surge in coronavirus cases come fall .
Many parents are debating whether or not to send their kids back to school at all given the unknowns , especially the impact these unusual circumstances could have on mental health .
Meanwhile , the legislature in a late , coroanvirus-delayed session cut $ 577 million from Colorado ’ s public education budget , compounding the state ’ s school funding deficit to more than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parents , educators , administrators and students want a return to school in its traditional format this fall , but are grappling with the new realities imposed by a global pandemic .
The more than a dozen people interviewed for this story said it ’ s a delicate balance trying to weave a sense of normalcy into the school year and ensure the safety of students and faculty .
They ’ re all bracing for what could be the most unusual school year they ’ ve ever experienced .
“ We are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices without necessarily living in fear too much , ” said Marissa Ellis , who lives in Aurora with her husband , Jason , and three children .
The Ellis ’ twin 5-year-old boys , Graham and Oliver , are supposed to go into kindergarten in the fall , but the family is considering waiting a year before sending them back to a public school .
“ I don ’ t want to subject them to things psychologically , in terms of masks and whatever else , that I feel like is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for an extra year , ” Marissa said , citing the kids ’ age as a luxury in these uncertain times .
“ It ’ s a hard decision.
” School officials are working closely with public health experts to develop new procedures for reopening schools safely this fall , addressing everything from sanitation practices to bus schedules .
Gov .
Jared Polis has not explicitly given schools the green light to reopen , but said in a meeting with the Colorado Department of Education last week that he ’ s optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most likely , and I express a strong sense of optimism , most schools will be back largely in a normal way and largely in a regular fashion , ” Polis said .
“ I use the words ‘ mostly ’ and ‘ largely ’ because that ’ s not going to be universal.
” Though many metro-area districts are pursuing hybrid learning plans , Westminster Public Schools last week announced it will resume in-person education five days a week throughout the district , with “ as close to normal as possible ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as social distancing .
While school officials are preparing now , many admit they may have to make changes come fall should guidelines change .
“ One of the things we have learned from the past three months is the importance of being able to be flexible and to adapt as new information becomes available , ” said Susana Cordova , superintendent of Denver Public Schools .
DPS , Colorado ’ s largest district with more than 93,000 students , recently proposed strategies to reduce the number of people in school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students into “ A ” and “ B ” groups to rotate between in-person and online classes .
Groups would alternate attending school in-person either two back-to-back days , every other day , or four consecutive days every other week .
The days students are not physically in school , they would supplement with a virtual curriculum .
All the plans account for having one day reserved for high-priority students .
Cordova said plans came together with input from district principals and teachers .
“ The option that all of us would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place where we can implement is just normal school , ” said Cordova .
“ But given the health guidelines around needing to implement social distancing , around needing to make sure that we are maintaining classroom ratios of 15 people in a room , it doesn ’ t allow us to have all our kids back at one time.
” Other protocols include potentially eliminating passing periods by keeping students in one classroom all day , including while they eat lunch , and requiring temperature and symptom screenings upon arrival at school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers to wear masks while conducting class , DPS is considering requiring students to wear them as well .
While these new procedures are necessary , they also raise logistical concerns .
For example , it ’ s unclear who would be conducting daily health screenings or where they would take place , said Tiffany Choi , president of Denver Classroom Teachers Association , a union for DPS employees .
Teachers in the district are also entitled to a duty-free lunch , which is “ possible , but challenging ” if students are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amie Baca-Oehlert , president of Colorado Education Association , the state ’ s largest teachers union , said something as simple as wearing a mask could also impact learning .
Primary school educators who are teaching students to read use their mouths to show students how to sound out words , she said .
Many teachers are also parents and need to consider how to support their kids at school as well as their kids at home .
“ It ’ s like an onion , and there ’ s layer after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding budget constraints will only exacerbate these issues .
“ We were severely underfunded before COVID .
To ask teachers to do what they were doing before with less , it ’ s sort of absurd.
” When the novel coronavirus shuttered schools this spring , teachers and students had to quickly transition to virtual platforms so they could continue education online .
The move happened with varying degrees of success , families said , and proved the need for a more cohesive and thoughtful approach to online learning .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to integrate remote learning as a way to comply with public health guidelines limiting the number of people in a classroom .
Additionally , many parents are contemplating full-time online education this year to avoid risking their family ’ s health .
Jason Glass , superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools , said interest in the district ’ s online alternative has increased substantially .
In years past , virtual learning accounted for about 1 % of the student body .
“ We ’ re expecting between 10 % and 20 % of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least to start the year , ” Glass said .
“ In our case , that ’ s going to be somewhere between 8,000 and 15,000 students that are going to want remote learning .
That ’ s like standing up a complete other school district.
” Denver resident Lisa Beaton , who has two sons ages 4 and 6 , had been strictly limiting her children ’ s screen time until she began schooling from home .
Her kindergartener , Luke , attended several Zoom classes each week and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independently every day , she said .
Between maintaining her full-time job as program manager for a mental health center , taking care of her younger son and trying to substitute as Luke ’ s teacher , she found the workload unmanageable .
“ I have a 6-year-old who ’ s just learning how to read .
What that means is he doesn ’ t know how to pick up a worksheet and know what to do , ” Beaton said .
“ Everything took me doing it with him , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yielded mixed results for Julian Kesner and his family .
Kesner ’ s 7-year-old daughter , Cecilia , attended first grade at a private school in Denver , and while he could tell she enjoyed seeing her classmates on periodic video meetings , her work only ate up about two to four hours each day .
“ It was better than nothing , ” he said .
“ It ’ s also no substitute for in-person learning.
” Academics are just one aspect of the school experience .
which also helps kids develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dean of culture at Denver ’ s Lake Middle School , said he ’ s worried about losing some of the community-focused school activities , such as weekly assemblies and team sports , that help students build relationships .
When Reyes hosted school-wide assemblies , he usually focused the theme on a value or virtue .
On the last Friday of each month , students voted for their classmates who exhibited those values to be “ knighted , ” or celebrated publicly and given a jacket as an ode to the school mascot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we don ’ t have that makes me really , really sad , ” said Reyes , who also coaches middle school football and basketball .
“ As far as my role in helping build culture , the athletics department is something we want to prioritize and the students need that .
There ’ s so much character building that goes into that.
” Forming relationships is an essential part of the job for Samantha Garcia , a college advisor at Bruce Randolph School in Denver .
