thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Schools clamored for Seesaw’s app. That was good news, and bad news.

The first requests that upended Seesaw , a popular classroom app , came in January from teachers and education officials abroad .
Their schools were shutting down because of the coronavirus , and they urgently wanted the app adjusted for remote learning .
The company figured it could do that with a single short hackathon project .
“ We were so naive , ” said Emily Voigtlander Seliger , a Seesaw product manager .
Weeks later , reality hit : The virus spread to the United States , where more of the app ’ s users are .
Seesaw had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit an audio comment or a digital drawing after a lesson .
But thousands of teachers suddenly wanted it to work as a full-featured home learning tool .
Rather than using Seesaw for a couple of assignments a week , they were using it for hours each day .
It seemed like every startup ’ s dream : racing to keep up with demand from people desperate for your app .
And in many ways , that has worked out well for Seesaw , a San Francisco company .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from February to May , Seesaw says , and the paid customer base has tripled from last year .
The app is now used in more than three-quarters of American schools , including big districts like Dallas and Los Angeles .
“ In a matter of two days the world flipped upside down , ” said Victoria Lawyer , global sales manager at Seesaw .
Seesaw usually pitched large districts for six months or so before one signed up .
Suddenly , she said , those districts were saying : “ We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What can you do ?
” But Seesaw ’ s experience also shows the kinds of hurdles that a company must jump in such extreme circumstances , going through years ’ worth of growing pains in a few months .
Other digital education products , like Zoom and Google Classroom , experienced similar growth spurts and ran into their own problems — such as unwelcome strangers who dropped into those early weeks of Zoom school .
But they are public companies with resources to spare .
Seesaw had just 60 employees in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , and was trying to prove that it deserved a tryout for the big leagues .
Small issues that the company knew about but hadn ’ t addressed before the pandemic became significant problems .
Teachers begged for app reliability , but some changes Seesaw made for at-home use didn ’ t always work smoothly .
While Seesaw executives wanted the app to be interesting for students , it had to be streamlined enough for frazzled parents suddenly running at-home school .
All this happened while Seesaw , like many other companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to working from home , where many juggled their work with their own children ’ s classes .
“ We ’ re going through what everyone else is going through in terms of balancing child care and home schooling and working from home , ” said Carl Sjogreen , one of the company ’ s founders .
“ The intensity of the growth in our business at the same time is a challenge and a struggle.
” Sjogreen , 42 , and Seesaw ’ s other founder , Adrian Graham , 41 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000s .
They left , founded a travel-advice startup and moved to Facebook as product managers when it acquired their company .
In 2012 , they left Facebook and started Shadow Puppet , an app that lets people make videos by adding voice-overs to photos and other social media .
They thought Shadow Puppet was almost embarrassingly simple .
But the app proved popular with teachers , and it led to the idea for Seesaw .
In the fall of 2014 , teachers trying out an early version of Seesaw reported back with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Some students opened up once they had an audio recorder , the teachers said , and some who might not be great writers — and didn ’ t seem that engaged as a result — made lively videos or digital drawings once those became an option .
In January 2015 , Seesaw released the app to the public .
It ’ s free for individual teachers , with a features-added version for schools and districts for $ 5.50 per student per year .
The founders took seed funding when starting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from investors in 2017 .
Sjogreen declined to give valuation or revenue figures , but said the company would be profitable this year .
And it ’ s been a year .
In February , Sjogreen was mapping out long-term projects from Seesaw ’ s downtown San Francisco office .
Come March , he was working from his Noe Valley house , juggling home-school duties for his 9- and 12-year-old children , just like many of the employees , and Seesaw was in “ rapid-response mode , ” as he put it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher at an international school in Bahrain , decided Seesaw would be their remote-learning platform .
“ Prior to COVID , I used it as just a digital portfolio for kids , ” an online collection of their drawings and recordings , Moosa said , but when her school closed in February , her use “ transformed massively.
” She used the app for morning messages and daily lessons , adding audio or video clips , posting additional resources , and creating student assignments along with communicating with families .
Many other teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing shortfalls that the company had to race to fix .
The app , designed to work with iPads and Chromebooks , had hardly been used with Android tablets .
But now parents were logging on with Amazon Fire or Samsung devices running Android .
Numerous students didn ’ t have email addresses and needed a different way to log in from home .
Teachers , who could no longer look over students ’ shoulders while they worked on an assignment , wanted to comment on saved drafts before students submitted a final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of seconds to hours .
The company ’ s servers sometimes slowed to a crawl .
Those issues meant teachers , families and schools all fired questions at Seesaw for help .
Sjogreen , who prided himself on getting back to customers almost immediately , found that just wasn ’ t possible .
“ I ’ m sad that during a time where they were so stressed out , we were not as responsive as we would like to be , ” he said .
Internally , the company had to figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was also , in many cases , dealing with added responsibilities at home .
Many employees needed time off at peak hours to handle their children .
While being interviewed for this article , Graham bounced his baby girl in a Snugli , while Sjogreen was interrupted by his son , who asked for permission to go on YouTube .
( Sjogreen nodded , resigned . )
Seesaw tried to accommodate employees ’ schedules and child care demands , and even added a remote yoga session on Tuesday mornings to clear heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying if I said it was easy , ” Sjogreen said .
Sjogreen said he had gotten a good idea for Seesaw from his 9-year-old , who uses it at his school .
While working from home , Sjogreen heard “ tears , frustration ” from his son , who had accidentally deleted work completed on the app .
The company added a button to confirm deletion — Sjogreen suggested an icon of a crying child to accompany it .
To prepare for the fall semester , Seesaw added 15 full-time employees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The app kept adding features : Teachers said students didn ’ t know what to work on first , so the company let teachers designate priority assignments and let students see which assignments were done .
Assignments can now be filtered by topic , like math or Spanish .
Users can print posts , and students and teachers can add multiple videos on a single post so teachers can conduct long lessons .
Jennifer Montemayor , a teacher at Bulverde Creek Elementary School in San Antonio , has kindergartners in her remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Persian or Russian at home .
She loves how Seesaw translates her class announcements and assignments into languages the parents can understand .
A Seesaw enthusiast , Montemayor is finding fewer people to proselytize to these days .
“ Everybody knows Seesaw now , ” she said .