This spring , she pivoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help students apply for college and scholarships .
Those mediums only worked because she had previously earned their trust in a face-to-face setting , Garcia said .
All of these variables weigh heavily on the mind of 18-year-old Jasmine Ramirez .
She recently graduated from Bruce Randolph School , but because of the pandemic , was not able to walk across a stage during her graduation ceremony , which instead took place via Zoom .
She plans to attend Denver ’ s Regis University in the fall to study criminal justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online classes “ not desirable.
” Ramirez wants the full college experience and is most looking forward to forming close bonds with her new teachers .
But because she will be living at home , she ’ s also scared of unknowingly bringing the virus back to her family .
“ If there was to be half online classes , how will individual communities support these college students ?
If there was , for some reason , for ( the fall ) to be worse than the first wave of the COVID-19… again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college students ?
” Ramirez said .
“ I really , really need to make sure that we are in a safe environment .
”

When schools in Colorado let out for summer break, it’s typically that: a break. By early June, school administrators have solidified the next year’s budgets and educators have finalized their schedules. Parents, students and faculty have a good idea of what’s to come when classes resume in late summer.
But since the coronavirus pandemic threw the spring semester into disarray, abruptly ending in-person classes in March and forcing school districts across Colorado to move education entirely online, this year is proving to be anything but typical. Uncertainty looms over nearly every piece of the state’s school system as planning proceeds for a very different fall semester.
In an effort to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19, some of Colorado’s largest school districts are considering hybridized learning approaches, with a mix of in-person and virtual classes, that will not only reduce the number of students in each classroom but the number of days they’re able to be in their physical school buildings.
Educators are reconfiguring classrooms, passing-period schedules and lunch-hour protocols to meet new public health guidelines that seemingly change week to week, and will likely continue to do so as experts warn of the potential for a second surge in coronavirus cases come fall. Many parents are debating whether or not to send their kids back to school at all given the unknowns, especially the impact these unusual circumstances could have on mental health.
Meanwhile, the legislature in a late, coroanvirus-delayed session cut $577 million from Colorado’s public education budget, compounding the state’s school funding deficit to more than $1 billion since the Great Recession.
Parents, educators, administrators and students want a return to school in its traditional format this fall, but are grappling with the new realities imposed by a global pandemic. The more than a dozen people interviewed for this story said it’s a delicate balance trying to weave a sense of normalcy into the school year and ensure the safety of students and faculty.
They’re all bracing for what could be the most unusual school year they’ve ever experienced.
“We are trying to walk the line of making responsible choices without necessarily living in fear too much,” said Marissa Ellis, who lives in Aurora with her husband, Jason, and three children. The Ellis’ twin 5-year-old boys, Graham and Oliver, are supposed to go into kindergarten in the fall, but the family is considering waiting a year before sending them back to a public school.
“I don’t want to subject them to things psychologically, in terms of masks and whatever else, that I feel like is going to do more damage than having them home for an extra year,” Marissa said, citing the kids’ age as a luxury in these uncertain times. “It’s a hard decision.”
Creating a safe space at school
School officials are working closely with public health experts to develop new procedures for reopening schools safely this fall, addressing everything from sanitation practices to bus schedules. Gov. Jared Polis has not explicitly given schools the green light to reopen, but said in a meeting with the Colorado Department of Education last week that he’s optimistic they will be able to.
“Most likely, and I express a strong sense of optimism, most schools will be back largely in a normal way and largely in a regular fashion,” Polis said. “I use the words ‘mostly’ and ‘largely’ because that’s not going to be universal.”
Though many metro-area districts are pursuing hybrid learning plans, Westminster Public Schools last week announced it will resume in-person education five days a week throughout the district, with “as close to normal as possible” an experience supplemented by additional safety protocols, such as social distancing.
While school officials are preparing now, many admit they may have to make changes come fall should guidelines change.
“One of the things we have learned from the past three months is the importance of being able to be flexible and to adapt as new information becomes available,” said Susana Cordova, superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
DPS, Colorado’s largest district with more than 93,000 students, recently proposed strategies to reduce the number of people in school facilities each day. Plans include dividing students into “A” and “B” groups to rotate between in-person and online classes. Groups would alternate attending school in-person either two back-to-back days, every other day, or four consecutive days every other week. The days students are not physically in school, they would supplement with a virtual curriculum. All the plans account for having one day reserved for high-priority students.
Cordova said plans came together with input from district principals and teachers.
“The option that all of us would like that we unfortunately are not at a place where we can implement is just normal school,” said Cordova. “But given the health guidelines around needing to implement social distancing, around needing to make sure that we are maintaining classroom ratios of 15 people in a room, it doesn’t allow us to have all our kids back at one time.”
Other protocols include potentially eliminating passing periods by keeping students in one classroom all day, including while they eat lunch, and requiring temperature and symptom screenings upon arrival at school each day. While state guidance mandates teachers to wear masks while conducting class, DPS is considering requiring students to wear them as well.
While these new procedures are necessary, they also raise logistical concerns. For example, it’s unclear who would be conducting daily health screenings or where they would take place, said Tiffany Choi, president of Denver Classroom Teachers Association, a union for DPS employees. Teachers in the district are also entitled to a duty-free lunch, which is “possible, but challenging” if students are eating in a classroom, she said.
Amie Baca-Oehlert, president of Colorado Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, said something as simple as wearing a mask could also impact learning. Primary school educators who are teaching students to read use their mouths to show students how to sound out words, she said. Many teachers are also parents and need to consider how to support their kids at school as well as their kids at home.
“It’s like an onion, and there’s layer after layer of logistical challenges,” Choi said, adding budget constraints will only exacerbate these issues. “We were severely underfunded before COVID. To ask teachers to do what they were doing before with less, it’s sort of absurd.”
Need for remote learning
When the novel coronavirus shuttered schools this spring, teachers and students had to quickly transition to virtual platforms so they could continue education online. The move happened with varying degrees of success, families said, and proved the need for a more cohesive and thoughtful approach to online learning.
That’s especially important as administrators look to integrate remote learning as a way to comply with public health guidelines limiting the number of people in a classroom. Additionally, many parents are contemplating full-time online education this year to avoid risking their family’s health.
Jason Glass, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, said interest in the district’s online alternative has increased substantially. In years past, virtual learning accounted for about 1% of the student body.
“We’re expecting between 10% and 20% of our students will want an all-remote learning environment, at least to start the year,” Glass said. “In our case, that’s going to be somewhere between 8,000 and 15,000 students that are going to want remote learning. That’s like standing up a complete other school district.”