By Stephanie Clifford
The first requests that upended Seesaw, a popular classroom app, came in January from teachers and education officials abroad. Their schools were shutting down because of the coronavirus, and they urgently wanted the app adjusted for remote learning. The company figured it could do that with a single short hackathon project.
“We were so naive,” said Emily Voigtlander Seliger, a Seesaw product manager.
Weeks later, reality hit: The virus spread to the United States, where more of the app’s users are. Seesaw had been designed for students in a classroom to submit an audio comment or a digital drawing after a lesson. But thousands of teachers suddenly wanted it to work as a full-featured home learning tool. Rather than using Seesaw for a couple of assignments a week, they were using it for hours each day.
It seemed like every startup’s dream: racing to keep up with demand from people desperate for your app.
And in many ways, that has worked out well for Seesaw, a San Francisco company. The number of student posts on its app increased tenfold from February to May, Seesaw says, and the paid customer base has tripled from last year. The app is now used in more than three-quarters of American schools, including big districts like Dallas and Los Angeles.
“In a matter of two days the world flipped upside down,” said Victoria Lawyer, global sales manager at Seesaw. Seesaw usually pitched large districts for six months or so before one signed up. Suddenly, she said, those districts were saying: “We need to get set up by tomorrow. What can you do?”
But Seesaw’s experience also shows the kinds of hurdles that a company must jump in such extreme circumstances, going through years’ worth of growing pains in a few months.
Other digital education products, like Zoom and Google Classroom, experienced similar growth spurts and ran into their own problems — such as unwelcome strangers who dropped into those early weeks of Zoom school. But they are public companies with resources to spare. Seesaw had just 60 employees in February, when the coronavirus hit the United States, and was trying to prove that it deserved a tryout for the big leagues.
Small issues that the company knew about but hadn’t addressed before the pandemic became significant problems. Teachers begged for app reliability, but some changes Seesaw made for at-home use didn’t always work smoothly. While Seesaw executives wanted the app to be interesting for students, it had to be streamlined enough for frazzled parents suddenly running at-home school.
All this happened while Seesaw, like many other companies, closed its headquarters and shifted employees to working from home, where many juggled their work with their own children’s classes.
“We’re going through what everyone else is going through in terms of balancing child care and home schooling and working from home,” said Carl Sjogreen, one of the company’s founders. “The intensity of the growth in our business at the same time is a challenge and a struggle.”
Sjogreen, 42, and Seesaw’s other founder, Adrian Graham, 41, first met at Google in the early 2000s. They left, founded a travel-advice startup and moved to Facebook as product managers when it acquired their company. In 2012, they left Facebook and started Shadow Puppet, an app that lets people make videos by adding voice-overs to photos and other social media.
They thought Shadow Puppet was almost embarrassingly simple. But the app proved popular with teachers, and it led to the idea for Seesaw.
In the fall of 2014, teachers trying out an early version of Seesaw reported back with comments that surprised the founders, Graham said. Some students opened up once they had an audio recorder, the teachers said, and some who might not be great writers — and didn’t seem that engaged as a result — made lively videos or digital drawings once those became an option.
In January 2015, Seesaw released the app to the public. It’s free for individual teachers, with a features-added version for schools and districts for $5.50 per student per year. The founders took seed funding when starting the company, and $8 million more from investors in 2017. Sjogreen declined to give valuation or revenue figures, but said the company would be profitable this year.
And it’s been a year. In February, Sjogreen was mapping out long-term projects from Seesaw’s downtown San Francisco office. Come March, he was working from his Noe Valley house, juggling home-school duties for his 9- and 12-year-old children, just like many of the employees, and Seesaw was in “rapid-response mode,” as he put it.
Teachers like Sharmeen Moosa, a first-grade teacher at an international school in Bahrain, decided Seesaw would be their remote-learning platform.
“Prior to COVID, I used it as just a digital portfolio for kids,” an online collection of their drawings and recordings, Moosa said, but when her school closed in February, her use “transformed massively.” She used the app for morning messages and daily lessons, adding audio or video clips, posting additional resources, and creating student assignments along with communicating with families.
Many other teachers used the app in similar ways, exposing shortfalls that the company had to race to fix.
The app, designed to work with iPads and Chromebooks, had hardly been used with Android tablets. But now parents were logging on with Amazon Fire or Samsung devices running Android. Numerous students didn’t have email addresses and needed a different way to log in from home. Teachers, who could no longer look over students’ shoulders while they worked on an assignment, wanted to comment on saved drafts before students submitted a final version. Notification delays grew from a couple of seconds to hours. The company’s servers sometimes slowed to a crawl.
Those issues meant teachers, families and schools all fired questions at Seesaw for help. Sjogreen, who prided himself on getting back to customers almost immediately, found that just wasn’t possible.
“I’m sad that during a time where they were so stressed out, we were not as responsive as we would like to be,” he said.
Internally, the company had to figure out how to handle a remote workforce that was also, in many cases, dealing with added responsibilities at home. Many employees needed time off at peak hours to handle their children. While being interviewed for this article, Graham bounced his baby girl in a Snugli, while Sjogreen was interrupted by his son, who asked for permission to go on YouTube. (Sjogreen nodded, resigned.)
Seesaw tried to accommodate employees’ schedules and child care demands, and even added a remote yoga session on Tuesday mornings to clear heads, “but I’d be lying if I said it was easy,” Sjogreen said.
Sjogreen said he had gotten a good idea for Seesaw from his 9-year-old, who uses it at his school. While working from home, Sjogreen heard “tears, frustration” from his son, who had accidentally deleted work completed on the app. The company added a button to confirm deletion — Sjogreen suggested an icon of a crying child to accompany it.
To prepare for the fall semester, Seesaw added 15 full-time employees and 100 contractors to help with customer support. The app kept adding features: Teachers said students didn’t know what to work on first, so the company let teachers designate priority assignments and let students see which assignments were done. Assignments can now be filtered by topic, like math or Spanish. Users can print posts, and students and teachers can add multiple videos on a single post so teachers can conduct long lessons.
Jennifer Montemayor, a teacher at Bulverde Creek Elementary School in San Antonio, has kindergartners in her remote class who speak Vietnamese, Spanish, Persian or Russian at home. She loves how Seesaw translates her class announcements and assignments into languages the parents can understand.
A Seesaw enthusiast, Montemayor is finding fewer people to proselytize to these days. “Everybody knows Seesaw now,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Denver sheriff deputy suspended after striking jail inmate in head with nunchucks

A Denver sheriff deputy used excessive force when he struck a jail inmate in the back of the head with nunchucks and caused the inmate to be hospitalized , Denver public safety officials found .
Deputy Joseph Burgos will serve a 30-day unpaid suspension for the incident at the Downtown Detention Center , according to an Oct. 13 disciplinary letter obtained by The Denver Post through a records request .
The nunchucks are primarily intended to help deputies grab and restrain limbs or for pain compliance techniques , not as impact weapons like in Bruce Li movies .
Department policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike a person ’ s head or neck unless lethal force is authorized , which is only permitted when a deputy is defending themselves or someone else from an imminent lethal threat .
Burgos used the nunchucks on April 14 after responding to another deputy ’ s call for help when an upset inmate started throwing trash from his cell onto the floor of the housing unit , according to the letter .
The man , who had tested positive for COVID-19 , was angry that the phones were turned off during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A group of deputies responded to the call and held the man , who is identified by initials in the letter , against a wall .
The deputies then escorted the man into the cell and laid him facedown on the mattress so they could remove the handcuffs they used on him .
Burgos remained in the cell after the other deputies left and told the man not to move .
“ At this point I am still on the floor looking back , ” the man wrote in his complaint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disciplinary letter .
“ It was then that he blasted me in the back of the head with his weapon .
My head was split open and I did need to receive medical assistance.
” Burgos and four other deputies who witnessed what happened said the man started to stand up with his hands balled into fists and tried to hit Burgos .
Two deputies told investigators that the man never fully stood up before Burgos struck him .
Burgos told investigators that he intended to hit the man in the side with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man could have hit him in the legs , the letter states .
“ The deputy in question had more than enough time to exit the room safely , ” the man continued in his complaint .
“ He chose to stay there and escalate the situation.
” Public safety officials agreed .
In an analysis of the incident , Department of Public Safety civilian review administrator Carl McEncroe found that Burgos had other options besides using force , like disengaging or calling for help from the three deputies right outside the cell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital , where medical staff used three staples to close the laceration in his head , according to the letter .

A Denver sheriff deputy used excessive force when he struck a jail inmate in the back of the head with nunchucks and caused the inmate to be hospitalized, Denver public safety officials found.
Deputy Joseph Burgos will serve a 30-day unpaid suspension for the incident at the Downtown Detention Center, according to an Oct. 13 disciplinary letter obtained by The Denver Post through a records request.
The nunchucks are primarily intended to help deputies grab and restrain limbs or for pain compliance techniques, not as impact weapons like in Bruce Li movies. Department policy states deputies should not use the weapon to strike a person’s head or neck unless lethal force is authorized, which is only permitted when a deputy is defending themselves or someone else from an imminent lethal threat.
Burgos used the nunchucks on April 14 after responding to another deputy’s call for help when an upset inmate started throwing trash from his cell onto the floor of the housing unit, according to the letter. The man, who had tested positive for COVID-19, was angry that the phones were turned off during his limited time out of his cell.
A group of deputies responded to the call and held the man, who is identified by initials in the letter, against a wall. The deputies then escorted the man into the cell and laid him facedown on the mattress so they could remove the handcuffs they used on him.
Burgos remained in the cell after the other deputies left and told the man not to move.
“At this point I am still on the floor looking back,” the man wrote in his complaint, excerpts of which are included in the disciplinary letter. “It was then that he blasted me in the back of the head with his weapon. My head was split open and I did need to receive medical assistance.”
Burgos and four other deputies who witnessed what happened said the man started to stand up with his hands balled into fists and tried to hit Burgos. Two deputies told investigators that the man never fully stood up before Burgos struck him. Burgos told investigators that he intended to hit the man in the side with the nunchucks and that he believed the man could have hit him in the legs, the letter states.
“The deputy in question had more than enough time to exit the room safely,” the man continued in his complaint. “He chose to stay there and escalate the situation.”
Public safety officials agreed. In an analysis of the incident, Department of Public Safety civilian review administrator Carl McEncroe found that Burgos had other options besides using force, like disengaging or calling for help from the three deputies right outside the cell.
The man was transported to the hospital, where medical staff used three staples to close the laceration in his head, according to the letter.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Denver voters approve City Council checks on mayor’s power

Denver voters approved two measures this week that effectively check Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s powers , shifting more authority to City Council .
Hancock pushed back strongly against 2E and 2G , tapping past council members to voice their opposition , as well .
But his effort — the only substantial opposition campaign for local measures — came up short .
Election officials continue to count ballots but results indicate both will pass with comfortable margins .
Hancock and council members expect little to change in the short term .
However , those following the term-limited mayor may notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s executive and legislative branches .
Measure 2E requires council ’ s approval for mayoral appointees , and 2G allows council to change the city ’ s budget mid-year with some restrictions .
Council ’ s approval over mayoral appointees will not apply retroactively to those already serving in Hancock ’ s administration .
And once confirmed , new appointees will still report to the mayor and council can not remove them .
The change in budget authority also won ’ t come into play this year .
Council will vote whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , having changed little from Hancock ’ s proposed budget .
Throughout the year , council members have sought more checks on Hancock ’ s strong mayor authority and these two measures are meant to boost transparency and accountability for the office , they have said .
But it ’ s difficult to legislate good behavior , said Councilman Chris Herndon .
Rather , both the mayor ’ s administration and council must have a desire to work well together to create substantive change .
“ The friction and fighting , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Herndon said .
“ There may be times where we disagree , but let ’ s try not to be disagreeable.
” Hancock said in a statement he also expects little to change for him but predicted the measures could harm later administrations ’ ability to manage the city and attract talented staff .
He said he was disappointed but not surprised to see both measures passing .
“ The budget measure is concerning , ” Hancock said .
“ As we saw with the budget this year , it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council.
” But Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer , who sponsored 2E , held that many — if not most — other major American cities grant the legislative branch some form of approval over mayoral appointees without impeding executive authority .
Hancock also voiced concern that 2G would make an already difficult budget process harder .
Denverite Chris Nicholson said he supported both measures because they do seem to spread authority in the city more evenly .
“ I voted for Hancock , I trust him , but checks and balances are a good thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these new powers judiciously , ” Nicholson said .
Azria Arroyo — who has protested Hancock ’ s handling of the George Floyd protests this year — also was glad of the result .
“ I ’ m hoping these kind of ballot measures really get people thinking , and encourage constituents to look deeper into Hancock ’ s behavior and decisions , ” Arroyo said .

Denver voters approved two measures this week that effectively check Mayor Michael Hancock’s powers, shifting more authority to City Council.
Hancock pushed back strongly against 2E and 2G, tapping past council members to voice their opposition, as well. But his effort — the only substantial opposition campaign for local measures — came up short. Election officials continue to count ballots but results indicate both will pass with comfortable margins.
Hancock and council members expect little to change in the short term. However, those following the term-limited mayor may notice a change in the relationship between Denver’s executive and legislative branches.
Measure 2E requires council’s approval for mayoral appointees, and 2G allows council to change the city’s budget mid-year with some restrictions.
Council’s approval over mayoral appointees will not apply retroactively to those already serving in Hancock’s administration. And once confirmed, new appointees will still report to the mayor and council cannot remove them.
The change in budget authority also won’t come into play this year. Council will vote whether to approve Denver’s 2021 budget Monday, having changed little from Hancock’s proposed budget.
Throughout the year, council members have sought more checks on Hancock’s strong mayor authority and these two measures are meant to boost transparency and accountability for the office, they have said.
But it’s difficult to legislate good behavior, said Councilman Chris Herndon. Rather, both the mayor’s administration and council must have a desire to work well together to create substantive change.
“The friction and fighting, I think people are tired of it,” Herndon said. “There may be times where we disagree, but let’s try not to be disagreeable.”
Hancock said in a statement he also expects little to change for him but predicted the measures could harm later administrations’ ability to manage the city and attract talented staff. He said he was disappointed but not surprised to see both measures passing.
“The budget measure is concerning,” Hancock said. “As we saw with the budget this year, it was a challenge getting pragmatic and collaborative decisions through council.”
But Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, who sponsored 2E, held that many — if not most — other major American cities grant the legislative branch some form of approval over mayoral appointees without impeding executive authority.
Hancock also voiced concern that 2G would make an already difficult budget process harder.
Denverite Chris Nicholson said he supported both measures because they do seem to spread authority in the city more evenly.
“I voted for Hancock, I trust him, but checks and balances are a good thing and I trust this council to use these new powers judiciously,” Nicholson said.
Azria Arroyo — who has protested Hancock’s handling of the George Floyd protests this year — also was glad of the result.
“I’m hoping these kind of ballot measures really get people thinking, and encourage constituents to look deeper into Hancock’s behavior and decisions,” Arroyo said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--“A new day for Colorado’s prosecutors”: Democrats flip two big district attorney seats, bringing lik

“A new day for Colorado’s prosecutors”: Democrats flip two big district attorney seats, bringing likely reform

While one key race remains too close to call , Democrats flipped two large Colorado district attorney seats in a power change that will affect how thousands of criminal cases on the Front Range are handled and could alter criminal justice reform in the statehouse .
The two seats flipped by Democrats — the First and Eighth Judicial Districts , covering Jefferson and Larimer counites , respectively — had been held by Republicans for decades , and the candidates who won ran on platforms promising to shake up the criminal legal systems in their districts .
“ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new lens on public health and safety that is accountable , equitable , just and fair , ” said Juston Cooper , executive director of CCJRC4Action , a nonprofit organization that advocates on criminal justice policies .
“ Historically , they haven ’ t always thought that way .
I think it ’ s a new day for Colorado ’ s prosecutors.
” The shift comes as Colorado legislators next year are likely to once again propose significant changes to the state ’ s criminal legal system , furthering reforms accomplished during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss bail reform , changes to sentencing practices and further implementation of the police accountability bill passed over the summer , said Denise Maes , public policy director for the ACLU of Colorado .
“ The Colorado District Attorneys ’ Council is very present at the capitol , ” said Maes , who works on criminal justice legislation .
“ They have a significant influence .
We ’ re happy to see that there may be a change in that , that they are championing criminal justice reform.
” The shift toward reform-minded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District attorney candidates in major cities including Los Angeles , Philadelphia and Chicago have run — and won — on platforms that emphasize reducing the number of people in prison , evaluating racial disparities and abandoning the practice of requiring people to pay money to leave jail .
“ It ’ s definitely not unique to Colorado , ” said Alissa Marque Heydari , deputy director of The Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice .
“ Even just 10 years ago people weren ’ t really paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few years people are starting to pay more attention to the criminal justice system and prosecutors in particular.
” The race to become the top prosecutor in the the state ’ s most populous judicial district remained too close to call Friday .
The margin between the candidates vying to succeed term-limited Republican George Brauchler in the 18th Judicial District — which encompasses Arapahoe , Douglas , Elbert and Lincoln counties — sometime dipped to as low as 49 as votes were counted last week .
The competitive race in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , including the 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting and the 2012 Aurora theater shooting , has drawn national attention .
If Democrat Amy Padden wins the race over Republican John Kellner , it will be the first time since 1968 that a Democrat has held the seat and the first time in at least the last 50 years that all four of the judicial districts in the Denver metro area are represented by Democrats .
If Padden wins , Democrats will hold two more district attorney seats than they did after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , the distribution of district attorneys ’ political affiliations in Colorado has ranged widely .
In 2000 , Democrats won 11 of the positions , but in 2004 Republicans won 16 of the 22 positions , data from the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s office shows .
The distribution of the positions has ranged between those two numbers since then .
Both Democrats and Republican candidates for Front Range seats touted plans for change , Cooper said .
A growing attention on the criminal legal system — intensified by nationwide protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system over the summer — helped bring attention to the prosecutor races , he said .
“ I would like to think the national outcry for racial justice has impacted people caring and frankly making people want to know who their DA is , ” said Alexis King , the first Democrat to be elected district attorney in the First Judicial District , which also covers Gilpin County , since 2000 .
“ We wield a lot of power in the criminal justice system.
” All of the candidates for Front Range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending people to prison , but some of the candidates who won some of the most competitive races in the region — the First , Eighth and 17th districts — said they wanted to change bail practices and provide better data to the public about their practices and outcomes .
“ Folks want a new approach to criminal justice , ” said Gordon McLaughlin , who won the race to become DA in the Eighth Judicial District , which also spans Jackson County , and will become the first Democrat to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want this community to be safe , but they also want other options for lower level crime , like those connected to substance use and mental health.
” Beyond a shift in political makeup , the majority of the district attorney seats will be filled with newcomers .
Only eight of the state ’ s 22 seats will be held by incumbents in January , as some incumbents were term-limited or defeated in the primary or general elections .
“ In general , the voices at the table of the Colorado District Attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said King , who is the first woman to be elected DA in the First Judicial District .

While one key race remains too close to call, Democrats flipped two large Colorado district attorney seats in a power change that will affect how thousands of criminal cases on the Front Range are handled and could alter criminal justice reform in the statehouse.
The two seats flipped by Democrats — the First and Eighth Judicial Districts, covering Jefferson and Larimer counites, respectively — had been held by Republicans for decades, and the candidates who won ran on platforms promising to shake up the criminal legal systems in their districts.
“That’s an indicator that Colorado is looking for a new lens on public health and safety that is accountable, equitable, just and fair,” said Juston Cooper, executive director of CCJRC4Action, a nonprofit organization that advocates on criminal justice policies. “Historically, they haven’t always thought that way. I think it’s a new day for Colorado’s prosecutors.”
The shift comes as Colorado legislators next year are likely to once again propose significant changes to the state’s criminal legal system, furthering reforms accomplished during the two previous sessions. Lawmakers will discuss bail reform, changes to sentencing practices and further implementation of the police accountability bill passed over the summer, said Denise Maes, public policy director for the ACLU of Colorado.
“The Colorado District Attorneys’ Council is very present at the capitol,” said Maes, who works on criminal justice legislation. “They have a significant influence. We’re happy to see that there may be a change in that, that they are championing criminal justice reform.”
The shift toward reform-minded prosecutors is not unique to Colorado. District attorney candidates in major cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago have run — and won — on platforms that emphasize reducing the number of people in prison, evaluating racial disparities and abandoning the practice of requiring people to pay money to leave jail.
“It’s definitely not unique to Colorado,” said Alissa Marque Heydari, deputy director of The Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “Even just 10 years ago people weren’t really paying attention to prosecutors races, and in the past few years people are starting to pay more attention to the criminal justice system and prosecutors in particular.”
The race to become the top prosecutor in the the state’s most populous judicial district remained too close to call Friday. The margin between the candidates vying to succeed term-limited Republican George Brauchler in the 18th Judicial District — which encompasses Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties — sometime dipped to as low as 49 as votes were counted last week.
The competitive race in a district that has handled many recent high-profile cases, including the 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting and the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, has drawn national attention. If Democrat Amy Padden wins the race over Republican John Kellner, it will be the first time since 1968 that a Democrat has held the seat and the first time in at least the last 50 years that all four of the judicial districts in the Denver metro area are represented by Democrats.
If Padden wins, Democrats will hold two more district attorney seats than they did after the 2016 election. Since the 2000 election, the distribution of district attorneys’ political affiliations in Colorado has ranged widely. In 2000, Democrats won 11 of the positions, but in 2004 Republicans won 16 of the 22 positions, data from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office shows. The distribution of the positions has ranged between those two numbers since then.
Both Democrats and Republican candidates for Front Range seats touted plans for change, Cooper said. A growing attention on the criminal legal system — intensified by nationwide protests of police brutality and racial inequities in the system over the summer — helped bring attention to the prosecutor races, he said.
“I would like to think the national outcry for racial justice has impacted people caring and frankly making people want to know who their DA is,” said Alexis King, the first Democrat to be elected district attorney in the First Judicial District, which also covers Gilpin County, since 2000. “We wield a lot of power in the criminal justice system.”
All of the candidates for Front Range seats touted the importance of alternatives to sending people to prison, but some of the candidates who won some of the most competitive races in the region — the First, Eighth and 17th districts — said they wanted to change bail practices and provide better data to the public about their practices and outcomes.
“Folks want a new approach to criminal justice,” said Gordon McLaughlin, who won the race to become DA in the Eighth Judicial District, which also spans Jackson County, and will become the first Democrat to hold the position since the 1970s. “Folks want this community to be safe, but they also want other options for lower level crime, like those connected to substance use and mental health.”
Beyond a shift in political makeup, the majority of the district attorney seats will be filled with newcomers. Only eight of the state’s 22 seats will be held by incumbents in January, as some incumbents were term-limited or defeated in the primary or general elections.
“In general, the voices at the table of the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council will be changing,” said King, who is the first woman to be elected DA in the First Judicial District.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Businesses fret over Colorado’s new paid leave law even as it stands as potential “blueprint” for ot