Denver resident Lisa Beaton, who has two sons ages 4 and 6, had been strictly limiting her children’s screen time until she began schooling from home. Her kindergartener, Luke, attended several Zoom classes each week and had about four hours of work to complete independently every day, she said.
Between maintaining her full-time job as program manager for a mental health center, taking care of her younger son and trying to substitute as Luke’s teacher, she found the workload unmanageable.
“I have a 6-year-old who’s just learning how to read. What that means is he doesn’t know how to pick up a worksheet and know what to do,” Beaton said. “Everything took me doing it with him, so it was very overwhelming.”
Online schooling also yielded mixed results for Julian Kesner and his family. Kesner’s 7-year-old daughter, Cecilia, attended first grade at a private school in Denver, and while he could tell she enjoyed seeing her classmates on periodic video meetings, her work only ate up about two to four hours each day.
“It was better than nothing,” he said. “It’s also no substitute for in-person learning.”
A loss of community
Academics are just one aspect of the school experience. which also helps kids develop socially and emotionally. Dino Reyes, dean of culture at Denver’s Lake Middle School, said he’s worried about losing some of the community-focused school activities, such as weekly assemblies and team sports, that help students build relationships.
When Reyes hosted school-wide assemblies, he usually focused the theme on a value or virtue. On the last Friday of each month, students voted for their classmates who exhibited those values to be “knighted,” or celebrated publicly and given a jacket as an ode to the school mascot, the Lake Knights.
“To think we don’t have that makes me really, really sad,” said Reyes, who also coaches middle school football and basketball. “As far as my role in helping build culture, the athletics department is something we want to prioritize and the students need that. There’s so much character building that goes into that.”
Forming relationships is an essential part of the job for Samantha Garcia, a Denver Scholarship Foundation college adviser at Bruce Randolph School in Denver. This spring, she pivoted to using text messaging and video chat to help students apply for college and scholarships. Those mediums only worked because she had previously earned their trust in a face-to-face setting, Garcia said.
All of these variables weigh heavily on the mind of 18-year-old Jasmine Ramirez. She recently graduated from Bruce Randolph School, but because of the pandemic, was not able to walk across a stage during her graduation ceremony, which instead took place via Zoom. She plans to attend Denver’s Regis University in the fall to study criminal justice, but called the mix of in-person and online classes “not desirable.”
Ramirez wants the full college experience and is most looking forward to forming close bonds with her new teachers. But because she will be living at home, she’s also scared of unknowingly bringing the virus back to her family.
“If there was to be half online classes, how will individual communities support these college students? If there was, for some reason, for (the fall) to be worse than the first wave of the COVID-19… again, how will the community support these college students?” Ramirez said. “I really, really need to make sure that we are in a safe environment.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--Road to Retirement: The difference between gambling and investing

What ’ s the difference between gambling and investing ?
It ’ s an age-old question that ’ s important to understand if you want to both protect and grow your wealth .
A good way to think about it is investing is when you make bets when the odds are in your favor and gambling is when you make bets when the odds are not in your favor .
So to figure out if you are gambling or investing , you have to know the odds of what you are doing .
Let ’ s start with two simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas station and buy a Mega Millions lottery ticket , is that gambling or investing ?
I expect everyone would say it ’ s gambling because the odds are one in 260 million that you ’ ll win .
You pretty much have statistically guaranteed yourself a loss .
Conversely , let ’ s say your sister who just graduated from medical school wants to borrow $ 20,000 from you to buy a car , and she says she ’ ll repay it over five years at 3 % interest .
Is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s investing because the odds are pretty high your sister will have the money to pay you back .
These two examples help illustrate the point that it ’ s about the odds .
The higher the odds are , the more what you are doing looks like investing , and the lower the odds are , the more what you are doing looks like gambling .
Let ’ s look at another example of betting on a baseball game .
Assume we have two teams that are evenly matched , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win anytime between now and when they play the last out .
If you bet before the game starts , the odds are 50/50 .
It ’ s pretty much a tossup .
On any given day either team could win ; they are evenly matched .
Thus , you are just as likely to lose money as you are to win , so this looks like gambling .
But what if we are in the eighth inning and the score is 10 to 1 .
If you bet the team with 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or investing ?
Well , the odds are substantially in your favor that the team with 10 runs will win , so that looks more like investing .
The point of this example is to illustrate that by waiting until the odds are in your favor , you took something that looked like gambling and turned it into investing .
Now let ’ s look at how this concept applies to where we are with the financial markets .
Right now we are probably in the second or third inning of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear who is winning and how things will play out .
We have many problems and a few successes .
Thus , you could bet big now on a rapid recovery , or just wait until we play a few more innings and see which way things are going .
If you bet early , you are arguably acting more like a gambler .
You really don ’ t have much data available to make an assessment of the odds .
But if you wait a little , are patient , gather more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the odds better , you are acting more like an investor .
There is no hard and fast rule on this , it ’ s more about adopting a philosophy around how to manage risks .
Over the long run , if you act like a gambler too often , one of these days you will lose big , and then the game is over .
But if you act like an investor through all market cycles , you ’ ll stack the odds in your favor .
This creates a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but more consistently and avoid big losses .
That ’ s the key to managing your portfolio cycle over cycle and crisis after crisis .
You have to manage the odds and wager when the odds are in your favor and pull back when they are not .
If you ’ ve ever played the game blackjack , you know that hitting on a soft 19 is considered foolish because the odds are not on your side .
But every once in a while , the person sitting next to you , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit on 19 and win , while you held on an 18 and lost .
Thus , you can ’ t evaluate how you are doing based only on the outcome of a single cycle .
Odds come into play over multiple cycles and time frames .
And since most of us will need to invest successfully for close to 60 years as a saver and once retired , investing more in stocks when the odds are on your side helps you win modestly , more consistently , and avoid big losses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enormous number of unknowns , yet the stock market continues to push higher .
To me , this looks more like hitting on 19 than making prudent risk management decisions .
Others will disagree , but I think it ’ s fair to say the odds are low that these market levels can be sustained longer term in the face of really terrible economic numbers .
So if you are a person who likes better odds , then just wait a few more innings before you make new wagers on stocks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision that looks more like gambling into one that looks more like investing .
Charlie Farrell is a CEO of Northstar Investment Advisors LLC .
This article is for information and education purposes only .
Past performance is no guarantee of future returns , and all investing involves the permanent risk of loss .
Consult your individual financial adviser for guidance specific to your circumstances .

What’s the difference between gambling and investing? It’s an age-old question that’s important to understand if you want to both protect and grow your wealth. A good way to think about it is investing is when you make bets when the odds are in your favor and gambling is when you make bets when the odds are not in your favor. So to figure out if you are gambling or investing, you have to know the odds of what you are doing.
Let’s start with two simple examples. If you go to the gas station and buy a Mega Millions lottery ticket, is that gambling or investing? I expect everyone would say it’s gambling because the odds are one in 260 million that you’ll win. You pretty much have statistically guaranteed yourself a loss.
Conversely, let’s say your sister who just graduated from medical school wants to borrow $20,000 from you to buy a car, and she says she’ll repay it over five years at 3% interest. Is that gambling or investing? Most would say that’s investing because the odds are pretty high your sister will have the money to pay you back.
These two examples help illustrate the point that it’s about the odds. The higher the odds are, the more what you are doing looks like investing, and the lower the odds are, the more what you are doing looks like gambling.
Let’s look at another example of betting on a baseball game. Assume we have two teams that are evenly matched, and you can bet on who will win anytime between now and when they play the last out. If you bet before the game starts, the odds are 50/50. It’s pretty much a tossup. On any given day either team could win; they are evenly matched. Thus, you are just as likely to lose money as you are to win, so this looks like gambling.
But what if we are in the eighth inning and the score is 10 to 1. If you bet the team with 10 runs will win, is that gambling or investing? Well, the odds are substantially in your favor that the team with 10 runs will win, so that looks more like investing. The point of this example is to illustrate that by waiting until the odds are in your favor, you took something that looked like gambling and turned it into investing.
Now let’s look at how this concept applies to where we are with the financial markets. Right now we are probably in the second or third inning of the COVID-19 economy. It’s not really clear who is winning and how things will play out. We have many problems and a few successes. Thus, you could bet big now on a rapid recovery, or just wait until we play a few more innings and see which way things are going.
If you bet early, you are arguably acting more like a gambler. You really don’t have much data available to make an assessment of the odds. But if you wait a little, are patient, gather more data, and then bet once you understand the odds better, you are acting more like an investor. There is no hard and fast rule on this, it’s more about adopting a philosophy around how to manage risks.
Over the long run, if you act like a gambler too often, one of these days you will lose big, and then the game is over. But if you act like an investor through all market cycles, you’ll stack the odds in your favor. This creates a situation where you’ll likely win modestly but more consistently and avoid big losses. That’s the key to managing your portfolio cycle over cycle and crisis after crisis. You have to manage the odds and wager when the odds are in your favor and pull back when they are not.
If you’ve ever played the game blackjack, you know that hitting on a soft 19 is considered foolish because the odds are not on your side. But every once in a while, the person sitting next to you, who knows nothing about the odds, might hit on 19 and win, while you held on an 18 and lost. Thus, you can’t evaluate how you are doing based only on the outcome of a single cycle. Odds come into play over multiple cycles and time frames. And since most of us will need to invest successfully for close to 60 years as a saver and once retired, investing more in stocks when the odds are on your side helps you win modestly, more consistently, and avoid big losses.
In today’s economy there are an enormous number of unknowns, yet the stock market continues to push higher. To me, this looks more like hitting on 19 than making prudent risk management decisions. Others will disagree, but I think it’s fair to say the odds are low that these market levels can be sustained longer term in the face of really terrible economic numbers. So if you are a person who likes better odds, then just wait a few more innings before you make new wagers on stocks. Again, waiting can help you turn a decision that looks more like gambling into one that looks more like investing.
Charlie Farrell is a CEO of Northstar Investment Advisors LLC. This article is for information and education purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and all investing involves the permanent risk of loss. Consult your individual financial adviser for guidance specific to your circumstances.


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--Colorado youth hockey culture outgrowing ice availability on Front Range

LITTLETON — The sound of wood slapping asphalt echoes down a quiet neighborhood street .
Three children and their parents are sprinting in sneakers after an orange ball .
It ’ s rolling in the empty road between a pair of large red plastic nets set roughly 40 feet apart .
Their voices are rising .
Don ’ t let the old man take you !
Are you going to count that ?
Car is coming !
Timeout !
Brian and Lindsay Amos walk their kids to a nearby sidewalk as the vehicle drives past on a warm June weekday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Charli , 9 — and son , Jacoby , 11 , practically lived at their local rink , Edge Ice Arena , before the coronavirus pandemic hit .
This street-hockey haven is the next best thing .
“ It ’ s still fun because you ’ re still playing hockey — kind of , ” Jacob said .
Added Izzy : “ I ’ d much rather play on the ice.
” Then again , the Amos family doesn ’ t blame just COVID-19 for missing the ice .
Rinks across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with small groups following local health authority guidelines .
But not for Jacoby or his Foothills Hockey Association teammates at their home rink .
That ’ s because the FHA saw their contract with the Edge terminated this spring after 17 years as a tenant , leaving more than 200 kids without a home rink .
You can spot the disappointment on Jacoby ’ s face , especially after his season was canceled right before the state tournament semifinals .
The Amos family hasn ’ t returned to the Edge since .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s boring because most of the time , before , we were at the ice rink doing stuff .
Now , we ’ re stuck here.
” It ’ s the fallout of a two-pronged problem for many hockey families and beer-league players alike in the Denver metro : 1 .
Not enough ice sheets to accommodate Colorado ’ s growing hockey culture .
2 .
Lacking transparency from city officials who decide who gets to skate .
Edge Ice Arena , run by the Foothills Parks and Recreation District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served it with a notice of a May 31 contract termination date .
Their Edge residency was replaced by another local club : the Littleton Hockey Association .
FHA program director Gabe Gauthier said he was “ not given an opportunity to discuss or negotiate for ice ” prior to the notice .
Foothills Parks and Recreation did not respond to a request for comment from The Post , however , its executive director Ronald Hopp told CBS Denver in March that FHA ’ s eviction was due in part to “ maximizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one local hockey organization come at the potential demise of another ?
Big picture : The availability of Front Range ice-time often does not meet the demand .
“ Ice here feels like a commodity because there is only so much of it , ” Brian Amos said .
“ We ’ re just fighting for every little scrap we can get.