Businesses fret over Colorado’s new paid leave law even as it stands as potential “blueprint” for other states

Now that voters have spoken out in favor of paid family and medical leave in Colorado — passing Proposition 118 on Tuesday — the question for businesses that will have to help pay for the $ 1.2 billion-a-year program is what happens next .
For Gail Lindley , owner of Denver Bookbinding Company , the new government mandate is “ unnecessary ” for her business , which has been operating in north Denver for more than 90 years .
“ I already provide flexible time — for us , it ’ s an added cost , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program for Colorado workers , gives employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually — a weekly maximum of $ 1,100 in the first year — to be with a newborn or to care for themselves or a family member who is seriously ill , while simultaneously safeguarding their jobs .
Proponents say such an arrangement has payoffs that can ’ t be measured merely in dollars .
Women and children benefit in particular , they say , as many mothers prematurely stop breast-feeding their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Paid time allows them more and better bonding time with their child , advocates say .
The program would split the cost of the premium to fund the coverage evenly between the worker and the employer .
According to numbers from the state ’ s Legislative Council , an employee earning $ 52,000 a year would pay $ 234 in premiums per year , as would that worker ’ s employer .
While federal law already protects a worker ’ s job with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compulsory compensation may prompt employees to take advantage of the full duration of the program even if they can return to the workplace sooner , Lindley said .
“ To have a staff member gone for 12 weeks , that ’ s gon na hurt , ” she said .
“ We ’ re five generations here — we ’ ve all had babies .
But we worked it out where you worked part time or three days a week.
” Even though premiums wouldn ’ t start to be levied until 2023 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program going out in 2024 — Loren Furman , senior vice president of state and federal relations with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce , said placing a new cost burden on businesses as they struggle under ongoing coronavirus-fueled shutdowns and restrictions is cruel timing .
“ I don ’ t think anyone can determine what the long-term economic devastation will be for businesses during and after the pandemic , ” she said this week .
“ I would maintain that this is still the worst time to raise payroll taxes on employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will have fully recovered by 2023.
” But state Sen .
Faith Winter , who for years fought unsuccessfully to get a paid leave law passed in the statehouse , said she is prepared to “ work with the business community ” on putting into practice the new law .
The nuts and bolts of the measure will likely be addressed by state lawmakers in the next legislative session , she said .
“ I ’ m really proud of Colorado for being the first state to pass paid family and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ It shows the independence of Colorado voters and the thoughtfulness of Colorado voters to come together to find solutions.
” Colorado is the ninth state in the nation — and the first not on the coasts — to establish a paid family and medical leave system .
California was the first to launch such a program in 2004 .
Winter said she has already been hearing from lawmakers in other states about how Colorado put the measure on the ballot and got buy-in for the concept .
She noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state have endorsed paid family and medical leave .
“ This has worked in eight other states , ” Winter said .
“ I think this will be one of the issues that takes off in the coming years.
” Kevin Curry , chief revenue officer for ReedGroup , a Westminster-based leave management firm , said Colorado could serve as a “ blueprint ” for other states on how to get a paid leave program off the ground .
“ In the absence of a federal program , the states are taking this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ From a talent attractiveness standpoint , this makes Colorado a more attractive state for young professionals .
It ’ s where we see the rest of the world.
” But Tony Gagliardi , Colorado director for the National Federation of Independent Business , said more than 70 % of small businesses in the state already offer some type of paid leave .
And because the new law does not apply to companies with nine or fewer employees , it could have the effect of stifling growth .
“ Many small businesses will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their current number of employees , ” Gagliardi said .
He also worries about the long-term solvency of the program and whether it can survive without raising premiums in the future .
“ Then we will see if the out-of-state groups who funded the proponents ’ campaign will be back in Colorado offering financial assistance to Colorado taxpayers who are now saddled with the liability of the program , ” he said .

Now that voters have spoken out in favor of paid family and medical leave in Colorado — passing Proposition 118 on Tuesday — the question for businesses that will have to help pay for the $1.2 billion-a-year program is what happens next.
For Gail Lindley, owner of Denver Bookbinding Company, the new government mandate is “unnecessary” for her business, which has been operating in north Denver for more than 90 years.
“I already provide flexible time — for us, it’s an added cost,” she said.
Prop 118, which will create a state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program for Colorado workers, gives employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually — a weekly maximum of $1,100 in the first year — to be with a newborn or to care for themselves or a family member who is seriously ill, while simultaneously safeguarding their jobs.
Proponents say such an arrangement has payoffs that can’t be measured merely in dollars. Women and children benefit in particular, they say, as many mothers prematurely stop breast-feeding their babies because they have to return to work.
Paid time allows them more and better bonding time with their child, advocates say.
The program would split the cost of the premium to fund the coverage evenly between the worker and the employer. According to numbers from the state’s Legislative Council, an employee earning $52,000 a year would pay $234 in premiums per year, as would that worker’s employer.
While federal law already protects a worker’s job with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a newborn or an illness, adding compulsory compensation may prompt employees to take advantage of the full duration of the program even if they can return to the workplace sooner, Lindley said.
“To have a staff member gone for 12 weeks, that’s gonna hurt,” she said. “We’re five generations here — we’ve all had babies. But we worked it out where you worked part time or three days a week.”
Even though premiums wouldn’t start to be levied until 2023 — with the first disbursements under the program going out in 2024 — Loren Furman, senior vice president of state and federal relations with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, said placing a new cost burden on businesses as they struggle under ongoing coronavirus-fueled shutdowns and restrictions is cruel timing.
“I don’t think anyone can determine what the long-term economic devastation will be for businesses during and after the pandemic,” she said this week. “I would maintain that this is still the worst time to raise payroll taxes on employers and workers, and it is unlikely that they will have fully recovered by 2023.”
But state Sen. Faith Winter, who for years fought unsuccessfully to get a paid leave law passed in the statehouse, said she is prepared to “work with the business community” on putting into practice the new law. The nuts and bolts of the measure will likely be addressed by state lawmakers in the next legislative session, she said.
“I’m really proud of Colorado for being the first state to pass paid family and medical leave at the ballot box,” she said. “It shows the independence of Colorado voters and the thoughtfulness of Colorado voters to come together to find solutions.”
Colorado is the ninth state in the nation — and the first not on the coasts — to establish a paid family and medical leave system. California was the first to launch such a program in 2004.
Winter said she has already been hearing from lawmakers in other states about how Colorado put the measure on the ballot and got buy-in for the concept. She noted that more than 200 companies in the state have endorsed paid family and medical leave.
“This has worked in eight other states,” Winter said. “I think this will be one of the issues that takes off in the coming years.”
Kevin Curry, chief revenue officer for ReedGroup, a Westminster-based leave management firm, said Colorado could serve as a “blueprint” for other states on how to get a paid leave program off the ground.
“In the absence of a federal program, the states are taking this upon themselves,” he said. “From a talent attractiveness standpoint, this makes Colorado a more attractive state for young professionals. It’s where we see the rest of the world.”
But Tony Gagliardi, Colorado director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said more than 70% of small businesses in the state already offer some type of paid leave. And because the new law does not apply to companies with nine or fewer employees, it could have the effect of stifling growth.
“Many small businesses will be encouraged to reexamine their need for their current number of employees,” Gagliardi said.
He also worries about the long-term solvency of the program and whether it can survive without raising premiums in the future.
“Then we will see if the out-of-state groups who funded the proponents’ campaign will be back in Colorado offering financial assistance to Colorado taxpayers who are now saddled with the liability of the program,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Aurora ICE detention center’s COVID-19 outbreak grows more than 60% since September