” In an average year , there are anywhere between 9,000 and 12,000 active members of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association , said CAHA president Randy Kanai .
Compare that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ice rinks ( with at least one sheet ) currently across the state : 43 .
The concentration is highest in the Denver metro with only about 15 ice rinks for thousands of skaters .
Tyson Davis is the director of the Hyland Hills Hockey Association out of Westminster , which has youth league membership of close to 600 .
Their home rink , the Ice Centre at the Promenade , is a rarity with three NHL-sized ice sheets .
Although , if a fourth were added with a complete hockey schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably fill it overnight.
” “ The better the Avalanche are doing , the more interest we get , ” Davis said .
“ Every time they win a playoff game , we ’ d get a few phone calls on how to play hockey .
In the Stanley Cup years , it was off the charts where we were full to capacity .
At one time I think we had 300 kids on the waitlist .
“ We could easily use a handful of more rinks , especially with the popularity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s costly .
There are a lot of moving parts.
” Progress arrives in December when the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District is expected to open a new $ 61 million complex in Littleton featuring three sheets of ice — replacing a 50-year-old facility with only two sheets .
The vast majority of active ice rinks in Colorado , though , were still built prior to the Avalanche coming to town in 1995 .
Jason Schofield in the Avalanche ’ s director of amateur hockey development which provides statewide resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recognizing the challenge and cost of getting ice time , Schofield pushes initiatives for after-school roller hockey programs that teach similar concepts without the ice hassle .
Many rinks have also expanded their recreational offerings with pick-up “ lunch leagues ” as an alternative to often late-night puck drops for adult games .
“ We started in Colorado as one of the smaller hockey markets and have taken some giant steps , ” Schofield said .
“ Which makes it hard because you do run into these situations where you have organizations competing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , you ’ ve got to be trusted and a best friend with everybody .
On the other hand , you ’ ve got to take care of your own backyard.
” A current silver lining : Colorado ’ s hockey culture is rising quickly from the ashes of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We sold out every one of our programs , and this is no exaggeration , in under three minutes , ” said Davis at the Ice Centre in Westminster .
“ It doesn ’ t surprise me at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at rinks everywhere.
” The joy of hockey has also returned on the street outside the Amos residence .
Rules are different here , like when mom shifts to “ all-time offense ” or how dad can ’ t take shots from “ far away.
” Laughter is the top priority .
There is some family debate over which team leads after the car-initiated timeout .
The ball drops , and suddenly , the ice-time saga that ’ s stained their hockey experience can fade .

LITTLETON — The sound of wood slapping asphalt echoes down a quiet neighborhood street.
Three children and their parents are sprinting in sneakers after an orange ball. It’s rolling in the empty road between a pair of large red plastic nets set roughly 40 feet apart. Their voices are rising.
Don’t let the old man take you! Are you going to count that? Car is coming! Timeout!
Brian and Lindsay Amos walk their kids to a nearby sidewalk as the vehicle drives past on a warm June weekday. Their daughters — Izzy, 13, and Charli, 9 — and son, Jacoby, 11, practically lived at their local rink, Edge Ice Arena, before the coronavirus pandemic hit. This street-hockey haven is the next best thing.
“It’s still fun because you’re still playing hockey — kind of,” Jacob said.
Added Izzy: “I’d much rather play on the ice.”
Then again, the Amos family doesn’t blame just COVID-19 for missing the ice. Rinks across the Front Range began re-opening this month with small groups following local health authority guidelines. But not for Jacoby or his Foothills Hockey Association teammates at their home rink.
That’s because the FHA saw their contract with the Edge terminated this spring after 17 years as a tenant, leaving more than 200 kids without a home rink. You can spot the disappointment on Jacoby’s face, especially after his season was canceled right before the state tournament semifinals.
The Amos family hasn’t returned to the Edge since.
“It stinks,” Jacoby said. “It’s boring because most of the time, before, we were at the ice rink doing stuff. Now, we’re stuck here.”
It’s the fallout of a two-pronged problem for many hockey families and beer-league players alike in the Denver metro: 1. Not enough ice sheets to accommodate Colorado’s growing hockey culture. 2. Lacking transparency from city officials who decide who gets to skate.
Edge Ice Arena, run by the Foothills Parks and Recreation District, stunned the FHA when the district served it with a notice of a May 31 contract termination date. Their Edge residency was replaced by another local club: the Littleton Hockey Association. FHA program director Gabe Gauthier said he was “not given an opportunity to discuss or negotiate for ice” prior to the notice.
Foothills Parks and Recreation did not respond to a request for comment from The Post, however, its executive director Ronald Hopp told CBS Denver in March that FHA’s eviction was due in part to “maximizing revenues.”
But why must the growth of one local hockey organization come at the potential demise of another?
Big picture: The availability of Front Range ice-time often does not meet the demand.
“Ice here feels like a commodity because there is only so much of it,” Brian Amos said. “We’re just fighting for every little scrap we can get.”
In an average year, there are anywhere between 9,000 and 12,000 active members of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association, said CAHA president Randy Kanai. Compare that to CAHA’s estimated total number of ice rinks (with at least one sheet) currently across the state: 43.
The concentration is highest in the Denver metro with only about 15 ice rinks for thousands of skaters.
Tyson Davis is the director of the Hyland Hills Hockey Association out of Westminster, which has youth league membership of close to 600. Their home rink, the Ice Centre at the Promenade, is a rarity with three NHL-sized ice sheets. Although, if a fourth were added with a complete hockey schedule, Davis said, “We could probably fill it overnight.”
“The better the Avalanche are doing, the more interest we get,” Davis said. “Every time they win a playoff game, we’d get a few phone calls on how to play hockey. In the Stanley Cup years, it was off the charts where we were full to capacity. At one time I think we had 300 kids on the waitlist.
“We could easily use a handful of more rinks, especially with the popularity and where ice sports are going. But it’s costly. There are a lot of moving parts.”
Progress arrives in December when the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District is expected to open a new $61 million complex in Littleton featuring three sheets of ice — replacing a 50-year-old facility with only two sheets. The vast majority of active ice rinks in Colorado, though, were still built prior to the Avalanche coming to town in 1995.
Jason Schofield in the Avalanche’s director of amateur hockey development which provides statewide resources and camp offerings for youth skaters. Recognizing the challenge and cost of getting ice time, Schofield pushes initiatives for after-school roller hockey programs that teach similar concepts without the ice hassle. Many rinks have also expanded their recreational offerings with pick-up “lunch leagues” as an alternative to often late-night puck drops for adult games.
“We started in Colorado as one of the smaller hockey markets and have taken some giant steps,” Schofield said. “Which makes it hard because you do run into these situations where you have organizations competing for buildings and ice. On one hand, you’ve got to be trusted and a best friend with everybody. On the other hand, you’ve got to take care of your own backyard.”
A current silver lining: Colorado’s hockey culture is rising quickly from the ashes of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We sold out every one of our programs, and this is no exaggeration, in under three minutes,” said Davis at the Ice Centre in Westminster. “It doesn’t surprise me at all. The same thing is happening at rinks everywhere.”
The joy of hockey has also returned on the street outside the Amos residence. Rules are different here, like when mom shifts to “all-time offense” or how dad can’t take shots from “far away.” Laughter is the top priority.
There is some family debate over which team leads after the car-initiated timeout. The ball drops, and suddenly, the ice-time saga that’s stained their hockey experience can fade.
Game on.


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--South Florida prep phenom Zac Veen, Rockies’ top draft pick, confident he’ll make his mark

Zac Veen was in the sixth grade when he first caught the attention of Johnny Goodrich — the man who later became his high school coach , mentor and close friend .
Then a 12-year-old baseball fanatic , Veen would often hop off the school bus , gobble down a snack and pedal his bike 20 minutes to the Spruce Creek High practice fields in Port Orange , Fla. And when his time came , he ’ d slip into the batting cage and try to match up with the big kids .
“ I remember looking into the cage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little runt taking swings ?
” Goodrich recalled with a laugh .
Wednesday , the Rockies selected the left-handed-hitting outfielder in the first round of the MLB draft .
At age 18 , Veen was the ninth overall selection in a draft dominated by collegiate players .
Hard work , desire and a growth spurt left the “ little runt ” in the dust .
“ I put in the work and I thought I had the skills , ” Veen said , “ but I had to wait for my body to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Veen hit .500 with 15 runs , four doubles , three home runs , 10 RBIs and 17 stolen bases for Spruce Creek prior to the season ’ s cancelation due the coronavirus .
Florida ’ s 2019-20 Gatorade baseball player of the year , he is now widely viewed as the best high school player in the country .
A silky-smooth swing , strong throwing arm and speed are Veen ’ s calling cards , but for Goodrich , there ’ s always been something else at play .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his pure determination , ” Goodrich said .
“ That ’ s what I noticed .
It was his overwhelming will to be successful.
” Two years ago , however , Veen ’ s body didn ’ t match his willpower .
Even after he shot past 6-feet by the end of his sophomore year in 2018 , Veen weighed only 145 pounds and was considered too small to make the “ A ” squad for a traveling summer team .
But he never quit .
“ I wanted to prove people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was as good as the other kids , ” Veen recalled .
“ I always believed I could be one of the better players in the country and I just really wanted to show everybody what I believed.
” That summer , the “ little runt ” began to morph into a big dog .
As Veen dedicated himself to the weight room and built up his maturing body , he blossomed as a baseball player , too .
He played for the Orlando Scorpions , a prestigious travel baseball club , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Perfect Game event in Fort Meyers , Fla. , he ranked as Perfect Game ’ s No .
478 player nationally .
That changed in a heartbeat .
The Scorpions reached the semifinals when Veen launched a walk-off home run .
He was named the tournament MVP award and climbed nearly 400 spots in the national rankings .
“ Vic started to feel like he was one of the best players in the nation and he started to act like it , too , ” Goodrich said .
“ It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really started to think he might be the best baseball player in the 2020 class.
” Once Veen put himself on the baseball map , he didn ’ t stop working .
In the spring of 2019 , he hit .414 as a Spruce Creek junior , with 29 extra-base hits , 26 walks and 32 stolen bases .
All the while , the Rockies were watching .
John Cedarburg , the Rockies ’ Central and South Florida area scouting supervisor , had been tracking Veen ’ s progress for years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last June .
Now the Rockies believe they have snagged a great talent with room to improve , especially as a power hitter .
“ He has a fluid , slightly rising swing with the ability to impact the baseball , ” said Bill Schmidt , Colorado ’ s vice president of scouting .
“ He uses his hands really well .
He ’ s got good , raw power .
He ’ s got good balance , rhythm and timing to his swing.
” The Rockies invested a lot of time talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making sure they knew what makes him tick .
They came away impressed and decided to pull the trigger on the high school outfielder .
In doing so , Veen became only the third outfielder ever selected by the Rockies with their first draft pick , joining Kyle Parker in 2010 and David Dahl in 2012 .
He is the 15th high school player ever selected by the Rockies with their first pick .
“ I ’ m a big believer that , if you believe in me , I ’ m going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got , ” Veen said .
“ That ’ s what I ’ m going to give Colorado.
” When Veen was a little kid , hitting a plastic ball off the plastic tee , everyone could see he was special .
The hand-eye coordination and smile on his face when he sent the ball flying across the living room brought joy to anyone who witnessed it .
But there was something else — something more — that eventually set Veen apart from the other South Florida phenoms .
“ He always worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s mom , Christine Franks .
“ But it wasn ’ t just that he worked , he wanted to work hard .
He loved it .
He thrived on it.
” As a result , Veen has grown into 6-foot-4 , 195-pound workhorse .
He has drawn comparisons to MVP winners Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich , as well as Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon .
And he doesn ’ t shy away from the challenge .
“ I definitely embrace it , ” Veen said .
“ I know I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be one of those players.
” But now comes the grown-up stuff .
Assuming Veen signs with the Rockies and forgoes his commitment to the University of Florida , he will be an 18-year-old professional baseball player facing sky-high expectations .
He ’ ll also have to meet failure for the first time , because all baseball players , no matter how talented , take their lumps in the minors .
“ Knowing Zac as I do , I really don ’ t think that part of it is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Veen knew that scouts had been watching his every move on the baseball field once he was once of the top-rated prep players in the nation .
But rather than dodge any of that , he welcomed it .
“ Some kids can get too pressured by all of that , but I thought I handled it really well , ” he said .
“ It almost feels like I don ’ t have the pressure .
I think taking that attitude into pro ball will be really good for me @ @

Zac Veen was in the sixth grade when he first caught the attention of Johnny Goodrich — the man who later became his high school coach, mentor and close friend.