More than 100 detainees at the Aurora immigration detention center have tested positive for COVID-19 , with cases increasing 64 % since the end of September .
The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement website showed 120 detainees have tested positive since March , and 31 are currently isolated to prevent the virus from spreading .
ICE also reported two of its Aurora employees tested positive , but didn ’ t include employees of GEO Group , which is contracted to run the facility .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has reported 22 combined staff cases , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracked 28 .
The first cases among detainees weren ’ t reported until late May , and only a handful of new cases were reported most weeks , according to ICE data compiled by Crow ’ s office .
Two significant exceptions were the week ending Sept. 30 , when 22 detainees tested positive , and the week of Oct. 21 , when 34 did .
ICE doesn ’ t release how cases were brought in from other facilities or the community , and how many people were infected at the Aurora detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Martin Suarez , a detainee who was transported to the ICE facility on Sept. 24 after completing his sentence at the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution , told The Denver Post in an interview that detainees have received only one surgical mask per week .
Surgical masks are made of paper , and not intended for repeated use .
He said he wasn ’ t told the results of his COVID-19 test , so he assumed he had a cold until he started feeling short of breath and had to hospitalized .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commissary and kept doing my thing , ” he said .
A spokesman for GEO Group , which runs the Aurora detention facility , said they “ strongly reject ” Suarez ’ s description of conditions , and provide detainees at least three masks per week .
All detainees are told their test results , and those who test positive are quarantined , he said .
The facility also has changed some procedures for allow for social distancing , and frequently disinfects “ high-contact ” areas , the GEO spokesman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and safety of all those in our care and our employees with the utmost seriousness , and we will continue to work with the federal government and local health officials to implement best practices for the prevention , assessment and management of COVID-19 , ” he said .
An ICE spokeswoman said she couldn ’ t comment on specific allegations , but the Aurora facility was one of the first to voluntarily test for the virus .
Suarez said detainees on his pod are now kept in their cells except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to reduce the virus ’ spread .
He believes he contracted the virus from his cellmate , who was showing mild symptoms when he arrived from another facility in late September .
He estimated 16 of the 24 detainees on his pod had tested positive since the start of October .
“ They ’ re leaving people who are negative with people who are positive and they ’ re not moving them , ” he said .
“ That ’ s why it ’ s out of control.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your inbox .

More than 100 detainees at the Aurora immigration detention center have tested positive for COVID-19, with cases increasing 64% since the end of September.
The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement website showed 120 detainees have tested positive since March, and 31 are currently isolated to prevent the virus from spreading.
ICE also reported two of its Aurora employees tested positive, but didn’t include employees of GEO Group, which is contracted to run the facility. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has reported 22 combined staff cases, and Rep. Jason Crow’s office has tracked 28.
The first cases among detainees weren’t reported until late May, and only a handful of new cases were reported most weeks, according to ICE data compiled by Crow’s office. Two significant exceptions were the week ending Sept. 30, when 22 detainees tested positive, and the week of Oct. 21, when 34 did.
ICE doesn’t release how cases were brought in from other facilities or the community, and how many people were infected at the Aurora detention center or who arrived already carrying the virus.
Martin Suarez, a detainee who was transported to the ICE facility on Sept. 24 after completing his sentence at the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution, told The Denver Post in an interview that detainees have received only one surgical mask per week. Surgical masks are made of paper, and not intended for repeated use. He said he wasn’t told the results of his COVID-19 test, so he assumed he had a cold until he started feeling short of breath and had to hospitalized.
“I just ordered some Tylenol from the commissary and kept doing my thing,” he said.
A spokesman for GEO Group, which runs the Aurora detention facility, said they “strongly reject” Suarez’s description of conditions, and provide detainees at least three masks per week. All detainees are told their test results, and those who test positive are quarantined, he said.
The facility also has changed some procedures for allow for social distancing, and frequently disinfects “high-contact” areas, the GEO spokesman said.
“We take our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all those in our care and our employees with the utmost seriousness, and we will continue to work with the federal government and local health officials to implement best practices for the prevention, assessment and management of COVID-19,” he said.
An ICE spokeswoman said she couldn’t comment on specific allegations, but the Aurora facility was one of the first to voluntarily test for the virus.
Suarez said detainees on his pod are now kept in their cells except for showers and brief phone calls, to try to reduce the virus’ spread. He believes he contracted the virus from his cellmate, who was showing mild symptoms when he arrived from another facility in late September.
He estimated 16 of the 24 detainees on his pod had tested positive since the start of October.
“They’re leaving people who are negative with people who are positive and they’re not moving them,” he said. “That’s why it’s out of control.”
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thedenverpost--2020-11-07--A holiday gift guide for the jazz-lover in your life, from box sets to historic packages