Then a 12-year-old baseball fanatic, Veen would often hop off the school bus, gobble down a snack and pedal his bike 20 minutes to the Spruce Creek High practice fields in Port Orange, Fla.
And when his time came, he’d slip into the batting cage and try to match up with the big kids.
“I remember looking into the cage and thinking, ‘Who is this little runt taking swings?” Goodrich recalled with a laugh.
Wednesday, the Rockies selected the left-handed-hitting outfielder in the first round of the MLB draft.
At age 18, Veen was the ninth overall selection in a draft dominated by collegiate players. Hard work, desire and a growth spurt left the “little runt” in the dust.
“I put in the work and I thought I had the skills,” Veen said, “but I had to wait for my body to get bigger and stronger.”
This spring, Veen hit .500 with 15 runs, four doubles, three home runs, 10 RBIs and 17 stolen bases for Spruce Creek prior to the season’s cancelation due the coronavirus. Florida’s 2019-20 Gatorade baseball player of the year, he is now widely viewed as the best high school player in the country.
A silky-smooth swing, strong throwing arm and speed are Veen’s calling cards, but for Goodrich, there’s always been something else at play.
“It wasn’t the skills so much as his pure determination,” Goodrich said. “That’s what I noticed. It was his overwhelming will to be successful.”
Two years ago, however, Veen’s body didn’t match his willpower.
Even after he shot past 6-feet by the end of his sophomore year in 2018, Veen weighed only 145 pounds and was considered too small to make the “A” squad for a traveling summer team. But he never quit.
“I wanted to prove people wrong that didn’t think I was as good as the other kids,” Veen recalled. “I always believed I could be one of the better players in the country and I just really wanted to show everybody what I believed.”
That summer, the “little runt” began to morph into a big dog.
As Veen dedicated himself to the weight room and built up his maturing body, he blossomed as a baseball player, too. He played for the Orlando Scorpions, a prestigious travel baseball club, in the fall. When the Scorpions played in a Perfect Game event in Fort Meyers, Fla., he ranked as Perfect Game’s No. 478 player nationally.
That changed in a heartbeat. The Scorpions reached the semifinals when Veen launched a walk-off home run. He was named the tournament MVP award and climbed nearly 400 spots in the national rankings.
“Vic started to feel like he was one of the best players in the nation and he started to act like it, too,” Goodrich said. “It was a cool transition to witness. I really started to think he might be the best baseball player in the 2020 class.”
Once Veen put himself on the baseball map, he didn’t stop working. In the spring of 2019, he hit .414 as a Spruce Creek junior, with 29 extra-base hits, 26 walks and 32 stolen bases.
All the while, the Rockies were watching.
John Cedarburg, the Rockies’ Central and South Florida area scouting supervisor, had been tracking Veen’s progress for years. The club began to seriously focus on Veen last June. Now the Rockies believe they have snagged a great talent with room to improve, especially as a power hitter.
“He has a fluid, slightly rising swing with the ability to impact the baseball,” said Bill Schmidt, Colorado’s vice president of scouting. “He uses his hands really well. He’s got good, raw power. He’s got good balance, rhythm and timing to his swing.”
The Rockies invested a lot of time talking to those who know Veen best, making sure they knew what makes him tick. They came away impressed and decided to pull the trigger on the high school outfielder. In doing so, Veen became only the third outfielder ever selected by the Rockies with their first draft pick, joining Kyle Parker in 2010 and David Dahl in 2012. He is the 15th high school player ever selected by the Rockies with their first pick.
“I’m a big believer that, if you believe in me, I’m going to give you everything I’ve got,” Veen said. “That’s what I’m going to give Colorado.”
When Veen was a little kid, hitting a plastic ball off the plastic tee, everyone could see he was special. The hand-eye coordination and smile on his face when he sent the ball flying across the living room brought joy to anyone who witnessed it.
But there was something else — something more — that eventually set Veen apart from the other South Florida phenoms.
“He always worked so hard,” said Veen’s mom, Christine Franks. “But it wasn’t just that he worked, he wanted to work hard. He loved it. He thrived on it.”
As a result, Veen has grown into 6-foot-4, 195-pound workhorse.
He has drawn comparisons to MVP winners Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich, as well as Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon. And he doesn’t shy away from the challenge.
“I definitely embrace it,” Veen said. “I know I’ll put in the work to try and be one of those players.”
But now comes the grown-up stuff. Assuming Veen signs with the Rockies and forgoes his commitment to the University of Florida, he will be an 18-year-old professional baseball player facing sky-high expectations. He’ll also have to meet failure for the first time, because all baseball players, no matter how talented, take their lumps in the minors.
“Knowing Zac as I do, I really don’t think that part of it is going to be a problem for him,” Goodrich said.
Veen knew that scouts had been watching his every move on the baseball field once he was once of the top-rated prep players in the nation. But rather than dodge any of that, he welcomed it.
“Some kids can get too pressured by all of that, but I thought I handled it really well,” he said. “It almost feels like I don’t have the pressure. I think taking that attitude into pro ball will be really good for me.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-14--On Philanthropy: Philanthropy can spark hope and change

Discouragement , despair and anger are understandable and common responses to the current experiences of systemic racial injustice and bigotry , an advancing global pandemic and an economic train wreck .
Philanthropy , however , can offer a path forward .
Philanthropy is inherently optimistic , reflecting the core belief that we can repair the world and have a positive impact on the lives of others and on intractable societal issues .
Through philanthropy , we can make a difference by funding and inspiring change .
.Bruce DeBoskey “ Now is not the time for another review or another survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now is the time to fundamentally decide whether we are prepared to do what is necessary by committing the resources in our control , make amends and begin building a just world , ” writes Lori Bezahler , CEO of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation .
In addition to COVID-19 emergency funding , two issues that cry out for philanthropy ’ s focus right now are racism and the injustice that flows from it , and the ability to vote in the upcoming elections , in which Americans will elect local , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will impact the lives of millions of black Americans , as well as others who experience oppression , discrimination and inequity .
“ As much as we hope to be better , hope alone has never proven a sufficient strategy for change any more than outrage over racial atrocities has effectively prevented future atrocities .
Instead , adopting a generational commitment to advancing racial equity through collective action may engender real hope for many populations , ” writes Marcus Walton , President & CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations .
He recommends that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , examine the data on the impact of race in America and exercise power by changing the rules .
“ Philanthropy has been at the heart of major advancements in society for generations and will continue to play an important role long into the future , but only if we use the power , privilege and resources we are afforded to create meaningful , deep and transformative change that combats racism as its own deadly disease , ” writes Kathleen Enright , CEO of the Council on Foundations .