Throughout the summer and into this fall , the Boulder County Farmers Markets encouraged shoppers to make an appointment for a 20-minute window to get in , grab some fresh veggies and get out .
The markets , held each week in Longmont , Boulder , Lafayette and Denver , were stripped down to the bare essentials of grocery shopping : no food samples , no live music , no artisan shows , no seating , one-way traffic flows .
And while the new rules of the farmers markets worked just fine for local produce , meats and pastries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t feel quite right for the holiday season .
That ’ s why the organization made the tough decision to cancel its annual holiday market , which is usually held in Longmont over a weekend in the middle of December .
“ That ’ s not the way holiday shopping works , ” said Brian Coppom , Boulder County Farmers Markets executive director .
“ It ’ s really browsing and then some relaxing , and then you go back .
It doesn ’ t really work well for discovery .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ Hey , let ’ s go spend 20 minutes walking one way and seeing these vendors and hoping we make the right buying decisions along the way because it ’ s really hard to rethink what we ’ ve done.
’ It just didn ’ t make sense.
” It ’ s tough to be in pretty much any business right now , thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , but live events — including holiday markets — are having a particularly tough time .
If you always look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of markets , marts and pop-up events throughout Colorado in November and December , you ’ ll want to adjust your expectations this year .
Some markets are straight-up not happening .
Others have moved to new venues to accommodate the need for socially distanced shopping and vendor spaces Some have created online shopping portals to better support the makers , artists and crafters that depend so heavily on holiday shopping sales .
In recent years , the Junior League of Denver ‘ s long-running holiday market has been held at Gates Field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , though , organizers had secured a new , much larger venue and were fully prepared to host a three-day , in-person holiday market with COVID-19 protocols in mid-November , they ultimately decided to cancel and pursue an all-virtual market instead .
As of last week , the Junior League fully planned the in-person market , complete with a reservation system for shoppers , a separate heated outdoor tent and temperature checks for vendors and volunteers .
In addition , they also created a new online option for people who weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
But on Wednesday , a little more than a week before the in-person market was set to begin , they decided to scrap those plans and shift to an all-online approach because of rising case numbers and tight attendee limits .
“ We are disappointed , but the safety of all involved is the most important factor to us , ” said Vanessa Banker , a spokeswoman for the organization .
The virtual market at jld.org will be through Dec. 31 .
The Fetch Holiday Market ( formerly Denver Flea ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the past , the market has had a festival-style vibe in large venues like Union Station and Denver Sports Castle ; everyone shopped at the same time over a series of weekends in late November and early December .
This year , that model just isn ’ t possible , said Blake Adams , Fetch ’ s founder .
So Fetch is partnering with the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District to hold a smaller outdoor market called Cherry Creek Holiday Market .
Instead of funneling all shopping into three weekends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week long from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23 .
The two organizations also are capping the number of vendors at 35 each day .
Organizers are shutting down Fillmore Street between 1st and 2nd avenues so that the entire market can be held outdoors .
Working with furloughed Denver Center for Performing Arts set-builders , the organizers are transforming shipping containers into magical holiday vendor spaces with a European flair .
“ We knew we needed to do something for the holidays , ” Adams said .
“ Our large-format market with 175 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t feasible , so we knew we had to pivot.
” Like other market organizers , Adams said he wanted to support local small businesses in their most profitable season by holding at least some version of the holiday market , even if it looked totally different than in years past .
“ So many of these small businesses rely on their wholesale accounts , and retailers were pulling back and canceling those wholesale orders so they could survive , ” he said .
“ All the trade shows were canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so this was an important time just given the holidays and the fact that Q4 is like 80 percent of a lot of peoples ’ year.
” The popular Denver Christkindl Market is also moving to a much larger venue .
This year , the market will be held at Civic Center park from Nov. 20 to Dec. 23 .
Even with the additional room to spread out , organizers will be closely watching the number of attendees and enforcing strict caps based on current Denver COVID-19 restrictions .
The German American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which organizes the market , had been contemplating a larger venue for some time .
With the new normal of the pandemic , it just made sense to make the move this year .
“ Of course we love this event , and we think if there ’ s ever been a year where people are going to need the holiday spirit , it ’ s this one , ” said William Reed , the chapter ’ s executive director .
“ We considered what it might look like for us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of businesses depend on us , especially when so many other events were canceled throughout the year.
” Instead of a big festival tent with communal tables for eating , drinking and socializing , the market will be completely open-air .
Masks will be required on-site , and organizers are asking guests to head to a table to eat or drink ( they ’ re following Colorado restaurant rules and protocols ) .
“ We definitely know that ’ s a little tough sometimes because people like to walk and talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping , but we ’ re going to be requiring people to take their food and drinks to a table , ” Reed said .
Also expect to see increased security , more cleaning crews , plexiglass on some vendor stations and other coronavirus-related changes .
On a positive note , keep an eye out for some on-trend theme days and activities , like an ugly mask day ( instead of an ugly sweater day ) .
There also will be some unique market entertainment that can be enjoyed from a distance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t feel like heading outdoors , you can shop via a new online marketplace .
“ The Christmas markets in Germany have all sorts of stuff there — rollercoasters and things like that — so we think there ’ s some wiggle room while staying authentically German , ” Reed said .
• Horseshoe Market is hosting an outdoor market at The Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex Nov. 28-29 with more than 50 vendors and free admission .
Masks are required .
• Denver Bazaar is encouraging shoppers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local makers online .
• The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair is being held online Nov. 28- Dec. 18 and will feature the work of more than 100 makers , artisans and crafters .
• The Denver Botanic Gardens winter gift market has been canceled because of COVID-19 .
• The Eagle Winter Market and Holiday Fair is also canceled .
• The Foothills Art Center Holiday Art Market ( HART ) will take place Nov. 17-Dec. 29 in Golden .
The market will feature timed tickets and attendee caps , a one-way flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and volunteers , Zoom shopping opportunities and an experimental online store .
Masks are required .
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When things get difficult, there’s always solace in retreating to the past. There are numerous box sets and historic packages out for gift-giving this season. Here are a few of the most notable:
The mail-order-only Mosaic Records has always done an astounding job of resurrecting lasting statements from the masters, and this year the label has assembled “The Complete 1975 Toronto Recordings” from saxophonist Paul Desmond. Desmond will forever be associated with the popular piano man Dave Brubeck and “Take Five,” and while the albums from that group are classics, Desmond made numerous wonderful dates on his own as well.
These recordings — spread out over seven CDs and featuring five hours of previously unreleased performances — spotlight Desmond’s effervescent alto bouncing off of the underrated Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert and rhythm section. What’s remarkable about this set, in addition to the sonic benefits of Desmond’s ingenuity, is how the intimacy of Toronto’s Bourbon Street Jazz Club is captured. This is a major addition to Desmond’s celebrated discography. Get it at mosaicrecords.com.
***
Bassist-bandleader Charles Mingus didn’t live to 60, but it’s becoming apparent that there was a microphone recording everything he played publicly until his untimely death in 1979. This month brings the release of “Charles Mingus @ Bremen 1964 & 1975” (Sunnyside Communications). As always, Mingus served as a tempestuous force on these two German appearances, running through his famed compositions “Fables Of Faubus,” “Sue’s Changes” and more.
Mingus is always worth experiencing, and the lineup of heroic sidemen is epic: pianists Jaki Byard and Don Pullen; saxophonists Eric Dolphy and George Adams (Denver-area comedian Sam Adams is the tenor player’s nephew!); and drummer Dannie Richmond all participate in the excitement. There’s never been a personality in music like Mingus; this release proves it.
***
Is there enough Sonny Rollins music in the universe? I don’t think so. The endlessly inventive tenor colossus is happily still with us at age 90, and there’s a set of rare 1967 performances on the way Nov. 27. “Rollins In Holland” (Resonance Records) rounds up three LPs (or two CDs) of 1967 trio dates recorded in the studio and in various clubs. These tapes are significant because they capture Rollins’ charismatic energy at a time when the saxophonist simply wasn’t releasing any new music. Thankfully, we finally get to hear what he was up to during these missing years. Spoiler alert: He was brilliant.
***
Can’t decide what to get for that jazz enthusiast for the holidays? You can’t lose with a gift card from Colorado’s Vinyl Me, Please, an organization dedicated to issuing multiple styles of music on high-quality vinyl. It recently released “The Story Of Herbie Hancock” and offer numerous historic (and obscure) titles. Find out more at vinylmeplease.com.
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Live music? There’s some, often simultaneously streaming. Denver’s inventive pianist Purnell Steen brings his quartet to Dazzle Nov. 4. … The 101st Army Jazz Band travels to Greeley’s Moxi Theater on Nov. 7. … Dotsero appears at the Buffalo Rose Nov. 8. … Bassist Matt Skellenger’s group plays Dazzle on Nov. 11. … And the Derek Branch Quintet plays the music of Wayne Shorter at Nocturne every Saturday in November.
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thedenverpost--2020-11-07--NBA Journal: The swing piece that could land Jrue Holiday in Denver

Jrue Holiday is the new Bradley Beal .
As long as the Wizards continue to signal their All-Star shooting guard is unavailable , Nuggets fans will salivate over the possibility of landing Holiday from New Orleans .
Despite Denver ’ s inability ( or unwillingness ) to land prior big fish in trades , this one might be more realistic .
Holiday , the Pelicans ’ star two-way guard , has one year left on his deal before having to decide on a $ 26.2 million player option .
That is absolutely part of the equation for suitors like Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to host a bidding war , teams want to know the likelihood Holiday will be with them for at least two seasons .
Holiday , 30 , averaged 19.1 points on 45 % shooting ( 35 % from 3 ) , 6.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds this past season .
He ’ s a phenomenal defender and an even better teammate .
It ’ s not a coincidence his name is a constant in trade rumors .
Unlike in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes , where Davis made it known he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have leverage .
They also have plenty of reason to keep him if neither the Nuggets nor the Nets ( or any rumored destination like Miami or Dallas ) can compile a package to their liking .
But let ’ s start in Brooklyn , where “ Bubble ” star Caris LeVert would likely be at the center of the deal .
LeVert has an injury history , but he ’ s four years younger than Holiday and still has an upward trajectory .
LeVert is probably the best asset available from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under contract for three more seasons on a reasonable $ 52 million deal .
From there , it ’ s what other pieces would the Nets include ?
Agile center Jarrett Allen ’ s name has been mentioned as has former Colorado star Spencer Dinwiddie .
Brooklyn needs to consider how much it ’ s willing to offer , again , for only one guaranteed year , as well as fit alongside ball-dominant superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant .
One of the reasons Holiday is so coveted , by many teams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need the ball in his hands to impact the game .
From fit to compensation , those are the same questions Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has to ask himself .
In addition , for any trade of this caliber to occur , Connelly would likely have to jeopardize the continuity and culture he ’ s been meticulously cultivating for years .
Not that Holiday wouldn ’ t fit their established locker room , but Denver prides itself on building from within .
With a championship window open , many would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what that cost is remains fluid and somewhat unknown .
Here ’ s an educated guess based on conversations with several league sources .
Any Holiday trade with Denver would need to include either Gary Harris ( two years left on deal worth an average of $ 19.5 million annually ) or Will Barton ( two years left with average of $ 14 million ; player option 2021 ) for salary purposes .
Harris ’ trade value is debatable due to his growing injury history and regression over his last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries the last two seasons , but he ’ s been productive when healthy .
Of the two , he ’ s likely got more appeal to New Orleans .
After that , the Nuggets would likely need to include current two-way center Bol Bol , who ’ s still technically a rookie .
If Bol develops his body and dedicates himself on defense , he ’ s got enticing potential .
Others have speculated that it would then take this year ’ s No .
22 pick , in addition to possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece , including this year ’ s first-round selection , could be reserve guard Monte Morris .
Plenty around the NBA view the 25-year-old as a starting-caliber guard .
Though he ’ s interested in a contract extension in Denver , it ’ s significantly easier to trade him without doing an extension prior and letting New Orleans negotiate a deal .
The Pelicans would almost certainly want to gauge Morris ’ level of interest before anything got serious .
Morris would be an unrestricted free agent next season .
On the surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sacrifice if you ’ re Denver .
However , a trade like this would give the Nuggets perhaps the best starting five in the NBA in Jamal Murray , Holiday , Michael Porter Jr. , Jerami Grant and Nikola Jokic .
If you think NBA fans have itchy trigger fingers , just imagine what league executives have felt without being able to upgrade their rosters for months .
Let the NBA ’ s silly season begin .