Many nonprofits are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
Among them are : the Equal Justice Initiative , NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund , Black Lives Matter , NAACP , the Center for Policing Equity and Color of Change .
In Colorado , consider Chinook Fund , ACLU Colorado and ADL – Mountain States Office .
The right to vote is one of the most precious rights in our democracy — and it is under direct attack .
In recent years , many states have made it harder for people to vote , adopting tactics such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , limits on voter registration and early voting , and purges of voter lists .
National and state leaders are resisting the push for expanded mail-in voting — even in the face of the pandemic .
Most often , such tactics affect vulnerable populations and communities — including people of color , low-income voters , non-English speakers , young voters , people with disabilities and naturalized citizens .
The causes of racial justice/fighting racism and voting are inextricably linked .
Without the ability to vote for candidates who reflect our values and priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the structural and systemic inequities in our society will remain .
Philanthropy can play an important role in helping to assure that all citizens — regardless of political affiliation — can make their voices heard in November ’ s elections .
“ The vote is the most powerful , nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society , ” said U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia .
“ The right to vote is precious and almost sacred , and one of the most important blessings of our democracy .
Today we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many 501c ( 3 ) nonprofit organizations are working to ensure the integrity of the upcoming fall elections .
These include the State Infrastructure Fund , Rock the Vote , The Brennan Center for Justice , Fair Elections Center , Campaign Legal Center and the League of Women Voters Education Fund .
Donors in communities across the U.S. have an extraordinary opportunity – and responsibility – to address underlying inequities in our democracy .
Traditionally , foundations donate the required 5 % of their roughly $ 1 trillion in collective assets to philanthropy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % for a “ rainy day ” or intending their grantmaking to continue in perpetuity .
Look out beyond your window — with the pandemic , racial injustice , and voting rights under attack … it ’ s raining !
Since 1992 , Padres & Jóvenes Unidos has worked to build power to challenge the root causes of discrimination , racism and inequity by exposing the economic , social and institutional basis for injustice as well as developing effective strategies to realize meaningful change .
PJU has evolved into a multi-issue organization led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational excellence , racial justice , immigrant rights , and quality health for all .
https : //padresunidos.org Bruce DeBoskey , J.D.
, is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families , businesses , foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans .
He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy .
Visit deboskeygroup.com or @ BDeBo .

Discouragement, despair and anger are understandable and common responses to the current experiences of systemic racial injustice and bigotry, an advancing global pandemic and an economic train wreck.
Philanthropy, however, can offer a path forward. Philanthropy is inherently optimistic, reflecting the core belief that we can repair the world and have a positive impact on the lives of others and on intractable societal issues. Through philanthropy, we can make a difference by funding and inspiring change.
“Now is not the time for another review or another survey or another toothless effort to promote change. Now is the time to fundamentally decide whether we are prepared to do what is necessary by committing the resources in our control, make amends and begin building a just world,” writes Lori Bezahler, CEO of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation.
In addition to COVID-19 emergency funding, two issues that cry out for philanthropy’s focus right now are racism and the injustice that flows from it, and the ability to vote in the upcoming elections, in which Americans will elect local, state and national representatives. Those issues will impact the lives of millions of black Americans, as well as others who experience oppression, discrimination and inequity.
Racial justice and equity demand attention
“As much as we hope to be better, hope alone has never proven a sufficient strategy for change any more than outrage over racial atrocities has effectively prevented future atrocities. Instead, adopting a generational commitment to advancing racial equity through collective action may engender real hope for many populations,” writes Marcus Walton, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. He recommends that the philanthropic community focus on root causes, examine the data on the impact of race in America and exercise power by changing the rules.
“Philanthropy has been at the heart of major advancements in society for generations and will continue to play an important role long into the future, but only if we use the power, privilege and resources we are afforded to create meaningful, deep and transformative change that combats racism as its own deadly disease,” writes Kathleen Enright, CEO of the Council on Foundations.
Many nonprofits are working to advance racial justice and fight racism across the country. Among them are: the Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Black Lives Matter, NAACP, the Center for Policing Equity and Color of Change. In Colorado, consider Chinook Fund, ACLU Colorado and ADL – Mountain States Office.
Voting rights help secure change
The right to vote is one of the most precious rights in our democracy — and it is under direct attack. In recent years, many states have made it harder for people to vote, adopting tactics such as stricter identification requirements, polling place closures, limits on voter registration and early voting, and purges of voter lists. National and state leaders are resisting the push for expanded mail-in voting — even in the face of the pandemic.
Most often, such tactics affect vulnerable populations and communities — including people of color, low-income voters, non-English speakers, young voters, people with disabilities and naturalized citizens.
The causes of racial justice/fighting racism and voting are inextricably linked. Without the ability to vote for candidates who reflect our values and priorities, policies won’t be changed and the structural and systemic inequities in our society will remain.
Philanthropy can play an important role in helping to assure that all citizens — regardless of political affiliation — can make their voices heard in November’s elections.
“The vote is the most powerful, nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society,” said U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. “The right to vote is precious and almost sacred, and one of the most important blessings of our democracy. Today we must be vigilant in protecting that blessing.”
Many 501c (3) nonprofit organizations are working to ensure the integrity of the upcoming fall elections. These include the State Infrastructure Fund, Rock the Vote, The Brennan Center for Justice, Fair Elections Center, Campaign Legal Center and the League of Women Voters Education Fund.
Donors in communities across the U.S. have an extraordinary opportunity – and responsibility – to address underlying inequities in our democracy. Traditionally, foundations donate the required 5% of their roughly $1 trillion in collective assets to philanthropy each year, saving the remaining 95% for a “rainy day” or intending their grantmaking to continue in perpetuity.
Look out beyond your window — with the pandemic, racial injustice, and voting rights under attack … it’s raining!
Nonprofit of the month
Since 1992, Padres & Jóvenes Unidos has worked to build power to challenge the root causes of discrimination, racism and inequity by exposing the economic, social and institutional basis for injustice as well as developing effective strategies to realize meaningful change. PJU has evolved into a multi-issue organization led by people of color who work for educational excellence, racial justice, immigrant rights, and quality health for all. https://padresunidos.org
Bruce DeBoskey, J.D., is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families, businesses, foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans. He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy. Visit deboskeygroup.com or @BDeBo.