Jrue Holiday is the new Bradley Beal.
As long as the Wizards continue to signal their All-Star shooting guard is unavailable, Nuggets fans will salivate over the possibility of landing Holiday from New Orleans.
Despite Denver’s inability (or unwillingness) to land prior big fish in trades, this one might be more realistic. Holiday, the Pelicans’ star two-way guard, has one year left on his deal before having to decide on a $26.2 million player option. That is absolutely part of the equation for suitors like Denver and Brooklyn.
If the Pelicans are going to host a bidding war, teams want to know the likelihood Holiday will be with them for at least two seasons. Holiday, 30, averaged 19.1 points on 45% shooting (35% from 3), 6.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds this past season. He’s a phenomenal defender and an even better teammate. It’s not a coincidence his name is a constant in trade rumors.
Unlike in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes, where Davis made it known he wanted to be in Los Angeles, the Pelicans have leverage. They also have plenty of reason to keep him if neither the Nuggets nor the Nets (or any rumored destination like Miami or Dallas) can compile a package to their liking.
But let’s start in Brooklyn, where “Bubble” star Caris LeVert would likely be at the center of the deal. LeVert has an injury history, but he’s four years younger than Holiday and still has an upward trajectory. LeVert is probably the best asset available from the two teams, considering he’s under contract for three more seasons on a reasonable $52 million deal. From there, it’s what other pieces would the Nets include? Agile center Jarrett Allen’s name has been mentioned as has former Colorado star Spencer Dinwiddie.
Brooklyn needs to consider how much it’s willing to offer, again, for only one guaranteed year, as well as fit alongside ball-dominant superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. One of the reasons Holiday is so coveted, by many teams, is because he doesn’t necessarily need the ball in his hands to impact the game.
From fit to compensation, those are the same questions Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has to ask himself. In addition, for any trade of this caliber to occur, Connelly would likely have to jeopardize the continuity and culture he’s been meticulously cultivating for years. Not that Holiday wouldn’t fit their established locker room, but Denver prides itself on building from within.
With a championship window open, many would argue it’s worth the cost.
But what that cost is remains fluid and somewhat unknown. Here’s an educated guess based on conversations with several league sources.
Any Holiday trade with Denver would need to include either Gary Harris (two years left on deal worth an average of $19.5 million annually) or Will Barton (two years left with average of $14 million; player option 2021) for salary purposes. Harris’ trade value is debatable due to his growing injury history and regression over his last two seasons. Barton has had two significant injuries the last two seasons, but he’s been productive when healthy. Of the two, he’s likely got more appeal to New Orleans.
After that, the Nuggets would likely need to include current two-way center Bol Bol, who’s still technically a rookie. If Bol develops his body and dedicates himself on defense, he’s got enticing potential.
Others have speculated that it would then take this year’s No. 22 pick, in addition to possibly future draft picks.
But the swing piece, including this year’s first-round selection, could be reserve guard Monte Morris. Plenty around the NBA view the 25-year-old as a starting-caliber guard. Though he’s interested in a contract extension in Denver, it’s significantly easier to trade him without doing an extension prior and letting New Orleans negotiate a deal. The Pelicans would almost certainly want to gauge Morris’ level of interest before anything got serious. Morris would be an unrestricted free agent next season.
On the surface, that’s quite a bit to sacrifice if you’re Denver. However, a trade like this would give the Nuggets perhaps the best starting five in the NBA in Jamal Murray, Holiday, Michael Porter Jr., Jerami Grant and Nikola Jokic.
If you think NBA fans have itchy trigger fingers, just imagine what league executives have felt without being able to upgrade their rosters for months. Let the NBA’s silly season begin.


thedenverpost--2020-11-08--Missed extra point sends 5A No. 7 Legend past 4A No. 3 Pine Creek as Titans stay unbeaten

PARKER — With both schools ’ playoff hopes possibly on the line , the reigning Class 4A champs met an undefeated 5A team on Saturday — and the big school survived by the slimmest of margins .
A Pine Creek extra point sailed wide right late , and 5A No .
7 Legend hung on to win 21-20 over the 4A third-ranked Eagles .
“ This win means a lot , they ’ re the defending champs , ” said Legend quarterback Kalen Shoemaker , who threw three touchdown passes in the win .
“ They ’ re a powerhouse.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball only three times in the second half .
Their three plays in the third resulted in a punt , sandwiched in between two bruising Pine Creek ( 2-1 ) touchdown drives that tied the game at 14 .
Legend ’ s first touch in the fourth quarter resulted in a 40-yard touchdown connection from Shoemaker to Jackson Brush , their second of the game .
Shoemaker took a play-action fake and found Brush , who ran upfield and into the end zone to take the lead back , 21-14 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We expected to come put a drive together and get it in , but we got the big play.
” Big plays were Legend ’ s forte .
Their first touchdown came late in the second quarter after a fourth-down conversion from Connor Eise .
A few plays later , Shoemaker hit Carter Helfrich on third-and-goal in the end zone for the game ’ s first points .
On the ensuing Pine Creek possession , a penalty forced the Eagles deep into their own territory and then a fumble gave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for their first Titan touchdown after that to give Legend a 14-0 lead at the half .
“ We were firing on all cylinders , ” Shoemaker said .
“ Our defense was lights out .
One of the best defenses in 5A.
” Pine Creek came back in the second half by converting on a fourth down via a fake punt .
That passing play marked the Eagles ’ first reception of the game .
The Eagles needed another fourth-down conversion a few plays later to keep their drive alive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freyler , who not only got to the sticks , but reached the goal line as the Eagles cut the Titans lead in half .
After a three-and-out , Pine Creek got the football right back .
A quick strike from Roy to Ian Carroll went for 45 yards .
Knocking on the red zone , the Eagles needed a third straight fourth-down conversion to keep moving .
They got it .
A few plays later , Roy kept it for a short touchdown to start the fourth quarter knotting the game up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their big play that would eventually be the game-winner .
Pine Creek then bruised its way down the field .
Using their timeouts , the Eagles slowly got to the end zone with minutes left .
Roy hit William Kea to get an extra point away from tying it .
High winds forced a long Pine Creek field goal to sail right in the first half .
The potential game-tying extra point suffered the same fate .
All Legend had to do was ice it from there .

PARKER — With both schools’ playoff hopes possibly on the line, the reigning Class 4A champs met an undefeated 5A team on Saturday — and the big school survived by the slimmest of margins.
A Pine Creek extra point sailed wide right late, and 5A No. 7 Legend hung on to win 21-20 over the 4A third-ranked Eagles.
“This win means a lot, they’re the defending champs,” said Legend quarterback Kalen Shoemaker, who threw three touchdown passes in the win. “They’re a powerhouse.”
Legend (5-0) only possessed the ball only three times in the second half. Their three plays in the third resulted in a punt, sandwiched in between two bruising Pine Creek (2-1) touchdown drives that tied the game at 14.
Legend’s first touch in the fourth quarter resulted in a 40-yard touchdown connection from Shoemaker to Jackson Brush, their second of the game. Shoemaker took a play-action fake and found Brush, who ran upfield and into the end zone to take the lead back, 21-14.
“We fired back, “Shoemaker said. “We expected to come put a drive together and get it in, but we got the big play.”
Big plays were Legend’s forte. Their first touchdown came late in the second quarter after a fourth-down conversion from Connor Eise. A few plays later, Shoemaker hit Carter Helfrich on third-and-goal in the end zone for the game’s first points.
On the ensuing Pine Creek possession, a penalty forced the Eagles deep into their own territory and then a fumble gave the ball away. Shoemaker and Brush hooked up for their first Titan touchdown after that to give Legend a 14-0 lead at the half.
“We were firing on all cylinders,” Shoemaker said. “Our defense was lights out. One of the best defenses in 5A.”
Pine Creek came back in the second half by converting on a fourth down via a fake punt. That passing play marked the Eagles’ first reception of the game. The Eagles needed another fourth-down conversion a few plays later to keep their drive alive. Josiah Roy rolled right and hit Beau Freyler, who not only got to the sticks, but reached the goal line as the Eagles cut the Titans lead in half.
After a three-and-out, Pine Creek got the football right back. A quick strike from Roy to Ian Carroll went for 45 yards. Knocking on the red zone, the Eagles needed a third straight fourth-down conversion to keep moving. They got it. A few plays later, Roy kept it for a short touchdown to start the fourth quarter knotting the game up at 14.
Shoemaker and Brush responded with their big play that would eventually be the game-winner.
Pine Creek then bruised its way down the field. Using their timeouts, the Eagles slowly got to the end zone with minutes left. Roy hit William Kea to get an extra point away from tying it. High winds forced a long Pine Creek field goal to sail right in the first half. The potential game-tying extra point suffered the same fate. All Legend had to do was ice it from there.
“That’s a great football team,” Shoemaker said. “It wasn’t easy.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--PHOTOS: Supporters of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice president-elect Kamala Harris gather in the

PHOTOS: Supporters of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice president-elect Kamala Harris gather in the streets of downtown Denver

Snow-packed side roads and slushy highways met Denver drivers Monday as a winter storm continues to drop snow across the @ @ @ @ @ reach a high of 17 with wind chill values as low as minus-4 , according @ @ @ @ @ .
A bit of snow is likely but most will fall before noon with less @ @ @ @

Eli Imadali, Special to The Denver Post
Lisa Schnitt sings a religious hymn as she joins other supporters of President Donald Trump in protesting after news broke of the election of Joe Biden to be the 46th President of the United States at the Capitol in Denver on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. “The Lord told me that he loves justice,” said Schnitt.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Hundreds pour into Denver’s streets to celebrate Biden’s victory

After days of agonizing limbo over the state of the presidential race , all of a sudden it came to a close Saturday .
And with it came jubilation in the streets of deep-blue Denver , as hundreds of people descended on Colorado ’ s Capitol building to cheer and wave signs , cry and pop champagne .
The outpouring of joy mirrored celebrations in Democratic cities across the nation Saturday morning after it was announced that former Vice President Joe Biden had won enough electoral votes to unseat President Donald Trump .
Zara Otaifah could not stop jumping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign , cheering as drivers honked their horns in celebration in front of the Capitol .
Otaifah fled Iraq four years ago after ISIS killed members of her family because she worked with the Americans , she said .
She said she ’ s feared for four years that her green card would be revoked and she ’ d be sent back to the Middle East .
“ I can ’ t describe my emotions right now , ” she said .
“ I can finally feel safe in this country.
” Nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black Lives Matter and “ veterans and military families for Biden-Harris.
” Jackson ’ s been protesting since 1969 , he said .
He ’ s been to Standing Rock and to pay respects to George Floyd ’ s family this summer .
Now he can barely keep the tears from running down his cheek .
“ I didn ’ t think I ’ d get so emotional , ” he said , his voice quavering .
“ We need this so bad.
” The parade of cars downtown lasted hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows and popping their heads through sunroofs to yell “ We did it !
” The downtown festivities came amid a backdrop of boarded up businesses and government buildings as fears of election unrest prompted proactive protection .
But Saturday saw little conflict , save for some yelling between Trump and Biden supporters in front of the Capitol .
Colorado State Patrol and Denver police officers clad in riot gear formed a wall between the two groups and roped off the area to prevent the two sides from getting face-to-face .
The pro-Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading , “ Stop the Steal ” as they mimicked Trump ’ s unsubstantiated claims that voter fraud prevented his victory .
Jim Saunders came to the Capitol to “ stand with people who want transparency , ” he said .
“ I ’ m OK with the results if they ’ re honest.
” Lauren Boebert , the newly elected U.S. representative from Rifle , parroted the president in her reaction Saturday , tweeting that “ the American people will have the final word , not the media .
”

After days of agonizing limbo over the state of the presidential race, all of a sudden it came to a close Saturday.
And with it came jubilation in the streets of deep-blue Denver, as hundreds of people descended on Colorado’s Capitol building to cheer and wave signs, cry and pop champagne. The outpouring of joy mirrored celebrations in Democratic cities across the nation Saturday morning after it was announced that former Vice President Joe Biden had won enough electoral votes to unseat President Donald Trump.
Zara Otaifah could not stop jumping up and down as she waved a Biden-Harris sign, cheering as drivers honked their horns in celebration in front of the Capitol.
Otaifah fled Iraq four years ago after ISIS killed members of her family because she worked with the Americans, she said. She said she’s feared for four years that her green card would be revoked and she’d be sent back to the Middle East.
“I can’t describe my emotions right now,” she said. “I can finally feel safe in this country.”
Nearby, Bill Jackson waved signs in support of Black Lives Matter and “veterans and military families for Biden-Harris.”
Jackson’s been protesting since 1969, he said. He’s been to Standing Rock and to pay respects to George Floyd’s family this summer. Now he can barely keep the tears from running down his cheek.
“I didn’t think I’d get so emotional,” he said, his voice quavering. “We need this so bad.”
The parade of cars downtown lasted hours, with people raising fists out of their windows and popping their heads through sunroofs to yell “We did it!” The downtown festivities came amid a backdrop of boarded up businesses and government buildings as fears of election unrest prompted proactive protection.
But Saturday saw little conflict, save for some yelling between Trump and Biden supporters in front of the Capitol. Colorado State Patrol and Denver police officers clad in riot gear formed a wall between the two groups and roped off the area to prevent the two sides from getting face-to-face.
The pro-Trump contingent sported large American flags and signs reading, “Stop the Steal” as they mimicked Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that voter fraud prevented his victory.
Jim Saunders came to the Capitol to “stand with people who want transparency,” he said. “I’m OK with the results if they’re honest.”
Lauren Boebert, the newly elected U.S. representative from Rifle, parroted the president in her reaction Saturday, tweeting that “the American people will have the final word, not the media.”
Colorado’s Democratic leaders joined the chorus of cheering Biden’s victory.
“Happy days are here again,” Gov. Jared Polis tweeted.


thedenverpost--2020-11-07--Grading the Week: Did the people running Rawlings fail civics class? Or are they just bad at promoti

Grading the Week: Did the people running Rawlings fail civics class? Or are they just bad at promoting their award?

Someone point the good folks from Rawlings in the direction of a calendar .
The Grading the Week staff thinks they might not be aware what month this is .
Why ?
Well… .
Just about any adult American who didn ’ t fail high school civics knows there ’ s a pretty big event that happens on the first Tuesday of November every leap year .
Apparently , whoever is running the show at Rawlings isn ’ t one of those people .
Because on Tuesday night , as nearly everyone in the country was awaiting the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections in modern U.S. history , Rawlings decided to hand out its Gold Glove Awards .
Yes , that ’ s right .
You might not have heard about it amid the insanity that has been this past week , but Nolan Arenado was awarded his eighth consecutive Gold Glove on Tuesday .
In doing so , Arenado tied Scott Rolen for the third most Gold Gloves won by a third baseman in MLB history , and also stretched out his record for most consecutive Gold Gloves to begin an infielder ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rockies superstar — ones certainly worth celebrating with a wide audience .
But Arenado was denied that because the people running baseball don ’ t care enough to properly promote the game .
That , dear readers , is how a sport finds itself with declining interest and a dearth of easily identifiable stars .
One week into the Pac-12 regular season , and we ’ ve already seen two games canceled due to the coronavirus .
That ’ s a .667 average for those not counting at home — which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in baseball , but is less than ideal if that ’ s the percentage of scheduled games you ’ re successfully playing .
One game ( Cal-Washington ) was lost to strict COVID regulations in the Bay Area , while the other ( Utah-Arizona ) was scrapped following a Utah team outbreak ( in a state that is currently redder than its jerseys on the New York Times ’ COVID map ) .
Wasn ’ t the entire point of the daily rapid antigen testing the Pac-12 procured to avoid situations like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the coronavirus that ’ s in control .
Oh , how quickly things have changed for Colorado State ’ s new head football coach .
• Rockies Mailbag : Fans ask about change at the top • Rockies need an offensive makeover , but accomplishing it will be difficult • Saunders : Rays ’ decision to pull Blake Snell in Game 6 was an epic error In his first game leading the Rams , Addazio picked the wrong starting quarterback and saw his defense get shredded by Fresno State in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his second game , he put Patrick O ’ Brien behind center , let the defense loose and pulled off something his predecessor , Mike Bobo , did only once in five years : beat Wyoming .
What ’ s more impressive : Daz ’ s Dudes did it on defense , creating a pair of early turnovers that either directly or indirectly led to touchdowns and a 14-0 first-quarter advantage , then held on late with a clutch drive from O ’ Brien and company .
That ’ s not something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of FoCo the past couple of seasons .

Someone point the good folks from Rawlings in the direction of a calendar.
The Grading the Week staff thinks they might not be aware what month this is. Why? Well….
Rawlings — F
Just about any adult American who didn’t fail high school civics knows there’s a pretty big event that happens on the first Tuesday of November every leap year.
Apparently, whoever is running the show at Rawlings isn’t one of those people.
Because on Tuesday night, as nearly everyone in the country was awaiting the results of one of the most highly anticipated presidential elections in modern U.S. history, Rawlings decided to hand out its Gold Glove Awards.
Yes, that’s right. You might not have heard about it amid the insanity that has been this past week, but Nolan Arenado was awarded his eighth consecutive Gold Glove on Tuesday.
In doing so, Arenado tied Scott Rolen for the third most Gold Gloves won by a third baseman in MLB history, and also stretched out his record for most consecutive Gold Gloves to begin an infielder’s career. Those are incredible achievements for the Rockies superstar — ones certainly worth celebrating with a wide audience. But Arenado was denied that because the people running baseball don’t care enough to properly promote the game.
That, dear readers, is how a sport finds itself with declining interest and a dearth of easily identifiable stars.
Pac-12 — C
One week into the Pac-12 regular season, and we’ve already seen two games canceled due to the coronavirus.
That’s a .667 average for those not counting at home — which will get you into the Hall of Fame in baseball, but is less than ideal if that’s the percentage of scheduled games you’re successfully playing.
One game (Cal-Washington) was lost to strict COVID regulations in the Bay Area, while the other (Utah-Arizona) was scrapped following a Utah team outbreak (in a state that is currently redder than its jerseys on the New York Times’ COVID map).
Wasn’t the entire point of the daily rapid antigen testing the Pac-12 procured to avoid situations like this?
As we are constantly reminded, it’s the coronavirus that’s in control.
Steve Addazio — A-
Oh, how quickly things have changed for Colorado State’s new head football coach.
In his first game leading the Rams, Addazio picked the wrong starting quarterback and saw his defense get shredded by Fresno State in a 38-17 loss on the road. In his second game, he put Patrick O’Brien behind center, let the defense loose and pulled off something his predecessor, Mike Bobo, did only once in five years: beat Wyoming.
What’s more impressive: Daz’s Dudes did it on defense, creating a pair of early turnovers that either directly or indirectly led to touchdowns and a 14-0 first-quarter advantage, then held on late with a clutch drive from O’Brien and company.
That’s not something we’ve seen a whole bunch out of FoCo the past couple of seasons.